Isn’t it just like Catholics to have an article about fasting and fish fries in the same place?

Yes, it is.

Lent is on the way, and with it the gifts and expectations of Catholic Christianity come into even clearer focus than ever.

LENTEN DATELINE, 2025

Fat Tuesday: March 4 (this day on the eve of Lent is also known as Shrove Tuesday or Pancake Day in other parts of the world);

Ash Wednesday: March 5;

Palm Sunday – April 13;

Holy Thursday – April 17;

Good Friday – April 18;

Holy Saturday – April 19;

Easter Sunday – April 20.

FASTING & ALMSGIVING

Everyone of 14 years of age or over is bound to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday, March 5 2024, and all the Fridays of Lent.

In addition, there are heightened expectations of everyone 18 years of age and under 59 years of age in regard to Ash Wednesday, March 5, and Good Friday, April 19, 2025 as follows:

Only one full meatless meal is allowed.

Two other meatless meals, sufficient to maintain strength, may be taken according to each one’s needs, but together they should not equal another full meal.

Eating between meals is not permitted on these two days, but liquids including milk and fruit juices are allowed. When health or ability to work would be seriously affected, the law does not oblige.

And of course, in combination with fasting, it is encouraged that almsgiving will increase for the less fortunate locally, nationally, and internationally.

One way of doing this is by contributing to special collections such as on Ash Wednesday (Support the Church in Central and Eastern Europe), and on Sunday, March 30 (Catholic Relief Services Collection).

IF IT’S FRIDAY, THIS MUST BE FISH

Friday fasting is leavened by the fish suppers that pop up all over the Diocese of Peoria. The Catholic Post Online has been made aware of three at this time:

Peoria Heights: The St. Thomas the Apostle Men’s Club will host its annual fish fry (all you can eat, dine-in dinner) on Friday, March 7, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the St. Thomas School cafeteria.

The menu includes french fries, coleslaw, salad bar, bread and drink, with desserts provided by the women of St. Thomas.

The cost is $15 for adults. (Gluten-free baked fish is also $15, but single portion only and must be ordered after Mass or on the website). A child’s meal (for ages 6 to 12) is $10 for fish and $5 for grilled cheese. Proceeds will benefit the gymnasium renovation.

Peoria: St. Ann Catholic Church, 1010 S. Louisa St., Peoria will have a fish on Friday, March 7 and again on Friday, April 4 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Dine-in and carryout are available.

Adult meals are $15, which include pollock or shrimp, bread, choice of coleslaw or salad, choice of baked potato or fries, and a drink. Children’s meals of grilled cheese or macaroni and cheese are $5 (includes side of fries or mac and cheese and a drink).

A family deal is $35, which includes two adult meals and two kids’ meals, plus any additional children’s meals for kids from the same family.

Pre-order and pre-pay are available the Sunday before, and walk-ins are always welcome.

Peoria: The Knights of Columbus, St. Clement Council, will have a fish fry every Friday in Lent through April 11, serving from 5 to 7 p.m. at St. Jude Catholic Church, 10811 North Knoxville Ave., in Hettinger Hall.

Adult meals are $15 and offer a choice of a fried whole catfish, baked lemon cod or deep fried shrimp, plus baked potato, green vegetable and coleslaw.

A fish po’boy sandwich with chips and coleslaw is $12. A child’s meal of fish sandwich or cheese pizza with chips is $6.

A family of two adults and two kids’ meals is $37. Various local parish and pro-life charities benefit. Live music each week.

To have additional fish fry notices included in a subsequent posting, please send to pmoore@cdop.org. The deadline is Monday, March 3.

FAITH OVER FEAR

Confession/ reconciliation is also a hallmark of Lent, a time and place where the past can be put in its place with the love of the Lord. The opportunity for confession/ reconciliation is always available in every parish of our diocese – but there are more opportunities than ever during Lent (often as part of parish retreats).

If anyone is hesitant because they don’t know what to say, any priest will be glad to help. Formulaic prayers are not the point, just a desire to get good with God.

The singer/songwriter Kelley Mooney has a song called “Hang It On The Cross” on her devotional album “Still” (available via various streaming services), which perfectly encapsulates what Jesus will do for a contrite heart. Here’s a lyrical excerpt:

 I stand on shameful ground

There’s temptation all around

Jesus, take away my sin

Take away my sin

And hang it on the cross

Hang it on the cross . . . .  (used with permission)

The confessional is such a quiet place – you can hear a sin drop.