CHARLOTTE — Materials will soon be available for parishes and schools that would like to take part in the 2024 Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Rice Bowl campaign, which starts on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 14.
CRS Rice Bowl gives Catholics across the U.S. the opportunity to assist the global human family through daily prayer, weekly fasting and almsgiving. Parishes and schools already in the program should receive CRS Rice Bowl items this month.
A parish or school that wants to confirm its upcoming CRS Rice Bowl shipment or order additional items can call the CRS toll-free number at 1-800-222-0025. Parishes and schools that wish to participate for the first time can also call CRS or go to crsricebowl.org to place an order for the number of CRS Rice Bowl items desired.
Materials ordered by Jan. 31 should arrive to parishes and schools in time for distribution before the start of the campaign.
— Joe Purello
GREENSBORO — St. Pius X Church held a special Advent evening of Taizé style contemplative music and prayer on Dec. 9, under the leadership of Monsignor Anthony Marcaccio, pastor. The service was organized by Francine Britto, pastoral associate for music and liturgy at St. Pius X, along with members of the Music and Liturgy Ministry and guest musicians.
More than 100 people from St. Pius and area parishes attended and joined in the simple, repetitive Taizé chants with music carefully chosen to anchor the prayer time with a calming and peaceful influence.
Songs of praise and thanksgiving framed the readings from the Psalms and Scripture. The focus was on songs celebrating the Light of Christ, with symbols of darkness and light playing an important role during the Advent celebration.
Taizé Prayer is a Christian evening prayer. It is a simple, meditative form of worship, calling the faithful to dwell deeply on Christ’s presence around and within us. Songs, prayerful silence, and short readings guide the focus of the prayer in a candle-lit environment, often accompanied by music.
“The timeless Taizé style of music draws the faithful to contemplative prayer,” Britto said. “Having led services like this in other parishes over the years, it is humbling to be a part of this here at St. Pius. With Taizé, the peaceful music swells in the prayerful repetitions with various vocal and instrumental parts taking on a new layer.”
A reception followed the service in the Simmons Center, hosted by Martha’s Helpers. The event was so well received by visitors and parishioners that St. Pius X’s Music and Liturgy Ministry plans to host another Taizé service during the upcoming Lenten season.
— Georgianna Penn, correspondent