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St. Elizabeth's Catholic Church in Marlette is planning a traditional Polish dinner featuring homemade fare, from kielbasa to cabbage rolls and pierogi- a type of potato dumpling.

The fundraiser was suggested by Father Andrzej Boroch, who is Polish.

"It will all be handmade and homemade," said church secretary Rita Maher. "We know there's a lot of people in the area that are of Polish descent and like to carry on the tradition."

The dinner will be held Sunday, April 29 from 12 p.m.- 4 p.m. at St. Elizabeth's Hall.

Members of the congregation have volunteered to prepare traditional dishes based on family recipes. A group of seven women gathered several weeks ago to prepare 1,250 pierogi, a traditional cheese and potato dumpling. One woman brought her family recipe for homemade dough; another shared a passed down a recipe for filling.

"It was a riot. We were there for seven or eight hours," laughed Barb Tarabeck of Marlette. "I was surprised to find out how people in the church have family that came from that area of Europe."

The day before the dinner, the group will meet again to prepare 500 golabki: cabbage rolls stuffed with ground meat and rice and covered with tomato sauce.

"That is a Polish tradition," said Tarabeck, whose grandparents were born in Poland. "Whenever there was a big festival, ladies from the church or family would gather and prepare food ahead of time.

"These are traditions passed down from our mothers and grandmothers."

The day of the dinner, the group will hit the kitchen at the parish hall to prepare all the pre-made delicacies. Butter and onions will be added on top of the pierogi. Polish sourdough rye bread will be brought in from a local bakery. The local Knights of Columbus group has volunteered to bring polish sausage and sauerkraut.

Even the deserts will be authentic. A number of women will prepare a traditional desert. Tarabeck plans to contribute walnut and poppy seed rolls.

"Don't worry about cholesterol when you are eating anything Polish," she joked.

A number of parishioners have volunteered to assist. Tarabeck has been tapped to act as hostess because she speaks a little Polish. She will even wear an authentic outfit.

The cost if $9 for adults and $4 for children 4-12.

There will be a 50-50 drawing and raffle items available. Accordionist Krzystof Borowicz will provide dinner music.

The dinner is sponsored by the parish, the Knights of Columbus and the St. Elizabeth's Women's Guild. All proceeds will go towards repairs at the church.

The church is proud to celebrate their heritage. They held a packzi feast on Fat Tuesday and featured the traditional Polish donut. A year ago, a fiesta was held in honor of the former pastor, who was from Columbia. Next year, they may be do an Italian feast.

"It gives us a chance to gather and enjoy our heritage, regardless of what that is," Tarabeck explained. "Traditions are nice to keep."

The hall is located at 6817 West Marlette Street. For more information call 989-635-7581.