CHARLOTTE — The upcoming 2026 Catholic Relief Services Rice Bowl Program begins on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 18.
This year marks the 51st year of the CRS Rice Bowl program, which gives Catholics across the U.S. the opportunity to assist the global human family through daily prayer, weekly fasting and almsgiving.
Catholic Relief Services, founded in 1943, is the official overseas relief and development agency of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and a member of Caritas International. CRS alleviates suffering and provides assistance to people in need in more than 100 countries without regard to race, religion or nationality.
Parishes and schools already in the program should receive materials in late January or early February. To confirm an upcoming shipment or request additional materials, call CRS at 1-800-222-0025. Those participating for the first time can call CRS or go to www.crsricebowl.org to order.
Materials ordered by Feb. 1 should arrive before the program starts on Ash Wednesday.
— Joe Purello
CHARLOTTE — Daniel Torres has been hired as the new director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry for the Diocese of Charlotte. Torres, currently campus coordinator at Christ the King High School in Huntersville, will begin his new role in early February.
“His passion for evangelization and proven ability to walk with youth and young adults on their faith journey will be an incredible blessing to our diocesan community,” said Christopher Beal, director of the diocese’s Office of Catechetical Formation. “Daniel brings experience, energy and a deep commitment to forming young disciples.”
Torres will continue assisting Christ the King through April.
Along with the six years of experience Torres gained from Christ the King, he brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his new position.
Torres graduated with a theology degree from Belmont Abbey College. He went on to serve as a Campus Missionary in Houston, Texas, for FOCUS, a well-known Catholic campus ministry dedicated to discipleship. Torres also coordinated the youth ministry at St. Matthew Parish in Charlotte, where he led programs such as Life Teen, Edge and confirmation preparation.
— Catholic News Herald