Week of July 30, 2023 – 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time

St. John Vianney
August 4

St. John Vianney (bottom left) is one of six saints depicted in silver relief on the doors of the church’s tabernacle. Each of these saints has some relationship to the offering of sacrificial gifts or to the Eucharist.
Photo credit: Margaret Dick

July 30- August 6, 2023

Live-streaming of 10AM Sunday Mass has resumed. Click HERE.

This website also includes a “Bulletins” page where visitors may view an exact copy of the weekly bulletin and inserts in PDF format, as well as a calendar for our Family of Parishes.

Four of our ushers put in some overtime to welcome East Side Garden Walkers to Blessed Trinity on Sunday, July 23, 2023.

News from our Parish Community

On Sunday, July 30, parish volunteers will be fanning out to deliver slinger-invitations to our August 12 “Meet the Neighbors” event. Please wear your walking shoes and help us get the job done.

Church cornerstone dedicated by Bishop Turner on August 7, 1923.

Next Sunday, August 6, 2023, is the 100th anniversary of the laying of our church cornerstone. We will be commemorating this event with a special blessing at the conclusion of Sunday Mass, followed by a reception in St. Charles Hall.

We play Bingo every Thursday in St. Charles Hall, 350 Dewey Ave. Doors open at 6:30pm, concessions open at 7:30, and games begin at 8:00pm. Please plan to join us. You can check the latest carryover figures on our Facebook page.

Our first Family of Parishes Picnic is Sunday, August 20, in the main shelter at Como Park in Lancaster. Many thanks to the Holy Name Society members at St. Martin de Porres for making it all possible. Please let Luis or Elizabeth Clay know that you will be attending by next Sunday, August 6. Please see the bulletin for complete details.

The weather was perfect for our East Side Garden Walk debut last weekend, but caring for our flower beds and planters doesn’t end there. We are so grateful to those who have volunteered to keep our flowers watered when Mother Nature does not. You can sign up on the monthly gardening calendars near the ramp side entrance. Not sure you’re up to the challenge? Why not offer to assist one of the other volunteers. S/he can “show you the ropes”—and the spigots, hoses, nozzles and sprinklers.

Summer Solstice ~ Our Bible Study class is taking a break for the summer. However, you can join ZOOM Bible Study with parishioners of Ss. Columba-Brigid every Thursday at 6:20. Contact their church office at (716) 852-3331 to obtain link. Blessed Trinity will be welcoming you back in the fall and look forward to expanding participation in our Tuesday afternoon ZOOM sessions at 4pm.

Food Pantry Returns to Shopper’s Choice ~ The Catholic Central Helping Hands Food Pantry, which operates from our St. Charles Hall at 350 Dewey Avenue, is now operating EVERY Wednesday from 9:30am – 1:30pm. Residents of 14214 & 14215 are welcome to help themselves, according to household size, to portions of carbohydrates, grains, proteins and canned vegetables. Bread and sweets generally available. Baby needs in stock also. Call (716) 800-1075 or email ccfp14215 [at] gmail [dot] com for information.

FAMILY PROMISE OF WNY: Feed the Hungry, Shelter the HomelessFamily Promise offers us the opportunity to perform these acts of charity in a very direct and personal manner. As a support congregation, Blessed Trinity parishioners purchase and deliver groceries to the Family Promise shelter at Ss. Brigid-Columba Parish. With a few more volunteers we could continue this corporal work of mercy at least one day a month. Working in pairs, you could anticipate your turn to occur every third month. We hope you will join us. If you want more background information go to the web site, www.fpwny.org, or contact Amy Johnson (716-836-4694).

  • Family Promise is certified by NYS and can house up to six families.
  • It is one of only two emergency shelters in Erie County that allow fathers and teenage sons to stay with their family.
  • Families are referred by the Dept. of Social Services and receive case management in finding employment and permanent housing, security deposit assistance, day care, school transport, and follow up support upon leaving the shelter.
  • In 2020, the Homeless Alliance of WNY rated Family Promise with the best success rate for moving families into permanent homes.

Pastor Emeritus, Rev. George L. Reger ~ The Mass of Christian Burial for Father Reger was celebrated at Blessed Trinity on Friday, May 26. Click HERE to view a recorded version of the Mass.

