Operation Rice Bowl

Over the years, Christians have had discussions — sometimes very heated arguments — about the primacy of faith or good works.

For Catholics, it’s really not one or the other that takes precedence. It’s both. In fact, according to Scripture and Church teaching, you can’t have one without the other.

As we begin the season of Lent, it seems an appropriate time to reflect on the connection between faith and good works. Traditionally Lent is a time when prayer, fasting, and almsgiving take centerstage.

Editorial

On March 10, 2011February 15, 2022

Mary C. Uhler

Pray, fast, learn, give: Operation Rice Bowl provides focus for Lent

The 2010 movie Eat, Pray, Love starring Julia Roberts told the story of a woman’s search for enlightenment and self-fulfillment.

I never saw the movie, partly because a Catholic reviewer called it “spiritually barren.” This story — like so many in our culture today — seems to emphasize that we will find happiness by fulfilling our own needs, rather than by reaching out to others.

Pope’s Lenten message

In his 2011 Lenten message, Pope Benedict XVI alludes to that problem in our culture. He encourages people to let go of all traces of selfishness and self-centeredness by embracing the traditional Lenten practices of fasting, almsgiving, and prayer.

The Holy Father says, “For Christians, fasting, far from being depressing, opens us ever more to God and to the needs of others, thus allowing love of God to become also love of our neighbor.”

One way to carry out his message is by participating in Operation Rice Bowl, the annual Lenten program sponsored by Catholic Relief Services (CRS).

Editorial

On February 18, 2010February 15, 2022

Mary C. Uhler, editor

Let’s make Lent a joyful season

Lent is a time when followers of Christ spend 40 days in prayer, fasting, and almsgiving in preparation for Holy Week and Easter.

When I was growing up, the emphasis was on “giving up” things we liked — from candy to favorite television shows. Penance and self-sacrifice are still important aspects of the Lenten season, but they may take on different forms.

Around the Diocese

On March 12, 2009

Fr. Stephen Umhoefer, For the Catholic Herald

An incredible Tanzanian experience

“Get out of the truck!” said my friend, Fr. Leo Kazeri, as we approached his mission church at Etaro, in Tanzania. Along with Fr. Deogratias Makuri, a young priest assisting Father Leo, we were arriving to celebrate Mass, but the road was blocked by over 100 people, smiling in welcome.

Father Deo and I got out, Father Leo drove off, and the people formed a procession with glorious singing and dancing, escorting me to their church.

Around the Diocese

On February 19, 2009February 21, 2024

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Operation Rice Bowl begins Feb. 25

Every year, millions of Catholics participate in Operation Rice Bowl (ORB), Catholic Relief Services’ annual Lenten program that starts Ash Wednesday, Feb. 25.