Blessing of Food HoIy Saturday, April 79, 77:00 AM The Parish Center Ifyou've ever put a chocolate rabbit or a decorated egg in an basket, you have participated in a very old Catholic custom which originated in Eastern Europe. On , it became the custom for families to bring the makings of their Easter dinner to the church for a special series of blessings. Each of these foods has a special significance, and is very similar to the ritual Seder () meal still celebrated by our fewish brothers and sisters. Although specific foods vary between Slovah Polish, ukrainian, and Russian cultures, the basics usually consist oft MEATS: often kielbasa sausage, but sometimes lamb, or ham is used. The meat represents f esus as the Lamb of God sacrificed once for all of us.

BREAD: The Easter'' is a yeast bread [a raised bread for the risen Christ) made with golden raisins, and often decorated with a cross. Aside from the representation of fesus as the Bread of Life, this rich, flavorful bread is also in direct contrast to the unleavened bread consumed at Passover. BUTTER: often shaped into a lamb, or marked with a cross, butter represents prosperity and peace. HORSERADISH: A food traditional to the Passover meal, the bitter horseradish reminds us of Iesus'suffering. SALT: In the ritual Seder meal, herbs are dipped into salt water to represent the tears of the Israelites. We include salt not only to remind us of f esus' suffering but as a reminder that, as Christians, we are called to be the Salt of the Earth. EGGS: To |ews, a roasted egg is symbolic of mourning, and is traditionally part of the Seder meal as a reminder of the destruction of the Temple. Christians changed this symbol into a brightly-colored egg symbolizing new life, and when we crack an , we 'break open' Christ's tomb. WINE: Often included as a natural partner to the paska. Bread and wine represent the Body and Blood of ]esus. CANDLE: Representing fesus as the Light of the World.

To Participate in this Year's Food Blessing bring a basketwith small samples of whatyou plan to eat at Easter dinner (please don't bring your entire ham!) to be blessed, or simply bring your Easter eggs or chocolates to be blessed. The most important thing is to bring your faith to the dinner table, and share it with your family! The Blessing of Easter Food Parish Center, 11:00 AM

OVER