ONE WORD DESCRIBES the atmosphere moments before the doors open to the St. Norbert Parish fish fry — excitement.
Inside the Family and Youth Center, eighth-grade students scurried around decorating the evening’s western- themed festivities. Parishioners and school supporters greeted old friends and made new acquaintances while preparing to sample an array of menu options, including clam chowder, ceviche and chips, potato tacos and classic fish and chips.
FROM LEFT, STEVE LU, ESTEVAN SERRATO, SAM KAMELA AND SAM SHMUEL MAN THE FRYERS DURING THE EVENING’S FISH FRY. PHOTOS BY ALAN WENDELL/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
For 22 years, St. Norbert Catholic School has hosted the Lenten fish fry program. Eighth-grade parents and students run the first three fish fries of the season and the last three events are directed by the seventh grade. Proceeds go towards an annual eighth-grade spring trip to the East Coast, including visits to Boston, Washington, D.C., New York City and Philadelphia. The parent team is led by Sharon and Brian Pearson and assisted by Sam Shmuel (fryers), Alma Rodriguez (front of house) and Araceli Rodriguez (kitchen).
“Brian and I met while working at a restaurant,” shared Sharon Pearson. “We love the fast pace, hospitality and fun of the fish fries.”
FR. JOHN MONEYPENNY, PASTOR OF ST. NORBERT CATHOLIC CHURCH, GREETS GUESTS DURING THE FISH FRY.
The students’ roles include food runners, greeters and assisting at the dessert, drink and raffle tables. “I enjoy seeing friends and classmates and getting experience working in a restaurant-type setting,” said eighth-grader Sydney Lu.
Principal Joe Ciccoianni is fully involved in the fish fry experience.
“As our pastor Fr. John Moneypenny always says, ‘We are one parish, one family.’ This is evident at the fish fry, which brings together school families, parishioners and community members.”
On Fridays during Lent, the parish center is transformed into a well-organized space for parishioners to not only dine but also experience a sense of community. If desired, those wishing to take their meal home can use an efficient take-out or drive-thru station.
Current school parent Emily Wroblewski attended the fish fry with husband Terrance and daughter June, who is a second grader at St. Norbert.
“Events like the fish fry and the community aspect they promote is the reason we kept June at the school after her kindergarten year,” she shared.
Charmaine and Jim Duquesnel have attended the fish fry for many years.
Jim, a school alumnus, remarked,” I have been coming to the fish fry since 1969; it’s a great way to see how the community comes together in support.”
During the March 6 fish fry, a custom car display was set up in front of the hall. Fr. John Moneypenney, pastor of St. Norbert Catholic Church, who will be joining the eighth graders on their trip, paused near the cars and shared thoughts on the event.
“It is a special sign of our parish and school connection,” he said.