St. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist
September 21
St. Matthew, whose feast day is celebrated on September 21, is depicted in this pendentive supporting Blessed Trinity’s great dome. “Since Christ sent the Apostles out to preach the Good News of how much God loves us, this church rightly places the missionary emphasis of the Church in a prominent position.” Rev. Walter Kern’s Guidebook to Blessed Trinity R. C. Church, page 21. Photo Credit: Gary Kelley.
September 15 – 22, 2019
Weekly Activities
Sunday, September 15 following 10:00 a.m. Mass ~ Anointing of the sick and well-aging
Wednesday, September 18 from 12:00 noon – 4:00 p.m. ~ Catholic Central Food Pantry in St. Charles Hall (Food Pantry operates every Wednesday from Noon-4pm)
Wednesday, September 18 at 7:00 p.m. ~ Parish Council Meeting and New Member Reception in St. Charles Hall
Thursday, September 19 at 8:00 p.m. ~ Bingo will be played in St. Charles Hall.*
Saturday, September 21 at 8:00 p.m. ~ Bingo will be played in St. Charles Hall.*
Sunday, September 22 at 9:30 a.m. ~ Choir rehearsal in the loft
Sunday, September 22 from 11:15 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. ~ Drop off for White Elephant Sale (Downstairs 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 , September 15 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – Terry Gress (Requested by Dennis and Paula Hunt)
Monday, September 16 ~ Ss. Cornelius & Cyprian – No Service
Tuesday, September 17 ~ St. Robert Bellarmine ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – For the intentions of our parishioners, both living and deceased (Blessed Trinity Parish)
Wednesday, September 18 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Blessings for Mary Anne Andrade (Family and Friends)
Thursday, September 19 ~ St. Januarius ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – For the intentions of our parishioners, both living and deceased (Blessed Trinity Parish)
Friday, September 20 ~ Ss. Andrew Kim Tae-gŏn, Paul Chŏng Ha-sang & Companions ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Deceased Members of the Ryan, Reilly, Reynolds and Pfeiffer Families (Estate of Mary Reilly)
Saturday, September 21 ~ St. Matthew, Apostle & Evangelist ~ Mass at 4:30 p.m. – Frances Pernick (Children)
Sunday, September 22 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – Eternal rest for Margaret Stiffler Schimpf and Alexis Farrar (Family)
Ministry Schedule for Saturday and Sunday, September 21/22, 2019:
Saturday, 4:30 p.m. Reader: John Curtin; Eucharistic Minister: Lorna Cameron
Sunday, 10:00 a.m. Readers: Bob Heicklen, David Iheke; Eucharistic Ministers: Dan Korchowsky, Mary Kresse, Alice Davis; Choir – Fran Cahill
The church bell which hung in the former church and school
building from 1909 until 2018 is now permanently
displayed on Leroy Avenue.
Photo credit: Margaret Dick
News from our Parish Community
The Parish Council welcomes newly-elected members Luis Clay, Cathy Cummings, David Folmar and Joseph Nwogu when it meets this Wednesday, September 18, at 7:00pm in St. Charles Hall.
Welcome back, BT Choir! This week the choir returned to Blessed Trinity’s loft, signalling the end of the summer hiatus.The choir is a closely-knit, eclectic group from all walks of life who are united in our love of praising Christ through song.There are no other requirements for participation in the Blessed Trinity Choir – you do not need to know how to read music, nor do you need to be able to carry a tune (even with a bucket!) in order to participate. We believe God gave us our singing voices – therefore God is well-pleased when we return our voices to him in praise. Interested in learning more about the BT Choir? Feel free to join us (no long-term commitment necessary) at a choir practice in St. Charles’ Hall or come up into the loft on Sunday morning and enjoy the best seat in our beautiful house of worship. Over my head, I hear music in the air — There *must* be a God somewhere! Choir practice continues Sunday, September 22, at 9:30 in the choir loft. All are welcome to attend.
First drop-off opportunity for parish “White Elephant Sale” is Sunday, Sept. 22, 11:15am-1pm. The sale will be held on Saturday, September 28 from 10am – 4pm. The event is a fundraiser for our parish, and will take place on the lower level of St. Charles Hall. Help will be needed during drop-off days — Sunday, Sept. 22; Wednesday, Sept. 25, 12 Noon-3pm; and Friday, Sept. 27, 12Noon-3pm — and on the day of the sale. Please indicate your willingness to help on the pink sign-up sheets found on the tables near the church entrances. The following items will be acceptable for sale: books, lamps, toys, luggage, knick-knacks, bathroom accessories, clothing and material, pictures and art work, towels, linens, tablecloths, drapes, small tools (not power), pots, pans dishes, and kitchen items. No electronics please! All donated items are to be clean and ready for sale without price tags. Pricing will be done by volunteers prior to the sale. All proceeds will go to Blessed Trinity Parish, and items that do not sell will be donated to St. Vincent dePaul.
