GLANDORF—A Passover, or Seder meal, was held March 19 at Glandorf St. John in the school cafeteria. Seventy guests attended the meal in memory of Christ’s Last Supper the night before He died.

From left, George and Marciel Schroeder, Rosemary Siefker and Donna Recker take part in a Seder meal at Glandorf St. John. (photo courtesy of Glandorf St. John)

The Passover (Pesah) is truly the most important feast of the Jewish calendar being rivaled only by the Day of Atonement. And it is significant also to the religious expression of Christianity — as at St. John Church.

Father Harry Brown, Deacon Doyle Erford, Deacon Bob Klausing and Deacon Larry Schimmoeller assisted at the ceremonial meal. All the women were attired in long skirts and wore white veils, whereas the men wore “yarmulkes” (beanie-like caps). The yarmulkes and most of the veils were handmade by Edna Ellerbrock.

All in attendance were given a “Haggadah” or Seder booklet to follow the scriptural, prayerful ceremony.

The actual Seder meal consisted of lamb and chicken (both roasted) as the main meat course.

The Mass was a vital part of this Passover/Seder meal, which just preceded the meal. This was all done in memory of Christ instituting the Eucharist (Mass) at that first Passover. The entire Seder ceremony lasted about two and a half hours.

Special guitar music was provided by local musicians: Don Inkrott, Ken Elchinger, Dan Klear and Jerry Hanneman.

All in all, the ritual ceremony was appropriated in Jewish tradition to interpret the deliverance of the Hebrew people on that historic night when judgment was truly visited upon their Egyptian taskmasters.

St. John Parish found this ceremony a wonderful way to help celebrate Holy Week.

Fr. Brown is a member of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood and the pastor of St. John the Baptist Church in Glandorf.