Moundsville church keeps the fryers running for Fish Fry Fridays

MOUNDSVILLE, W.Va. (WTRF) — Fish and fries.

It’s comfort food that isn’t hard to come by at any restaurant.

But at St. Francis Xavier in Moundsville, behind one plate of deep-fried food lies decades of selfless volunteer work, and a millennium of Christian tradition.

From 11 until 5 every Friday for the next five weeks, you’ll find an assembly line at Xavier Hall humming along.

Volunteers devote hours to breading, frying, cutting and serving in honor of the season of Lent.

Customers line up for a lunch or early dinner of fish, macaroni and cheese, pierogies and other entree items.

And fish fry co-chair Tom Berry says you can count on them coming hungry.

“The fish, we probably take an average of probably 240 pounds a week to 300, and French fries and everything. We’ve got to keep the pace.”

Tom Berry, Co-Chair, St. Francis Xaiver Fish Fry

It’s a scene familiar to Catholics around the world.

For 2,000 years, the Church has prepared for Easter through 40 days of fasting, self-denial and abstaining from foods like meat on Fridays.

To the devout, it’s a recognition of Jesus’s sacrifice, expressed through the offering of time and talent.

And in St. Francis Xavier’s case, it’s a mission whose rewards end up in the community’s hands.

“The money the Knights raised last year, we bought 100 coats for kids, helped with charity on food and stuff, Wheeling Catholic Charities.”

Tom Berry, Co-Chair, St. Francis Xaiver Fish Fry

It’s an institution spanning through the generations, with many of its volunteers bringing years of experience into the kitchen.

All put forward in the name of faith and preparation for the holiest time of year.

“It’s a beautiful time of the year to give to the community, and give to the church, and give to the Knights, it’s really a special time for me.”

Tom Berry, Co-Chair, St. Francis Xaiver Fish Fry

While the fish fry is the church’s largest fundraiser, you can also find them hosting games of bingo and their famous Irish road bowling in the summer, in collaboration with the Knights of Columbus.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTRF.