Saint Kateri Tekakwitha
July 14
Woodcarving, gift of the Southtowns Woodcarvers of WNY
Right (West) Transept Wall
On October 21, 2012, Blessed Kateri became the first Native American to be canonized. The daughter of a Mohawk warrior and Catholic Algonquin woman, Kateri was born in a Mohawk fortress near Auriesville, New York. Her parents and brother died in a smallpox epidemic, and she was left with scars and weakened eyesight. Her mother’s faith had made an impression on Kateri, and she was baptized on Easter Sunday in 1676. Her conversion to Christianity caused her relatives to mistreat her, and Kateri fled to a community of Native American Christians at Kahnawake, Quebec. She died when she was only 24, and came to be known as “Lily of the Mohawks.” A young boy’s recovery from a flesh-eating bacteria in 2006 was the miracle cited by the Vatican in elevating Blessed Kateri to sainthood.
Photo credit: Margaret Dick

July 8 – July 15, 2018

Weekly Activities

Thursday, July 12 at 8:00 p.m. ~ Bingo will be played in St. Charles Hall*

Saturday, July 14 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. ~ Catholic Central Food Pantry in St. Charles Hall

Saturday, July 14 at 8:00 p.m. ~ Bingo will be played in St. Charles Hall*

Sunday, July 15 following 10:00 a.m. Mass – Anointing of the sick and well-aging in church.

*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.

Mass Intentions

Sunday, July 8 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – Bridget Blesnuk – Birthday Remebrance (Requested by Family)

Monday, July 9 ~ St. Augustine Zhao Rong & Companions ~ No Service

Tuesday, July 10 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Deceased Members of the Ryan, Reilly, Reynolds and Pfeiffer Families (Estate of Mary Reilly)

Wednesday, July 11 ~ St. Benedict, Abbot ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. –  Deceased Members of the Ryan, Reilly, Reynolds and Pfeiffer Families (Estate of Mary Reilly)

Thursday, July 12 ~ Mass at 11:00 a. m. – Deceased Members of the Ryan, Reilly, Reynolds and Pfeiffer Families (Estate of Mary Reilly)

Friday, July 13 ~ St. Henry~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Deceased Members of the Ryan, Reilly, Reynolds and Pfeiffer Families (Estate of Mary Reilly)

Saturday, July 14 ~ St. Kateri Tekakwitha ~ Vigil Mass at 4:30 p.m. – Deceased Members of the Ryan, Reilly, Reynolds and Pfeiffer Families (Estate of Mary Reilly)

Sunday, July 15 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – The Chapman Family (Seta Chapman)

Ministry Schedule for Saturday and Sunday, July 14 & 15:

Saturday, 4:30 p.m.  Reader: Gary Kelley; Eucharistic Minister: Michael Ogoh

Sunday, 10:00 a.m.  Readers: Chris Porter, Miles James;  Eucharistic Ministers: Fran Cahill, Kathleen Marien, Pat Hartinger

St. Benedict (c. 480-547)
July 11
St. Benedict, whose feast day the Church celebrates this week, is depicted as the kneeling figure at the far right in a group of twelve figures identified as “Monks, Hermits, and Religious”
in this dome painting by Buffalo-born artist Joseph Mazur.
Photo credit: Gary Kelley

News from our Parish Community

Missionary Priest to Address Congregation ~ On the weekend  of July 7/8, we welcome a visiting missionary, Father Roldan Zerna, who will talk to us about a special collection for The Mission Society of the Philippines (MSP). Having been established by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, the MSP serves as the official and chief missionary arm of the Catholic Church of the Philippines in proclaiming the Gospel, especially to the young churches in Asia and other parts of the world. Since its inception in 1965, the MSP has been working in five continents and twelve countries, including the Diocese of Sacramento in California. The Church encourages the faithful to be in solidarity with the MSP, and the second collection at Masses that weekend will provide an opportunity for us to be part of its missionary work.