Is it time to update your contact information? During the pandemic when COVID-19 Protocols prevented many from attending church services, the ability to keep in touch by telephone, mail or email took on increased importance. Because not everyone has computer access, really important information is sent in a letter. Even though you are now able to attend Mass in person, this may be a good time to ask yourself: Does the church office have my correct mailing address and phone number? Have I shared my email address? Make sure that we have been notified of any changes in your contact information by completing this form. This is also a chance to let us know if you: wish to receive the bulletin electronically via email, register as a parishioner, or request envelopes. You can also submit the requested information by phoning our secretary at 716-833-0301 any Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday between 10:30am and 2:30pm; sending an email to blessedtrinitychurch [at] gmail [dot] com; or using the contact feature below to submit the information. If you choose either of the last two, please use “Contact Update” as the subject of the email or message.

Enjoy a virtual tour of our Landmark house of worship, courtesy of Buffalo Rising and Explore Buffalo. By Clicking HERE, you will be treated to both exterior and interior photos and more than a little history.

St. Ignatius of Loyola, whose feast the Church celebrates on July 31 is depicted (4th standing figure from the left) in this grouping of “Monks, Hermits and Religious” in the Dome of our church. Also shown, St. Alphonsus Liguori (far left with book and pen), whose feast day is August 1. The Dome painting is by Joseph Mazur; the photo by Gary Kelley.

Construction Centennial Observance, August 6, 2023

Church cornerstone dedicated by Bishop Turner on August 7, 1923.

Blessed Trinity R. C. Church, a Buffalo Landmark since 1977, is observing the centennial of the laying of its cornerstone on Sunday, August 6, 2023. Rev. Robert L. Gebhard, Jr., Senior Parochial Vicar, will conclude the 10:00 AM Mass with an outdoor rededication ceremony commemorating the original dedication by Bishop William Turner on August 7, 1923. It marks the beginning of a five-year centennial observance of the building’s construction from 1923-1928.

The anniversary event will begin with the Sunday worship service including hymns accompanied by Music Director Elizabeth Bailey-Sands Clay on the church’s original 1927 Tellers-Kent organ. It concludes with a reception in the parish hall at which members of the church’s docent team will be recognized.

Long considered one of the finest examples of Lombard-Romanesque architecture in the United States, the building’s distinctive features include handmade Harvard bricks laid in a medieval fashion; extensive use of terra cotta, both structural and decorative; and more than 2000 Christian symbols displayed in its art and architecture. In addition to being the first landmark named by the City of Buffalo’s Landmark and Preservation Board in 1977, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979 and is recognized as a New York State Historic Site.

Week of July 23, 2023 – 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Visit us during the
East Side Garden Walk
July 22 & 23, 10am-3pm

July 23 – July 30, 2023

Live-streaming of 10AM Sunday Mass has resumed. Click HERE.

This website also includes a “Bulletins” page where visitors may view an exact copy of the weekly bulletin and inserts in PDF format, as well as a calendar for our Family of Parishes.

St. James the Greater, Apostle
July 25
St. James is depicted in Joseph Mazur’s dome painting of evangelists and apostles. In this photo, James appears second from the right (with staff and canteen).
Photo credit: Gary Kelley

News from our Parish Community

Blessed Trinity’s multiple flower beds provide a “garden walk” all their own, but we are just one of many stops on Buffalo’s East Side Garden Walk taking place on Saturday, July 22 and Sunday, July 23 from 10am – 3pm, rain or shine. Take a self-guided tour of our multiple floral gardens which extend along the east and west sides of our Landmark Church and surround the parish rectory. Then circle round to the back side of the rectory to visit Father Bob’s vegetable and herb garden! We are located at 317 Leroy Avenue (between Fillmore and Grider) with off-street parking for all our visitors.

On Sunday, July 30, parish volunteers will be fanning out to deliver slinger-invitations to our August 12 “Meet the Neighbors” event. Please wear your walking shoes and help us get the job done.

Save the date – Sunday, August 6, 2023, is the 100th anniversary of the laying of our church cornerstone. We will be commemorating this event with a special blessing at the conclusion of Sunday Mass, followed by a reception in St. Charles Hall.

Our very own garden walk continues all summer, and we are grateful to those who have volunteered to keep our flowers watered when Mother Nature does not. You can sign up on the monthly gardening calendars near the ramp side entrance. Not sure you’re up to the challenge? Why not offer to assist one of the other volunteers. S/he can “show you the ropes”—and the spigots, hoses, nozzles and sprinklers. Even after this weekend’s East Side Garden Walk, our flower beds and planters will continue to need TLC. Please consider stopping by to pull a few weeds. No reservation is required.

Summer Solstice ~ Our Bible Study class is taking a break for the summer. However, you can join ZOOM Bible Study with parishioners of Ss. Columba-Brigid every Thursday at 6:20. Contact their church office at (716) 852-3331 to obtain link. Blessed Trinity will be welcoming you back in the fall and look forward to expanding participation in our Tuesday afternoon ZOOM sessions at 4pm.

