13th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Week of July 2, 2017

July 2 – July 9, 2017

Weekly Activities

Thursday, July 6 at 8:00 p.m. ~ Bingo will be played in St. Charles Hall*

Saturday, July 8 from 12 Noon – 4:00 p.m. ~ NEW HOURS – SAT. ONLY – Helping Hands Food Pantry in St. Charles Hall

Saturday, July 8 at 8:00 p.m. ~ Bingo will be played in St. Charles Hall*

*In response to requests from our players, we have instituted age restrictions for admission to Bingo.  As of  October 15, 2015, we no longer admit children under 8 years of age. To check the Red, White & Blue and progressive Share-the-Wealth carry over amounts and progressive numbers for this week, click HERE and visit our Facebook page.

Our Summer Mass Schedule is now in effect.

Please note that there is NO Mass on Mondays, and the Tuesday Mass time has changed to 11am. Masses on Wednesday through Friday will continue at 11am.

Mass Intentions

Sunday, July 2 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – Nancy Jo Dispenza (Requested by Bob and Mary Kresse) and Alice Rose Schroeder (Requested by Colleen Schroeder)

Monday, July 3 ~ St. Thomas, apostle ~ No Service

Tuesday, July 4 ~ Independence Day Holiday ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Catherine M. Maher (Estate)

Wednesday, July 5 ~ St. Anthony Zaccaria, St. Elizabeth of Portugal ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Deceased Members of Ryan, Reilly, Reynolds and Pfeiffer Families (Estate of Mary Reilly)

Thursday, July 6 ~ St. Maria Goretti ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Deceased Members of Ryan, Reilly, Reynolds and Pfeiffer Families (Estate of Mary Reilly)

Friday, July 7 ~ First Friday ~  Adoration and Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament from 8:00 – 11:00 a.m.

Friday, July 7 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Catherine M. Maher (Estate)

Saturday, July 8 ~ Vigil Mass at 4:30 p.m. – Virginia Tapley – (Yvonne Andrew)

Sunday, July 9 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. ~ Bridget Blesnuk (Family) and Kevin Brown (Bud and Mickey Dick)

Ministry Schedule for Saturday and Sunday, July 8 and 9:

Saturday, 4:30 p.m.  Reader: Gary Kelley; Eucharistic Minister: Lucille Venezia

Sunday, 10:00 a.m.  Readers: Don and Bonnie Williams;  Eucharistic Ministers: Fran Cahill, Kathleen Marien, Pat Hartinger

News from our Parish Community

Lofty Announcement ~ We are pleased to announce that Elizabeth Clay has been appointed as they parish music director on a permanent basis. Elizabeth has been serving in the position on an interim basis since February, and this appointment recognizes not only her musical abilities, but also her dedication to the choir and our music ministry at Blessed Trinity. Please join in congratulating and encouraging Elizabeth.

Join your fellow parishioners and guests Sunday evening, July 30, from 4:30 to 6:00 on board the River Queen for a one and a half hour narrated tour of the Buffalo River. The cost of the tour is $20 per person which must be paid at the time of reservation. Please contact Bob Heicklen at 716-881-3793 or Bud Dick at  716-832-2540 to reserve your place.

Friday, July 7, is First Friday. Adoration and Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will take place in the Daily Mass Chapel from 8-11am, followed by daily Mass. Please consider spending at least one-half hour in prayer and meditation with Christ in the Blessed Sacrament.

A Request from the Parish Council ~ August is traditionally the month when a slate of candidates for election to the Parish Council is announced. The Council Bylaws provide for the election of four (4) new members each year on the second Sunday of September (9/10/17), with new members being welcomed at the September Council meeting (9/20/17). A nominating committee consisting of Father Victor, Vice President Mickey Dick (chair), Darvan Draper, Dan Korchowsky and Palma Zanghi was appointed at the June 21 Council meeting and charged with assembling a slate of candidates. They will be contacting parishioners over the summer. You may also place your own name in nomination or nominate another. If you wish to nominate someone else, please check first to be sure the person is willing to serve. Any registered member of the parish who is at least 18 years of age is eligible. It is very important that all candidates take time to learn what is expected of council members.  To nominate yourself or another, or to obtain more information about serving on the parish council: click HERE and leave your contact information for the committee; contact any of the committee members listed above; or call the church office and request that someone contact you. A form for nominations will be available in church through August 13.

