The setting of today’s Gospel (Lk 5:1-11, Christ preaching from a boat in the Lake of Gennesaret, is depicted in terra cotta relief over an interior door in the church nave. Photo credit: Margaret Dick
February 10 – February 17, 2019
Weekly Activities
February 10 following 10:00 a.m. Mass ~ Meeting of Religious Education Volunteers in the Sacristy
Tuesday, February 12 at 7:00 p.m. ~ Choir Rehearsal in St. Charles Hall
Wednesday, February 13 at 7:00 p.m. ~ Bible Discussion in St. Charles Hall
Wednesday, February 13 from 12:00 noon – 4:00 p.m. ~ Catholic Central Food Pantry in St. Charles Hall – NEW HOURS
Thursday, February 14 at 8:00 p.m. ~ Bingo will be played in St. Charles Hall*
Saturday, February 16 at 8:00 p.m. ~ Bingo will be played in St. Charles Hall*
Sunday, February 17 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, February 10 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – Franklin Edward Jost (Requested by Angela Jost)
Monday, February 11 ~ Our Lady of Lourdes ~ No Service
Tuesday, February 12 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Deceased Members of the Ryan, Reilly, Reynolds and Pfeiffer Families (Estate of Mary Reilly)
Wednesday, February 13 ~ St. Benignus ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – For the intentions of our parishioners, both living and deceased (Blessed Trinity Parish)
Thursday, February 14 ~ Ss. Cyril and Methodius ~ Mass at 11:00 a. m. – Deceased Members of the Ryan, Reilly, Reynolds and Pfeiffer Families (Estate of Mary Reilly)
Friday, February 15 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – For the intentions of our parishioners, both living and deceased (Blessed Trinity Parish)
Saturday, February 16 ~ The Presentation of the Lord ~ Vigil Mass at 4:30 p.m. – Velma Holt (John E. Curtin)
Sunday, February 17 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – Rev. John Kuhlman (John E. Curtin)
Ministry Schedule for Saturday and Sunday, February 16/17, 2019:
Saturday, 4:30 p.m. Reader: Michael Ogoh; Eucharistic Minister: John Curtin
Sunday, 10:00 a.m. Readers: Mary Kresse, Avery White; Eucharistic Ministers: Fran Cahill, Maggie Gatson, Pat Hartinger; Choir – Sharon Dunnigan
Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, February 11.
The painting in the Lady Chapel to the left of the Sanctuary at Blessed Trinity is of the Virgin Mary “seen fulfilling the prophecy of Genesis (3:15), with the serpent under her feet.” The figure to the left of Mary is “St. Bernadette Soubirous (1844-1879), to whom Our Lady appeared at Lourdes, France in 1858…. The message of Lourdes was really an invitation to trust in the power of prayer regardless of how desperate the situation is….”
(Rev. Walter Kern’s Guidebook to Blessed Trinity Roman Catholic Church, p. 44).
News from our Parish Community
Becoming Holy Through Music ~ Pope Francis issued an Apostolic Exhortation, Gaudete et Exultate, that explains how to live a holy life. He calls the Beatitudes “Christ’s identity card” (#63) and explains that practicing the beatitudes makes us holy. Pope Francis then tells us we must have the following attitudes if we are to become holy in today’s world: perseverance, patience and meekness (112-121); joy and a sense of humor (122-128); being part of a community (140-146); and praying constantly (147-157). This weekend’s substitute Music Ministers, Luis Clay and Don Williams, are wonderful examples of Blessed Trinity’s musical community. Their willingness to lead the music during worship in the director’s absence is a true blessing in our church and a beautiful example of trying to live a holy life. We are all truly grateful for their musicianship and leadership. Choir practice continues February 12 at 7:00pm in St. Charles Hall. All are welcome … Elizabeth
Religious Education Volunteers ~ We thank parishioners Palma Zanghi, Daniel Korchowsky, Cathy Cummings, and Patty Gallisdorfer for volunteering to help us begin a Religious Education Program. Fr. Victor will meet with this group after Mass on Sunday, February 10, in the Sacristy.
Bible Discussion Meeting for the new year continues on Wednesday February 13, at 7pm in St. Charles Hall. The booklet for bible discussion meetings is Genesis 12-23 Abraham and Sarah’s Journey, by Kevin and Louise Perrotta. (Loyola Press, 2002). Copies are available from Althea Porter. The assigned reading for February’s discussion is the Week 5 reading, pages 54-63. For additional information please contact Althea Porter at 716-316-8395.
Anointing of the Sick and Well-Aging will take place after Mass on Sunday, February 17.
Rescheduled Council Meeting ~ Because of a conflict with another important meeting, the February Parish Council meeting has been rescheduled for Friday, February 22, at 7pm in St. Charles Hall.
February Coffee Hour Includes Discussion ~ During our monthly after-Mass coffee hour in St. Charles Hall on February 24, there will be a meeting for all parishioners who wish to ask any questions or clarify items that were part of our annual financial report.
