Operation Rice Bowl

Parishioners in the Diocese of Little Rock are asked to join millions of fellow Catholics across the United States in putting their faith into action through Operation Rice Bowl this Lent.

The fundraising program, sponsored by Catholic Relief Services, is designed to reduce poverty and hunger both locally and around the world. ORB involves the traditional Lenten practices of prayer, fasting and almsgiving while also learning about life in developing countries.

Each day, participants are asked to put money they might have spent on food into their cardboard box (rice bowl). At the end of Lent, these donations are sent to help those in need in 40 countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the U.S.

The accompanying calendar and ORB Web site, serve as a guide in providing daily activities, prayers and meatless recipes from the featured countries.

In 2007, CRS raised more than $8 million through ORB. Seventy-five percent went toward development, education and healthcare projects overseas. The other 25 percent remained in the Diocese of Little Rock.

The 111 parishes and Catholic schools in Arkansas that participated in ORB raised $25,589.98. The 25 percent that stayed in the state was $6,406. This money went to support Catholic Charities Parish Assistance Services.

See article on this program in Arkansas Catholic.

Rebecca Spencer organizes ORB for the diocese. For more information, contact Spencer or visit Operation Rice Bowl.

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