When I moved to Puyallup in 2016, I learned about a ministry starting in the archdiocese for Catholic Relief Services ambassadors. I went to the orientation and was immediately won over by the stories shared and the people I met. (You may remember me selling fair trade goods at the Knight's breakfasts back before I was hired on as staff.) In 2021, CRS transitioned into a focus on advocacy. All Saints, along with Holy Disciples, and St Leo's formed a CRS Chapter to advocate for foreign assistance by writing emails and letters to the editor, making phone calls, and participating in twice-yearly virtual visits with congressional staff. Along the way I've been impressed with the CRS programs I've learned about that support mothers and children, small farmers, and those recovering from increasingly dire natural disasters due to climate change. I've also been inspired by the CRS support staff that work tirelessly to educate US Catholics and others of goodwill on the importance of humanitarian aid and development work for long-term sustainability. Therefore, the news of the past few weeks that USAID funds (of which CRS is one of the primary benefactors) were being stopped has been heartbreaking.
Advocacy and fundraising are now more essential than ever. I've included some resources in the Global Solidarity section below for how you can take action. As we enter into Lent, and assemble our CRS Rice Bowls, please pray for the people around the world who will not be receiving food, medicine, or seeds to plant this year's harvest due to the funding freeze. And consider calling your congressperson or giving a little more in your Rice Bowl this year to help.
