This Lent, as they have for four decades, millions of Catholics around the United States will place a colorful cardboard box and calendar in their homes to begin a spiritual journey that changes lives around the world. They will be participating in the 41st year of CRS (Catholic Relief Services) Rice Bowl, a program with an effect that goes far beyond the funds it raises for those who need support and services in communities throughout the United States and overseas. For Catholic families, the “CRS Rice Bowl Effect” begins conversations about Lent and their faith, about the role of charity, and about the many different people who make up our world family. Why not take advantage of that during Lent? When your children see there are no donuts, perhaps your family could make a “donut” contribution to your rice bowl. Have some conversations with your children about other children in the world that have NO food on Sunday, let alone donuts. In fact, 380 million children each day go without proper nourishment. This Lent, let’s look beyond our own needs, and begin to recognize the needs of others in our world.