Standard-Speaker from Hazleton, Pennsylvania • Page 22

22 Hazleton Standard-Speaker, Wednesday, December 22, 1999 A Polish Christmas Eve tradition is shared Bishop will reenact sealing of Holy Year Door As Advent draws to a close this weekend, the Church of Scranton prepares to enter the Third Millennium of Christianity. To mark this momentous event, Bishop James C. Timlin, Bishop of Scranton, will reenact a centuries-old tradition by unsealing the Holy Year Door at St. Peter's Cathedral on Christmas Eve, just prior to Midnight Mass. CTV: Catholic Television, the diocesan station, will provide live coverage as Bishop Timlin opens the cathedral's Holy Year Door, the central entrance door on Wyoming Avenue, downtown Scranton, in a ceremony which begins at 11:45 p.m.

Hundreds of worshippers who are expected to attend the traditional Midnight Mass, which immediately follows, will be present to witness the ceremony. Bishop Timlin had sealed the diocesan Holy Year Door with a cross bearing the jubilee logo, "Jesus Christ, Yesterday, Today, and Forever," on April 7, 1998, prior to the celebration of the Chrism Mass, with the priests of the diocese, symbolizing a period of preparation for the Third Millennium of Christianity. The presence of a sealed Holy Year Door at St. Peter's Cathedral over the past two years and its opening on Christmas Eve, connects the local church with the worldwide church. The Holy Year Door symbolizes the eatewav to the "Father," through whom mankind born.

We should welcome him.) The wafer is broken and shared with the next oldest person, then the next, and so on. Each person, in turn, shares his or her piece of oplatek with everyone else, each asking for forgiveness for human frailties, and each extending good wishes to all. Table scraps, with pieces of the revered oplatek, are shared with the animal after supper, as a kindly gesture to the humble creatures present at the Lord's birth. It is legend that on Wigilia the animals are gifted with the power of speech, but can only be heard by the pure in heart. THE MUSIC Throughout the meal, between each course, the beautiful music of a polish Christmas is sung.

After the lengthy supper ritual, the Christmas tree (choinka) is unveiled, gifts are shared, and the nativity story is related in song. Then comes the trek to church and the culmination of Wigilia the Pastepka, the Shepherd's Mass at midnight. Inside the crowded church stands, in candlelit solitude, the manger scene (szopka). At the prescribed hour, the darkness gives way to the "Light," and solemnity gives way to joy. to distance or even death.

It is a chair which, in that person's absence, is reserved for Jesus himself, who may appear in the form of a stranger at the door. THE CANDLE IN THE WINDOW To represent Christ the Light of the World and to light the way for those lost, a single candle is placed in the window. "Here is a Christian home," it announces, "which, today, rejoices in the coming of the Savior." THE OPLATEK The symbolism of the oplatek -the simple, fragile wafer imprinted with scenes of the nativity -almost defies understanding. It is so central to the Wigilia celebration, and it represents such a "communion of the spirit" among all Poles, that it is frequently sent to far-flung family members in gestures of love and unity that are almost mystical. THE WIGILIA SUPPER Tradition dictates that the meal begins at the sight of the first star in the evening sky, the star symbolic of the one over the stable in Bethlehem.

The oldest member of the family begins the prescribed supper ritual by raising the oplatek and saying, "Bog sie rodzi, Witac go sit godzi" (God is being to be an indication of the coming year; whether, throughout that year, one is to be alert or lazy depends much upon the degree of enthusiasm with which one begins this day. Cooking and cleaning chores commence at once, for there is much to be accomplished before nightfall. The day's activities are all geared toward the intricate preparations for the evening meal, when all the symbolism of the day is enacted in rites that have been passed on from generation to generation. The following is a brief description of the traditional Polish celebration: THE TABLE A few blades of hay, symbolizing the Christ Child's manger-crib, are strewn on the dining table (and often under the table and in the corners of the room), which is then covered with a white tablecloth, symbolic of the Holy Infant's swaddling clothes. The table is set for everyone.

Hopefully, the number of settings at the table will be an even number, for an odd number at the Wigilia table is considered to be an ominous sign. THE EMPTY CHAIR An extra setting is made for a family member who is absent due NOTE: The story of Wigilia (translated as to keep watch), a Christmas Eve tradition in many Polish homes is retold here by Thomas Kuzek of Ht. Johns PNC Church.) "Each year on the weekend before Christmas, the people of our parish and their loved ones gather for a traditional Wigilia celebration in our parish hall," says Thomas Kusek, president of the Sacred Heart Fellowship Society at St. John's Polish National Catholic Church, 12th and Church streets, Hazleton. "We break bread, sing traditional Polish Kolendy and will continue to observe this tradition.

