Please note that starting January 1, 2012 Holy Mass will be celebrated Sundays at 11:30am.

New and gently used items in good condition items. Cake and bake goods for sale. Tables are for rent: $15 each. Polish & American Food available – eat in & take out. Come, and support St. Valentine’s Parish.

The usual fare on the Easter table includes ham and kielbasa, cakes of all kinds – particularly babka; eggs – some shelled or some decorated. There is usually a Paschal Lamb or “Baranek” made of butter, some cheese, horseradish, salt, vinegar and oil.

The food is brought to the church and blessed by the parish priest on Holy Saturday. The food can also be blessed in the home. After the blessing, the food is usually set aside until Easter morning when the head of the house shares the blessed egg, symbol of life, with family and friends. Having exchanged wishes, all continue to enjoy a hearty meal.

This centuries old custom is indeed richly symbolic and beautiful. It is one in which the whole family can participate and help prepare. May this tradition endure for many generations to come.

All of you can enjoy this beautiful Polish custom by participating at the blessing of the Easter food “Swieconka” at the Polish church nearest you. This is an excellent way to teach the younger members of your family about this treasured Polish tradition.

The Traditional “Easter Basket”

Masło (Butter) – This dairy product is often shaped into a lamb (Baranek Wielkanocny) or a cross. This reminds us of the good will of Christ that we should have towards all things.

Babka (Easter Bread) – A round or long loaf topped with a cross or a fish, symbolic of Jesus, who is the Bread of Life.

Chrzan (Horseradish) – Symbolic of the Passion of Christ still in our minds.

Jajka (Eggs) and Pisanki (decorated with symbols of Easter, of life, of prosperity) – Indicates new life and Christ’s Resurrection from the tomb.

Kiełbasa (Sausage) – A sausage product, symbolic of God’s favor and generosity.

Szynka (Ham) – Symbolic of great joy and abundance. Some prefer lamb or veal. The lamb also reminds Christians that the Risen Christ is the “Lamb of God.”

Słonina (Smoked Bacon) – A symbol of the overabundance of God’s mercy and generosity.

Sol (Salt) – A necessary element in our physical life. Symbolic of prosperity and justice and to remind us that people are the flavor of the earth.

Ser (Cheese) – Symbolic of the moderation Christians should have at all times.

Candle – Represents Christ as the Light of the World.

Colorful Ribbons and Sprigs of Greenery – are attached to the basket as signs of joy and new life in the season of spring and in celebration of the Resurrection.

Linen Cover – drawn over the top of the basket which is ready for the priest’s visit to the home or the trip to church where it is joined with the baskets of others to await the blessing. The food is then set aside and enjoyed on Easter Sunday.

St. Valentine’s will hold its annual Holiday Bazaar at the St. Valentine’s Parish Hall, 2330 Margaret St., Philadelphia, PA on Saturday, November 7th (9 AM – 4 PM) and Sunday, November 8th (10:30 AM – 2 PM).

The Holiday Bazaar features crafts, Christmas gifts, a flea market, raffles, and games. We are serving home made Polish Food including: piergi, gołąbki, kiełabsy, kapusta and cake. We will also have hot dogs and hamburgers available. You may eat-in or order for take-out.

For more information please call us at 215-535-4978.

Everyone is welcome at St. Valentine’s!
Zapraszamy!

Holy Mass will be held in the Parish Cemetery at Noon. The picnic begins at 1pm. Admission $5.00, Children 12 and under are free. We will have music for your dancing and listening pleasure. Food & beverages will be available as well. For more information please call 215-632-1816.

Enter through the driveway that leads to both Pulaski Park and the Cemetery.