Pasterka

Pasterka is the Polish name for the Midnight Mass celebrated on Christmas Eve as part of the Christmas season. The word comes from pasterz, meaning shepherd, recalling the shepherds who, according to the Gospel of Luke, were among the first to witness the birth of Jesus. The service is a central element of Polish Catholic Christmas tradition.

The Mass is typically held at or around midnight, though exact times vary by parish and locality. In many communities, people attend after the Wigilia, the Christmas Eve supper, and may arrive after the break of the star or candlelight. In churches, the service may begin in the evening around 11:00 PM and continue past midnight.

During Pasterka, carols (kolędy) are often sung, the nativity scene is displayed, and Scripture readings from Luke 2 are proclaimed. The faithful may exchange the Christmas wafer (opłatek) at home beforehand and then share greetings after the Mass. The practice emphasizes the nativity story and the transition from Christmas Eve to Christmas Day.

The tradition is widespread in Poland and among Polish communities abroad, spanning urban and rural settings. While Pasterka remains common, some congregations vary the format or time, reflecting local customs and liturgical allowances.