Photo By Michael Alexander

ATLANTA—Lent begins on Feb. 22 this this year with the observance of Ash Wednesday and continues through Good Friday, April 7.  

During his Ash Wednesday homily last year, Pope Francis emphasized that Lent is a time to answer God’s invitation to return to him with one’s whole heart. 

“Lent is not just about the little sacrifices we make, but about discerning where our hearts are directed,” said the pope, “toward God or toward myself?” 

Many parishes will offer expanded times for reconciliation or offer reconciliation services. Check individual church websites for details on confession times. 

Parishes have shared their Lenten retreats and fish fry dinners to be held during the 40-day liturgical season: 

MASSES/PENANCE SERVICES

St. George Church, Newnan, will have its Lenten Penance Service Wed, March 22 from 7-9 p.m. The church is located at 771 Roscoe Rd.  

The Cathedral of Christ the King, Atlanta, will have its Lenten Penance Service Mon, March 27 from 6-7:30 p.m. in the Hyland Center, 2699 Peachtree Road, NE. Dozens of priests will be available to hear confessions. Celebrate Easter with the freedom of forgiveness.

Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, 1009 Benson St., Hartwell, will have a Lenten penance service on Wed, March 29 at 6:30 p.m.

St. John Vianney Church, 1920 Skyview Dr in Lithia Springs will have a Lenten Penance servoce p.m. on Wed, March 29 at 7 p.m. 

SEVEN SORROWS OF MARY 

St. Brendan the Navigator Church, 4633 Shiloh Rd, Cumming, offers a Spanish-language reflection on the Seven Sorrows of Mary on the Wednesdays of Lent. Father Daniel Brandenburg, LC, will lead participants in the reflections through April 5. Contact: email Veronica Ruiz, director of Hispanic Ministries, at vruiz@stbrendansatl.com. 

STATIONS OF THE CROSS 

CTK STATIONS OF THE CROSS: The Cathedral of Christ the King, 2699 Peachtree Rd NE, will have Stations of the Cross on Fridays after the 6:45 a.m. Mass and again at 7 p.m. The cathedral also offers Instagram Stations. Grow closer to Christ this Lent by meditating on his ultimate sacrifice for us. Walk with him in prayer on his last day.

ST. BRIGID STATIONS OF THE CROSS, at St. Brigid Church, 3400 Old Alabama Rd in Johns Creek. Stations of the Cross will be prayed at 7 p.m. each Friday in the main sanctuary.

TRANSFIGURATION CHURCH STATIONS: The church, located at 1815 Blackwell Road, will have Stations of the Cross on Fridays from Feb. 24-March 31 in the church at 9:30 following morning Mass in English, and a bilingual Stations of the Cross at 7 p.m.  

KNIGHTS ON BIKES WAY OF THE CROSS RUN: Sat, March 25; 10 a.m-3:30 p.m.; Begins at St. Benedict Church, 11045 Parsons Rd, Duluth. Come join the group to pray Stations of the Cross at several church locations during its first Way of the Cross Run. After starting in Duluth, the Knights on Bikes will stop at St. Brendan Church in Cumming at 10:50 a.m., Good Shepherd Church in Cumming at 11:30 a.m., St. Michael Church in Gainesville at 12:20 p.m., Christ the Redeemer Church in Dawsonville at 2:30 p.m. and Our Lady of the Mountains Church in Jasper at 3:30 p.m. The Knights on Bikes are members of the Knights of Columbus who enjoy riding motorcycles to raise the awareness about the Knights. It is a family-oriented organization, promoting motorcycle safety and Catholic values. For information, email to stan@standeman.com.  

FISH FRYS

Mary Our Queen, located at 6260 The Corners Parkway in Peachtree Corners, will have fish frys on Fridays, March 24 and March 31 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Dine in or take out meals are available. The dinners are in St. Joseph’s Hall. MOQ’s Knights of Columbus offer a weekly special with sides, baked or fried cod dinner, fried catfish dinner and fried fish sticks dinner. With the exception of our weekly special, all dinners include slaw, hush puppies, fries and a drink (soda, bottled water or tea). They also have an à la carte menu of salad, clam chowder, cheese pizza (slice), baked potato, sweet potato, fries, hush puppies and slaw. For the weekly special and more Info, visit www.maryourqueen.com. The whole family will enjoy live music scheduled during dinner.

The Knights of Columbus, Council 15966 will host Lenten dinners Fridays through March 31 at St. Clare of Assisi Church, 6301 Cedarcrest Road, Acworth. Dine-in and take-out from 5:30-7 p.m. Adult plates are $12 each with one entrée, hush puppies, two sides and a drink. A child’s plate is $9 with 1 entrée, one side and a drink. All are welcome.

