Being with the poor

Catholics love to disagree about all sorts of things. But when it comes to the Church’s engagement with the poor, we all seem to agree on one thing: the little word “for.”

“Christians help the poor by doing things for them” is a sentiment few disagree with, and it’s hard to overstate the difference this makes for our whole way of being Church, from personal discipleship to diocesan initiatives to the training of priests. So, we volunteer at the soup kitchen, we give to charities, we build schools in Africa, and we carry granola bars in our car for the guy on the corner. There is nothing wrong with this, and we do all these things “for” the poor because we want to do them “for” Jesus.

And yet, I’m convinced, “for” is missing the heart of the Gospel. “For” accomplishes some good things, but it doesn’t build community, it doesn’t ask the poor what they want, it doesn’t make new friends, and it doesn’t overcome the isolation and loneliness that is often the cause of our problems in the first place. “For” makes those with resources the

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10B our choice, not God’s.

Second, we can sometimes discern wrong. God is incredibly involved in our lives; he does not want to remain some distant “force” somewhere outside of the universe. He is a Father who loves us and who draws close to us. He wants the best for us and does reveal himself and his will in various ways. And there are times when we get him wrong. Just look at the history of Christianity to see how often people sincerely get God entirely wrong. From various heresies that have arisen over time, to the Reformation that ended up fracturing Christ’s body into tens of thousands of splinters — well-meaning Christians can get it wrong. I’m sure prayer is a must and forming generations in faith is a huge priority.

But such studies of families across the U.S. underscore the truth that parents are the primary catechists of their children. It turns out, forming kids in faith does not come from even the best parish programming but from regular conversations at home.

It might feel daunting to bear the weight of this responsibility, but consider the possibilities: It’s not religious professionals at church or school who impact kids the most, but the adults they interact with all week long. This fact holds huge promise for what parents and grandparents can offer.

Through ordinary conversations, we normalize faith as part of daily life. Parents don’t have to preach or teach in the typical sense. The best thing we can do is bring conversations about faith to the dinner table, the drive to school, the bleachers, or the backyard — wherever we’re already interacting with our kids.

Showing young people that faith is a normal, natural part of life speaks volumes. Think about school struggles, sports seasons, friendship dramas, political debates, health concerns, news headlines or family milestones. Any conversation we start through the lens of faith can show how God’s light shines on every part of life.

To be an authentic witness to faith does not require learning a new language. We simply need to share what matters to us. As we know from our kids’ practices and rehearsals, regular repetition is what helps us grow into new skills.

Try it with your children this week. Start one small benefactors and saviors. It has a hard time knowing what Pope Francis could mean in desiring “a Church of the poor.” Perhaps most worryingly, making those with means the heroes, “for” doesn’t transform us, doesn’t allow us to see our own poverty, because the lack is always somewhere else.

The Gospel’s word is not “for,” but “with.” “With” is the way that God chooses to relate to us, and so the way that we should relate to the poor. “The Word was made flesh,” we read at Christmas, “and dwelt with us.” “They called him Emmanuel, which means God with us.” God himself spent 33 years walking the earth, and for most of those years — at least 30 of them — he did very little “for” us, except to be “with” us. When Christ gives us the Church he promises “I am with you always, even to the end of the ages.” And at the end of those ages, he will return so that “the home of God is among mortals. He will dwell with them as their God … and God himself will be with them.”

We have stumbled on the most important word in the Bible. The point is not that God never did anything “for” us, nor that we should never do anything “for” others, but that our “for,” like God’s, can only ever come based on a prior, unalterable, utterly unswerving “with.” The Gospel’s challenge, in other words, is to make our ministry incarnational, just like Christ’s was, by coming alongside others in the flesh. I recently had dinner with a group of that Martin Luther or John Calvin were praying and thinking and discerning when they broke away from the Church — and they were still wrong. Because of this, we can’t rule out the possibility that we can discern incorrectly.

Third, one of the criteria for deciding whether we discerned wrongly cannot be that it has led us to a place of pain or failure. I will talk to people who say that their current situation must have meant that they missed God’s will, because their plans didn’t work out or because they encountered a tragic amount of pain: The person who tried a new job only to fail or the person who took a moral stand at work and ended up paying a price for their courage. Doing the right thing does not mean that everything will work out the way conversation and see where it leads. Speak up about a political issue in the news, an injustice you see in the world, a question about last Sunday’s homily or a way you’re helping a friend through a hard time. Share with your children what reminded you of God today: a vibrant sunset, a smile from a stranger, a song on the radio, or a kind word when you needed it most.

Ask your children what they think God might say about a certain situation. Listen to their responses. Wonder together about their questions or go searching for the answers.

The Gospels prove the power of ordinary exchanges. Jesus walked and talked with friends and strangers every day. Many of these brief encounters became life-changing events. So, too, the greatest gift we can offer our children is to keep faith at the heart of family life together.

In the car, after the game, before bed, over dinner. We can’t simply drop kids off at Catholic school or religious education classes and consider the job done. We can’t expect Sunday Mass to teach our children everything they need to know. Faith formation is what happens at home. As parents we cannot control how our children turn out, but we have a powerful role to play — and we can mindfully share the faith more in our conversations, starting today.

