Two days ago, many people celebrated Ash Wednesday, which marked the beginning of the Lenten season. Since it’s a common religious practice for Catholics who are observing Lent to abstain from eating meat on Fridays during the 40-day period, Christians may be wondering where to go for a fish fry. Starting today through April 7, Catholic churches are hosting fish fries to help people adhere to this.
Some of these local fish fries are small affairs, but others are elaborate efforts.
BJ Van Gundy has been helping his church, All Saints Catholic Church, host Lenten fish fries for several years now.
According to him, the church sold more than 8,000 meals in seven nights in 2015.
At Saint Brigid Catholic Church, people wanting to obtain a fish plate to go can utilize a drive-thru service.
Van Gundy said church fish fries not only help people abstain from eating meat on Fridays, it also allows them to have some fun.
“It makes [sacrificing during Lent] a social and community thing,” he said.
The following 12 metro Atlanta churches are offering a variety of fish options for dine-in and takeout throughout Lent.
All Saints Catholic Church
Dates: March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 and April 7
Times: 5-8 p.m.
Menu: Broiled fried fish, fried shrimp, broiled fish, broiled salmon, French fries, roasted potatoes, macaroni and cheese, green beans, coleslaw, hush puppies and clam chowder
Prices: $8 - $9 (adult meal), $4 (children's meal). Side items are available a la carte for $1 - $2 each. Soft drinks are $1 soft drinks; wine and beer, $2.
Additional Info: Seniors (60 years old and up) receive a $1 per dinner from 5-6 p.m.
Location: Gym at All Saints Catholic Church, 2443 Mt Vernon Road, Atlanta.
Info: 770-393-3255, allsaints.us
St. Peter Chanel Catholic Church
Dates: Fridays, March 3 – April 7
Times: 5-7 p.m.
Menu: Fried cod, baked tilapia with pesto, Shrimp poppers, macaroni and cheese, French fries, steamed vegetables, salad, dinner rolls, ice cream, iced tea, lemonade and coffee
Prices: Call for pricing.
Additional Info: Stations of the Cross to follow at 7 p.m. in the sanctuary
Location: Parish Hall at St. Peter Chanel Catholic Church, 11330 Woodstock Road, Roswell.
Info: 678-277-9424, stpeterchanel.org
St. Thomas More Catholic Church
Dates: March 3 – April 7
Times: 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Menu: Fried catfish, baked tilapia, fish sticks, salad, pasta, green beans, baked potatoes, fries/tots, tea, lemonade and other drinks
Prices: $10 (adults), $8 (seniors), $5 (children, 5 – 15 years old)
Location: St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 636 W. Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur.
Info: 404-378-4588, stmgaparish.org
Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church
Dates: March 3, 17 and 31
Times: 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Menu: Fried and baked fish, fried shrimp, hush puppies, coleslaw, macaroni and cheese, French fries, dessert, tea, lemonade and water; beer and wine are available for a donation
Prices: $10 (adults), $8 (seniors, 65 years old and up) $5 (children under 12 years old), free (children under 5 years old). Take-out available.
Location: School cafeteria at Immaculate Heart of Mary, 2885 Briarcliff Road N.E., Atlanta.
Info: 404-636-1418, ihmatlanta.org
Catholic Church of St. Monica
Dates: March 3 – April 7
Times: 5-7 p.m.
Menu: Fried and fish, shrimp, fish tacos (3), grilled salmon (premier entrée), green beans, coleslaw, French fries, oven roasted potatoes, spaghetti with marinara sauce, macaroni and cheese, dessert, water, tea and lemonade
Prices: $10 (adults, salmon premier entrée meal), $8 (adults, choice of fish, shrimp or tacos), $4 (salmon a la carte to meal), $4 (children 3 – 12 years old), free (children under 3 years old). Meals are also available for take-out.
Location: St. Augustine Hall at Catholic Church of St. Monica, 1700 Buford Highway, Duluth.
Info: 678-584-9947, saintmonicas.com
Holy Spirit Catholic Church
Dates: Fridays, March 3 – April 7
Times: 5-7 p.m.
