CRS and the Diocese of St. Cloud

By Fr. Bill Vos, CRS Diocesan Director

Fr. Bill Vos and a young student in the Diocese of Homa Bay, Kenya

CRS and Homa Bay.  During the summer of 2006, Bishop Kinney and I accompanied 13 representatives from the Diocese of St. Cloud on a delegation visit to our sister Diocese of Homa Bay, Kenya.  While there we took the opportunity to visit several CRS programs.  CRS has been directly involved in facilitating this partnership and we look at their in-country personnel as our representatives “on the ground.” 

Silo Project.  One unique CRS project that was funded by the Diocese of St. Cloud a few years ago was the introduction of metal grain storage silos.  We visited a large girls’ secondary school where they have purchased about 20 of the larger silos to store the corn and beans that provide the staple everyday food for the school.  The Sister in charge indicated that these silos have not only been a great economic boost but also enhanced the quality of the food…when stored in gunny sacks the spoilage lead to bad meals, even leading to a student food strike!  This St. Cloud sponsored project is the only one of its kind in all of Africa and it is now spreading into other countries. 

CRS and HIV/AIDS. Another CRS success story involves the programs responding to HIV/AIDS patients.  Because it enjoys such a solid reputation, CRS is the lead organization in receiving US government HIV/AIDS funding.  And the program that Bishop Kinney and I visited at one Catholic hospital was a very impressive indication of how these funds are so effectively used by CRS.  At this hospital an entire wing has been set up to test, give counseling and provide treatment, including the antiretroviral drugs. 

Fr. Bill Vos, director of CRS for the St. Cloud Diocese, speaks at the Bishops Conference in Southern Sudan

CRS – Sudan.  Bishop Kinney and I also had the opportunity to participate in an extended session of the annual Episcopal Conference meeting in Juba, Sudan.  This was an historic event since it was the first time in over 20 years that the Bishops could actually hold their meeting within their country.  And CRS made our visit possible, in fact the Bishops meeting was held on the CRS compound.  And the role that CRS is playing in the post-war reconstruction efforts is huge. 

CRS Funds. With programs in 99 countries, reaching about 75 million people, the good news is that 95% of the half billion dollar annual budget goes to programs, just 5 % for administration.

CRS Collection and Rice Bowl. Each Lent we are given two great opportunities to support the work of Catholic Relief Services. Learn more about the CRS Collection (the 3rd Sunday of Lent) and Operation Rice Bowl.

CRS Website.  To check out the many ways to get involved, go to www.crs.org, there is something for everyone!

See how Catholic Relief Services' educational programs can fit into your parish or school's mission education curriculum.

Learn more about how CRS is connecting with college campuses.

Educators and Youth Ministers can find lesson plans, prayer services, stories, etc. through their educators' page.

Interested in CRS lay volunteer program? See how you can accompany your brothers and sisters around the world.

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