Helping Hands Food Pantry ~ Luis Clay has announced a new operating schedule for the Helping Hands Food Pantry, effective immediately. It will now be open on Saturdays only from Noon to 4pm. Luis is also seeking additional volunteers. Please contact the church office at 716-833-0301 if you or someone you know might be interested in this opportunity.

Vocation View ~ Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time: There are many things that claim our focus and energy, but God must be our highest priority. What is the voice of God saying to you? If God is calling you to a Church vocation, call Fr. Andrew Lauricella at 716-847-5535. You can also check out the “Priest of the Month” stories on our website www.buffalovocations.org.

Congratulations to all our graduates! As you move to the next chapter of your journey — from grade school, high school, college — we wish you continued success along with experiences and challenges that will enrich you and prepare you for the future.

Care for Creation Corner ~ As Pope Francis reminds us, “Nature cannot be regarded as something separate from ourselves or as a mere setting in which we live. We are part of nature, included in it and thus in constant interaction with it.” The Earth is in crisis. We need to embrace behaviors that reflect our concern, such as…during the summer months, close your curtains to block heat from the sun. This simple step can significantly reduce the need for air conditioning.

St. Paul reminds us in his letter to the Romans of many comforting words. During times of loss, loneliness and grief, we may not feel or recognize God’s presence in our lives. Though we can’t imagine all the thoughts and feelings you are experiencing right now, we do understand a bit about grieving and that, first of all, it is a process. Request a free bereavement packet of materials designed to provide support, especially during the initial stages of grief. For a bereavement packet, call 716-847-2210 or email familylife [at] buffalodicese [dot] org.

Are you or is someone you know an out of work job seeker? Facing the challenge of being unemployed and working through this tough economy is tough enough. Request a free packet containing practical resources, prayers, scripture support, and programs designed to support you on your journey. Just call us at 716-847-2210 or email familylife [at] buffalodiocese [dot] org.

Openings for Mass Intentions ~ Thank you to all who have recently placed Mass intentions. Please contact the church office (716-833-0301) with your requests. Office hours are: 10:30am-2:30pm, Tuesday through Thursday. The Mass Stipend is $15.

We thank you for all your generous donations and ask that you consider increasing your weekly offerings, if at all possible.

Important Deadlines to Remember ~ Our bulletin is printed on Thursdays, so please remember to submit your announcements to our secretary, Pat Pendleton, no later than Noon on the Wednesday prior to the weekend you wish it to appear. Announcements to be read at weekend Masses are due on Thursday. You may contact Pat at blessedtrinitychurch@gmail or 716-833-0301 any Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday between 10:30am and 2:30pm.

Parish Record Keeping ~ If you need to update your contact information or would like to register as a parishioner, please call the church office (716-833-0301) on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday during office hours: 10:30am-2:30pm, email your contact information to blessedtrinitychurch [at] gmail [dot] com, or use the CONTACT feature of this web site.

News from our Vicariate Cluster and the Wider Community

Summer Retreat Opportunities at Christ the King Seminary begin in July. Seminar Retreat (July 9−14) with Rev. James Vacco, OFM, is open to priests, deacons, religious, lay ecclesial ministers, CKS students, alumni and others wishing to enter more deeply into the meaning of the baptismal call to serve in the name and the spirit of Christ Jesus. Directed Silent Retreat (July 9-12  or July 9-14) is open to for anyone wishing to come to the seminary’s peaceful setting for a special encounter with the Lord. Pray & Paint – En Plein Air Retreat (August 10-11) will be facilitated by Gina Marie Cutrona. Encounter art, pray and create during this retreat. For further information and registration for any of the retreats, contact Mr. Doug George, Director of Lay Formation, at 716-655-7091 or dgeorge [at] cks [dot] edu.

Queen of Heaven Carnival is July 7, 8, and 9 (4220 Seneca Street at Mill Road in West Seneca). Details at qofhchurch.org or call 674-3468.

Father Baker Day is Sunday, July 30. Join others in celebration at 12 noon for Mass at Our Lady of Victory Basilica (767 Ridge Road in Lackawanna) and reception immediately following to commemorate the 81st anniversary of Father Nelson Baker’s passing. To reserve your space at the reception, contact our Special Events office at 716-828-9289.