Editorial

Giving hope to a world of need is the mission of Catholic Relief Services (CRS), the official international and development agency of the U.S. Catholic community.

While Catholics support CRS throughout the year, there are special reasons to assist CRS in the wake of the tsunami disaster. Lent is a time when Catholics pray, fast, and give alms. Putting the two together, we can see how Lent is a perfect time to support the work of Catholic Relief Services.

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Tsunami relief. CRS has committed $80 million to help with tsunami relief in India, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia. In an unprecedented show of support from American donors, CRS has raised more than $68 million so far for relief, recovery, and development efforts. In the Diocese of Madison, people have already given over $380,000 to CRS.

Commented CRS President Ken Hackett, "This is testimony to not only the generosity of the American Catholic public, who have organized every form of fund raiser at churches, schools, and youth groups, but to so many others of different faiths who have come to know our work and trust our ability to operate credibly, effectively, and efficiently."

The $80 million pledged by CRS will support a variety of programs that help communities become self-sufficient. This kind of work is not new to CRS - it has been providing humanitarian assistance in Southeast Asia and throughout the world for more than 60 years.

Operation Rice Bowl. In addition CRS also offers a special Lenten program: Operation Rice Bowl. This year marks the 30th anniversary of this program. Millions of Catholics are involved in Operation Rice Bowl as a means to participate in the work of CRS around the world.

Operation Rice Bowl embraces the themes of Lent. It invites participants to pray with their families and faith communities, fast in solidarity with those who are hungry, learn about our brothers and sisters around the world, and give sacrificial contributions to the poor.

Interested persons can participate in Operation Rice Bowl in their parishes or go to www.catholicrelief.org/orb to become a part of the Operation Rice Bowl Online Community. Those involved will receive an e-mail reflection each week during Lent to guide their journey.

Reasons to give to CRS. If this hasn't convinced you, the CRS Web site lists five reasons to give to CRS:

1. CRS is efficient and effective. More than 94 percent of support goes directly to relief and development programs.

2. CRS has a spiritual base, yet its mission is humanitarian. CRS helps people in need without regard to race, belief, or nationality.

3. CRS is experienced. CRS has been delivering humanitarian assistance for more than 60 years. Its staff is made up of seasoned professionals.

4. CRS has a vast network of programs and partners.

5. CRS is committed to long-term recovery and rehabilitation. CRS focuses on giving survivors tools to rebuild their lives and become self-sufficient.

This Lent, consider joining with Catholic Relief Services in giving hope to a world of need. Pray, fast, and give alms through CRS.

Mary C. Uhler