Having lived and worked in Milwaukee for seven years before entering the seminary, I became used to a good fish fry on a Friday night. It is a Wisconsin tradition. There are good fish fries not only in Milwaukee but all over the state… fish of many kinds, prepared different ways, and good old Wisconsin potato pancakes.
Almost five years ago, we at Catholic Social Services started our own fish fry at our beautiful St. Joseph Center (located on 23rd and O streets at the edge of downtown Lincoln). The menu includes baked cod, fried pollack, fried catfish, breaded shrimp, tuna casserole, baked potatoes, and ‘cheezy potatoes,’ which has supplanted my potato pancakes! Also included is creamy coleslaw and dessert. The tuna casserole, cheezy potatoes, coleslaw, cocktail sauce and tartar sauce are all made from scratch. People are constantly asking for the recipes. But the author of these delicious niceties holds these recipes close to her chest like an Old West poker player dealing stud. Because these items are highly addictive, they are offered for sale in take-home portions.
It is all you can eat for $10, and $35 for a family. All proceeds go to the support of St. Gianna’s Women’s Homes which aid women who are escaping domestic violence and abortion.
Our fish fries are held on every First Friday outside of Lent, which means we are taking a break while many parishes and the Knights of Columbus are having their fish fries and other non-meat Lenten dinners. We encourage you to support them during this Lenten season!
Our fish fry for St. Gianna’s is totally run by our faithful volunteers. It has been a tradition since we began our fish fry to hold an appreciation dinner for our volunteers during our Lenten break. This year we made homemade meat loaf (Mom’s recipe) with mashed potatoes and a vegetable, with hors d’oeuvres and wine. As a finale, homemade cheesecake was served, with an array of toppings.
I would like to thank all of our volunteers for all their hard work, dedication and love for this successful program that benefits the ladies and their children who come to us escaping violent situations. I am happy to report that we have helped save our 18th baby! Thank you! I would also like to thank all of you who have faithfully exercised your taste buds by supporting our fish fry and look forward to seeing you on Friday, May 2 when we begin again.
St. Gianna, pray for us!
