Who We Are

Catholic Relief Services was founded in 1943 by the Catholic Bishops of the United States to serve World War II survivors in Europe. Since then, CRS has expanded in size to reach more than 100 million people in 101 countries on five continents.

Promote human development by responding to major emergencies, fighting disease and poverty, and nurturing peaceful and just societies. Serve Catholics in the United States, and in partnering with Catholic Relief Services, the people of the Diocese of San José live their faith in solidarity with their brothers and sisters around the world.

As part of the universal mission of the Catholic Church, the Catholic Relief Services network within the Diocese of San José works with local, national and international Catholic institutions and structures, and other organizations, to assist people based on need — not creed, race or nationality.

For more information about the work of CRS, please go to their website at www.crs.org or para mas información sobre CRS visite www.crsespanol.org

CRS Rice Bowl

Along with resources for prayer, fasting and learning, Rice Bowl has a recurring fundraising component. 75% of donations raised though this go to funding Catholic Relief Services’ agriculture, health and educational projects globally. 25% is awarded to parish and school-based programs addressing hunger and/or poverty alleviation in the County of Santa Clara.


Rice Bowl donation checks should be made out to your parish or school and write “CRS Rice Bowl” on the memo line. Your parish may have created on-line CRS donations on the parish online giving platform. Please check with your business office or pastor.

Local Grants

Parish/School Program
Our Lady of LaVang Food to Homeless
Church of the Transfiguration Community Ministry Outreach
St Anthony Martha’s Kitchen
St Anthony Christmas Tamale Boxes
Church of the Resurrection Groceries for Families
St Catherines Thanksgiving Food Baskets
St Martin of Tours SVDP Food Distribution
Holy Family SVDP Food Pantry
St Elizabeth Holiday Food Drives
St Catherines Giving Tree
St Clare School Faith in Action Program

Apply for Local Grants