Fanucci is an author, speaker and founder of Mothering Spirit, an online gathering place on parenting and spirituality. She is a parishioner of St. Joseph in Maple Grove.

Catholics who had become involved with the poor in their hometown of Kansas City. “It’s fine to serve food at the homeless shelter,” one woman said. “But we like to go through the line and eat with them, just to be with them and get to know them. To be one of them.”

To turn a “them” into an “us” is the challenge of being “with.”

But, you might object, “with” seems much harder than “for.” It takes time, it might be uncomfortable, and it might require that we change. Indeed. That’s one way to know it’s the Gospel. But also, because it’s the Gospel, none of us will start by being good at it — it’s baby steps for all of us, and we are simply invited to begin wherever we are. And the first step toward being “with,” for many of us, might simply be to do something small to put ourselves closer to the poor than we usually are. That might be serving a meal at the shelter, talking to the guy on the corner, or walking home through a different neighborhood. But whatever it is, in whatever small way, the promise is that, in being with the poor, we discover another way that Christ has chosen to be with us.

Miller is director of Pastoral Care and Outreach at Assumption in St. Paul. He has a Ph.D. in theology from Duke University, and lives with his family at the Maurin House Catholic Worker community in Columbia Heights. You can reach him at colin miller1@protonmail com we had hoped. For proof of this, we only have to look to Jesus. He did the Father’s will perfectly, and yet he was rejected, betrayed, brutally tortured, and killed. God does not promise that things will be easy for us if we do his will. Instead, he warns us that we will be rejected and hated.

Lastly, you might have discerned exactly what God was calling you to do. What you might not have discerned was how long he was calling you to do it. There are times when I will offer counsel to someone who was so sure that God had called them down a certain road only to discover that he was then calling them to go down another road that was very different than the original road. They can be tempted to see this as failure. I do not.

I see this as a person who is continually allowing themselves to be led by God without falling into the trap of thinking, “I’ve figured out God’s will for my life, discernment is for someone else.” If God got a person to start moving down one road and calls them to “turn,” that means that the first discernment was accurate! It got them to the next road that God was calling them toward.

We often want to know the entire route, but God most often gives us just enough light for one step. We often want to know the whole story, but God wants to write the story with us, one choice at a time.

Belle Plaine

Our Lady of the Prairie –– Baked fish dinner, 4:30–6:30 p.m., March 10, 17, 24 and 31. 200 E. Church St. Freewill offering. Includes breaded and unbreaded baked fish served with salad, au gratin potatoes, a roll and desert. Takeout available. Sponsored by Knights of Columbus Council 1503. Stations of the Cross at 6:30 p.m. ourladyoftheprairie.com

Blaine

St. Timothy — Fish fry, 5–7 p.m., Fridays during Lent. 707 89th Ave NE. $15 adults, $8 ages 6-12, free ages 5 and under. Includes baked cod or deep-fried pollock, baked beans, creamy coleslaw, French fries, bread and beverage. Takeout is available upon request. Fresh baked goods from KC Ladies Auxiliary will be available for purchase. churchofsttimothy.com

Bloomington

Knights of Columbus Marian Council of Bloomington — Fish fry, 4–7 p.m. Fridays during Lent including Good Friday at 1114 American Blvd. W. Dine-in or takeout. $16. Includes fried or broiled cod fillets (or mixture), lemon slice and tartar sauce on the side, coleslaw, baked potato, butter, sour cream and a cookie. Dine-in reservations: Call 952-888-1492, prompt #1 or email the reservations to reservations@bloomingtoneventcenter.com. Takeout orders are online only. For each Friday, specify an order and pick-up time at kofcbloomington.com/order. No phone orders. bloomingtoneventcenter.com

Nativity of Mary — Fish Fry Festival, 5–8 p.m. March 24 at 9900 Lyndale Ave S. Dine-in or drive-thru option available. $13 in advance or $15 at the door. Includes cod fillets or grilled cheese, French fries, baked beans, coleslaw, bun and an assortment of desserts. Beer, wine and cocktails extra for indoor dining only. The festival includes a meat raffle, Bingo and entertainment for kids. Bingo called by the entertaining Dan Boulay. Tickets may be purchased in the parish office or after Masses starting in March. nativitybloomington.org

St. Bonaventure — Fish dinner, 4:30–7 p.m. March 3 and 31 at 901 E. 90th St. (in the Activities Building off 10th Ave.) Includes ocean perch, au gratin potatoes, special recipe coleslaw with fresh hot buns, a dill pickle, beverages and a free soft serve ice cream dessert. Takeout is available. Stations of the Cross at 7 p.m. saintbonaventure.org

St. Edward — Fish dinner, 5–7 p.m. March 10 at 9401 Nesbitt Ave. S. $15 per meal, $50 family four-pack, free ages 5 and under. Includes beerbattered cod, macaroni and cheese, fries, coleslaw, dessert, condiments and beverage. Takeout is available. Proceeds support youth ministries. Stations of the Cross at 7 p.m. Preorder at stedwardschurch.org/signup.