Food Pantry Returns to Shopper’s Choice ~ The Catholic Central Helping Hands Food Pantry, which operates from our St. Charles Hall at 350 Dewey Avenue, is now operating EVERY Wednesday from 9:30am – 1:30pm. Residents of 14214 & 14215 are welcome to help themselves, according to household size, to portions of carbohydrates, grains, proteins and canned vegetables. Bread and sweets generally available. Baby needs in stock also. Call (716) 800-1075 or email ccfp14215 [at] gmail [dot] com for information.

FAMILY PROMISE OF WNY: Feed the Hungry, Shelter the HomelessFamily Promise offers us the opportunity to perform these acts of charity in a very direct and personal manner. As a support congregation, Blessed Trinity parishioners purchase and deliver groceries to the Family Promise shelter at Ss. Brigid-Columba Parish. With a few more volunteers we could continue this corporal work of mercy at least one day a month. Working in pairs, you could anticipate your turn to occur every third month. We hope you will join us. If you want more background information go to the web site, www.fpwny.org, or contact Amy Johnson (716-836-4694).

  • Family Promise is certified by NYS and can house up to six families.
  • It is one of only two emergency shelters in Erie County that allow fathers and teenage sons to stay with their family.
  • Families are referred by the Dept. of Social Services and receive case management in finding employment and permanent housing, security deposit assistance, day care, school transport, and follow up support upon leaving the shelter.
  • In 2020, the Homeless Alliance of WNY rated Family Promise with the best success rate for moving families into permanent homes.

Pastor Emeritus, Rev. George L. Reger ~ The Mass of Christian Burial for Father Reger was celebrated at Blessed Trinity on Friday, May 26. Click HERE to view a recorded version of the Mass.

Is it time to update your contact information? During the pandemic when COVID-19 Protocols prevented many from attending church services, the ability to keep in touch by telephone, mail or email took on increased importance. Because not everyone has computer access, really important information is sent in a letter. Even though you are now able to attend Mass in person, this may be a good time to ask yourself: Does the church office have my correct mailing address and phone number? Have I shared my email address? Make sure that we have been notified of any changes in your contact information by completing this form. This is also a chance to let us know if you: wish to receive the bulletin electronically via email, register as a parishioner, or request envelopes. You can also submit the requested information by phoning our secretary at 716-833-0301 any Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday between 10:30am and 2:30pm; sending an email to blessedtrinitychurch [at] gmail [dot] com; or using the contact feature below to submit the information. If you choose either of the last two, please use “Contact Update” as the subject of the email or message.

Enjoy a virtual tour of our Landmark house of worship, courtesy of Buffalo Rising and Explore Buffalo. By Clicking HERE, you will be treated to both exterior and interior photos and more than a little history.

Ss. Joachim and Anne
July 26
This stained glass depiction of St. Anne with the child, Mary, is in the Shrine Area in the left transept of our church.
Photo credit: Margaret Dick

Week of July 16, 2023 – 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time

 

St. Mary of Magdala
July 22
The Church today recognizes Mary of Magdala’s rightful role as an important early Christian leader. She is mentioned a total of fourteen times in all four accounts of the Gospel – more than most of the apostles. Saint Augustine was the first to call her “the Apostle to the Apostles.”
Confessional woodcarving, right (west) transept
Photo credit: Margaret Dick

July 16 – July 23, 2023

Live-streaming of 10AM Sunday Mass has resumed. Click HERE.

This website also includes a “Bulletins” page where visitors may view an exact copy of the weekly bulletin and inserts in PDF format, as well as a calendar for our Family of Parishes.

 

News from our Parish Community

Just Showing Off!
July 22-23, 2023
This multi-hued hydrangea in one of the church’s flower beds is ready and waiting for visitors on Buffalo’s East Side Garden Walk.

Blessed Trinity’s multiple flower beds provide a “garden walk” all their own, but we are just one of many stops on Buffalo’s East Side Garden Walk taking place on Saturday, July 22 and Sunday, July 23 from 10am – 3pm, rain or shine. Take a self-guided tour of our multiple floral gardens which extend along the east and west sides of our Landmark Church and surround the parish rectory. Then circle round to the back side of the rectory to visit Father Bob’s vegetable and herb garden! We are located at 317 Leroy Avenue (between Fillmore and Grider) with off-street parking for all our visitors.

Save the date – Sunday, August 6, 2023, is the 100th anniversary of the laying of our church cornerstone. We will be commemorating this event with a special blessing at the conclusion of Sunday Mass, followed by a reception in St. Charles Hall.