March 3 Mardi Gras Raffle ~ The Ladies Sodality is holding its first fundraiser in two years. Again, thanks to the generosity of our friends, Bill and Gwen Warren, who have donated the contents of our first-prize Basket of Cheer valued at approximately $225. Local supermarkets Wegmans (Amherst St.) and Dash’s (Hertel Ave.) have donated the second and third prize gift cards, $50 and $25 respectively. If you did not receive tickets in the mail this week, you will find extras on the tables near each entrance. You may also obtain tickets from Sodality board members or by calling the rectory office (716-833-0301). Tickets are still only $1 each or 6 for $5. Please make your returns as soon as possible; the raffle is only 3 weeks away. Then plan to join us after Mass on “Fat Sunday” for a special pre-Lenten coffee hour and prize giveaway.
Lenten Prayer Partners ~ We are about to begin sign-up for the CCCB Prayer Partner Program. If you haven’t experienced this yet, we hope you will try this year. During the Lenten season you will be given a name of someone from another participating parish to pray for during Lent. Praying in Jesus name seems so important in our world today. Why do we do this? It’s rather simple. Jesus told us: “that if two or more agree on earth about anything for which they are to pray, it shall be granted to them by my Father” (Matthew 18: 19, 20). This helps us see the importance of praying with and for one another. Each partner begins to pray for the other’s needs, concerns or special intentions. How do I do it? It can be a simple prayer of remembrance for your prayer partner’s needs; you can include them in a decade of the rosary, at mass time, or during your own individual time of prayer. If they give their phone number, you can make a personal contact to introduce yourself and exchange intentions with one another but it is not required. It is up to the individual and how the Spirit leads them. Our shut-ins are also welcome to add their name to the sign-up sheet by telling the home visitor or calling the parish office to add their name. Look for the yellow sign-up paper on the tables by the entrances at weekend masses during February. The Prayer Partner Committee invites you to join us. Call, Sr. Maureen at 716-897-9948 x 114 with your questions.
Part-Time Employment Opportunity ~ Blessed Trinity Church is looking to employ a person to work on an as needed basis to assist in shoveling the walkways and stairs to the church on Saturday and/or Sunday before Mass, only when needed due to snow. In addition, we are looking for a person to clean the church hall after the food pantry closes on Wednesday. This can be done on Wednesday afternoon or during the morning on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday. This task takes 2-3 hours. If you are interested in one or both of these jobs, please contact Bud Dick at 716-998-7855 or Bob Heicklen at 716-881-3793. Please don’t hesitate to call; snow is in the forecast.
Blessed Trinity Needs Your Help! We’re not asking for money, but for some-thing maybe even more valuable: a little bit of your TIME. Just a bit. ONE or TWO nights a month that will really help your parish. Our last financial report (included in a recent bulletin) shows the importance of BINGO. Clearly, this fundraiser is essential for our parish’s financial health. Just as clearly, it needs broad parish support in the way of MORE workers. We have Bingo every Thursday and Saturday night. Can you PLEASE commit to one or two nights a month? You can start simply by helping to sell things and — as you learn the routine — cross-train for other essential tasks. Our friendly team of workers stands ready to help you. Please contact Kathy Press at 716-445-8160 for more information. Your Parish Bingo Team thanks you!
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.
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.
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.
A cherubic angel tops a column in the choir loft. Partially visible below it is the top of a “poor man’s staff,” symbolizing the Beatitude, “Blessed are the poor in spirit….”
Photo credit: Derek Gee, Buffalo News
News from our Vicariate Cluster and the Wider Community
The Church Musicians’ Guild will host a conversation on Liturgy and the Disaffiliated on Sunday, February 10 at 2pm at the SUNY Newman Center (495 Skinnersville Road in Amherst). Discuss the role of ritual in 21st century life and the possibility of making it more welcoming. Whether our preferences are traditional or contemporary, our shared endeavor is worship in Spirit and in truth, aiming for the worship described in Nehemiah 8. For further information, contact Glenn Hufnagel at gphufnagel [at] hotmail [dot] com.
Choirs of Calvary Church and St. Louis Church present Evensong Concert, Sunday, February 10 at 4pm at St. Louis Church (35 Edward Street in Buffalo). Featured will be works of Hovland, Hogan, Durufle, Willan, Faure and others. Admission is free and all are welcome. For more information, call 716-852-6040.
Barbecue Dinner on Wednesday, February 13, 3:30-7:30pm at Cardinal O’Hara High School (39 O’Hara Road in Tonawanda). The Chiavetta’s chicken dinner will include a half-chicken, two salads, roll and butter. Beverages and desserts will be available for purchase. Dine-in or take-out available. Proceeds will fully support the 2018-19 Msgr. Martin Class B Champion Football Team. For information or tickets, call 716-695-2600, ext. 312 or email sdudley [at] cardinalohara [dot] com.
Retrouvaille Lifeline for Marriage Program presents Help for Troubled Marriages 3-day weekend workshop in Buffalo beginning on Friday, February 15. Pre-registration required. Visit helpourmarriage.org or call 716-474-9371.
8-part Study on Mary, Queen of Heaven: Mary’s Battle for YOU! begins on Wednesday, February 20, in the Notre Dame Academy conference room (1125 Abbott Road in Buffalo). Join us February 20-April 17 as we embark on a journey into a deeper encounter and understanding of our Blessed Mother. While Catholics know of her and honor her, the Queen of Heaven study will introduce you to her in a fuller and more intimate way. For more information or to register, email diacono [at] stmartinbuffalo [dot] com, call 716-823-7077, or visit stmartinbuffalo.com.