Lent starts this week. It is a time of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving as we prepare for Easter.
We should consider going beyond the basic requirements. What can we do to strengthen our faith during the 40 days of Lent?
One option is to be involved in Catholic Relief Services’ (CRS) Rice Bowl. For more than 40 years, CRS has been bringing Rice Bowl to families, schools, and faith communities throughout the United States.
Many of us remember filling our paper rice bowls with money saved from giving up candy for Lent.
This Lent, I received an email from CRS asking me to join Rice Bowl in a new way.
“We want YOU to join us as we reflect on what it means to encounter ourselves, our neighbors, and our God anew. Sign up for our Lenten email series and get weekly reflections delivered right to your inbox,” said the message.
I signed up at www.crsricebowl.org It was very simple to give my first and last name and email address.
I was also provided with ways to practice Lent through video messages from such favorites as Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York, Fr. James Martin, SJ, Christopher West, and Thomas Awiapo (a CRS staff member whom I’ve met).
So if you’re looking for a way to put your faith into action during Lent, consider signing up for the CRS emails. You might also think about giving a monetary donation to CRS, which helps the U.S. Catholic bishops assist the poor and vulnerable overseas.