The gospel reading for the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time is St. Luke’s account of the Lord’s “commissioning” of 72 disciples. Because Christ sent his apostles out to spread the Good News of God’s love for us, this church “places the missionary emphasis of the Church in a prominent position.” The Four Evangelists and other missionaries are depicted in the area between the pendentives supporting the dome. (Rev. Walter Kern’s “Guidebook to Blessed Trinity R.C. Church, pp. 21-22.
Photo credit: Gary Kelley

July 7 – July 14, 2019

Weekly Activities

Sunday, July 7 following 10:00 a.m. Mass ~ Liturgy committee meeting

Wednesday, July 10 from 12:00 noon – 4:00 p.m. ~ Catholic Central Food Pantry in St. Charles Hall (Food Pantry operates every Wednesday from Noon-4pm)

Thursday, July 11 at 8:00 p.m. ~ Bingo will be played in St. Charles Hall.*

Saturday, July 13 at 8:00 p.m. ~ Bingo will be played in St. Charles Hall.*

Sunday, July 14 following 10:00 a.m. Mass ~ Meeting of Religious Education Teachers & Assistants

*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 7 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – For the intentions of our parishioners, both living and deceased (Blessed Trinity Parish)

Monday, July 8 ~ No Service

Tuesday, July 9 ~ St. Augustin Zhao-Rong & Companions ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Special Intention (John Curtin)

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

Thursday, 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)

Friday, July 12 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – For the intentions of our parishioners, both living and deceased (Blessed Trinity Parish)

Saturday, July 13 ~ St. Henry ~ Mass at 4:30 p.m. – God’s Blessings for Therese Reid (Tim and Mary Reid)

Sunday, July 14 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – Birthday Remembrance for Bridget Blesnuk (Family)

Sunday, July 14 at 10:00 a.m. Mass – Blessing and Commissioning of new Eucharistic Ministers: Fidelia Ejimadu, Antoinette Maus and Palma Zanghi

Ministry Schedule for Saturday and Sunday, July 13/14, 2019:

Saturday, 4:30 p.m.  Reader: Michael Ogoh; Eucharistic Minister: Lucille Venezia

Sunday, 10:00 a.m.  Readers: Chris Porter, Miles James; Eucharistic Ministers: Fran Cahill, Don Williams, Bonnie Williams

St. Peter Claver (1581-1654), a missionary to the slaves brought to South America, is depicted in this painting by Joseph Mazur in the church’s transept.
Photo credit: Gary Kelley

News from our Parish Community

The Liturgy Committee will meet following Mass on Sunday, July 7.

A Royal Priesthood ~ Lumen Gentium, the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, implemented by Saint Paul VI when he was Pope, proclaimed that the people of the Church belong to a “royal priesthood.” Today’s musical selections included the theme of our royal priesthood. Church of God, Elect and Glorious, our closing hymn, was a familiar tune (known as HYFRYDOL, composed by Rowland Prichard in the 19th century) with words written in the 20th century by James E. Seddon. I can think of no better way to demonstrate that every generation is called to our common priesthood.  

            1.  Church of God, elect and glorious, holy nation, chosen race;
            called as God’s own special people, royal priests and heirs of grace:
            know the purpose of your calling, show to all his mighty deeds;
            tell of love which knows no limits, grace which meets all human needs.

             2.  God has called you out of darkness into his most marvelous light;
            brought his truth to life within you, turned your blindness into sight.
            Let your light so shine around you that God’s name is glorified;
            and all find fresh hope and purpose in Christ Jesus crucified.

             3.  Once you were an alien people, strangers to God’s heart of love;
            but he brought you home in mercy, citizens of heaven above.
            Let his love flow out to others, let them feel a Father’s care;
            that they too may know his welcome and his countless blessings share.

            4.  Church of God, elect and holy, be the people he intends;
            strong in faith and swift to answer each command your master sends:
            royal priests, fulfill your calling through your sacrifice and prayer;
            give your lives in joyful service sing his praise, his love declare.

James E Seddon (1915 – 1983) from 1 Peter 2

May we all fulfill our calling in the week to come. Choir practice will resume in September and all are welcome to participate; no musical experience necessary. Elizabeth

Peter’s Pence ~ The annual collection known as Peter’s Pence will take place at Masses on July 13/14. Your generosity helps the Holy Father: continue his pastoral care for the Church, share the gospel message throughout the world, and assist victims of disasters. Please use the special envelope in your July – Sept. packet and help Pope Francis “profess faith, bestow love, and impart hope.” Thank you.

Commissioning Ceremony ~ On Sunday, July 14, parishioners Fidelia Ejimadu, Antoinette Maus, and Palma Zanghi will receive a special  blessing and be commissioned as Eucharistic Ministers to serve our congregation. Please join in thanking and congratulating the women who have successfully completed the diocesan training requirements to become Eucharistic Ministers.