The Cathedral of Christ the King and its Knights of Columbus will host fish fry dinners on Fridays during Lent from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in Kenny Hall. The cathedral is located at 2699 Peachtree Road NE in Atlanta. Adult plates are a choice of baked or fried cod, fish tacos or fish strips plus two sides, a dessert and drink for $15. Children ages 6-12 eat for $7. Children 5 and younger dine for free. Sides include garlic green beans, macaroni and cheese, roasted potatoes, honey buttered carrots or kale salad. Proceeds benefit MUST Ministries at the Cathedral of Christ the King.

The Immaculate Heart of Mary Men’s Group will offer a fish fry each of the Fridays of Lent, Feb. 24-March 31, from 6–8 p.m., in the school cafeteria, located at 2855 Briarcliff Rd, NE, Atlanta. Price is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $5 for kids under 12, and kids 4 and younger eat for free. Option 1 is fried fish (pollock), French fries, hush puppies, macaroni and cheese and coleslaw; option 2 is broiled fish (cod), fries, hush puppies, macaroni and cheese and coleslaw; option 3 is fish tacos, rice and beans. Dine-in, outdoor dining, take out or drive thru will be available. Bands will play March 11, March 17 and March 24 including Mike Vrazel and Friends and the Back Porch Reelers.

Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 1350 Hearst Drive, Brookhaven, will have Friday fish frys during Lent from 6-7 p.m. in Marist Hall.​ The all-you-can-eat menu includes baked and fried cod, fried catfish, mac and cheese, coleslaw, hush puppies, fries, salad, lemonade, water and cheese pizza for the picky eaters out there. Cost is $12.50 per person or $35 per family. All you can eat. Don’t have the cash? A QR code will be available so you can pay online upon arrival. 

St. Francis of Assisi Church, 850 Douthit Ferry Rd, Cartersville, will have fish frys Fridays during Lent through March 31. Hours are 5-6:45 p.m. Eat in or take out. Menu includes fish, fries, coleslaw, drinks and desserts. Dinners are $12. Sponsored by the Knights of Columbus Council 11461. For more info, visit https://www.stfac.org. 

St. Bernadette Church, 100 Evergreen Lane in Cedartown, will have its annual Fish Fry Dinner March 10 from 5-8 p.m. Tickets are $10.

The Men of St. Luke Church, Dahlonega, will begin their 15th annual Lenten fish fry dinners on Fridays, Feb. 24 from 5-7 p.m. in St. Luke’s Parish Hall located at 91 North Park St, across from Hancock Park. They will continue every Friday in Lent, except Good Friday. Chef Joel Pizzolato will oversee the preparation of the traditional fish fry menu. Seafood entrees are: cod, salmon, fried shrimp, fish and chips, crab cakes and clam chowder with sides of baked potatoes, French fries, mixed vegetables, coleslaw and hush puppies. Drinks and desserts also available. There will be a weekly “Chef’s Special” prepared by Chef Joel. 

The Knights of Columbus fish frys at All Saints Church, 2443 Mt. Vernon Rd, Dunwoody, return. The Knights will serve between 5 and 8 p.m. on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 22, and the following six Fridays: Feb. 24, March 3, 10, 17 (St. Patrick’s Day), 24 and 31. The meals will be served in the gymnasium at the church. Eat in or take out is available, and an average of 1,200 meals in just three hours are served each of the seven nights. Entrée choices: fried cod or shrimp and broiled cod or salmon; sides include made-from-scratch New England clam chowder, fries, macaroni and cheese, roasted red potatoes, coleslaw, green beans and hush puppies. Kids meals are available. Cash, checks and credit cards accepted for meals. Desserts are available nightly (cash only). Iced tea and water are complimentary; cash bar for beer, wine, soft drinks and bottled water. Proceeds benefit the charities of the Knights of Columbus.   

Good Samaritan Church, 25 Church St. in Ellijay, will have its fish frys starting Feb 24. at 5 p.m. Menu will include fried or baked fish, fried shrimp, combo plates, with macaroni and cheese or fries, slaw and hush puppies as sides. Fish or shrimp plates are $12, and combo plates are $14. Children’s plates are $6. Desserts and soft drinks and sides are free. Clam chowder is $2, and wine or beer is available for a $2 donation. 

The Knights of Columbus Council #6920 will host Friday fish frys at St. Michael Church, 1440 Pearce Circle, Gainesville, Feb. 24 to March 31 from 5-8 p.m. in the Social Hall. The menu includes fried fish, grilled fish, fried shrimp, macaroni and cheese, hush puppies, coleslaw, French fries and peach cobbler. Drinks will include soft drinks and bottled water. Prices will be $10 for those 14 and older, $5 for kids 6-13 and free for kids 5 and younger. Family bundles for $30 will be offered (two adult tickets and three kids 6-13 years old). Proceeds benefit the many charities supported by the Knights of Columbus.   

