Catholic Relief Services (CRS)

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Catholic Relief Services is headquartered in Baltimore, MD and has offices in 99 countries around the world.  The agency is consistently ranked among the top non-profit charity agencies in the country for low operating expenses and effective programs.  By working with the poorest residents in many developing nations, CRS gives people the skills and tools to live better and develop sustainable income.  Funding for these programs comes through the annual CRS Rice Bowl collection in Lent, which teaches families about these countries and builds solidarity with the people who live in them.  Catholic Relief Services also assists following disasters, either natural or man-made, to provide basic necessities to communities, evacuees, and refugees.  U.S. Catholics can also support these efforts by becoming part of the CRS legislative network.

In the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux the CRS Rice Bowl, a Lenten program that combines prayer, fasting, education and almsgiving, is active in 33 parishes and schools and raises over $10,000 each year. Contact Catholic Charities at 876-0490 for more information.

The CRS Fair Trade Craft Sales directly benefit third world entrepreneurs working to support their families through sales of their hand-made crafts, clothing and food. Catholic Charities helps local parishes set up these risk-free sales of one-of-a-kind items.