Menu: Baked and fried fish, fried shrimp, tater tots, hush puppies, roasted vegetables and coleslaw. Clam chowder ($3) and a bowl of four-cheese macaroni and cheese ($3) are available a la carte.
Prices: $10 (everyone over 14 years old), $5 (children, 3 – 14 years old), free (children under 3 years old). RSVP online. Orders to-go can be placed at the front table and picked up beginning at 4 p.m.
Location: McDonough Hall at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 4465 Northside Dr. N.W., Atlanta.
Info: 404-252-4513, hsccatl.com
St. John Neumann Catholic Church
Dates: March 3 – April 7
Times: 5-9 p.m.
Menu: Fried fish, baked fish, fried shrimp, fish nuggets, grilled shrimp, fish and shrimp skewers, clam chowder, hush puppies, cheese quesadilla, macaroni and cheese, French fries, coleslaw, salad, desserts and beverages
Prices: $8.50 and up (adults), $4 (children)
Location: Reynolds Hall at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 801 Tom Smith Road, Lilburn
Info: 770-923-6633, sjnlilburn.com
St. Lawrence Catholic Church
Dates: March 3 – April 7
Times: 5:30-8 p.m.
Menu: Fried white fish, baked tilapia, grilled salmon, fried shrimp, crab cakes, grilled cheese or fish sandwiches, shrimp bisque, French fries, macaroni and cheese, coleslaw, salad, green beans, corn on the cob, hush puppies and desserts
Prices: $8 - 11 (adults), $4 - $6 (children under 12 years old). Senior discount and take-out meals are also available.
Location: Gym of St. Lawrence Catholic Church, 319 Grayson Hwy., Lawrenceville.
Info: 770-963-8992, saintlaw.org
St. Marguerite d’Youville Catholic Church
Dates: 5-8 p.m.
Times: March 3 – April 7
Menu: Fried white fish, grilled salmon, grilled mahi-mahi, fried shrimp, French fries, coleslaw, hush puppies, seafood salad, clam chowder, baked potatoes, onion rings, macaroni and cheese, meatless pasta dish with garlic bread, iced tea, lemonade, coffee and canned soft drinks
Prices: $8 – $13 (adults), $3 – $6 (5 – 12 children), $25 (family meal, two adult meals and children; fried fish or meatless pasta only), free (children 4 years old and under, macaroni and cheese meal)
Additional information: Dessert table for donation
Location: Fara Baugh Hall at St. Marguerite d'Youville Catholic Church, 85 Gloster Road, Lawrenceville.
Info: 770-381-7337, stmdy.com
St. Andrew Catholic Church
Dates: March 3 – April 7
Times: 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Menu: Fried fish, baked fish, pizza, pasta, French fries, coleslaw, vegetables, dessert and beverages. Dine-in or take-out.
Prices: $9 (adults), $6 (children 12 years old and under), $28 per family (parents and children). Cash only.
Location: Parish hall at St. Andrew Catholic Church, 675 Riverside Rd, Roswell.
Info: 770-641-9720, standrewcatholic.org
Saint Brigid Catholic Church
Dates: March 3 – April 7
Times: 5-8 p.m.
Menu: Baked tilapia, baked salmon, fried shrimp, fish sandwich, macaroni and cheese, coleslaw, French fries, green beans, hush puppies and clam chowder
Prices: $11 – $15 (adults), $5 (children), $7 (additional entrée item), $4 (clam chowder), $2 (additional side item), $4 (beer and wine), $1 (soft drinks)
Location: Corbett Hall at Saint Brigid Catholic Church, 3400 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek.
Info: 678-393-0060, saintbrigid.org
St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church
Dates: March 3 and 24
Times: 5:30-8 p.m.
Menu: Fried fish, baked salmon, fish tacos, quesadillas, hush puppies, French fries, coleslaw and macaroni and cheese
Prices: Advance online tickets, $8 (adults), $5 (children 4 – 17 years old), $25 (family, includes parents and children only). Tickets at the door are $10 (adults), $5 child), $30 (family).
Location: School cafeteria at St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church, 7171 Glenridge Dr., Atlanta.
Info: 770-394-3896, stjudeatlanta.net/fishfry