Our Garden Walk continues all summer, and we are grateful to those who have volunteered to keep them watered when Mother Nature does not. The next week (Sun.-Sat.) in need of a volunteer is August 13. For your convenience, the gardening calendars are near the ramp side entrance. Not sure you’re up to the challenge? Why not offer to assist someone who can “show you the ropes”—and the spigots, hoses, nozzles and sprinklers. This is the last week before the East Side Garden Walk, so please consider stopping by to pull a few weeds!

Summer Solstice ~ Our Bible Study class is taking a break for the summer. However, you can join ZOOM Bible Study with parishioners of Ss. Columba-Brigid every Thursday at 6:20. Contact their church office at (716) 852-3331 to obtain link. Blessed Trinity will be welcoming you back in the fall and look forward to expanding participation in our Tuesday afternoon ZOOM sessions at 4pm.

On Sunday, June 25, more than 20 women representing our parish family attended a luncheon hosted by the Ladies Sodality of Blessed Trinity. Table talk was lively and harmonious, and we are already exploring several opportunities for joint programs in the fall. Stay tuned.

Food Pantry Returns to Shopper’s Choice ~ The Catholic Central Helping Hands Food Pantry, which operates from our St. Charles Hall at 350 Dewey Avenue, is now operating EVERY Wednesday from 9:30am – 1:30pm. Residents of 14214 & 14215 are welcome to help themselves, according to household size, to portions of carbohydrates, grains, proteins and canned vegetables. Bread and sweets generally available. Baby needs in stock also. Call (716) 800-1075 or email ccfp14215 [at] gmail [dot] com for information.

FAMILY PROMISE OF WNY: Feed the Hungry, Shelter the HomelessFamily Promise offers us the opportunity to perform these acts of charity in a very direct and personal manner. As a support congregation, Blessed Trinity parishioners purchase and deliver groceries to the Family Promise shelter at Ss. Brigid-Columba Parish. With a few more volunteers we could continue this corporal work of mercy at least one day a month. Working in pairs, you could anticipate your turn to occur every third month. We hope you will join us. If you want more background information go to the web site, www.fpwny.org, or contact Amy Johnson (716-836-4694).

  • Family Promise is certified by NYS and can house up to six families.
  • It is one of only two emergency shelters in Erie County that allow fathers and teenage sons to stay with their family.
  • Families are referred by the Dept. of Social Services and receive case management in finding employment and permanent housing, security deposit assistance, day care, school transport, and follow up support upon leaving the shelter.
  • In 2020, the Homeless Alliance of WNY rated Family Promise with the best success rate for moving families into permanent homes.

Pastor Emeritus, Rev. George L. Reger ~ The Mass of Christian Burial for Father Reger was celebrated at Blessed Trinity on Friday, May 26. Click HERE to view a recorded version of the Mass.

Is it time to update your contact information? During the pandemic when COVID-19 Protocols prevented many from attending church services, the ability to keep in touch by telephone, mail or email took on increased importance. Because not everyone has computer access, really important information is sent in a letter. Even though you are now able to attend Mass in person, this may be a good time to ask yourself: Does the church office have my correct mailing address and phone number? Have I shared my email address? Make sure that we have been notified of any changes in your contact information by completing this form. This is also a chance to let us know if you: wish to receive the bulletin electronically via email, register as a parishioner, or request envelopes. You can also submit the requested information by phoning our secretary at 716-833-0301 any Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday between 10:30am and 2:30pm; sending an email to blessedtrinitychurch [at] gmail [dot] com; or using the contact feature below to submit the information. If you choose either of the last two, please use “Contact Update” as the subject of the email or message.

Enjoy a virtual tour of our Landmark house of worship, courtesy of Buffalo Rising and Explore Buffalo. By Clicking HERE, you will be treated to both exterior and interior photos and more than a little history.

Woodcarving in rear of church symbolizing offering of first fruits (wheat and grapes) to the Lord.
Photo credit: Margaret Dick

Blessed Trinity Joins E/S Garden Walk, July 22-23, 2023

Blessed Trinity’s multiple flower beds provide a “garden walk” all their own, but we are just one of many stops on Buffalo’s East Side Garden Walk taking place on Saturday, July 22 and Sunday, July 23 from 10am – 3pm, rain or shine. Take a self-guided tour of our multiple floral gardens which extend along the east and west sides of our Landmark Church and surround the parish rectory. Then circle round to the back side of the rectory to visit Father Bob’s vegetable and herb garden! We are located at 317 Leroy Avenue (between Fillmore and Grider) with off-street parking for all our visitors.