Religious Education Meeting ~ On Sunday, July 14, Father Victor will meet with religious education teachers and assistants following the 10am Mass.

Congratulations are in order as Blessed Trinity Parish has reached its Catholic Charities goal. Thank you to everyone who contributed so generously to the 2019 appeal.

Good news about staying connected ~ Have you visited www.blessedtrinitybuffalo.org lately? It’s been a decade since our parish launched its web site, and seven years since its first makeover. Since that time, mobile devices have become the dominant way to access websites. In fact, when parish council member Nik Brodfuehrer reviewed our usage stats, he found that 50% of our present users access the site from a cell phone or tablet. Unfortunately, sites like ours with their older design did not “flex” to fit small screens, necessitating a second upgrade. Our revamped site debuted right before Easter, and we encourage you to take a look. Whether you check in with your cellphone, tablet or desktop computer, we hope you like our new look. Mass times, office and food pantry hours, bingo schedules, and an easy-to-use contact form are visible at first glance. Looking for the type of information normally found in the bulletin? Just click on the post with the current week’s date; e.g., “Week of June 30, 2019 ~ 13th Sunday of Ordinary Time.” In addition to scheduled activities, coming events, and Mass intentions, you’ll also find examples of church symbolism and artwork relating to the week’s readings or feast days. While you are away on vacation this summer, stay in touch with your parish family by visiting  www.blessedtrinitybuffalo.org.

Father George Reger is now undergoing rehabilitation at the McAuley Residence, 1503 Military Road, Kenmore, NY 14217. We are sure he would appreciate your prayers, cards and notes of encouragement as he works to regain his strength.

Friends of Family Promise Day is Sunday July 28. This fundraiser, from 2-4pm, will take place at Ss. Columba-Brigid Catholic Church (75 Hickory Street in Buffalo) and features live music, taco bar, bounce house, jugglers, face painting, and unveiling of the Family Promise Founder Wall. Blessed Trinity is a support congregation for the Family Promise site at Ss. Columba-Brigid. For more information, contact the volunteer coordinator at 716-771-3007 or email grace [at] fpwny [dot] org.

Blessed Trinity Needs Your Help! We’re not asking for money, but for something 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 most recent financial report 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!

Our Kids Parent Education and Awareness Program (OKPEAP) is a Catholic Charities program available to families who are experiencing conflict related to custody issues. Visit ccwny.org/okpeap.

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.

Presentation of Offertory Gifts ~ For those who have requested a Mass and would like to present the Offertory gifts, please see Head Usher, Ed Marien, prior to Mass. This also applies to those whose family members are being remembered during the Liturgy.

Is it time to update your contact information? We know that not everyone can attend church every weekend, so when there is important information to be shared, we often mail it.  If you have not received some of our recent mailings, please make sure that we have your correct contact information by completing this form. This is also a chance to let us know if you: wish to be included in our online email list, register as a parishioner, or request envelopes. You can also submit the requested information by phoning our secretary at 716-833-0301 any Tuesday-Thursday between 10:30am and 2:30pm; sending an email to blessedtrinitychurch [at] gmail [dot] com; or Clicking HERE to use the contact feature of our web site to submit the information. If you choose either of the last two, please use “Contact Update” 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 statue of St. Francis Xavier (1506-1552), the famous Jesuit missionary to the Far East, is found in the church’s right side aisle.
Photo credit: Margaret Dick

News from our Vicariate Cluster and the Wider Community

Summer Happy Hour for Nativity Miguel Middle School of Buffalo, Wednesday July 10, 5:30-7:30 ~ Fundraiser  hosted by their Junior Board at Flying Bison Brewing Company (840 Seneca Street in Buffalo). Tickets are $30 at the door or $25 pre-sale (nativitymiguelbuffalo.org/event/junior-boards-summer-happy-hour/).   

The Ignatian Volunteer Corps (“IVC”) of Buffalo seeks new members this Fall. Ignatian volunteers are men and women (age 50+)  who spend a few hours each week in service to those in need. IVC volunteers share their expertise, life skills, and their hope — while learning to pray and reflect in the Ignatian tradition. If you wish to explore this further, please contact the Volunteer Director, Minnie Wyse, at 716-854-6726, email mwyse [at] ivcusa [dot] org or visit ivcusa.org.

Queen of Heaven Carnival 2019 ~ Friday-Sunday July 12, 13, 14 at 4220 Seneca Street & Mill Road in West Seneca with Super Cruz Night on Thursday, July 11, 4-10pm. Find out more at rectory [at] qofhchurch [dot] org or QofHcarnival.com.