St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, 122 Union St., Catasauqua, held a Lenten dinner March 11 in its parish center.

There was a time when Catholics were required to refrain from eating meat on any Friday. That Vatican edict was changed years ago, but St. Mary’s is keeping the tradition of offering meat-free dinners on a Friday during Lent.

Pan-seared fish or a crab patty platter were the dinners offered for either dine-in or takeout. The platter also included green beans, roll with butter and choice of macaroni and cheese, cabbage and noodles or parsley potatoes. One additional side was allowed; choices were stewed tomatoes, coleslaw or applesauce.

The dining hall was filling up with patrons, and the kitchen had a line outside the door as people waited to select their dinners.

David Domin, a stalwart volunteer for St. Mary’s fundraising events, staffed the ticket table, directed patrons to the kitchen to retrieve their food and guided diners to the social hall.

St. Mary’s volunteer leader Kim Smith worked the kitchen with her staff. Smith is also the church secretary.

Shirley and Jim Paukovits, of Coplay, brought friends to enjoy the meal. They commented on the quality of the dinners and the opportunity for fellowship with friends.

St. Mary’s is an active church and already has the next fundraising event scheduled - a basket social planned for March 25-27. Proceeds from the basket social are earmarked for the religious education program.

Ticket sheets are $5 each, and if five sheets are purchased, the patron gets one additional ticket sheet for free. Ticket sheets purchased in advance may be picked up at the ticket sale table during the basket social or at the parish office.

For additional information about the basket social or to purchase tickets in advance, call 610-264-9383.