About Catholic Relief Services

Catholic Relief Services was founded in 1943 by the Catholic Bishops of the United States to serve World War II survivors in Europe. Since then, it has expanded to reach more than 100 million people in 101 countries on five continents.  Learn more about CRS’  history and  its work overseas.

CRS’s two-fold  mission is to assist impoverished and disadvantaged people overseas, and to help Catholics in the United States to live their faith in solidarity with the poor and suffering people of the world.  Following the example of Jesus Christ, CRS responds to emergencies, provides development assistance, and fosters peaceful methods of conflict resolution. Its Guiding Principles are the seven principles of Catholic Social Teaching, and fidelity to its  Catholic identity.  Its mission is rooted in the Catholic faith, but it serves people based solely on need, regardless of their race, religion or ethnicity, helping them to reach their full potential and to realize their dignity as children of God.

CRS helps United States Catholics become global disciples through spirituality and support of its work in the areas of emergency response, development, health, education and conflict resolution. Through the generosity of the people of the Arlington Diocese to CRS’s Rice Bowl program, we are able to help relieve hunger in our own diocese through our diocesan Rice Bowl grant program.  

Click below to learn the many ways you can participate in CRS’ work right here in the Arlington Diocese.

Photo credit: Photo below of school students with cardboard rice bowls by Jim Stipe/Catholic Relief Services

Participate in CRS’ work right here in the Diocese

Learn about the different ways you can participate in CRS’ work right here in the Arlington Diocese by jumpstarting or leading CRS programs and events in your parish, schools, youth groups, and college campuses.

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Assist Our Food-Insecure Neighbors with a Diocesan Rice Bowl grant

Find out how your parish, school or organization can apply. The 2020 application deadline is October 1, 2019.
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Make your parish a CRS Ethical Trade parish.

Ethical Trade is a community of fair trade believers dedicated to improving the lives of the world’s most vulnerable by choosing to consume differently.
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Lead your parish in the CRS Rice Bowl program

Lead your parish’s participation in CRS’s Lenten Rice Bowl program.
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Sponsor a “Helping Hands” food-packing event

Bring your parish, school and youth group together to sponsor a “Helping Hands” food-packing event for those who suffer from chronic hunger.
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Get your Catholic School involved with CRS

Assist your Catholic school in forming internationally aware and globally responsive students who live their faith in solidarity with those around the world through CRS Education’s programs and resources.
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Explore CRS Opportunities for College Campuses

Learn about the different ways CRS University engages students, faculty, and staff in tangible acts of solidarity to build a more just and peaceful world.
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Bring aid to those affected by Climate Change

Help the poor and vulnerable who have lost their homes, livelihoods, crops, and livestock to the harsh effects of environmental degradation and climate change.