Saint Clare Church

OPLATKI $5.00

The tradition of the Oplatki originated in Poland as early as the seventeenth century.  The Oplatki are enjoyed by families, typically right before the Christmas Eve meal. The entire family will gather around the table with the Oplatek. Generally, the eldest member of the family will begin the ritual by breaking off a piece of the wafer and passing it to another family member with a blessing. This blessing can simply consist of what you desire for your loved one in the upcoming year – whether it be good health, success, or happiness. The purpose of this act is primarily to express one's love for each member of his or her family.
The significance of the Oplatki Christmas wafer is in that it shadows the Eucharistic meal Catholics participate in at each Mass.  Just as we share in the Eucharist as one family in Christ and receive Christ’s love through the Eucharist, the Oplatki allows for one’s immediate family to come together and share the love they have for one another. 
Although this tradition is primarily enjoyed by the human members of the family, even the family pets can partake.  Traditionally, this corresponds to the animals that were present at Christ’s birth.  However, in current times, this can also represent the important role that pets play in the family.  The colored Oplatki are made especially for pets, although both colors are fit for human consumption.  
The Oplatki tradition is one that is easy and fun to introduce to the family at Christmas time. All it requires is a simple wafer paired with love and affection, and the willingness to share it. This is a heartwarming tradition that will enhance your family’s time together during the Christmas season.

AVAILABLE AFTER WEEKEND MASSES BEGINNING
DECEMBER 5th
 

PLEASE EMAIL THE OFFICE OF YOUR REQUEST FOR THE MASSES.  THE DONATION IS NOW $20 PER MASS.  FIRST COME , FIRST SERVE REGARDING DATES.  

ALL DONATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED THE DAY OF THE MASS BOOKING AND WILL NO LONGER BE ACCEPTED AFTER THE MASS IS CELEBRATED.  THANK YOU.  

“Is anyone among you suffering? They should pray…  Is anyone among you sick? They should summon the presbyters of the church, and they should pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord.”  James 5:13, 14
 

If you are homebound and live near the Parish of Saint Clare, please contact the office for a visit from the priest.  If your loved one is in one of the local hospitals please let us know. 
Our number is 973-777-9313, Ext 4:  Fr. Thomas or Ext. 5: Fr. Peter

Pease Remember the following people in your daily prayers:  

 
SICK LIST:

DECEASED:
 

 +Andrew Blaskewicz +Jose Rodriguez +Salvatore Latteri + Edward Vallila +Marlene P. VerPlanck +Frank Santasieri +John M. Crosby +Edward J. Ford +Jean Latteri +Tom Matteo +Paula Banas +Zenaida Daquioag +Agnes Moran + Jean Cedio + Eleanor Merdo + Anne Zaremba +Ruben Basilio +Doris Hambach + Josephine Ramsay +Marie Salmeri +Isabel Lozano +Agnes Donohue +Paul Daborowski +Carolina Ganguzza +Victoria Toth +Ralph Lopez +Salvatore Lipari +Catalina Mendoza +Glen Byron   +Leonard T. Macaluso Sr. +Fortunato Ocello +Michael V. Ziemak +Antonino Campanella +Margaret R. Scorziello +Walter Leszczynski +Mitch Grochola +Carmen Galvan +Florence Koziel +Susan Linnartz +Eileen A. Russo +Virgilio Lao +Eleanor Prettyman +Edythe Maggio +Robert L. Palmieri +Josephine DeFrancesco +Eugene Mazzola +Sophie A. Martocci +Virginia Pometti +Katherine Miskovsky +Lynda Valentine +Walter Kaminski +Lucille Angelo +Anne C. Danzitz +Paul M. Scrittorale +German Baraquio +Teresa Andrusko +Msgr. Brendan Madden *Thomas (Leo) Viviano +Claire Liptak +Marie Palmieri +Frankin Cedeno +Adelina A. Danko +Stephen T. Brennan +Henry S. Los +Nicholas Martin +Rosalie G. Meade +Mary Ann Bartko +Thomas Graham

Do you know anyone else in need of prayer, let us know?  Email us at Office@SaintClareNJ.com

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