February 22, 2011
For the 36th year in a row, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia will participate in Operation Rice Bowl, a nationwide effort administered by Catholic Relief Services (CRS) that aims to alleviate hunger both locally and abroad through four components: pray, fast, learn, and give. The kickoff will take place on
2:00 p.m.
Saint Katharine Drexel Food Cupboard
2nd and Norris Streets
Chester, PA (Delaware County)
The program will feature an overview of Operation Rice Bowl as well as the blessing of the cardboard "rice bowls" prior to their distribution throughout Archdiocesan parishes and schools. Continuing through Lent, families are encouraged to place money that would have been spent on meals in the "rice bowls" to remember those who are poor and hungry.
In Lent of 2010 nearly $250,000 was raised in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Of that amount, 25% remained in the Philadelphia area and was used to assist those facing the issue of hunger through the Archdiocesan Office of Nutritional Development Services. The remainder was distributed by Catholic Relief Services to combat hunger overseas.
Editor's Note: For more information on Operation Rice Bowl please contact Anne H. Ayella, CRS Archdiocesan Director. at 215-895-3486 ext. 717. For further information on Catholic Relief Services, the official overseas relief agency of the Catholic Bishops in the United States, please visit www.crs.org
Contact
Kenneth A. Gavin
Associate Director of Communications
215-587-3747