Fish fry events are staples of the Christian community during lent before Easter. St. Ann Church of the St. Matthias Parish holds fish fry events through the Knights of Columbus every Friday. The church is located on 232 E High St. in Waynesburg, Pa. Lunch is served from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m., while dinner hours last from 4-6:30 p.m. every Friday.

The seating area for the meals is located on the side of the church in the St. Ann Social Hall. The dining area contains eight tables with plenty of chairs for the community to gather and eat meals together while celebrating faith.

According to the FinancialSecretary of the Knights of Columbus at St. Ann Church Barry Nelson foods such as deep-fried cod and shrimp are hand breaded. Meals are served with homemade tartar and cocktail sauce. For drinks, they serve iced tea, lemonade and water, as well as a variety of dessert dishes.

Nelson has been a member of the church since the 1980’s and a member of the organization for over 20 years.

When talking about the fish fry and his faith through the church, Nelson mentioned the start of the organization.

“For Knights of Columbus, we started our council here in the year 2000,” Nelson said. “And when we were looking for ways to make money for the church, fish fries seemed like a natural fit for the Catholic church during Lent.”

The Knights of Columbus society is based on “charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism,” Nelson said. However, Nelson believes charity is the one that stands out to him. 

Nelson also continued to speak about the importance of Lent and why Lent should be cherished.

“Lent is one of the things the Catholics give up,” Nelson said. “I think the giving back to the community allows us to raise money so we can do charitable things.”

Nelson continued to praise the staff he works with for their hospitality and willingness to help people, all while claiming the best fish fry in the Waynesburg area.

“If you look around town, there are plenty of places that have fish,” Nelson said. “But of course, none of them compared to here.”

Long-time Waynesburg University staff member of 37 years, Paul Sielski has also been involved with the fish fry operations at St. Ann Church for 12 years.

Sielski mentioned how there are individual stations for the operation of the fish fry. He said he is in control of the shrimp and french fry station, whilealso elaborating about Lent and the relation between his faith along with Lent.

“Everybody comes here, Catholics, non-Catholics, because we don’t eat meat on Fridays,” Sielski said. “You’re supposed to give up something for Lent because Christ made the ultimate sacrifice, and if you are Christian, you believe that.”

Sielski continued to speak on his faith and even shared stories that developed his faith. Sielski shared a message he believes people should always think about when carrying themselves daily.

“In life, there are really good people, average people and a few bad eggs,” Sielski said. “But my message to people would be to treat people with love and respect, and things will work out for you.”

For more information on other fish fry events in the area visit Fish Fry Fridays 2025 – Visit Greene County.

For more information on St. Ann church visit St. Matthias | Greene County, PA.For more information on the Knights of Columbus go to Knights of Columbus | Catholic Fraternal Organization.