Third Sunday Anointing ~ Anointing of the sick and well-aging will take place in church following Mass on Sunday, July 15.

Join the BT Family Promise Team ~ Our volunteer team, led by Amy Johnson, assists temporarily homeless families housed at Ss. Colomba-Brigid Parish under the Family Promise program. They will be preparing and serving a Monday evening dinner on July 23. If you are able to help with this ministry by preparing part of the meal, please contact Amy Johnson at 716-836-4694.

Buffalo Central City Parish Meetings ~ A three-year arrangement under which the CCCB parishes of St. Lawrence and St. Martin de Porres have been linked with the suburban parish of Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary will be coming to an end. Rev. Ronald P. Sadjak, who previously served all three parishes, will remain as pastor at Nativity. Bishop Richard Malone is asking the central city parishes of St. Martin de Porres and St. Lawrence to join with Blessed Trinity and Ss. Columba-Brigid “to enact a ministry plan that will lead to their successful growth in ministry and continued witness to faith and justice on Buffalo’s East Side.” The Bishop remains committed to keeping all four of our parishes open and in active ministry. Sr. Maureen, our CCCB Pastoral Care Minister, has been invited to join the newly created Central City Task Force together with Rev. Joseph Rogliano (our Vicar) and Deacon Ron Thaler. The task force has been charged with the responsibility of setting up “town hall” meetings in each of the four parishes to review the accomplishments of parish ministries, discuss parish vitality, determine the desires of each parish for its own future, and suggest possibilities for future cooperation to ensure the health of our central city parish life. Each parish will host the task force and its own parish family to pray, discuss, and discern. Father Victor and the Parish Council encourage every parishioner to attend the “town hall” meeting in St. Charles Hall on Tuesday evening, August 7, at 7pm. In the interim, Bishop Malone asks us to “please join me as we pray for the creative energy of God’s Holy Spirit to continue to move, work, and inspire new venues of ministry for Buffalo’s Central City.”

Wrong and Strong. It is all for the Glory of God Why So Loud? Our magnificent Tellers-Kent organ will be undergoing some refurbishment this summer, having one pipe rank repaired which will give the organ a deeper, more romantic sound.  This series of pipes, the oboe, has been non-functional for many years and is one of three ranks that need some tender loving care.  The organ was built in 1927 and has held up remarkably well, but fluctuations in temperature and humidity are problems that accelerate its aging. The organ is utilized at Mass for a variety of reasons.  It gathers the people for the beginning of the service and sends them on their way at the end, hopefully with a song in their hearts.  Quieter music is more contemplative and is appropriate during the Mass itself; that is why you hear a change in the organ’s volume and pipe registration.   There are general instructions for pastoral musicians developed right through the Roman Missal:

Music should be “holy,” meaning it is based in the liturgy and corresponds with the part of the liturgy during which it is sung.  You will notice that the music at the beginning and the end of Mass is joyful and louder than the music within the Mass–that helps create a community of worshipers with one voice, glorifying God.  On Feast days, you may notice the organ is even louder at the beginning and end of Mass, not to drown out your singing, but to  emphasize the importance of these High Holy days. Alternatively, you may notice the organ dropping out of a well-loved hymn  so parishioners can enjoy being a part of a community while glorifying God.  Both strategies can bring us closer to God and help us to carry music in our hearts.

Music should be “beautiful.”  This one is a bit more difficult, as we all have a different definition of beauty.  At Blessed Trinity, we work hard to offer music from a variety of sources, from classical to contemporary.  While you may sing hymns at church that are not your favorites, know that they have been selected to enhance the liturgy in some way.  Don’t worry, chances are good you won’t have to sing them again for at least another year!

Music should be “universal,” meaning it appeals to a variety of age groups and ethnicities and is easily accessible to all.

When we sing at Mass, we lead our community in praising our God.

 Remember the Blessed Trinity Choir Motto,
“Wrong and Strong – It is all for the glory of God!” 

