The 50 families of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Geneva understood that the limited number of priests available would change their church into an oratory with no Sunday masses to be said as of October 2016, according to a press release.

However, that is not stopping the church community from carrying on tradition.

The congregation is planning for the annual St. Patrick’s Day fish fry, which will be from 4:30 to 7 p.m. March 17 at the church hall.

“It is the best fish fry around and it is tradition to have this fish fry,” church  member Dale Viktora said. “We will continue.”

“It is not a job. It is a good time to have fun with the others preparing the fish and everyone contributes,” said Pat Goodnature, one of the parish trustees for more than a dozen years. “We provide a good fish dinner for anyone who comes to enjoy.”

The meal includes hand-dipped, batter-fried fish with tartar sauce and lemon; baked potato with butter and sour cream; deli coleslaw; farmers bread with butter; and a wide selection of homemade bars, along with a beverage of choice. Donations are welcome.

St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Geneva is a country church and stands at the intersection of 820th Avenue and 310th Street. When traveling out of Geneva, you will find the church hall five miles east on County Road 35, before turning south on County Road 30 for one mile. From another direction, it is located two miles north of Maple Island on County Road 30.

Those with questions can contact parish trustee Michelle Miller at 507-438-1939.