“Living Lent at CU” to benefit Catholic Relief Services Rice Bowl

At its Ash Wednesday liturgy, Caldwell University kicked off its “Living Lent at CU” initiative to benefit the Catholic Relief Services Rice Bowl campaign.  

Sister Kathleen Tuite, O.P., assistant to the president for mission integration, came up with the idea to launch a social media campaign to support the CRS Rice Bowl and to reach out in solidarity to those who are marginalized, suffering from hunger and living in war-torn areas. She said the University is highlighting via social media faculty, staff and students who are communicating their support for the Rice Bowl. “We are seeing how war and conflict are devastating our world and God’s people in places such as the Holy Land, Ukraine, Nigeria, Myanmar and many other areas.”

Members of the campus community are answering the following question to be posted on social media: “Why are you choosing to support Catholic Relief Services this Lent in helping our most vulnerable brothers and sisters due to war and conflict?” 

Caldwell President Jeffrey Senese’s message was the first one posted:  

“I am supporting Catholic Relief Services because it helps to put faith and action together, focusing on those who are in the most need of relief. I think about and admire how their work focuses on addressing the needs of hungry children, preventing human trafficking and strengthening families, not to mention helping to support refugees. My father and his family were forced to leave Europe around the time when Catholic Relief Services began, and if my support can help me to pay it forward for my dad and his family, then I am fulfilled and am well honoring his memory.” 

Robin Davenport, MS, LPC, ACS, executive director of counseling services, wrote: “It is easy to feel powerless over the immense suffering that is being experienced in different parts of the world as a result of war, poverty and other devastating realities. I appreciate and believe in the work of the CRS and want to support its effort to provide aid to those in need.  Rather than feel powerless, I realize that through the simple act of giving support to the CRS, I can play a small role in countering the terrible strife that exists in our world.”

Michelle Martignoni Mercado, an art/elementary education major, wrote: “I am choosing to support CRS this Lent because they provide critical aid to our most vulnerable brothers and sisters affected by war and conflict. CRS has a long-standing commitment to humanitarian assistance, delivering food, shelter, medical care and other essentials to those in need. By being supportive I can contribute to efforts that bring hope and relief to those enduring hardships currently. This will make a positive impact in the world during this sacred season.”

Sister Kathleen said she is encouraging the campus community to get creative in giving. “Professors can bring the rice bowl to class for seven weeks and encourage students to drop in some extra change. Staff members can appoint a person to gently remind co-workers that ‘the rice bowl needs some feeding today.’ Individuals can make a Lenten commitment to be conscious of the needs of our brothers and sisters suffering from war and set your internal voice to put some change in the rice bowl.”

During Lent, Catholics are called to live out the three pillars of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Living Lent at CU, said Sister Kathleen, is one way to put into action the pillar of almsgiving. “No amount is too small. It can be a penny, a dollar or a donation from your means.” 

You can pick up a rice bowl at the Sister Mary Dominic Tweedus Chapel in the Newman Center, at the Campus Ministry Office with Christina Bryant (cbryant@caldwell.edu), director of Campus Ministry, by contacting Sister Kathleen at ktuite@caldwell.edu or donate directly on the CRS website.  

At the conclusion of Lent, the campus community will meet 4 p.m. Monday, March 26, in the Gallery to return the rice bowls and to share food, blessing and fellowship.

 More about CRS Rice Bowl

The CRS Rice Bowl is rooted in the historic Eucharistic Congress and was started in 1975 as a way for families in the U.S. to reach out to those experiencing hunger around the globe.

 You can view stories of hope from Catholic Relief Services’ work in the world  on the CRS Rice Bowl page.

 Scripture and the Catechism

“Whatever you did for one of these least brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matt. 25:40).

“Peace be with you! For the sake of the Lord, I will seek your good” (Ps. 122:8–9).

“God loves the orphan, the widow, and the stranger” (Deut. 10:18).  

“Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?” (James 2:5).     

One of the three pillars of Lenten practice, almsgiving is “a witness to fraternal charity” and “a work of justice pleasing to God” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 2462).