Posted March 5, 2020

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s 45th annual CRS Rice Bowl initiative kicked off with a Feb. 21 blessing at the community food pantry at Our Lady of Hope Parish in North Philadelphia, led by Bishop John McIntyre. The Catholic Relief Services program invites participants to incorporate fasting and almsgiving into their Lenten journeys. Proceeds from sacrificial donations fund anti-poverty efforts abroad and at home. Last year approximately $98,500 or 25% of the total collected was directed to archdiocesan Nutritional Development Services to support hunger and poverty relief at 50 local food cupboards and soup kitchens. (Photos by Sarah Webb)

 

  • Philadelphia Auxiliary Bishop John J. McIntyre blesses Rice Bowl containers at the Feb. 21 launch of the annual poverty relief campaign. Now in its 45th year, the Catholic Relief Services initiative raises significant funds to address hunger at both the global and local levels. (Photo by Sarah Webb)

  • Maureen McCullough of Catholic Relief Services describes the effectiveness of CRS Rice Bowl, the annual Lenten program of sacrificial giving. Also shown from left are Anne Ayella of CRS, Father Efren Esmilla of Our Lady of Hope Parish and Bishop John McIntyre.

  • Maureen McCullough of Catholic Relief Services and Jim Amato of archdiocesan Catholic Social Services pray along with the blessing program Feb. 21 at Our Lady of Hope Parish’s food pantry.