By Henry Talacko, OMAHA, Neb. – As the Lenten season approaches, several local churches are gearing up for their annual fish fry events. These popular gatherings not only provide a meal for the community but also serve as a significant fundraiser for various charitable causes.
One such event is hosted by the Knights of Columbus, Mary Our Queen Chapter 11700. Chris Lawler, a member of the Knights, shared that their fish fry is a beloved community tradition, attracting people of all ages.
“It’s a great time, it’s a great community event, it’s very family-oriented,” said Lawler. “We have anybody from seniors to babies that come in and all families come in and just hang out and have a good time and socialize with others. It’s a lot of fun.”
The funds raised from the fish fry support various initiatives within the parish and the wider Omaha community.
“We do anything from, we remodel our bathrooms at the school parish, Mary Our Queen,” Lawler explained. “We have recently put air conditioner into the gym. We do bike builds during Christmas for needy families. We donate money to Sister Stephanie for the homeless. We give money to the food for the heartland. There are numerous, numerous things that we do.”
The Knights also contribute to global outreach programs and local initiatives like the Lakota Heat Fund, which helps those in need on the Lakota tribe.
Another local parish, St. Charles Borromeo, also hosts a fish fry to give back to the community. John Bonnie, a fourth-degree Knight at St. Charles Borromeo, highlighted the numerous charities supported by the Knights.
“The Knights of Columbus supports not only the parish but also the community,” said Bonnie. “We have a dozen or more charities that we support. We support scholarships for the kids, a coat drive, a Thanksgiving dinner for the needy. We have events throughout the whole year that we support with the funds that we raise from the fish. The fish fries are our main fundraising source throughout the year.”
Both Lawler and Bonnie emphasized the importance of community and support for these events.
“Anybody. It’s open to the public,” Bonnie said, inviting everyone to attend their fish fry.
The fish fry events at Mary Our Queen and St. Charles Borromeo are just two examples of the many charitable initiatives taking place. If you’d like to check out a local fish fry for yourself, visit Spirit Catholic Radio.
(Photo/Henry Talacko)
(Photo/Gene Schlegal)
