Four churches' tradition goes on with fish fry

Four Morgan City pastors continue to move beyond the walls of the church building by hosting a Good Friday fish fry as a community ministry event at Lawrence Park from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“It’s a very important day as far as Christians are concerned, of course followed by Easter Sunday,” the Rev. L. John Locascio, pastor of Pharr Chapel and Walmsley United Methodist Church, said.

This is the fifth year the Revs. Locascio, Doug Lassiter (Trinity Episcopal), Tommy Fromenthal (Cornerstone Ministries) and Herb Stanley (Cornerstone Ministries) have partnered for the fish fry.

The community event started as a result of a desire to serve the community outside of the building where worship services and bible studies were held. The park was an ideal place.

“It all began with the Episcopal priest and I talking one day about doing some things in the park reaching out to the community,” Locascio said.

“We approached Cornerstone and we decided for churches in the park area that maybe we could do something on Good Friday. Since, there really wasn’t anything (event) to reach out to people.”

The first year, close to 300 people was served at the fish fry. The following year approximately 400 people showed up. Last year, 800 people were served .

“It’s grown pretty much exponentially,” Locascio said.

The fish fry comes on one of the most solemn days on the Christian calendar, the day Christ was crucified .

“The cross represents to us that Christ died for our sins,” Locascio said. “So therefore, he became the one that we go to ask for forgiveness of sins. He’s the one who has died for us.”

In addition to a meal, there will be 14 Stations of the Cross set up in the park.

Each station represents some part in the crucifixion event of Jesus along the Via Dolorosa, the way of suffering.

The Via Dolorosa is the road Jesus walked once he was sentenced at Pontius Pilate’s palace and continued on to Golgotha . “Via Dolorosa” means “way of sorrows.”

People will be able to walk and stop at each station and learn about different points along the path of suffering that Jesus encountered.

The first walk will begin at noon and another following at 1 p.m.

“We’ll go around the park remembering Christ’s crucifixion and death,” Locascio said. “We’ll speak to them about the gospel.”

Fried catfish, white beans and rice, coleslaw, bread, brownies, drinks and hot dogs as an additional option for children will be served at the event.

The fish fry is open to the public. There is no charge. Donations are appreciated .

Christian music will be played during the event.

“Come and join us,” Locascio said. “It’s important for us to reach out to our community and touch people with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

“Live. Learn. And tell the gospel.”