Buffalo

St. Francis Xavier — Fish fry, 4–8 p.m. March 3 at Bison Creek Bar and Dining, 1207 N. Highway 25. $13 adults, $8 ages 10 and under. Hosted by the Knights of Columbus with all proceeds going to STFX youth ministries. Check bulletin for menu updates. Stations of the Cross, at the church, 300 First Ave. NW, all Fridays during Lent at 7 p.m. Living Stations of the Cross on March 24 only, at the school, 219 19th St NW. Pizza dinner prior to Stations 5:30-6:30 p.m. All proceeds go to STFX youth ministry. stfxb.org

Cannon Falls

St. Pius V — due to construction, we cannot hold our fish fry this year. We look forward to seeing – and serving – you next year!

Cedar Lake

St. Patrick of Cedar Lake Township — Fish fry, 5–7:30 p.m. March 31 at 24425 Old Highway 13 Blvd., Jordan. $16 adults, $6 ages 4-12, free ages 3 and under. All you can eat. Baked or fried cod, French fries, au gratin potatoes, coleslaw, beans, bread, macaroni and cheese, and dessert. Takeout available. st-patricks.org

Centerville

St. Genevieve — Fish dinner, 5–8 p.m. Fridays during Lent except Good Friday at 14383 Forest Blvd N., Hugo. (St. John’s site) $13 adults, $11 seniors ages 60+, $9 ages 6-12, free ages 5 and under. Includes fried Icelandic cod, baby red potatoes, French fries, macaroni and cheese, coleslaw, pickle, rolls, cookie and beverage. Free bike raffle (boy and girl). A 50/50 raffle with 50% of proceeds going to local food shelves. stgens.org

Chaska

Guardian Angels — Fish fry, 4–7:30 p.m. March 3, 17 and 31 at 1st St. and Cedar St. $15 adults, $5 ages 5-12, free ages 5 and under. Includes pollock (deep-fried beer-battered, deep-fried dry rub or lemon pepper oven baked), mashed potatoes and potato salad, coleslaw, green beans, dinner roll, coffee, water or milk. Takeout is available. Proceeds go to various charities. Hosted by Knights of Columbus. gachaska.org

Clearwater

St. Luke — Fish dinner, 4–7 p.m. March 3, 17 and 31 at 17545 Huber Ave. NW. Drive-thru and inside seating available. $15 adults, $6 ages 12 and under. Includes fried fish, cheesy potatoes, vegetable, dinner roll, cookie and bottled water. All proceeds from March 3 will go toward St. Luke’s youth activities. Hosted by Knights of Columbus Council 14013. kc14013. mnknights.org

Columbia Heights

Catholic Softball Group — Fish fry 4:30–6:45 p.m. March 3, 17 and 31 at Immaculate Conception 4030 Jackson St. NE. $13 adults and seniors, $7 ages

The Catholic Spirit’s annual Fish Fry & Lenten Meal Guide features listings for parishes that wished to be included and provided information before deadline. For updated information and a guide map visit TheCatholicSpirit.com/nomeat. Fridays during Lent are February 24, March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 and April 7 (Good Friday).

6-11, free ages 5 and under. Includes deep-fried fish, French fries, coleslaw, roll, dessert and beverage. Kids’ menu is macaroni and cheese. Takeout is available. Stations of the Cross at 7 p.m. Proceeds go toward the Catholic Softball Group. catholicsoftball.com

Immaculate Conception — Fish fry, 4:30–6:30 p.m. Feb. 24, March 10 and 24 at 4030 Jackson St. NE. $13 adults and seniors, $7 ages 6-11, free ages 5 and under. Includes deep-fried fish, French fries, coleslaw, roll, dessert and beverage. Kids’ menu is macaroni and cheese. Takeout is available. Stations of the Cross at 7 p.m. iccsonline.org

Coon Rapids

Epiphany — Fish fry, 4:30–6:30 p.m. Fridays during Lent except Good Friday at 11001 Hanson Blvd. NW. In cafeteria. $15 ages 13+, $10 ages 62+, $5 ages 6-12, $50 immediate family, free ages 5 and under. Includes baked tilapia, beerbattered deep-fried cod and homemade cheese pizza, choice of potato (baked with all the fixins’ or tater tots), coleslaw, cookie and beverage. Stations of the Cross at 7 p.m. Epiphanymn.org

Deephaven

St. Therese — Soup and fish fry dinner, approximately 6 p.m. (following Stations of the Cross) at 18323 Minnetonka Blvd. Soup dinners: Feb. 24, March 3, 17 and 31. Freewill offering includes: minestrone, broccoli cheese, potato leek or vegetable soups. Fish fry: March 10 and 24. $10 per person or $35 per family. Includes beer-battered cod, coleslaw, fries, and macaroni and cheese. Stations of the Cross at 5:30 p.m. st-therese.org

DELANO

St. Maximilian Kolbe — Fish fry, 4:30–9 p.m. Feb. 24 at the Delano American Legion, 200 Babcock Blvd. All you can eat. Hand-battered cod plus traditional sides. Takeout available. $19 adults ($17 in advance), $10 ages 10 and under ($9 in advance). Advance tickets can be purchased at the church or school (763-972-2528) or at the Legion (763-972-2969). Benefits St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic School. stmaxkolbechurch.org

