Week of November 24, 2019 – Christ the King

November 24 – December 1, 2019

Weekly Activities

Sunday, November 24 following 10:00 a.m. Mass ~ Coffee Hour in St. Charles Hall hosted by Parish Council

Tuesday, November 26 at 7:00 p.m. ~ Choir rehearsal in St. Charles Hall

Wednesday, November 27 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, November 28 ~  Happy Thanksgiving! NO BINGO tonight. Please join us on Saturday.

Saturday, November 30 at 8:00 p.m. ~ Bingo will be played in St. Charles Hall.*

*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, November 24 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – Blessings for Jeannie S. and Laurance Milano (Requested by Bob and Mary Kresse) and Eternal Rest for Lucille Venezia (Requested by Fr. Victor Ibhawa)

Monday,November 25 ~ St. Catherine of Alexandria ~ No Service

Tuesday, November 26 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Deceased Members of the Ryan, Reilly, Reynolds and Pfeiffer Families (Estate of Mary Reilly)

Wednesday, November 27 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – For the intentions of our parishioners, both living and deceased (Blessed Trinity Parish)

Thursday, November 28 ~ Thanksgiving Day ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – Bernadette Dorsheimer (John E. Curtin)

Friday, November 29 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Eternal Rest for Lucille Venezia (John E. Curtin)

Saturday, November 30 ~ St. Andrew, Apostle ~ Mass at 4:30 p.m. – Eternal Rest for Lucille Venezia (Nancy DeBoy)

Sunday, December 1 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – Blessings for Elmer Hartzell (Madonna Hartzell) and Eternal Rest for Lucille Venezia (The Duffy Girls)

Ministry Schedule for Saturday and Sunday, November 30 & December 1, 2019:

Saturday, 4:30 p.m.  Reader: Michael Ogoh; Eucharistic Minister: John Curtin

Sunday, 10:00 a.m.  Readers: Maggie Gatson, Grace Iheke; Eucharistic Ministers: Fran Cahill, Toni Maus, Alice Davis; Choir -Dan Korchowsky

News from our Parish Community

“Life at the Poverty Line. Every day is about hanging on.” The second collection on November 23/24 benefits the Catholic Campaign for Human Development. Please give generously. Your gift supports programs that:

Bring people together to solve community problems;
Create affordable housing for low-income families;
Teach new skills and create jobs:
Help those in poverty achieve self reliance and self sufficiency;
Educate Catholics about poverty and Catholic social teaching.

Sunday, November 24, after Mass, please bring Breaking Bread books from your pew to the front of the church. They will be replaced with new editions for the 2019-20 liturgical year. Then join us in St. Charles Hall for our November coffee hour, hosted by the Parish Council.

From Hurt to Hope — a service of healing and hope for our diocesan family – Sunday, November 24, at 3 PM at St. Peter & Paul Church, 5480 Main St., Williamsville. In light of recent events surrounding sexual abuse in our diocese, members of the Church Musicians Guild of Buffalo (the “CMG”) are offering an outlet for sorrow and a way to express hope for our Church through their gift of music. The service will be meditative in style and feature music of Taize in a program conceived around the theme of “only in God can my soul find rest.” The choir will be drawn from the host church and include Guild members and members of our own choir. It was made possible through a bequest in honor of our late music director and CMG member, Bridget Blesnuk. All are welcome to attend, and we hope you will join us.

Our Thanksgiving Day Mass will be at 10am on Thursday, November 28. Please join us to begin the holiday celebration with your parish family around the table of the Lord.

In grateful Thanksgiving, we raise our hands in prayer for all we have, that God might also bless others through us, and that with each memory of God’s goodness our hearts might overflow with joy.

So Much to be Thankful For ~ The past three months have seen an incredible fundraising effort by a number of parishioners. We are delighted to report that the October 25 wine tasting raised $4,200, and proceeds from last Sunday’s Italian dinner totaled $1,300. Thank you to everyone whose hard work and support made this possible. The monies have been added to the Under This Roof Fund, a dedicated fund for the repair and maintenance of our Landmark church. This year the fund has underwritten a state grant project that included reconstruction of the church’s stairs and front plaza and repairs to the tile roof. Going forward, it is important to replenish the fund in order to cover future maintenance, exterior repairs, and interior restoration.

The Lord Works in Unexpected Ways – It all started with a phone call to Bud Dick late Friday afternoon, November 22, from a friend at Canisius High School. Joe Van Volkenburg indicated that Saturday was the school alumni’s Community Outreach Day, and they had more volunteers than places to send them. Could Blessed Trinity use some? Even on such short notice, it’s hard to say “no” to volunteers, so – early Saturday morning – Bud, Mickey & Judy Casassa welcomed a group of 11 consisting of alumni, family members and current students. They turned out to be one of the most gracious and hard working group of volunteers to ever visit our church, and they worked diligently from the side vestibules to the loft and back. Three hours later, we ran out of tasks to assign them. And before leaving, they even decorated a few bags for the Prison Project! On Thanksgiving Day, say a prayer of thanksgiving for: Karl and Barbara McKinnie; Sam and Tammy Foley; Luke and Amy Braun; Colin, Syd and Owen Pratt; Aidan Armenia and Stan Bukowski.

