Philadelphia Archbishop Nelson Perez is encouraging participation in CRS Rice Bowl, a Lenten program launched by Catholic Relief Services (CRS), that encourages faith communities, in different dioceses across the United States, to engage in prayer, fasting and almsgiving. 

"A reminder that this wonderful Rice Bowl initiative via @CatholicRelief, in solidarity with our sisters and brothers in Christ from around the globe, continues throughout these remaining days of Lent,” Perez said on Twitter. 

By donating their Lenten alms through CRS Rice Bowl, individuals can support CRS's work in over 100 countries, providing help to over 190 million people, the Catholic Relief Services' website says. 

“You can make an immediate lifesaving difference and give hope to children, mothers and fathers around the world, ensuring that even during the COVID-19 pandemic the most vulnerable people are taken care of,” the CRS website notes.

The website said CRS has been providing assistance around the world for more than 75 years. 

During Lent, Catholic families across the country make use of a simple cardboard box known as CRS Rice Bowl, a traditional means of collecting Lenten alms. In addition to serving as a collection tool, the CRS Rice Bowl also includes a Lenten calendar that offers activities, reflections and stories to guide families through the 40 days of Lent, the website adds.

A quarter of the contributions collected via CRS Rice Bowl stay in the respective diocese to support local initiatives aimed at reducing hunger and poverty. The program has raised more than $320 million since its inception in 1975, according to CRS.

CRS, according to its mission statement, strives to promote human development, respond to emergencies, fight poverty and disease, and foster peaceful and just societies while collaborating with Catholic and other organizations at the local, national, and international levels to serve people in need regardless of race, creed or nationality.