Every Friday in Lent is Good Friday for parishioner Faith Sisk at Our Lady of Joy in Plum.

She is one of many members of Holy Family Parish who volunteer their time at fish fries each year.

“We’re very blessed to have these volunteers, and people just want to give and participate,” she said.

Sisk was joined on March 24 by fellow parishioners Marge Barton and Alberta Leonzio at the baked goods table. The ladies had chocolate chip and oatmeal raisin cookies, brownies, ricotta and lemon cakes, cupcakes and gluten-free peanut butter cookies, to name a few items.

“The selection was limited because it was a busy night,” Sisk said about what was left after an early rush.

The baked goods table is not that far from the main customer line and the kitchen, where members of Knights of Columbus Council 4242 help take orders and prepare plates under the direction of Joe Dello Stritto and his wife, Carol.

They serve hand-breaded haddock instead of cod, like most places.

“It’s more fleshy and has a good texture to it,” said Joe Dello Stritto, event coordinator for the past five years. “Word gets out there. We have a great fish sandwich.”

About 300 pounds of fish is served at each fish fry from Ash Wednesday through Good Friday at Our Lady of Joy.

Dello Stritto said this year marks the return of indoor dining after two years of drive-thru-only service.

“People showed up,” he said about those years. “We’d run the food from down here in the kitchen upstairs and out them in the Cambros (food storage containers) to keep things warm. People would drive up and the workers would go out.

“Takeout is big. I’d say a third of the people here tonight have been here almost every night since we’ve opened up. It’s all word of mouth for other people to come here. People know what we’re like. I’d say the wait (to get an order) is a max 10 minutes.”

Dello Stritto, a former O’Block Junior High School wrestling and football coach, said his team thrives on competition and would put the parish’s products against any church, fire department or restaurant in the nation.

“Anything that’s competitive I like,” he said.

Each Friday, at least 30 volunteers help out at the church. The inside kitchen bustles with the sounds of folks filling plates and scooping side dishes, while a tent outside sizzles with frying fish and french fries.

Parishioner Jeff McCarrick said he and his fellow tent team members use the fryers outdoors for proper ventilation, and follow all Allegheny County Health Department guidelines.

“We haven’t had any complaints,” McCarrick said. “I want to give back. I like committing my time to the church.”

Other menu items include baked fish, shrimp boats, macaroni and cheese, coleslaw, haluski, grilled cheese and apple sauce. All food is a la carte, and payment is cash only.

Good Friday fish fry is from 4-7 p.m. at 2000 O’Block Road.

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