Many of you might have surmised, from my red hair, that I am not Polish. However, for the last several years, especially since coming to Resurrection Parish, I have been being exposed to more and more Polish traditions. Of course we have our annual Polish Kitchen at our Spring Fling which has expanded my taste buds. One of my priest friends was born and raised in Poland, so he shares with me some of the customs he grew up with.

Another Polish tradition, which we celebrate here in the parish is the sharing of oplatek at our annual 12^thNight/Oplatek Dinner which we had this weekend. However, it was only this year that I read about the oplatek tradition to understand the meaning behind it.

The oplatek is a thin wafer, similar in consistency to a communion wafer. Rectangular in shape, the oplatek wafer is stamped with an elaborate Christmas scene, often the Nativity. They are given out during the Advent season, and saved to be shared at the Christmas Eve dinner.

The oplatek is one version of the Eastern European tradition of giving out blessed bread. While not consecrated, like the host at Mass, being of the same general consistency, we are suppose to see a connection between the Eucharist and Christmas, when the Word of God came to live among us.

On Christmas Eve, the family eagerly awaits the first star in the night sky, recalling the star of Bethlehem that signaled the birth of the Savior. Once the star has been spotted, the Christmas Eve meal begins.

The table is traditionally covered with straw and a white cloth. In some homes this is reduced to a single plate, upon which rests the oplatek, as a symbol of Christ in the manger.

The father (or eldest member of the family) begins the ceremony by taking the oplatek and breaking a piece off of it, giving it to his wife. When he does so, he may say what he is thankful for, wish her good health, or ask for forgiveness.

After this initial sharing, the oplatek is then shared with each member of the family in a similar manner, starting with the oldest down to the youngest. It is a touching ceremony, one that can help heal hurts from the past year.

After the breaking of the bread is completed, a small meal is served that eagerly anticipates the Midnight Mass, which many Polish families would attend on Christmas Eve.

Here are Resurrection, we do sell the oplatek wafers during Advent if families wish to continue the tradition. We, however, have paired it with the custom of celebrating the 12 days of Christmas (which would be the Epiphany). Our Altar Rosary Society has been sponsoring the 12^thNight/Oplatek Dinner for many years, and it is something that many of us look forward to each year. It is a time for us as a parish family to get together to celebrate Christmas. It is a time to think about what we are grateful for about the parish, pray that as a parish we continue to grow in faith (spiritual health), and to pray for healing and forgiveness.

Whether you attend the dinner or not, be thankful, and pray for good health in our families, including our parish family.