EAGAN

St. John Neumann — Walleye Fry, 4:30–7 p.m. March 3,10, 24 and 31 at 4030 Pilot Knob Road. Inside dining only in SJN Social Hall. $18 meal includes walleye, potato and coleslaw. $5 ages 8 and under includes macaroni and cheese and animal crackers. Sponsored by Dakota County Elks, St. John Neumann and Knights of Columbus Council 7604. sjn.org

EDINA

Our Lady of Grace — Fish fry, 5–7 p.m. March 31, 5071 Eden Ave. $15 adults, $5 ages 10 and under. Includes Tin Fish-battered cod, pasta, baked potato, coleslaw, bread and butter and cake. Takeout is available. Live music. Back by popular demand, Father Kevin Finnegan’s Pub with Guinness on tap, microbrews and wine for an additional charge. Hosted by OLOG Men’s Club. olgparish.org

FARMINGTON

St. Michael — Fish fry, 5–7 p.m. March 10 and 24 at 22120 Denmark Ave. Dine-in or takeout. Freewill donation (suggested $12). Includes fried fish, coleslaw, tater tots, roll with butter, cookie, tartar sauce and lemon. Stations of the Cross at 6:30 p.m. stmichael-farmington.org.

FOREST LAKE

St. Peter — Fish fry, 5–7 p.m. Fridays during Lent except Good Friday at 1250 South Shore Dr. Freewill offering (suggested donation: $13 ages 13+, $7 ages 6-12, free ages 5 and under). Includes fried cod, baked tilapia, fries or potatoes, coleslaw, Texas toast, beverage and dessert. Alternative meal includes meatless pasta or grilled cheese sandwich. Takeout is available. Confession: 6–6:45 p.m. Stations of the Cross at 7 p.m. stpeterfl.org

HOPKINS

St. Gabriel the Archangel — Fish fry, 5–7 p.m. March 10 and 24 at 1310 Mainstreet. $15 per person, $12 for seniors and kids ages 5-12. Includes choice of fried fish, baked fish or fish tacos with side dishes of red potatoes, coleslaw, macaroni and cheese, dinner roll and beverage. Youth group will offer various desserts for freewill offering. No takeout. stgabrielhopkins.org

Inver Grove Heights

St. Patrick — Soup Suppers, 5–6:30 p.m. March 3 and 17 at Shamrock Hall, 3535 72nd St E. Freewill offering. Includes three different kinds of meatless soups, bread and crackers, a dessert and beverages. Living Stations of the Cross at 6:30 p.m., in the church, both evenings. churchofstpatrick.com

Jordan

St. John the Baptist — Fish fry, 4:30–7 p.m. Feb. 24 and March 10 at 313 Second St. E. (Louis Hall – church basement). $12 adults, $5 ages 3-12, free ages 3 and under. All you can eat. Fish, potato salad, baked beans, coleslaw, dinner rolls, dessert and beverages. Takeout is available. Soup suppers: 5:30–7 p.m. March 17, 24 and 31, also in Louis Hall. Freewill offering for soup suppers only. Stations of the Cross every Friday during Lent at 7 p.m. sjbjordan.org

LINDSTROM

St. Bridget of Sweden — 3:30–4:30 p.m. to-go orders; 5–7 p.m. dine-in Fridays during Lent except Good Friday at 13060 Lake Blvd. $12 adults, $10 seniors ages 65+, $7 ages 6-12, free ages 5 and under. All you can eat. Pub-battered or baked cod, French fries, green beans, coleslaw, dinner roll, dessert and drink. Alternative kids’ meal: meatless spaghetti. Call the parish office at 651-257-2474 or visit website for more information. stbridgetofsweden.org/fishfry

LINO LAKES

St. Joseph of the Lakes — Lenten meal, 5–7 p.m. March 3, 10, 17 and 24 at 171 Elm Street. $15 adults, $7 ages 5-10, free ages 4 and under; $45 family. Includes fried or baked cod, tomato-basil soup, roasted potatoes, green beans, creamy coleslaw, bread, coffee, water and a variety of homemade desserts. Dine-in or takeout. Pay at door. Stations of the Cross at 7 p.m. mystjoes.me

Little Canada

St. John the Evangelist — Fish fry, 4:30–6:30 p.m. March 3 and 24 at 2621 McMenemy St. (in school gym, park in main lot and use gymnasium entrance). $14 adults, $12 seniors ages 55+, $10 ages 4-12, $40 family. All-you-can-eat meal includes fried and baked tilapia, green beans, potatoes, coleslaw, roll, beverage and dessert. Alternative meal includes grilled cheese sandwiches. Catered by St. John’s Men’s Club. Takeout is available. Stations of the Cross at 6 p.m. in the church. sjolc.org/fish-fry

LONG LAKE

St. George — Fish fry dinner, 5–7 p.m. Feb. 24 and March 31 at 133 N. Brown Road (in the community center). $12 per person, free for ages 5 and under. Includes deep-fried cod, coleslaw, all you can eat French fries, roll and all the fixins’. Stations of the Cross at 7p.m. in the church both evenings. Hosted by Knights of Columbus. stgeorgelonglake.org