Christ the King Seminary: Equipping God’s people for ministry ~ Did you know that our seminary offers a master’s degree in pastoral ministry for women and men? Your contribution to the Seminary collection on September 21/22 aids these members of the laity who will serve as future administrators in our parishes. You may also donate on line at www.cks.edu. Please be generous.
Wine Tasting ~ Friday evening, October 25, marks the return of a favorite fundraiser, BT’s Fall Wine Tasting featuring a variety of wines to sample and savor, accompanied by a dizzying array of hors d’oeuvres and desserts. This is a “21 and over” event from 5-7pm in St. Charles Hall. Advance priced tickets are $30 and will be available from Bud Dick starting on September 22.
Ladies Sodality Announces 2019-20 Schedule ~ The Sodality Board of Directors met on August 22 to exchange ideas about programs for the coming year. A brief summary of our 2019-20 events and programs follows, with much more information as it becomes available. Unless otherwise indicated, all meetings will take place following Sunday Mass on the date indicated:
The lives and martyrdom of Saints Perpetua and Felicity will be the discussion topic at the Sodality’s March 1, 2020 meeting.
- Saturday, November 2 – Sunday December 8: Drop off period for Christmas gift items for homebound parishioners and those in senior care facilities.
- Sunday, November 3: Service of Remembrance for deceased members
- Wednesday, December 4: Christmas Dinner Party at The Family Tree
- Sunday, March 1: “Celebrating Women Witnesses,” a discussion of the lives and martyrdom of Saints Perpetua and Felicity
- Sunday, May 3: “Women as Mothers and Leaders,” with story telling by several parishioners about mothers who adapted to unique life experiences and inspired others
- June date TBA: A daytime field trip (think spring flowers and inspirational religious setting)
We encourage all our members to support the upcoming fall fundraisers discussed elsewhere in this post by contributing materials, financial support, and – most importantly – your time and effort.
SAVE THE DATE! Sunday evening, November 17, bring the whole family to an Italian Dinner in St. Charles Hall. With pasta and specialty sauces prepared by Cugino’s Restaurant (Main St., Williamsville), this will be no ordinary spaghetti dinner. We will fill you in on the details as they become available, but mark your calendar now!
Welcome Home St. Helena ~ The first building constructed by Blessed Trinity parish was a combination church/school building completed in 1907 at 307 Leroy Avenue. Two years later, a bell manufactured by the McShane Bell Company in Baltimore, Maryland was installed in its steeple. It was customary for a church bell to be given a saint’s name, and Blessed Trinity’s bell – a gift of parishioner Helena Eckard — was named “St. Helena” in honor of her patron saint. The 2017 sale of the former church/school building necessitated removal of the bell. This challenging task took place in October 2018 with the help of the building’s new owner, John Cozzarelli. Repair and restoration of the bell was entrusted to the Verdin Bell Company at its Cincinnati, Ohio facility, and on August 27, 2019 the refurbished bell was installed on a newly-built concrete pedestal located on the church lawn. The parish is grateful to alumni of Blessed Trinity School and two benefactors whose contributions preserved this important part of parish history, and to Mr. Cozzarelli who provided equipment and workers each time the 1,200 pound bell was moved. With decorative work on the pedestal now completed, the century-old bell is ready to peal once more. Hidden from public view for 110 years, “St. Helena” is now available for all to see and a new Leroy Avenue destination. Please stop for a visit and photo-op.
Young Readers Update ~ Congratulations to Miles James, the first candidate in our “young readers” program. Having graduated from Nichols High School in June, Miles has started his first year at Alfred University where he will study electrical engineering technology. With the example of Miles and our other Young Readers of the Liturgy (David Iheke, Grace Iheke, Avery White and Simon Kresse) we encourage any other eighth through twelfth grader to participate. If interested, please call Mary Kresse at 716-885-6449.
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 homebound 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
Free Monthly Faith Enrichment Series presented by Deacon Greg Feary. Monday September 23 at 7pm: FOREGIVEn: Jesus’ teaching on forgiveness as a key to healthy spiritual life. Our Lady of Pompeii Ministry Center (129 Laverack Avenue in Lancaster). Call 716-663-6522 for information.
Northland Workforce Training Center Community Ambassador Breakfast, Thursday, September 26, 8:30-10:00am (683 Northland Avenue in Buffalo). This free event will introduce you to educational training and job opportunities in Buffalo. Visit northlandwtc.org or call 716-436-3229 for information.
World Day of Migrants and Refugees: a rosary and prayer vigil at Ss Columba Brigid Parish (75 Hickory Street in Buffalo),Sunday September 29 at 6pm.
Diocesan Information ~ News and information from the Diocese of Buffalo can be found at buffalodiocese.org, wnycatholic.org, on on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.