ALLENTOWN, Pa. (WPVI) — A worldwide Lenten tradition that encourages Catholics to turn spare change into charitable giving began more than 50 years ago with a simple idea inside the rectory of St. Thomas More Church in Allentown.<\/p>\n
“It started with a simple bowl, and a big mission,” a parish representative said.<\/p>\n
The concept, created in 1974, invited parishioners to “give up a meal” during Lent and place the money they would have spent into what was then a white bowl.<\/p>\n
St. Thomas More partnered with a neighboring Presbyterian church to respond to famine in Africa.<\/p>\n
Msgr. Andrew Baker said the donations were collected at the end of Lent and distributed through the Rice Bowl organization to “various foreign entities” supporting communities in need.<\/p>\n
“Money that they would have used for that meal and put it into a rice bowl. Then that money would go out to, various foreign entities,” he said.<\/p>\n
Today, Baker said, more than 12,000 parishes across the United States participate in Operation Rice Bowl. Since its inception, the program has raised more than $350 million to help communities lacking basic necessities such as food and water.<\/p>\n
The tradition also extends to Catholic schools.<\/p>\n
“We also have a school here, and many parishes do have a school,” Baker said. “So the children are able to take it home, and they’re educated by their teachers about what almsgiving is really all about and how to give back to the poor.”<\/p>\n
Baker said the parish remains proud of the program’s roots in the Lehigh Valley.<\/p>\n
“I’m very proud of it, because I think it really makes a statement about our parishioners. The people are very giving… they also want to support those that don’t have what they need in society,” he said. “That’s what Lent is all about, which is not just prayer and penance, but it’s also almsgiving, sharing with those in need.”<\/p>\n
A portion of the funds raised each Lent supports local parishes, while the rest continues to aid communities around the world<\/p>\n
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