Lonsdale

Immaculate Conception — Fish dinner, 4–7 p.m. Feb. 24 and March 24 at 202 Alabama St. S.E. Dine-in or pick-up. $15 adults, $8 children, free ages 6 and under. Includes fried and baked fish, au gratin potatoes, steamed vegetables, coleslaw, fresh baked dinner roll and dessert. Pick-up only in Civic Center parking lot. Proceeds will support local pro-life ministries. icchurch.cc

Loretto

Sts. Peter and Paul — Fish fry, 4–7 p.m. March 3 at 150 Railway St. E. $15 adults, $13 seniors ages 65+, $8 ages 4-10, free ages 3 and under, $60 family (max). Includes baked cod, deep-fried cod, red parsley potatoes, macaroni and cheese, coleslaw, fresh baked bread, cookies and beverage. All prepared by Dobo’s Catering and served by Knights of Columbus Council 9601. Takeout available. Stations of the Cross (with the KC 4th Degree Honor Guard) at 7 p.m. in the church. saintsppta.org

Mahtomedi

St. Jude of the Lake — Fish bake, 5:30–7:30 p.m. Feb. 24 at 700 Mahtomedi Ave. $14 adults, $10 seniors ages 65+, $7 ages 12 and under. Includes baked tilapia, baked breaded cod, red potatoes, green beans, macaroni and cheese, roll and dessert. Adult beverages for sale. stjudeofthelake.org

Maplewood

St. Jerome — Fish fry, 5–7:30 p.m. March 31 at 380 Roselawn Ave. Pre-order, pre-pay only. Select either curbside pick-up or dine-in and time slots. To order: stjeromefishfry.org. Meals: $12/1-piece, $14/2-piece, $16/3-piece. Includes hand-battered 4 ounce deep-fried cod fillets, French fries, coleslaw, baked beans and dessert. $10 pasta meal with meatless red sauce. Includes all sides listed above, except fish. Stations of the Cross at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 23, March 2, 9, 16, 23 followed by a soup supper at 6 p.m. Freewill offering. Stations of the Cross only at 5:30 p.m. March 30. stjeromefishfry.org

FISH FRY & LENTEN MEALS CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

Presentation of Mary — Fish dinner, 4–7 p.m. Feb. 24, March 10 and 31 in Kenney Hall, 1695 Kennard St. $14 large meal, $11 small meal. Includes fried fish, baked potato, coleslaw, dinner roll, tartar sauce, butter, and lemon. Alternative meal: $7 soup (veggie chili or broccoli cheese) includes roll and drink. Dine-in and take-out offered. Stations of the Cross at 6 p.m. except Good Friday. presentationofmary.org

Mendota

St. Peter — Fish dinner, 5–7 p.m. March 31 at 1405 Sibley Memorial Highway. Freewill offering. Serving tilapia, salad, roasted new potatoes, macaroni and cheese, green beans, beverages, and assorted desserts. All proceeds go to fund projects for St. Peter’s Uganda Mission. A team will be traveling to Uganda this summer to work on these projects. Stations of the Cross at 6:30 p.m. stpetersmendota.org

Mendota Heights

Holy Family Maronite — Lebanese Lenten dinner, 4–7 p.m. Fridays during Lent except Good Friday at 1960 Lexington Ave. Dine–in. Served with a side of Lebanese hospitality. $15. Includes baked fish, green beans in tomato sauce served over a bed of Lebanese rice, fried cabbage, flat bread, garlic sauce, homemade cakes and desserts. holyfamilymaronitechurch.org

Miesville

St. Joseph — Corned beef and cabbage dinner, 9:30 a.m.–1 p.m. March 12 at 23955 Nicolai Ave E., Hastings (in parish hall). Takeout and sit-down. $13 adults (advance $11), $6 ages 6-12 (advance $5), free ages 6 and under. Includes corned beef, cabbage, potatoes, homemade Irish Soda Bread, homemade dessert and beverages. Hot dogs for the wee lads and lasses. For advance tickets, call parish office or check website for details. Auction items for all ages. Sponsored by Knights of Columbus Blessed Stanley Rother Council 17013. stjosephmiesville.com

Minneapolis

Holy Cross — Fish fry, 5–7 p.m. Feb. 24, March 3, 17, 24 and 31 at 1621 University Ave. NE (in Kolbe Hall). Handicap access off 16th and University. $12 ages 12+, $2 ages 3-11, free ages 3 and under. Includes fish, French fries, baked potato, macaroni and cheese, coleslaw, dessert and beverages. Carry-out is available. Forty Hours, March 10. Stations of the Cross: 5 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. (in Polish) at Holy Cross, 7:30 p.m. at St. Clement. ourholycross.org

Our Lady of Lourdes — Fish fry, 5–7 p.m. March 3, 17 and 31 at One Lourdes Place (Hofstede Hall – lower level of church). $12 adults, $10 seniors ages 65+, $5 kids. Includes fish, fries, coleslaw. Beverages available. Credit cards, cash and checks accepted. Takeout is available. Stations of the Cross at 5 p.m. lourdesmpls.org