God created your voice, and we believe
He is well-pleased when you raise it for Praise!

… Elizabeth

Do you know that Mass is the highest and greatest form of prayer? The Catechism of the Catholic Church reveals that “from the very earliest days of the Christian religion, [the Church] has honored with great respect the memory of the dead.” In its reference to the Second Vatican Council’s conclusion that “it is a wholly and a wholesome thought to pray for the dead that they may be loosed from their sins,” the Catechism adds: “Our prayer for them is capable of not only helping them, but also of making their intercession for us effective.” Consider contacting the church office (716-833-0301) to request a Mass for yourself, your deceased loved ones, or  for any intention. The stipend is $15.

Know Your Faith … How is the Liturgical calendar created, and why? A liturgical calendar is a directive created by the Holy Catholic Church to help in the celebration of the liturgy. This calendar contains various seasons that express the different time periods and aspects of the life of our Lord Jesus Christ. The liturgical calendar that is currently used is based upon the General Roman Calendar, promulgated by Pope Paul VI on February 14, 1969 and subsequently amended by Pope John Paul II. The calendar guides the church in her sacramental worship, and helps us to know what season to celebrate, what color of vestment, and what scriptural passages should be use for a celebration.

The liturgical calendar begins with the season of Advent as we prepare for the birth of Christ. Then comes the Christmas season, followed by Ordinary Time until Lent, which celebrates the 40 days when Christ was fasting in the desert. Next is Easter, celebrating the Resurrection, followed by another season of Ordinary Time, briefer than the earlier one. The entire one-year cycle begins again in late Fall with Advent.

Specific colors are associated with these seasons: Purple is the color of Penance Preparation and is used during Advent and Lent. Red is the color of Sacrifice used during Passion Sunday, Good Friday, Pentecost, and the feast of the apostles and the martyrs. Rose/Pink are the colors of anticipation used on the third Sunday in Advent and the fourth Sunday during Lent. Green is the color of Hope, Life and Growth used throughout Ordinary Time. White/Gold are the colors of Joy and Purity used during the Easter and Christmas seasons, the feasts of the Blessed Mother, as well as Angels and saints who were not  martyred.

During each season, the “Lectionary” (Mass readings from the Holy Bible) follows a Sunday cycle and a weekday cycle. The Liturgical Calendar follows a three-year cycle, each year being represented by the a letter. During the Year A cycle, the Gospel of Matthew is the primary Gospel that is used for the readings. In Year B, Mark is the primary Gospel. (We are currently in Year B). In year C, Luke is the primary Gospel. The Gospel of John is proclaimed on particular Sundays in each of the years. During the year, in addition to the Sunday worship, the Church also celebrates Solemnities, Feasts, and Memorials, which may be on any day of the week. These occur during the year to commemorate special events or persons that are highly revered by the Catholic Church.

Pope Francis to Pray with and for Christians in the Middle East on July 7 ~ Every day Christians of Iraq, Syria, and other Middle Eastern countries beg for our prayers. They have been persecuted in recent years for committing one crime: that of being Christians. To awaken the world from its indifference, Pope Francis has convoked an ecumenical prayer meeting on July 7 in Bari, Italy, with the participation of the patriarchs and leaders of the Churches and Christian communities of the Middle East. During this last week of preparation for the Pope’s meeting in Bari, show your commitment by remembering Christians of the Middle East in your daily prayer.

BT in Architectural Spotlight ~ The May 22, 2018 Buffalo News (pages B-1 and C-12) highlights architectural features of our church in a pictorial array. To really appreciate the fine work of their photographer, Derek Gee, and view places in the church that you can’t normally see, visit the Buffalo News Photo Gallery. It includes 100 photos taken of our church!

