Rice Bowl Challenge

2021 Bishop's Rice Bowl Support

The Office of Advocacy and Justice would like to thank you for your participation in the 2021 Rice Bowl Challenge.  As a result of the global pandemic, the World Bank predicts 110-150 million people will fall into extreme poverty in 2021. Another 270 million people will require food assistance — almost double the need in 2019.
Worse, the World Food Program warns that widespread hunger is looming in several countries in crisis.

As missionary disciples, we are called to respond to the urgent needs of those who face hunger and malnutrition, and to address the root causes of this global crisis. As faithful Catholics, we are called to put the needs of the poor and vulnerable first ( Mt. 25:31-46). If you want to find other ways to lift the voices and the needs of the poor, here are some suggestions: 

1. PRAY FOR THE HUNGRY

Pray and reflect on the global hunger crisis amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic with this 10-minute online retreat.

2. LEARN MORE 

You can lead the way to prevent poverty and end hunger. Learn more about the CRS  Lead the Way on Hunger Campaign and find tools and resources to get involved. You can also call the Office of Advocacy and Justice and learn about the diocesan efforts to help meet the needs of the poor. 
 
3. TAKE ACTION

Matthew’s Gospel invites us to remember that we are responsible for helping all our sisters and brothers, even those who are strangers to us. When we do this, we care for Christ. “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me.” – Matthew 25:35

We need prophetic voices — voices like yours — who have encountered Christ in the face of the poor, and seek to lead the way to a world where no one is hungry and all people thrive. If you have been called by God to be the voice of the poor and vulnerable and would like to lead the 2022 Rice Bowl Challenge at your parish, contact the Office of Advocacy and Justice. 

“It is quite possible that Haiti is going to need more help than ever before,” stated Akim Kikonda, Catholic Relief Services’ representative in Haiti.  "After Saturday’s earthquake, it is only going to get worse.” Saturday's earthquake comes in addition to the other crises the country faces, including political and economic instability, an ongoing battle with the COVID-19 pandemic, an increasing shortage of food to eat and an increase in violent crime.

An estimated 1,419 people have lost their lives in the earthquake, alongside thousands that were injured. The numbers are likely to rise as search and rescue efforts continue. Over 37,310 homes are reported to have been destroyed. Dozens of public buildings including schools, hospitals, churches and other businesses have suffered significant structural damage or have collapsed.

LEARN MORE
The people of Haiti face tragedy from this devastating earthquake — while still recovering from the last one. Learn more about the Catholic Relief Services' response to the 7.2 earthquake in Haiti that occurred on August 14th, 2021. You can also call the Office of Advocacy and Justice to learn about diocesan efforts to aid Catholic Relief Services.

HOW TO HELP
You can support the efforts of Catholic Relief Services by going to crs.org/supporthaiti, or by calling 1-877-HELP-CRS (1-877-435-7277). When you give, you provide immediate help for our Haitian brothers and sisters desperate to survive this devastating situation. 

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