Our Lady of Peace — Fish fry dinner, 5–7 p.m. March 3 and 31 at 5426 12th Ave S. Cost TBA. Includes fried fish, potatoes, macaroni and cheese, coleslaw, carrots, rolls, beverage and cookies. Stations of the Cross at 7 p.m. followed by adoration and confession. Soup Suppers: Feb. 24, March 10, 17 and 24. Freewill donation. olpmn.org/event

St. Albert the Great — Fish dinner, 4:30–7:30 p.m. Fridays during Lent except Good Friday at 3204 E. 29th St. Overflow parking one block north at Sullivan School. $15 adults; $7 ages 6-12; free 5 and under. Includes baked and fried tilapia, mashed potatoes and hash browns, coleslaw, rolls, beverage and dessert. Alternative meal: meatless spaghetti. Takeout is available. Bingo 5:30–7:30 p.m. Stations of the Cross 3:30 p.m. saintalbertthegreat.org

St. Helena — Fish taco dinner, 4:30–6:30 p.m. March 3 and 24 at 3204 E. 43rd St. (Rowan Hall – downstairs of the church). $10. Stations of the Cross every Friday during Lent at 7 p.m. Speaker every Friday during Lent except Good Friday at 7:30 p.m. Questions: 612-729-7344. sainthelena.us

Minnetonka

Immaculate Heart of Mary — Fish dinner, 5–7 p.m. Feb. 24, March 3, 24 and 31 at 13505 Excelsior Blvd.

$15 adults, $8 ages 12 and under. Includes baked fish, fish tacos, salad bar, au gratin potatoes, green beans, macaroni and cheese, rolls, cookies and beverage. Stations of the Cross at 7 p.m. ihm-cc.org

Montgomery

Most Holy Redeemer — Lenten meal, 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m. and 4–7:30 p.m. Feb. 24 at American Legion Club, 102 Elm Ave. SW. $15 adults, $7 ages 5-10, free ages 5 and under. $15 takeout. Includes all-you-can-eat buffet of baked cod and baked breaded cod, cheesy potatoes, green beans, coffee, bread, coleslaw and homemade bars. Special: 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m. only, baked cod sandwich with chips or fries for $7. hredeemerparish.org

Monticello

St. Henry — Fish dinner, 5–7 p.m. Feb. 24, March 10 and 24 at 1001 E. 7th Street. Dine-in or takeout. $12 adults, $8 ages 12 and under. Includes fried pollock, mashed potatoes, coleslaw, corn bread, pickle and cookie. A portion of the proceeds will go toward Coats for Kids. Hosted by Knights of Columbus Council 6825. sthenrycatholic.info

Mound

Our Lady of the Lake — Lenten meal, 4:30–7 p.m. Fridays during Lent except Good Friday at 2385 Commerce Blvd. $15 adults, $13 seniors ages 65+, $7 ages 6-12, $1 ages 5 and under. Shrimp dinner, served with coleslaw, baked potato or fries, dinner roll and cookie. Macaroni and cheese available for children. ourladyofthelake.com

NEW BRIGHTON

St. John the Baptist — Lenten meals: 6–7 p.m. Soup suppers: Feb. 24, March 3, 17 and 24. Fish frys: March 10 and 31. Soup supper: suggested donation $8 per person. Includes unlimited soup (two options) and breadsticks. Fish fry: $12 adult, $8 ages 6-12, free ages 5 and under, $45 family max (family is children and parents). Includes fish, macaroni and cheese, tater tots, coleslaw, bread and butter, bars and cookies, lemonade, water and coffee. Checks, cash, credit cards accepted. 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Mass and Stations of the Cross at 7 p.m. every Friday except Good Friday. stjohnnb.com

NEW PRAGUE

St. Wenceslaus Catholic School — Fish Fry, 11 a.m.–

1 p.m. and 4:30–7 p.m., Feb. 24. For advance tickets, call 952-758-3225. Pre-orders: $13, $6.50 ages 5-10. At door $15, $7.50 ages 5-10. Includes fried fish, cheesy potatoes, coleslaw, roll, beverage and chocolate chip cookie. Takeout available. Living Stations of the Cross at 4:30 and 6 p.m. npcatholic.org

NORTH ST. PAUL

St. Peter — Fish fry, 4–7 p.m. Fridays during Lent except for Good Friday at 2620 N. Margaret St. (in school cafeteria). $15 adults, $14 seniors, $5 ages 7-12, free ages 6 and under. Includes deep-fried and baked (gluten free) cod, au gratin potatoes, macaroni and cheese, green beans, coleslaw and bread stick. Takeout meals available. Stations of the Cross at 7 p.m. churchofstpeternsp.org

Norwood Young America

Ascension — K-C Fish fry, 11 a.m.–7 p.m. March 3 at 323 Reform St N. $15 a meal, includes Alaskan pollock, beans, baked potato, coleslaw, cookies and water. Drive-thru only. Option to eat meal in social hall. ascensionnya.org

Oakdale

Guardian Angels — Fish fry, 4–7 p.m. March 3, 17 and 31 at 8260 4th St. N. $18 ages 11+, $16 ages 65+, $8 ages 6-10, free ages 5 and under. Includes all-you-can-eat (dinein only) baked or fried haddock, red potatoes, green beans, macaroni and cheese, coleslaw, roll with butter, lemon, tartar sauce and dessert. Order online for carry-out and curbside orders, $16. guardian-angels.org/fish-fry