King of the Universe! I am always challenged to prepare for this weekend, the last Sunday in the liturgical year. How do you select hymns to praise the King of the Universe? Of course, our Lord Jesus Christ is King of the Universe every day, but using this title makes the music selection more difficult. Today’s offertory hymn first appeared in A General Selection of the Newest and Most Admired Hymns and Spiritual Songs in 1811 – over 200 years ago! There is much debate over the composer of the melody and the author of the text, but there is no written record that predates this 1811 publication. Most likely, this was a hymn that was handed down through praise over the centuries, both at home and in formal houses of worship. It appears in hymnals across Christian denominations. While only three of the verses appear in our Breaking Bread hymnal, all are listed here for your consideration. 

What wondrous love is this, O my soul! O my soul!
What wondrous love is this! O my soul!
What wondrous love is this!
That caused the Lord of bliss!
To send this precious peace, to my soul, to my soul!
To send this precious peace to my soul!

When I was sinking down, sinking down, sinking down;
When I was sinking down, sinking down
When I was sinking down, beneath God’s righteous frown,
Christ laid aside his crown for my soul, for my soul!
Christ laid aside his crown for my soul!

Ye winged seraphs fly, bear the news, bear the news!
Ye winged seraphs fly, bear the news!–
Ye winged seraphs fly, like comets through the sky,
fill vast eternity with the news, with the news!
Fill vast eternity with the news!

Ye friends of Zion’s king, join his praise, join his praise;
Ye friends of Zion’s king, join his praise;
Ye friends of Zion’s king, with hearts and voices sing,
and strike each tuneful string in his praise, in his praise!
And strike each tuneful string in his praise!

To God and to the Lamb, I will sing, I will sing;
To God and to the Lamb, I will sing–
To God and to the Lamb, who is the great I AM,
while millions join the theme, I will sing, I will sing!
while millions join the theme, I will sing!

And while from death I’m free, I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on,
And while from death I’m free, I’ll sing on.
and while from death I’m free, I’ll sing and joyful be,
and through eternity I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on,
and through eternity, I’ll sing on.

Did you know Blessed Trinity Church has one of the most beautiful acoustics in Western New York? Join us up in the loft and help enhance our Liturgies. Choir practice continues on Tuesday, November 26 at 7:00 p.m. in St. Charles Hall. All are welcome to attend.

Delivering Gifts for Home Bound Parishioners ~ The Ladies Sodality thanks everyone who has so generously supported our Christmas gift drive. This is the last weekend for monetary contributions; gift items will be accepted though December 1.  We will need help delivering to 17 parishioners at 15 different locations in Amherst (1), Buffalo (9), Clarence (1), Kenmore (1), W. Seneca (1), Williamsville (1), and Tonawanda (1). If you can help by delivering a gift bag and visiting with a parishioner, please contact Mickey Dick (716-832-2540).

Cocoa Challenge 2019 ~ Your donation of Instant Hot Cocoa to the Prisoner Gifts Project is needed by next Sunday, Dec. 1.  We are at 50% of our goal. Thank you! Don’t forget us during your busy Thanksgiving preparations. No time to shop? Cash donations are most welcome and can be made in an envelope marked “Prisoner Gifts” and dropped into the weekend collection basket. Gift Bags to be decorated are available in the back pew. Completed bags can be returned by Dec 1. Help assemble the gifts on Friday Dec. 6 here at Blessed Trinity. There will be two gift packing shifts: 10am-1pm and 6pm to completion. We continue Sr. Karen Klimczak’s message of forgiveness and non-violence and give hope to men and women incarcerated through the holiday season.

Know Your Faith: As we all know, healing of any sort takes time, and so in this week “Know Your Faith” we shall pray for healing for victims of Abuse.

    God of endless love, ever caring, ever strong, always present, always just:
    You gave your only Son to save us by the blood of his cross.

    Gentle Jesus, shepherd of peace, join to your own suffering the pain of all who have been hurt
    In body, mind, and spirit by those who betrayed the trust placed in them.

    Hear the cries of our brothers and sisters who have been gravely harmed, and the cries of those who love them.
    Soothe their restless hearts with hope, steady their shaken spirits with faith.
    Grant them justice for their cause, enlightened by your truth.

    Holy Spirit, comforter of hearts, heal your people’s wounds and transform brokenness into wholeness.
    Grant us the courage and wisdom, humility and grace, to act with justice.
    Breathe wisdom into our prayers and labors.
    Grant that all harmed by abuse may find peace in justice.
    We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Would you like a prayer for a special intention? Beginning Sunday December 1, the first Sunday of Advent, you will be provided an opportunity to submit your personal prayer requests. These requests will be prayed for at each Mass. You may submit your request by writing it on a slip of paper and placing it in the basket on the rail in front of the baptismal font. There is no need to provide your name. These written prayer requests will be in addition to the petitions shared during the Prayer of the Faithful.

