In June 2008, in Orlando, Fla., Archbishop Timothy Dolan of Milwaukee, Catholic Relief Services board chairman, formally nominated Bishop George Leo Thomas to serve as chairman of the U.S. Operations Committee of the CRS Board of Directors.

The full CRS Board unanimously approved the nomination and appointed Bishop Thomas to that role, effective immediately.

The CRS Board U.S. Operations Committee is a new committee (also formed in June 2008). Its mandate is to oversee all CRS activities that occur within the United States, including the annual Operation Rice Bowl.

It is the mission of Catholic Relief Services to carry out the commitment of the bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. One important way CRS accomplishes this is by serving Catholics in the United States as they live their faith in solidarity with their brothers and sisters around the world.

On behalf of the CRS Board of Directors, the U.S. Operations Committee oversees domestic programs and advocacy aimed at engaging and educating U.S. Catholics in faith-based actions that promote international social justice and solidarity. The U.S. Operations Committee is responsible for providing oversight and guidance related to diverse partnerships with dioceses, parishes, colleges, universities and other Catholic organizations. The committee also oversees CRS’ significant charitable giving activities.

The CRS Board is comprised of 21 individuals, including 14 U.S. bishops.

Bishop Thomas has served on the CRS Board since January 2005.


Published in The Montana Catholic Online, Volume 24, No. 9, September 19, 2008.