OCHOA: Lent is the season to help and hope

The Figueroa family on their farm near Tegucigalpa, Honduras. From left, grandfather Maximiliano Turcios, brothers Maynor and Emilson Figueroa, Rony Figueroa, and his wife, Reina Padilla. (Photo by Oscar Leiva/Silverlight for Catholic Relief Services)

The Lenten season began this year on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 22.

Taking the cross of ashes on our foreheads reminds us of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus and our own. We are asked to pray more fervently, to fast periodically, and to give to those in need in the midst of devastating violence and poverty.

Catholic Relief Services (CRS), the official overseas relief and development arm of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops to 130 countries, provides us a way to extend our Lenten practices to reach around the world.

Following the three traditional pillars of Lent, CRS Rice Bowl Lenten program allows us to put our faith into action through a calendar with daily activities and a small box (Rice Bowl) for almsgiving.

There are also prayers, videos, meatless recipes, and other resources for use in homes, schools, parish religious education programs and universities. The materials, presented in both English and Spanish, also include a video of Timothy Cardinal Dolan explaining the basic question, “What is Lent?” This program and all its resources, if not available at your parish, can be accessed and downloaded for use at www.crsricebowl.org.

Furthermore, the “Stories of Hope” highlight interviews from families in the recipient countries of Honduras, Kenya and the Philippines. These videos take us on virtual mission trips, offering a glimpse of the everyday joys and struggles of those living in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, increasing our appreciation and understanding of the world and its people. We learn how CRS’ programs through our Lenten alms are impacting the lives of our sisters and brothers near and far.

The CRS Rice Bowl program is designed so that 75% of the contributions will be distributed to worldwide food programs while 25% remains in each U.S. diocese for hunger and poverty alleviation efforts by supporting entities like parish St. Vincent de Paul programs that help those experiencing hunger in our own country.

As an example, for their participation in the CRS Rice Bowl program, St. Justin Martyr Parish in the Archdiocese received a grant to support their outreach efforts to the needy in their community.

Other Archdiocesan parishes received grants for their social concerns projects as well. All are encouraged to expand their participation in the 2023 Catholic Rice Bowl program and benefit from this opportunity.

During the six-week Lenten period, the CRS encourages the practice of reciting the Stations of the Cross while reflecting on those suffering today. At crsricebowl.org “Resources,” we can find a recorded version to be used personally or with groups. We are invited to reach out in compassion like Veronica. Like Simon, we can help others carry the heavy cross of hunger through our donations.

These Lenten practices deepen our appreciation for our blessings and help us better understand the interconnectedness of our world.

We learn that by working together, we can make a difference. We can spend our life making the world a better place for all. When we come to the celebration of Easter on April 9, we can more fully rejoice with the resurrected Jesus, who offers each of us the promise of eternal life. 

Hilda Ochoa is the director of the Office of Mission.