It is a way to preserve our tradition and express our faith with the parish as a whole and it is important for our children to attend. Sunday, we had a great showing and had a visit from Bishop Casimir Grotnik, our former pastor, who was recently consecrated, and Santa Claus. This was also a chance for our parishioners to get to know the new pastor, the Rev. Edward Czudak, who was appointed to replace Bishop Grotnik. The Rev.

Czudak has been serving in the BaltimoreD.C. area. Through a complex unification of folklore and religious faith, Christmas Eve in Poland has assumed a distinction over the centuries that has elevated the day to one of incomparable importance on the calendar. No other traditional observance carries with it such mystical qualities as does Wigilia, and none is more important to a Pole. Wigilia comes from the Latin Vigilare to watch (czuwac).

The day begins very early for everyone, because it is considered finds salvation. Pope John Paul II will lead the opening of other Holy Year doors at cathedrals throughout the world wnen fte oltici-ates at the opening of the Holy Year Door at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. That event will occur almost simultaneously with the open ing of the door in the Diocese of Scranton. "The Holy Year Door is a symbol of Jesus Christ, the true gate of Heaven, the mediator of salvation for humanity, and the one through whom we have reconciliation and communion with said Bishop Timlin.

"As a sign of our communal preparation for the great Jubilee Year, these doors have remained closed until midnight on Christmas Eve. On that night, they will be opened wide to mark the beginning of the celebration of the Third Millennium of Chris tianity." Bishop Timlin and Auxiliary Bishop John M. Dougherty will complete their Advent journeys to bring the diocese to the celebration of the Jubilee Year on Sunday, as Bishop Timlin celebrates Mass at Red Cross schedules holiday blood drives at area hospitals St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Church, Wilkes-Barre, at 10 a.m. and Bishop Dougherty celebrates Mass at St.

Rose of Lima Church, Carbondale, at 10 a.m. During the final year of preparation for the Jubilee, the church has focused on the Sacrament of Reconciliation. During the Jubilee Year, the focus will be on the Sacrament of the Eucharist. An Inter national Eucharistic Congress will be held in Rome, June 18 to 25, and a local Eucharistic celebration will be held at the new Northeastern Pennsylvania Civic Arena, Wilkes-Barre Township, on Oct. 15.

Christ's presence in the Eucharist will be celebrated with all- I PLAYEP MiSBll FOR night Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament at St. Peter's Cathedral on New Year's Eve and New Year's morning. The diocesan World Apostolate of Fatima (the Blue Army), led by spiritual moderator Holiday blood drives will be held at both Hazleton hospitals this year, with the first scheduled for Thursday in the Office and Education Building at Hazleton General Hospital. The drive will begin at 9 a.m.; ending at 2 p.m. This drive has a target of 60.

On Jan. 4, the bloodmobile will be at Hazleton-St. Joseph Medical Center, from 4 to 7 p.m. At both drives, extra staff, volunteers and beds will be available to accommodate donors. "We know the holidays are a busy time, but the need for blood does not take a holiday.

Patients in your area hospitals are depending on all of us. We ask that all eligible blood donors give the gift of life," said Shirley Ciculya, blood services coordinator for the Hazle Cross. Both the holiday drive at HGH and the New Year drive will give donors an opportunity to receive the "New Millennium Hero" T-shirt, which will be given to all blood donors, a promotion that began Dec. ending Jan. 15.

This campaign is not only a recruitment campaign, but also an effort to make sure the mission to supply blood products to our hospitals continues without problems during this historic turn of the century. "We want to urge all blood donors to make donating blood a top priority during the transition this new year, a time when blood collections are already traditionally low. The Red Cross needs all donors to plan ahead and commit to donating blood, especially during the holidays. It certainly is a lot more comfortable to donate Father David Cramer, will keep vigil during the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, along with members of the St. Raphael Society.

Recitations of the rosary will take place, and there will be opportunities for reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Monsignor Joseph G. Quinn, cathedral rector, will be the celebrant of the 12:30 blood than to be in need of donated blood. It is such a small price to pay for the opportunity to save lives and to help others in need. Those of us who can donate are already blessed with good Ciculya.

