Mass Appeal at SNPJ Farm
submitted by Joe Valencic
America's Polka Padre, Fr. Frank Perkovich, returned to SNPJ
Farm in Kirtland, Ohio to celebrate his renowned Polka Mass.
Nearly 200 attended the musical worship service, with more
arriving for the dinner and dance that followed. The Wayne
Tomsic Orchestra provided Cleveland-style accompaniment for
the celebration and dance
This year's Polka Mass featured a renewal of marriage vows.
Four couples repeated their mutual commitments to the melody of
"The Sweet Nearness of You." Fr. Perkovich's homily reflected
upon the couples' devotion and the day's gospel reading of the
creation of Eve. Alex Shaver, a member of the SNPJ Circle 2
Slovenian Junior Chorus, assisted at the Mass. Joe Valencic,
president of the Cleveland SNPJ Federation of Lodges, delivered
the readings.
The Polka Mass is a genuine Slovenian contribution to American
popular culture. The first Polka Mass was celebrated in 1972 by
Fr. George Balasko and the Bob Timko Orchestra. Most of the
hymns are based upon Slovenian folk melodies with lyrics from
the liturgy. Today the Polka Mass can be found at most summer
ethnic festivals across the country. Whether in Idaho or Iowa,
most of the music at these events is readily identifiable as
Slovenian-style.
