Iowa Catholic Radio
Fish Fry Finder
Submit Your Parish Fish Fry!
Just enter the information for your parish fish fry to show up in the Fish Fry Finder below. (Pending Staff Review.)
Lent is a sacred season in the Catholic Church that helps prepare us for the celebration of Easter. It begins on Ash Wednesday and lasts for 40 days, not counting Sundays, reflecting the 40 days Jesus spent praying and fasting in the desert. During Lent, we as Catholics intentionally slow down, reflect, and renew our commitment to follow Christ more faithfully.
We observe Lent as a time of repentance and spiritual growth. As Catholics, we believe this season invites us to examine our hearts, turn away from sin, and realign our lives with the Gospel. Lent helps us refocus on what truly matters by letting go of habits or distractions that distance us from God. Through sacrifice and reflection, we prepare ourselves to more fully experience the joy and hope of Easter.
We as Catholics traditionally live out Lent through three core practices: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Prayer becomes more intentional during this season through attending Mass, reading Scripture, or praying the Stations of the Cross. Fasting teaches us self-discipline and reliance on God. On Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, Catholics fast and abstain from meat, and many of us choose additional sacrifices throughout Lent. Almsgiving reminds us to be generous by supporting those in need with our time, talents, and resources.
Lent is a season we share as a community, and participation is open to everyone. While certain fasting requirements apply based on age, all are invited to take part in Lenten practices and traditions, including parish fish fries and acts of charity. We as Catholics understand Lent not as a burden, but as a meaningful journey—one that leads us together toward renewal, deeper faith, and the celebration of Easter.