"One organization that will still be open for business is the American Red Cross," said Ciculya. "The Red Cross will continue to operate, collecting and distributing nearly half of the nation's blood supply. Blood our life force cannot be stockpiled, because blood products have a limited shelf life and the demand for blood is constant. The air you breathe, the feeling of the warm sun on your skin, the voice of an old friend there is no substitute for some of the most precious gifts we have. Donating blood saves lives.

It may not be your neighbor or co-worker or best friend who needs your blood today, but someone does. To be eligible to donate blood, you must be healthy, at least 17 years old, and weigh at least 105 pounds. a.m. Millennium Mass of Mary, mother of God, on Jan. 1.

DeMelfi School of Music students and friends will go Christmas Caroling Dec. 22 3 shopping days to Christmas ton Chapter of the American Red Viliwfa'Mitifl TWnirftriiiww'Ji-nwi'(ri)iitwMfrtMmiiraMiH8iiiiMnmitjiimii'n WDno wnDD Ibe the Students and friends of the DeMelfi School of Music will gather at the studio on Thursday to go Christmas caroling. The group will leave the studio 337 E. Diamond Hazleton at 6 p.m. and will walk through the streets of the northeast section of the city, singing songs of the season.

S3 A V0ft MILLENNIUM BABY History Was Made N. December 22nd, 1944 Steve Carlton Baseball Hall of Fame Star's Birthday. December 22nd, 1948 Steve Garvey 1 Baaseman for Dodgers DAYS in our A. WRIGHPOTORSTHE AUTO EMPORIUM a a jg i it CADILLAC-OLDS-iDraSPI'-CHRVsiER-PLyMOUTH-BUICK-PONTIAC r-JOver Rte 93, W. Hazleton (Exit 41 off 1-81, Near Laurel Mall) 100 used jcA-nuRB n.jMw Cs 'til "-in i.nnn.m'y.'iAon ventcies a mo Bate Trf iOOO ic be Participants are asked to bring either regular or battery-operated candles.

A limited number of songbooks will be provided. Hot chocolate, coffee and snacks will be provided to the participants. This event culminates the year's activities of the school, which presents musical programs and recitals year-round by students of voice, piano, guitar, drums, organ, accordion and band instruments, as well as chorus concerts by the Hazleton Area Singers' Guild. For more information on the caroling, call 455-2728. HAZLETON CITY'S Y2K ANNOUNCEMENT The Hazleton City Police Department, through Captain Peter J.

Quinn, announced that the department is prepared for Y2K problems should any arise. Captain Quinn said he has been making emergency plans concerning the holiday season since the summer. All available police officers are scheduled to work throughout the Christmas and New Year's holidays. All utilities have assured police that they will be operating and said they would have emergency crews on standby. TJ Powell, Hazleton City Fire Chief, reported that his department is also prepared for any emergency.

Three fire stations Pioneer, East End, and Diamond will be open and operational. If needed, Chief Powell said he has necessary personnel on standby to open the 14th Ward and Heights fire stations. VETS OUTREACH Thomas G. Kucewicz, Veterans Outreach Services representative, will be at the American Red Cross office today, and the Luzerne County Courthouse Annex Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

both days. EN ON Ateftiscfs ft biferfe! We Need Your As in the pest, the StandardSpeaker will be running our annuel "First Baby Boy Girl of the Year Content' 1 We want you to be part of it! 1 4 Hnft ID lllftf. r1 fh -y on deciding the Babies will appear in the wvuoww i December 30th MILLENNIUM oejHjJfwHj; (md (med Baby Contest Ad! 1 Remember, Only Original Newspaper Entries will be acceptedl No copies or fax copies are eligible! Mail Your Entry Forms or Drop Them Off at any of our offices. Ail Entries must be in our possession by December 29th at 12 Noon! StandardSpeaker "Who will be the FIRST BABY" Entry Form Name Jude F. Sidari, MD Staff 235 W.

Chestnut Street Hazleton CHRISTMAS TREATS ITALIAN BUTTER COOKIESTRAYS State 1 Address. City Work Phone. Home Phone I 455-3339 GIFT BASKETS NUT POPPY The First Baby of the Millennium will be a BOY GIRL Born at: Time Date )'' ROLL v7 New Patients Welcome in the New Millennium I subscribe to the Standard-Speaker: YES NO i ITALIAN BREAD ROLLS Mail to: 1 A 1 RYE BREADS First Baby Contest 24 W.Centre St. Shenandoah, PA 17976 35 W. Broad St Tamaqua, PA 18252 1 North Wyoming PO Box 578, Hazleton, PA 18201-0578.