The season of Lent is finally here, a time for Catholics to pray, give alms and fast. As we abstain from meat every Friday, many of us fill those meals with fish instead. Here are some of the best places in the St. Charles area for fish, so you can sacrifice to God—while having a good meal.

In the spirit of Lent, one of the best ways to get fish is at your local parish’s fish fry. A chance to monetarily give back to the Church and bond with your fellow parishioners over a good plate of fish is a beautiful way to spend your Friday.

In an archdiocese with over 180 parishes, you have many options to choose from. If good service is important to you, you should go to St. Peter’s Church in St. Charles. The volunteers are extremely friendly and always make sure you have what you need!

If helping the youth is most important to you, you should visit ICD. With good food and decent pricing, there are many teen volunteers who are excited to help give back to their community in a truly inspirational way.

“I always loved fish fries as a kid, and I was excited as a teen to finally volunteer. I helped set up and manned the dessert table. It felt amazing to serve my fellow parishioners just like Jesus did,” junior and ICD parishioner Alina Kohoht said.

If you are looking for a more diverse spread of food, you should head to St. Cecilia down in St.  Louis. It is one of the largest fish fry events, with people coming in from all over. St. Cecilia is known as the “unofficial church for Mexican-American Catholics in St. Louis” and its weekly spreads reflect its culture. The feast includes quesadillas, bean tostadas, fried seafood and its famous chiles rellenos.

If all you want is some good food, Sts. Joachim and Ann Parish is for you. They serve delectable fish and their dessert spread—all donated by parishioners—is delicious.

“I’m not a parishioner there, but we always go to Sts. Joachim and Ann because my family just loves their food so much,” junior Liv Knobbe said.

Due to COVID, there are the necessary restrictions in place such as masks and social distancing, and many parishes are only offering curbside or carry out orders with online ordering.

Maybe fish fries aren’t your thing—there are plenty of other places for Catholics to eat on Fridays. Many restaurants have Lenten specials where they serve fish during this time of the year, including McDonald’s, Dairy Queen, Culver’s and Arby’s.

No matter where you go to eat, all Catholics show solidarity on Fridays when we sacrifice meat and give a little part of our lives to God. Remember, we’re doing it for him!