Operation Rice Bowl

Each year, Transfiguration joins the Diocese of Rochester and nearly 14,000 other faith communities in Operation Rice Bowl, Catholic Relief Services' Lenten program.  The program asks each one of us, "Who is your neighbor?” and challenges us as individuals and as a faith community to think in new ways about solidarity.  Throughout Lent, we will pray, fast, learn and give in solidarity with our brothers and sisters overseas and in our own diocese.

For thirty-two years Operation Rice Bowl has been extending the love of the Catholic Community in the U.S. to our neighbors in developing nations around the world. This Lenten program helps us be one with our brothers and sisters in other countries through prayers, activities and offerings. As we pray, we recognize how Jesus is present to those who suffer. When we fast, we understand how devastating hunger can be. We learn how much is being done by Catholic Relief Services to provide clean drinking water, basic health care, good farming techniques, and income-producing projects. And we give in honor of the many blessings we have received so that others may have life.

Think about how you express your commitment to our neighbors around the world and in your community.  During Lent, can you and your family find one way to help those in need, such as volunteering at a local agency, or helping an elderly neighbor?

Please take a Rice Bowl and a Home Calendar Guide for your family. They will be available on Ash Wednesday and be distributed at all masses on the following weekend. This program runs through Palm Sunday.

2008 Operation Rice Bowl Summation

Rejoice! Our Lord is risen, offering us new joy and hope. By generously giving through Operation Rice Bowl, you too are offering hope to the millions who benefit from the work of Catholic Relief Services. For six weeks you have prayed for the people of Cameroon, fasted in solidarity with the people of Haiti, learned about challenges people face in Mali, and given sacrificially to create possibilities in India. Their struggles—and the efforts of CRS—are far from over. Please remember CRS’ efforts during times of famine or natural disaster. Together, we continue to plant seeds of real hope throughout our world and to foster their growth.

If you have not yet done so, we ask you to please remit your Operation Rice Bowl donation by writing a check payable to the Church of the Transfiguration. Please put your check in the Operation Rice Bowl envelope or a plain envelope marked Operation Rice Bowl. Place your envelope in the regular collection.

You can learn more about Catholic Relief Services by reviewing the distributed materials, perusing the posters in the Gathering Hall or checking their web site at www.crs.org/org 

 

  

 

"Lord, how good it is for us to be here..."  Matthew 17