Has your contact information changed? Our parish secretary is finding that our parish records contain a growing number of not-in-service phone numbers, and the recent parish mailing resulted in several letters returned for “expired forwarding.” If your contact information has changed, you can notify the rectory office in one of several ways: use the form on the back of the bulletin; phone our secretary at 716-833-0301 any Tuesday-Thursday between 10:30am and 2:30pm; send an email to blessedtrinitychurch [at] gmail [dot] com; or Click HERE to use the contact feature of our web site to submit the information. If you choose either of the last two, please use “New Contact” as the subject of the email or message.

Religious Ed Volunteers ~ We are in need of volunteers to help with the Religious Education of our parish children. Anyone interested in helping, please sign up on the orange sheets at the church entrances or call Father Victor (716-833-0301) during rectory office hours. You are also asked to call Father Victor if you are interested in enrolling a child or young adult preparing for Confirmation.

De-cluttering? Donate your gently used clothing items to St. Vincent de Paul. There is a blue bin located in the back parking lot to the right of St. Charles Hall. They ask that no loose items be left there. Please pack your donations in plastic bags. This bin is for clothing only. If you have appliances of other household goods, schedule a pick up by calling 716-882-3360.

Home Visits ~ Please notify the church office if you know of aged, sick, or homebound parishioners who may wish to receive a visit and the Eucharist on the last Friday of each month.

Our food pantry has a new name. The former Helping Hands Food Pantry is now known as the Catholic Central Food Pantry. The pantry’s hours, services and qualifications for assistance remain unchanged.

Summer Sunset

News from our Vicariate Cluster and the Wider Community

Driver Education Classes at Cardinal O’Hara High School, July 16 to August 6. Participants may choose from several class times. Drivers who complete the course will receive a DMV Certificate of Completion and will be eligible for insurance reduction certificate. A student’s permit or license is due prior to the start of class. For more information or to receive a registration form, visit cardinalohara.com.

Dinner Lecture Series continues at Christ the King Seminary (711 Knox Road in East Aurora). There are 2 remaining Wednesday evening events, each beginning with dinner at 5:45pm in the main dining room and a lecture at 6:45-8:45pm. Our summer dinner lecture series is a relaxing way to recharge your faith! Enjoy a meal and learn about a topic from one of our faculty members. Each evening is $35 for dinner and talk ($25 for talk only). Register at cks.edu or call 716-655-7099. July 18: The Lost Art of Letter Writing: Dorothy Day, Flannery O’Connor, Thomas Merton; July 25 : Thomas Merton Part II: Theological & Spiritual Influences.

Friday July 27 at 7pm is O’Harafest ~ Alumni, current students, incoming students and their families are all invited. Event takes place in the school’s backyard sports complex. Live music from The Jim Levinthal Band will be featured, along with food and beverages. For reservations or further information, call the school at 716-695-2600, ext. 312 or 311.

Pilgrim Statue Comes to WNY ~ The National Pilgrim Virgin Statue of Our Lady of Fatima will be at Our Lady of Pompeii church for Veneration on Tuesday, August 14 from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. At 6:30 p.m. a vigil mass for the feast of the Assumption will be celebrated followed by the Rosary and presentation by Mr. Bill Sockey, who is the custodian of the Pilgrim Virgin Statue and travels with the Statue throughout the United States. Stockey will present the Message of Our Lady of Fatima, that will include the five reasons for reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and the promise by Our Lady of Fatima that was confided to Sr. Lucia, one of the three children, who witnessed the Marian apparitions at Fatima.

Seeking a Volunteer Opportunity? Ignatian Volunteers are semi-retired and retired men and women who share their time and talents to help local non-profit agencies address important community issues through volunteerism. IVC Buffalo needs help with administration (processing donations, mail, answering calls), communications, and as Volunteer Coordinator for a local school district. If you are interested in the opportunity to use your leadership and professional skills to transform our communities while being supported through spiritual reflection in your ministry and passion to serve others, contact Minnie Wyse, Director of Ignatian Volunteer Corps Buffalo, at St. Michael’s Parish at 716-854-6726 or 716-479-1334 or ivcusa.org.