CRS Rice Bowl is the Lenten program of Catholic Relief Services, the official relief and development agency of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Through prayer, learning, fasting and giving, parishioners learn solidarity with families and individuals in other countries.  During Lent, Parishioners are asked to contribute to the CRS Rice Bowl collection.  These funds further the work of CRS internationally, and support of organizations locally for programs that compliment CRS objectives such as feeding the hungry.  The first 25% of the total collection is retained by the Diocese for use as grants to such local organizations.  The other 75% assists CRS to address causes of global poverty and hunger.