Operation Rice Bowl

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Operation Rice Bowl is a Lenten faith-in-action program which provides an opportunity for families to engage daily with the spiritual pillars of Lent: prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Throughout Lent, our parish has many opportunities for families to come together as a community and reflect on what it means to live out our gospel call to go out and encounter those most in need. In support of CRS Operation Rice Bowl, collection “bowls” are available at the doors of the church. We encourage you to take one home and fill it each week with a monetary offering that will then go directly to CRS. Filled collection “bowls” can be returned to the Parish Office during regular business hours, throughout the Lenten season. If you prefer to make your donation by check, please place it in an envelope, and make it payable to St. Mary of the Lakes with the word “CRS Operation Rice Bowl” on the memo line and envelope. As your family prepares to take up this call to help those in need, the following prayer can be said for those who are supported by the mission of CRS: “God, You are the source of every blessing, May we be mindful of your presence now as we use these CRS Rice Bowls in prayer, fasting and almsgiving. May they be instruments of encounter, bringing us closer to you, our God and to our neighbors both near and far. May these days in the desert inspire us to bring hope to the most vulnerable~ those experiencing hunger, lack of economic opportunity and violence that force them to migrate. Throughout these 40 days of Lent, may we deepen our faith in you and our love for one another, as we prepare for the great celebration of Easter. Amen.” Any questions about the CRS Operation Rice Bowl, please contact [email protected] or call the YES Office at 609-654-8208, ext. 111