Hope travels farther with you.  This Lent, our parish will be participating in Rice Bowl, an important way in which we partner with Catholic Relief Services (CRS). The money we raise goes to impoverished people both in our area and overseas. Programs for the poor are being cut here in the USA, and the federal government has withdrawn much of the funding that CRS has traditionally relied on to help those most in need around the world. Lent begins on February 18. Your participation in Rice Bowl at any level is more critical than ever. A single gift to CRS can provide food, clean water, education, and emergency aid where it is needed most.  Pick up your rice bowl at the back of the church, then visit crsricebowl.org to share your Lenten prayer intentions.