ENDICOTT, N.Y. -- Churches across the region are frying up their first fish dinners of the Lenten Season.

St. Anthony of Padua Church in Endicott served their traditional meals, which included baked or fried fish, pierogi and coleslaw.

Many people who came for the dinners used the church's drive-through service, while dozens filled the church hall.

Staff have been preparing for the weekly dinners several months in advance.

Church officials say it's an opportunity to connect with residents.

"It is a great community event. We like the fellowship, it brings a lot of people together, people from St. Anthony's and from other places as well. Catholic, non-Catholic, it doesn't matter. We welcome everyone, and just come and enjoy the people, the food, the atmosphere, we think it's a wonderful thing for our community," said Bill Matts, Deacon.

Meals will continue to be served at St. Anthony's every Friday in Lent from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.