CRS is the official international relief and development agency of the U.S. Catholic community. Working through local offices and an extensive network of partners, CRS operates on five continents and in 99 countries. CRS aids the poor by first providing direct assistance where needed, then encouraging people to help with their own development. Together, these approaches foster secure, productive, just communities that enable people to realize their potential.
CRS is also committed to educating the people of the United States to fulfill their moral responsibilities toward our global brothers and sisters by helping the poor, working to remove the causes of poverty, and promoting social justice.
Get Involved with Catholic Relief Services!
Operation Rice Bowl (ORB) is the official Lenten program of CRS. Each lent schools, parishes, and other faith communities participate in ORB to learn more about the work or CRS by putting their faith into action. ORB comes with great parish guides, resources for children and adults, lesson plans for teachers, and interactive material for all ages. ORB materials are free! To learn more or to order your ORB materials contact the Catholic Social Action office.
Learn about CRS' Fair Trade Program. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops supports Fair Trade programs through which disadvantaged artisans, farmers and farmworkers receive fair compensation for the goods they produce.
Join CRS' Legislative Network and advocate for issues that will help our sisters and brothers around the world.