By Tom Hintgen

Otter Tail County Correspondent

This is the time of year when many Christians, during Lent, abstain from meat on Fridays during a 40-day period leading up to Easter. Many churches organize fish fries which are cultural events while, at the same time, raise funds for various church initiatives.

Such is the case at St. Edward’s Catholic Church in Henning. Two of three Lenten fish fries were held March 14 and March 28, with the final fish fry scheduled from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, April 11. The menu includes Alaskan walleye, potato, cole slaw, vegetables, dessert bar and beverage. Takeouts also are available.

Church volunteers for fish fries in Henning and other areas of Otter Tail County step up and work in the kitchens, serve the fish and associated food, perform clean-up duties or just lend a helping hand. It’s also a great opportunity to make new friends as a church volunteer.

Fish fries are a social event, providing an opportunity for parishioners and community members to come together and enjoy a meal and fellowship. Others emphasize that Lent is a time of spiritual reflection.

Many restaurants and fast-food establishments capitalize on the Lenten tradition by offering fish sandwiches and other seafood during this time of year. 

Abstaining from meat is common among Catholics during the Lenten season. Many families, when cooking at home on Friday evenings, prepare a variety of fish such as salmon, cod, tilapia, tuna and walleye. There also are Lent dinner recipes that are not fish such as ravioli casserole or black bean burritos.