In a remarkable convergence of community spirit and tradition, St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Jackson, Michigan, celebrated its 18th annual Lenten Fish Fry on Friday, March 21, 2025. The gathering drew hundreds of locals eager to enjoy a hearty meal and partake in fellowship during this special season marked by prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.
With a menu featuring baked and fried cod, mac and cheese, coleslaw, and a selection of desserts, the event offered meals for $16 each. Described as a family-oriented occasion, event organizer Laura Siciliano emphasized the importance of involving children and the entire parish community. "The kids are all working. They work helping the elderly people, and anybody that needs help carrying their food," she noted.
The Lenten Fish Fry is not just a culinary event; it represents a broader spiritual observance within the Catholic tradition. Lent, a 40-day period of preparation leading up to Easter, officially kicked off on Ash Wednesday, March 5, and will continue until Holy Thursday, April 17, 2025. Good Friday falls on April 18, with Easter Sunday being celebrated on April 20.
As one of the largest community gatherings during Lent, the fish fry reinforces the values of charity and togetherness that are central to the observance. The tradition of Lenten fish fries is widespread among many Catholic parishes, fostering not only a place for good food but also for community bonding.
During the Fish Fry, attendees patiently queued both inside the church and at drive-thru services, reiterating the enthusiasm surrounding this annual event. The sensory delight of smells wafting from the kitchen combined with laughter and conversation created an inviting atmosphere. "It really is a parish-run event," Siciliano highlighted, underscoring the sense of ownership that the community feels towards the event.
Outside of the parochial hall, banners decorated with messages celebrating Lent contributed to the festive ambiance. This significant outpouring of community support mirrors the deeper significance of the season itself, which invites believers to reflect on their faith, repent, and engage generously with their neighbors.
In addition to nourishing the body with traditional fish dishes, Lent encourages participants to endure spiritual practices including abstinence and fasting. These customs stem from the belief that by embracing hardship during this period, one becomes more attuned to God’s mercy and grace.
As Pope Francis has reminded, more intense prayer, fasting, and almsgiving should ideally be observed during Lent, aiming to awaken a sense of care for one's neighbor. In his words: "By devoting more time to prayer, we enable our hearts to root out our secret lies and forms of self-deception... Fasting weakens our tendency to violence; it disarms us and becomes an important opportunity for growth."
The observance of Lent originated around the year 325 during the Council of Nicea, establishing a period of 40 days symbolic of the biblical narratives surrounding fasting and reflection. Each year, Christian denominations observe this season differently, yet the underlying purpose remains the same: to prepare oneself spiritually for the resurrection of Jesus.
The Lenten season is a time when many communities, like in Jackson, come together. As the fish fry continues every Friday through Lent, church members relish this unique opportunity to unite in purpose and mission. Attendees are encouraged to offer additional resources to support paralleled community projects and contribute to local charity initiatives. This blend of culinary culture and charity not only fuels the body but also serves the soul.
In addition, Lent serves as a reflective period that encourages personal and communal growth, urging individuals to 'shed off those old ways of life' and embrace new beginnings grounded in faith. The self-reflection drawn out during these 40 days represents a wonderful opportunity for believers to deepen their spiritual lives and embrace the spirit of mercy that flows through their communities.
As Jackson welcomes springtime during this Lenten season, the blending of traditions, reflection, and community service fosters unparalleled joy and significance. In a world that often feels divided, events like the Lenten Fish Fry at St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church remind us of the communal bonds that unite us and enrich our spiritual journeys. This year, there's also a beautiful coincidence as Lent aligns with Ramadan, prompting a growing dialogue between different faith traditions.
Ultimately, as the faithful Loyola Jesuits echo, this period is not only about the physical abstinence from certain meals but rather a path leading toward spiritual discipline and compassion for others. As Lent unfolds, community members will undoubtedly cherish the next fish fry as more than just a culinary occasion; it will serve as a reminder of the nourished spirit, shared experiences, and the overall commitments to living a life marked by grace and gratitude.
