Taken from the Latin word oblate, meaning Sacred Bread, originated in Poland during Early Christian times.
The breaking and sharing of the Oplatek, also known as the Christmas Wafer, is done typically right before the Christmas meal is served to your loved ones gathered at Christmas dinner. Generally, the eldest member of the family begins the ritual by breaking off a piece of the Oplatek and then passing the remaining wafer to another person at the table with a blessing. The purpose of this act is to express the unconditional love we have for one another and thereby reinforcing the unity of the family.
All are invited to partake of this ancient Christmas tradition, even if your family is not of Slavic heritage. Oplatki envelopes along with ritual instructions are available at the Parish Life Center desk now through Christmas.