Let the Knights of Columbus in Jackson do the Friday meal cooking for you. Reel in a tasty catch by stopping by St. Mary Mother of God Church on Highway 16 West (359 Old Griffin Road) in Jackson each Friday of Lent between 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. The Knights of Columbus Council 12984 look forward to serving all adults two pieces of golden tilapia with a side of French fries, hushpuppies, coleslaw and a drink for just $10. And to honor first responders and military, the cost is only $5 when in uniform. Children plates (one piece of fish with the sides) are only $5. Dine in, relax, enjoy a great meal and the fellowship or take out your meal. 

St. Brigid Church, 3400 Old Alabama Rd in Johns Creek, will be having its fish fry each Friday evening during Lent from 5 to 8 p.m. Dine in, take out and a drive thru to accommodate all needs for visitors. Stations of the Cross will be prayed 7 p.m. each Friday in the main sanctuary. 

St. Marguerite d’Youville Church’s Knights of Columbus 12905 will have a fish fry every Friday in Lent, Feb. 24-March 31 from 5-7:30 p.m. Dinners will be served in the church’s Floyd Farabaugh Hall, 85 Gloster Road, Lawrenceville. Serving generous portions of fried white fish, grilled salmon, grilled mahi-mahi, fried shrimp and a fabulous seafood sampler all with side items of fries, homemade coleslaw, hushpuppies, iced tea and lemonade. The Knights offer New England clam chowder, baked potatoes and mac and cheese as additional side items along with home baked goods for dessert. Family meal deal and child plates available. Dine in or take out.  

St. Lawrence Church, 319 Grayson Highway, Lawrenceville, will have fish fry dinners every Friday in Lent. Hosted by the Knights of Columbus Council 13052. Proceeds benefit KOC Faith in Action programs. Eat in or take out between the hours of 5:30-8 p.m. Entrees include crab cakes, grilled salmon, shrimp, fried fish and kids’ shrimp. All entrees come with two sides and two hushpuppies. Side options are green beans, coleslaw, mac and cheese, fries, side salad, six pack of hushpuppies and apple sauce. Prices range from $6 to $13. Family pricing available. Raffle tickets will be sold throughout Lent and a free weekly drawing for kids will be held. A mega drawing will be held at the last fish fry, March 31. 

St. John Neumann Church, 801 Tom Smith Rd, Lilburn, will have fish frys the Fridays of Lent from 5-7:30 p.m. Prices vary based on selections. Children’s meals available. Menu items included fried and baked white fish, fried/grilled shrimp, clam chowder, fries, coleslaw, hush puppies, mac and cheese and salad. Desserts offered. Soft drinks, beer and wine available. 

St. Joseph Church, 87 Lacy St., Marietta, will have fish frys on Fridays from Feb. 24-March 31. Serving hours are 5:30 to 7 p.m. in Marist Hall. Council 4599 of the Knights of Columbus is the hosting group. Adults eat for $12, children 3-13 years eat for $6, under 3 dine for free. Tickets at door, cash, check or Venmo. Menu selections include a choice of fried, baked and blackened fish, fries, hush puppies, the house mac and cheese, green beans, coleslaw and ice tea and lemonade. Deluxe dessert table by St. Vincent de Paul Society. Adult beverages available. 

The Knights of Columbus Council #10362 will host Lenten dinners Fridays, March 3-23 at Transfiguration Church, 18 15 Blackwell Road, Marietta. Dinners will be from 5:30-7 p.m. in the Social Hall. Adult plates, are $12 each with one entrée, two sides and a drink. A child’s plate is $5 with 1 entrée, one side and a drink. A family deal is $29 and consists of two adult plates and two child plates. There will be themed nights for fellowship and community building. All are welcome. 

St. Oliver Plunkett Church, 3200 Brooks Drive, Snellville, presents its Lenten fish frys for all to enjoy. Dinners will be Friday during Lent (except Good Friday) beginning Friday, Feb. 24 through March 31. Hours are 5-7:30 p.m. in the family center. Menu includes baked or fried tilapia with a secret homemade batter, fish tacos, mac and cheese, French fries, clam chowder, coleslaw with homemade dressing, salad, cake and beverages to include coffee, lemonade/iced tea and water. Adults $10, Children (under 12) $5. Adult beverages are also available. 

The Knights of Columbus at St. Michael the Archangel Church, 490 Arnold Mill Rd, Woodstock, will have a fish fry each Friday of Lent, except Good Friday. The fry will be at the family center between the hours of 5-7 p.m. Delicious fried fish and new baked fish served each week.  A variety of sides including baked potato and clam chowder soup every week. Scrumptious desserts each week with a lemonade, ice tea and coffee. Adults $11; Kids between 5-12 $6, kids 4 and younger eat for free. Families of four eat for $29.