Catholic Relief Services (CRS) carries out the commitment of the Catholic Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. We are motivated by the Gospel of Jesus Christ to cherish, preserve and uphold the sacredness and dignity of all human life, foster charity and justice, and embody Catholic social and moral teaching as we act to:
Promote human development by responding to major emergencies,
fighting disease and poverty, and nurturing peaceful and just societies; and
Serve Catholics in the United States as they live their faith in solidarity with their brothers and sisters around the world.
As part of the universal mission of the Catholic Church, we work with local, national and international Catholic institutions and structures, as well as other organizations, to assist people on the basis of need, not creed, race or nationality.
CRS allocates 25% of the funds received through the Rice Bowl Program to stay with the local (arch)diocese. The Archdiocese of San Francisco used some of these funds for the Love Your Neighbor program, addressing food insecurity during COVID-19. In these photos parishioners of Our Lady of Angels in Burlingame gather donations of food for those in need.
CRS offers many programs to inform and engage your parish. Help your parish faithful discover the world through learning, and together become more informed and compassionate human beings! Click on the links below to explore the tools we offer to build better lives in your faith community, and in communities across the globe.