The service, held at the church on Northeast 2nd Street, marked the beginning of the 40-day period of preparation leading to Easter Sunday.

On six Fridays at area churches through Lent, Knights of Columbus groups and other organizations often offer reasonably priced Lenten seafood meals.

Gary Meyer says the fish fry fundraiser at St. Patrick's in Canonsburg is important for the church. This year, they’re offering more food than ever before as they hope to break a fundraising record despite the cost of food going up.

The beginning of Lent also ushers in a time of sacrifice, with many of the faithful abstaining from meat on Fridays. They also avoid meat