Transfiguration — Fish fry, 5–7 p.m. Feb. 24, March 10 and 24 at 6135 15th St. N. $10 adults, $8 seniors, $5 ages 5-12, free ages 5 and under, $40 household max. Includes all you can eat fried and baked fish, coleslaw, grilled cheese, French fries, tots, baked potatoes, dessert and beverage. Stations of the Cross at 7 p.m. transfigurationmn.org

OAK GROVE

St. Patrick — Fish fry, 5–7 p.m. Fridays during Lent at 19921 Nightingale St. NW. $14 ages 13+, $7 ages 6-12, free ages 5 and under. Includes all-you-can-eat fish, mashed potatoes, coleslaw, choice of corn or green beans, macaroni, dinner roll and dessert. Stations of the Cross at 6 p.m. st-patricks.org

Pine Island

St. Michael — Fish fry, 4:30–7 p.m. Fridays during Lent except Good Friday at 451 Fifth St. SW. $13 adults, $6 ages 5-12, $45 family. Includes fried or baked fish, roasted potatoes, baked beans, coleslaw, rolls, dessert and beverage. Stations of the Cross at 7:30 p.m. stpaulstmichael.com

Prior Lake

St. Michael — Fish fry 4:30–7 p.m. Feb. 24 and March 10 at 16400 Duluth Ave SE. $15 adults, $12 seniors ages 65+, $7 children, free ages 5 and under. Includes lightly breaded fried Alaskan pollock, potato wedges, macaroni and cheese, coleslaw, green beans, corn, homemade rolls, coffee, milk and dessert. Takeout is available. Sponsored by Catholic United Financial 364. Stations of the Cross at 6:30 p.m. stmichael-pl.org

ROBBINSDALE

Sacred Heart Catholic School — Fish and Meatless Spaghetti dinner, 4:30–7 p.m. March 3,10,17, 24. Dine-in or takeout available. $17. Includes fish fillet, baked potato, green beans, and garlic bread. $15 for meatless spaghetti dinner with garlic bread. $15 for fish sandwich with spaghetti. Children meals, ages 4-10 and free ages 3 and under: $7 for spaghetti and bread or $8 for fish fillet, green beans and bread. shrmn.org

ROGERS

Mary, Queen of Peace — Fish dinner, 4:30–6:30 p.m. March 10 and March 24 at 21304 Church Ave. $14. Includes baked cod, macaroni and cheese, baked beans, coleslaw, dinner roll, cookie and beverage. Dine-in or takeout available. Sponsored by NW Hennepin Knights of Columbus Council 11941. Stations of the Cross at 7 p.m. mqpcatholic.org

ROSEMOUNT

St. Joseph — Fish fry, 5–7 p.m., Feb. 24 and March 24 at 13900 Biscayne Ave. (in Social Halls A and B). $15 per person or $45 max per family. Includes baked or handbattered cod, choice of potato or macaroni and cheese, coleslaw, roll, dessert and beverage. Takeout is available. Holy Hour 4:15-5:15 p.m. Stations of the Cross 5:30 p.m. stjosephcommunity.org

RUSH CITY

Sacred Heart — Lenten meal, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Fridays during Lent except for Good Friday at 415 W. Fifth St. $12 adults, $6 ages 5-12, free ages 4 and under. Includes deep-fried cod, potatoes, coleslaw, bread, beverage and dessert. Alternative meal includes meatless pasta for children. Takeout is available. Stations of the Cross at 7 p.m. shc415@hotmail.com

SHIELDSVILLE

St. Patrick — Fish fry, 5–7 p.m. (or until fish is gone) March 3, 17 and 31 at 7525 Dodd Road. Freewill offering. Includes baked or fried fish, potato, vegetable, salad bar and dessert. Entertainment (March 17 only) by the Charlie Sticha Band from 5–9 p.m. Proceeds support youth and parish outreach. spshieldsville.org

ST. LOUIS PARK

Holy Family — Fish dinner, 5–6:30 p.m. Fridays in Lent except Good Friday at 59 Lake St. W. $12 adults, $6 children. Includes baked or fried fish with a choice of sides including macaroni and cheese, green beans, coleslaw and cheddar biscuit. Proceeds to benefit the parish school, Holy Family Academy. Stations of the Cross at 7 p.m. hfcmn.org

ST. PAUL (South St. Paul, West St. Paul included)

Nativity of our Lord — Fish fry, 5–8 p.m. Feb. 24 and 5–6:30 p.m. March 10 at 1938 Stanford Ave. (enter from plaza on Wellesley Avenue.) To-go can be ordered at the garage on Wellesley Avenue. $15 adult, $8 ages 12 and younger, $50 household. Includes choice of fried or baked cod, fries or baked potato, veggies, coleslaw and breadsticks (for the kids) plus beverages. Stations of the Cross after 5 p.m. Mass every Friday during Lent. info@nativitymen.org.

Our Lady of Guadalupe Diocesan Shrine — Enchilada lunch and dinner, eat-in or takeout, 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Fridays during Lent except Good Friday at 401 Concord St. Eat-in options: $13 large order (three enchiladas), $11 small order (two enchiladas). Includes delicious homemade cheese enchiladas, rice, beans, dessert, coffee or water. $1 soda or bottled water. Two All-Day Takeout Options: (1)

Full Meal: $13 large order (three enchiladas), $11 small order (two enchiladas). Includes delicious homemade cheese enchiladas, rice, beans, and dessert. (2) Enchiladas only at $24 dozen, $12 half dozen. Call ahead orders at 651-228-0506 or order online at olgcatholic.org

St. John Vianney — Fish fry, 4–6:30 p.m. Fridays during Lent at 840 19th Ave. N. $15 adults, $10 children. Includes fried fish, baked potato or French fries, grilled cheese sandwiches, coleslaw, green beans and dessert. Stations of the Cross at 3:30 pm. sjvssp.org

St. Matthew — Fish fry, 4:30–7:30 p.m. Fridays in Lent including Good Friday at 510 Hall Ave. Dine-in or curbside-to-go. $15 adults, $7 ages 5-12, free ages 4 and under. Includes choice of fried or baked Alaskan pollock or both, baked potato, vegetable, coleslaw, roll and dessert. Coffee, milk and water included. Alternative meal: $13 adults, $7 ages 5-12, free ages 4 and under. Includes spaghetti or grilled cheese meal. Beer, wine and pop available for purchase with dine-in. Dine-in: social hall entrance at back of the church. Curbside-to-go: enter off Humboldt Avenue onto Robie Street to Hall Avenue. st-matts.org

St. Pascal — Fish fry, 4:30–7 p.m. Fridays during Lent at 1757 Conway Street. $16 adults, $8 ages 6-11, free ages 5 and under. Includes fried or baked cod, coleslaw, steamed veggies, au gratin and seasoned fried potatoes, macaroni and cheese, roll, coffee, water or milk. Bottled water and soda extra. Cash, check or card accepted. Hosted by St. Pascal’s Men’s Club. stpascals.org

St. Patrick — Lenten meal, 4:30–7 p.m. Feb. 24 at The American Legion, 1129 Arcade St. $14. Includes fried cod, tater tots, coleslaw, macaroni and cheese, dinner roll and beverage. Takeout available. Extra treat: Bake Sale! stpatrickmn.weconnect.com

St. Stanislaus — Lenten Soup Suppers, 6–6:40 p.m. March 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 at 398 Superior St. (in church hall). Followed by a 6:40-7:10 p.m. service in church. Fridays during Lent attend 10 a.m. Quiet Prayer and 11 a.m. Stations of the Cross. Check website for details. ststans.org

St. Thomas More Catholic School — Fish fry, 5:30–7:30 p.m. March 10, 24, and 31 at 1065 Summit Ave. $15 adults, $8 ages 5-12, free ages 4 and under. All you can eat. Fried cod, French fries, macaroni and cheese, coleslaw, dinner rolls, peach cobbler, cookies and lemonade. Beer and wine available for $5 and soda for $1. Eucharistic adoration 1–5 p.m. Stations of the Cross 5-5:30 p.m. (in the church). Buy tickets at the door or online in advance at morecommunity.org/fishfrys.

Stillwater

St. Michael and St. Mary — Fish dinners, 4:30–7 p.m. Fridays during Lent except for Good Friday at St. Michael’s Social Hall 611 Third St S. $16 adults, $6 ages 7-12. Includes beer-battered cod, buttered parsley potatoes, green beans, coleslaw, dinner roll and beverage. Takeout is $16 a box. Special menu for ages 6 and under. Confession 5–5:25 p.m. Mass 5:30–6 p.m. Stations of the Cross at 7 p.m. Hosted by the Men’s Club. stmichaelstillwater.org

Waconia

St. Joseph — Fish fry, 4–7:30 p.m. Fridays during Lent except Good Friday at 41 E. First St. $15 adults, $7 ages 7-12, free ages 6 and under, $50 max per family. The “tentative” menu includes all-you-can-eat fish, pasta, potato, roll, coleslaw and cake. Stations of the Cross at 7 p.m. For up-to-date information on dates, menu, payment and pickup options, check website. Hosted by the Waconia Knights of Columbus. stjosephwaconia.org.

White Bear Lake

St. Pius X — Fish fry, 4–6:30 p.m. Feb. 24, March 10 and 24 at 3878 Highland Ave. $17 adults, $15 seniors and togo meals, $7 ages 6-12, free 5 and under. Includes fried or baked cod, baked potato, coleslaw, pasta salad, macaroni and cheese, roll, dessert and beverage. Curbside to-go service available in the northeast parking lot on Oak Knoll St. Stations of the Cross at 7 p.m. churchofstpiusx.org

Zumbrota

St. Paul — After St. Patrick’s Day ham dinner, 10:30 a.m.–1 p.m. March 19 at the Zumbrota VFW, 25 E. First St. Includes ham, mashed potatoes with gravy, green beans, vegetable salad, buns, dessert and beverage. Bid on items at the silent auction, which will take place during the dinner. Takeout available. Call parish office for prices: 507-732-5324.stpaulstmichael.com