The Office of Social Action coordinates the local efforts of Catholic Relief Services, which is the official national and international relief and development agency of the United States Catholic community. The Diocese of Youngstown office assists Catholic Relief Services in their local efforts to assist the poor and disadvantaged, leverage the teachings of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to alleviate human suffering, promote the development of all people and foster charity and justice throughout the world.

Operation Rice Bowl

Each year, during Lent, parishes throughout the US and in the Diocese of Youngstown participate in Operation Rice Bowl. The monies collected from Operation Rice Bowl provide assistance to many persons and families who are hungry, both locally and nationally. Severnty five percent (75%) of the monies are forwarded to Catholic Relief Services of the United States Catholic Bishops for hunger relief efforts around the world. Twenty five percent (25%) of the monies remin in the Diocese of Youngstown for distrubution to local parish and community efforts to end or relieve hunger.

Lent begins Ash Wednesday.  See the Lenten/Rice Bowl Calendar for ideas and reflections. 

For more information, or for a Rice Bowl application, contact : Brian Corbin at 330-744-8451

Fair Trade Coffee and Other Products

Catholic Relief Services works with numerous coffee, chocolate and other goods suppliers/companies to sell their products which support local farmers and artisans in developing countries. Go to CRS Fair Trade website for more information and links.

CRS Educational Resources: Going Global With Youth 

This web page is a gateway to lesson plans, simulation activities, prayer services and stories that look at global issues through the lens of Catholic social teachings.  Visit the website today and challenge Catholic youth to respond to the call to global solidarity.

 See Also:

 CRS Kids Page

Africa Campaign: Africa Rising Hope and Healing

Food Fast -CRS' hunger awareness program for teens!

Frontiers of Justice -overseas experience for secondary educators!

Resources for Grassroots Advocacy - on multiple policy issues!