CRS SAN PEDRO CHAPTER
VOLUNTEER COMMUNITY SUPPORTING THE MISSION OF CATHOLIC RELIEF SERVICES
Current Focus
There is always more to do to help the most vulnerable in the world. Here's what the CRS San Pedro chapter is up to right now and in the near future.
Rice Bowl 2025: 50th Anniversary
The Rice Bowl fundraiser is the most important outreach event for CRS each year. 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of this fundraiser, which provides critical food aid to those inside and outside the U.S. facing food insecurity.
Farm Bill Advocacy
Because the 2018 Farm Bill was once again extended for only one year through FY2025, this Congress has the opportunity to debate its provisions once again. The Farm Bill contains key elements that affect how organizations like CRS use funding and commodities to build long-term resilience in communities overseas. To maintain this vital support, we encourage contacting congressional representatives.
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For more information, check out our blog.
To ask questions or get involved, contact us!
Ongoing Work
There is always more to do to help the most vulnerable in the world. CRS San Pedro participates in these efforts on a repeating basis to continue to support that mission.
Rice Bowl
During Lent, CRS answers the call for almsgiving across the Church with simple paper bowls to collect spare change from the entire community of faith. Filling the paper bowl or giving via internet or conventional mail is a reminder that Lenten sacrifices can truly help fill the needs of our poorest brothers and sisters.
Education and Awareness
CRS San Pedro shares CRS’s background and work with other ministries at parishes in the region to raise awareness on key issues and inspire support for CRS’s causes. This can include presentations to Confirmation and OCIA classes, posts in parish bulletins, and general information sessions.
Legislative Advocacy
Meet with members of Congress and state and local representatives to advocate for legislation that supports CRS’s work abroad. CRS staff often assist by supplying additional testimonials and resources for review and guiding the conversation with the representative’s office.
Greater LA Area CRS Chapter Gathering
Each year, one of the CRS chapters in the greater Los Angeles area hosts the neighboring chapters. Members share past events, discuss the issues from recent CRS action sheets, and develop plans to support those actions and CRS as a whole. The Chapter Gathering reinforces the CRS community to empower us all to contribute to these critical causes
Past Highlights
To show what our community is like, here are some events that had a special impact on our community and our work.
Season of Creation, 2024​​​
Read more on our blog!
From September 1st to October 4th, Pope Francis declared a season of creation to draw attention to and motivate action on the challenges facing God's creation in modern times.
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USCCB Season of Creation: The USCCB guide to theology and action for Catholics during this Season of Creation.
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SeasonOfCreation.org: Interfaith organization uniting Christians in prayer and activism for God's creation.
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Laudato Si': Pope Francis' stirring encyclical calling for persistence, resolve, and prayer for "Care for our Common Home."
Greater LA Gathering, 2023
At Mount Saint Mary's University in Los Angeles, the CRS Catholic Relief Services community of Greater LA gathered to connect with chapter leaders, members, guests, and friends by sharing a meal and stories and information about the work of CRS.
"Who is My Neighbor" with Linda Dakin-Grimm
On November 11, 2021, the CRS San Pedro Chapter presented hosted "Who Is My Neighbor?" with Linda Dakin-Grimm, lawyer and Catholic immigration advocate. She shared insights into the intersection of Catholic Social Teaching, immigration law, and the effects of prejudice, poverty, crime, violence, and war.