The Ladies Sodality will hold their annual Christmas Dinner on Tuesday, December 3, at 6pm at The Family Tree Restaurant, 4346 Bailey Avenue in Amherst. All women of the parish are invited to attend, and friends are welcome. Amy Johnson (716-836-4694) will be accepting reservations until Wednesday, November 27; payment is due by Sunday, December 1. Dinner choices include: broiled fish (lemon, butter, garlic sauce), pot roast, lamb shank, honey fried chicken, or Gyro Souvlaki (lamb & lean beef). Each dinner is served with salad, potato and pita or French bread and will also include rice pudding dessert and non-alcoholic beverage. The $25/person price includes the gratuity; wine or beer is available at cost.

Save the Date ~ Blessed Trinity is serving up musical treats on Sunday, December 8, at 3 p.m. when The Freudig Singers of WNY return for their annual “Christmas Pie” performance. Come for the music; stay for the pie.

Looking Ahead ~ Monday, December 9 at 5pm, Mass for the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, followed at 6pm with a Healing Service for Victims of Abuse.

Holiday Tours of Blessed Trinity ~ Explore Buffalo is again bringing their seasonal tours to Blessed Trinity Church and inviting the public to see our beautiful structure and its festive decorations. The Thanksgiving Weekend tour will be on Saturday, November 30 from 2:00 – 4:00 PM. The Christmas Weekend tour will be on Sunday, December 29 from 12:30 – 2:30 PM. Cost: $15 per person. Reservations can be made by contacting Explore Buffalo at explore [at] explorebuffalo [dot] org or 716-245-3032. Walk-ins are also welcome. Either weekend presents a wonderful opportunity for local folks to invite their visiting relatives for a pleasant and educational holiday experience. At 3:00 PM on Dececember 29, we will also host a musical presentation by the St. John Paul II Schola Cantorum. A double bill – a gorgeous Christmas gift!!

Blessed Trinity would welcome regular prayer groups such as Sacred Heart, St. Jude, Altar Rosary, etc. Anyone interested in coordinating a group, please see Fr. Victor or email the church office at blessedtrinitychurch [at] gmail [dot] com.

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!

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 home bound parishioners who may wish to receive a visit and the Eucharist on the last Friday of each month.

News from our Vicariate Cluster and the Wider Community

Seeking Volunteer Opportunity?  The Station of the Cross Catholic Radio (6325 Sheridan Road in Williamsville) has a need for call-screeners for the Mother Miriam Live program that airs 10am-11am, and also volunteers for administrative duties (labeling, sorting/stuffing envelopes, addressing envelopes, etc.). Call Dana Mielke at 716-839-6114, ext. 105. Find out more at thestationofthecross.com.

37th Annual Multi-Faith Thanksgiving Celebration, Monday November 25, 7-8pm at St. Joseph University Parish (3269 Main Street in Buffalo). Donations of non-perishable food items are requested. Reception after service.

Annual Craft Show,  Friday, November 29, 10am – 4pm and Saturday November 30, 10am – 3pm at St. Gregory the Great Ministry Center and School (200 St. Gregory Court in Williamsville). The craft show will consist of over 140 Western New York crafters offering unique, handmade gifts.

Kitchen Crew 6 Christmas Concert, Saturday, November 30, 6-7:30 pm at Our Lady of Fatima Shrine (Shrine Dining Room – 1023 Swann Road – off Rt. 18E – in Lewiston). KC6 is a dynamic young singing group from the Greater Toronto Area and has been singing at festivals throughout the GTA for 3 years. Come enjoy some great Christmas music amidst the Shrine’s beautiful Festival lights. Festival lights on every evening 5-9 pm through January 6. Admission and parking are free; handicap accessible. Gift shop open daily 9 am-9 pm. Cafeteria will be open extended hours this evening. For more information, 716-754-7489 or email office [at] fatimashrine [dot] com.

Free Legal Advice by Volunteer Lawyers Project, Wednesdays, 12-2pm at Adult Education Center (368 Virginia Street in Buffalo) and Thursdays 3:30-5:30pm at East Community High School (820 Northampton Street in Buffalo). Visit ecbavlp.com or call 716-828-8491 for more information.Weekend Retreat “JUST MEN” at Stella Niagara Center of Renewal in Lewiston, Friday November 22. Led by Fr. John Graden, OSFS, Director of Embraced by God. Space is limited. Visit stellaniagararetreats.org or call 716-754-7376, ext. 2 to register (preferably 2 weeks prior to event).

St. Gregory the Great Adoration Chapel is in need of adorers for all times and days. The Chapel is open 24 hours, 7 days a week. You do not need to be a parishioner of St. Greg’s to be an adorer; all are welcome. Contact Kathy at 716-759-7149 or Barbara at 716-634-7478 with a time that is convenient for you to come and adore, as the Blessed Sacrament cannot be left alone. The Chapel is located inside St. Gregory the Great Church, 200 St. Gregory Ct., Williamsville.