Where to find fish fries in, near Lancaster County this Lenten season

Lent, a 40-day season commemorating the time Jesus spent fasting in the desert, begins on Ash Wednesday, March 5. On Fridays during this season, many Catholics refrain from eating meat, typically opting for fish instead — which the Catholic Church allows.

A few churches in and near Lancaster County are offering fish fries, with a variety of meal options, over the next few weeks to make the season a little easier.

Whether you’re a practicing Catholic or just want a break from cooking, here’s a list of places in or near Lancaster County offering fish fries or other meals during Lent.

Know of a meal that should be on this list? Email jjanci@lnpnews.com and mwright@lnpnews.com.

ST. CATHERINE OF SIENA CATHOLIC CHURCH, QUARRYVILE

When: 5:30 p.m. Fridays, March 7 through April 11.

Where: St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 955 Robert Fulton Highway, Quarryville.

Details: Meals vary by date and are as follows: March 7 and 14, fresh-baked salmon or white fish with two vegetables, drink and dessert. March 21, fish and chips with one vegetable, drink and dessert. March 28, Family Night special of soup with grilled cheese or pizza, one vegetable, drink and dessert. April 4, shrimp, fresh-baked salmon or white fish, plus two vegetables, a drink and dessert. April 11, fresh-baked salmon or white fish, plus two vegetables, drink and dessert. Patrons can dine in or take out.

Cost: All meals are $12 for adults and $6 for children; besides family night, during which meals are $15 per family. Pay with cash or check; no credit cards will be accepted.

More info: 717-786-2695.

ST. PETER’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, COLUMBIA

When: 4-6:30 p.m. Fridays, March 7 through April 11.

Where: St. Peter’s Catholic Church Parish Center, Second and Union streets, Columbia.

Details: Dine-in and takeout options are offered at this long-running Lenten tradition, now in its 46th year. Meal offerings include platters of one or two crab cakes, baked haddock, fried filet of fish, shrimp, scallops, oysters, fish sticks and clam strips. There’s also a seafood platter. Eat-in platters come with macaroni and cheese, french fries, vegetables, coleslaw and a dinner roll. A la carte items are also available, as well as quarts, pints and bowls of homemade soups. Beverages and baked goods will also be for sale. Proceeds are used to fund various activities in the parish, Our Lady of the Angels Catholic School, Water for Life and other nonprofits.

Cost: Platter prices range from $9-$20. A la carte items vary.

More info: 717-684-7070.

ST. PETER CATHOLIC CHURCH, ELIZABETHTOWN

When: 4:30-6:30 p.m. on Fridays from March 7 to April 11.

Where: St. Peter Catholic Church, 904 Mill Road, Elizabethtown.

Details: The fish fry is a drive-thru. The fish dinner includes a large piece of battered haddock with a roll, fresh-cut french fries, coleslaw, applesauce and a dessert. Handmade Easter eggs will be available for a separate fee. Community members are invited to participate in the Stations of the Cross at 7 p.m. in the church.

Cost: The fish dinner is $13.50. For a fish sandwich and fries only, cost is $10.

More information: Call the parish office at 717-367-1255 or visit stpeteretown.org.

SACRED HEART OF JESUS CHURCH, CORNWALL

When: 4-6:30 p.m. Wednesdays, now through April 16.

Where: Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, 2596 Cornwall Road, Cornwall, Lebanon County.

Details: Meals offer baked and fried fish, fried shrimp or chicken tenders, baked potato or french fries, applesauce or coleslaw, a roll and desserts by Bernie’s Bakers. Diners can order meals via drive-thru or via pickup inside. These meals will also be served on Wednesdays in the fall, starting Oct. 1.

Cost: Meals are $12 for adults and $6 for kids’ meals. Cash only.

More info: 717-273-1574.