Unbelievable, we know, but Lent has begun!  The Basilica School of Saint Mary is participating in the Catholic Relief Services Rice Bowl collection; the bowls will be sent home with your children this week.   

In order to make your donation meaningful to your children, help them collect coins and money throughout this season of almsgiving and penance. Perhaps they can offer up money they otherwise would have spent on treats. Please count the total amount of coins and/or money with your family at home the week or the weekend before Holy Week. 

It is helpful to explain to your children that all of this money is going to help the poor and use one of the prayers from the website crsricebowl.org. Deposit the coins or money into your own bank account so the school does not have to process them. Then, please go to our faith direct website https://membership.faithdirect.net/givenow/VA713/24699 to make your donation official. If you would like to write a check instead, please make it out to the Basilica School of Saint Mary and write Rice Bowl in the memo line. You may send the check to school inside a sealed envelope marked Rice Bowl with your child’s name and homeroom on it. 

We also have another way to give this year. Text your gift to the Rice Bowl Collection! Simply text your $ amount to (703) 215-2899 and click the link that pops up seconds later. Choose the gift. Enter your credit card information, email, name, and address, and complete the process. Giving has never been easier with Text-to-Give! Students who support the Rice Bowl collection by giving a monetary donation will be able to participate in a ceremony on Holy Thursday as part of our Lenten Retreat. Details to follow. Thank you for your support of this important cause. God bless you and your family.