THROUGHOUT ITS 60-YEAR history, St. Bonaventure parish has guided its flock by proclaiming the ideals of Jesus Christ to all people through word, sacrament, service and community life.
These ideals were never more evident than on Friday evening, March 21, when the parish hosted its ever-popular Friday Night Fish Fry.
(LEFT TO RIGHT) JIM KISIAH, BARBARA ELAM AND COLLIN PAUL POSE FOR A PHOTO IN THE KITCHEN ON MARCH 21. PHOTOS BY ALAN WENDELL/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
Similar to most parish events, many people are needed to host an event as significant as a Lenten Fish Fry. For event co-director Dan Kane, this event doesn’t just magically happen on Friday evening.
For the St. Bonaventure team, planning always starts with its ever-present “binder,” which details all of the functions of the event, including the recipe for the fish batter. The binder, along with the many volunteers, keeps this “well-oiled machine” serving the parishioners of this Huntington Beach parish.
JACE TRIPOLI SERVES FISH TO GUESTS AT THE ST. BONAVENTURE LENTEN FISH FRY.
Kane represents the Knights of Columbus, and his co-director, Tom Huston, represents the St. Bonaventure Men’s Club in their leadership of the Fish Fry. The duties for the week can start as early as Sunday for the upcoming Friday event. Shopping for the best food items may take Kane to multiple stores as the week’s preparation unfolds. In addition to members of the Knights of Columbus and Men’s Club, 50 volunteers are needed to execute the various event tasks. This group is responsible for setting up the parish hall, breaking down the chairs and tables, cleaning the hall and assisting with cooking, among other tasks. These volunteers represent a cross-section of the parish, and the number of volunteer slots required are always filled.
“Somehow, it always works out, even though it does add some stress,” Kane said. “God provides!”
BRYNN BOVA (LEFT) AND BARBARA GONZALES SHOW OFF DESSERTS AT THE LADIES AUXILIARY BAKE SALE TABLE.
Many others are part of this effort to serve an average of 380 meals at each Fish Fry. John Coughlin has the critical job of kitchen management and has been working the Fish Fries for 20 years. Joe Hreish, affectionately known as “Big Joe,” a Special Olympics ambassador and a Knights of Columbus member, works in various capacities to make this event a special night for all attendees. Reid Babin has volunteered with this event for 15 years and has been involved in the Fish Fry finances since his time as financial secretary for the Knights of Columbus. The Ladies Auxiliary plays a crucial role in organizing and managing the dessert table. With donated desserts and desserts purchased from stores, this group raises funds for many of its charities through these sales, including Mary’s Path, Horizon Pregnancy Clinic and both St. Bonaventure and St. Vincent de Paul parishes.
Last but not least are the Boy Scouts, who, in complete uniform, work at the Fish Fries, clearing tables and assisting guests.
STEVE FALZON (RIGHT), ONE OF THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS, SERVES CLAM CHOWDER TO GUESTS OF ST. BONAVENTURE PARISH’S FISH FRY
Events held at parishes throughout the Diocese are significant aspects of community building.
“Fish Fries are all about the parish community rallying together in the grace of God,” said Huston.
(LEFT TO RIGHT) ALI CAFFERTY, DOMINIC RIEBLI, JIM ACCORUERO, DAN ORAZEO AND NEAL GRAY WORK BEHIND THE SCENES TO PREPARE FOOD FOR THE FISH FRY.