Week of August 30, 2020 – 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

August 30 – September 6, 2020

Weekly Activities

Weekend and weekday Masses have resumed but all in-person meetings and activities remain cancelled until further notice, with the exception of the Food Pantry.

Monday, August 31 at 6:30 p.m. ~ NEW ~ 50-minute Bible Study via ZOOM, featuring the Acts of the Apostles. Visit our Faith Formation page for sign-in link!

Wednesday, September 2, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. ~ EXTENDED HOURS ~ Catholic Central Food Pantry in St. Charles Hall
Now operating every other Wednesday (Sept 2, Sept 16, Sept 30, etc.) but with extended hours. Volunteers will distribute pre-prepared bags of groceries.

Mass Intentions

Daily & Saturday Masses resume this week on Tuesday, September 1 at 11 AM and Saturday, September 5 at 4:30 PM.

Sunday, August 30 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – Blessing for Sylvia Heicklen (Requested by Son, Robert)

Monday, August 31 ~ No scheduled Mass

Tuesday, September 1 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Deceased Members of the Ryan, Reilly, Reynolds, and Pfeiffer Families (Estate of Mary Reilly)

Wednesday, September 2 – Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Intentions of our Blessed Trinity Parishioners (Blessed Trinity Parish)

Thursday, September 3 ~ St. Gregory the Great ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Deceased Members of the Ryan, Reilly, Reynolds, and Pfeiffer Families (Estate of Mary Reilly)

Friday, September 4 – Intentions of our Blessed Trinity Parishioners (Blessed Trinity Parish)

Saturday, September 5 – Deceased Members of the Ryan, Reilly, Reynolds, and Pfeiffer Families (Estate of Mary Reilly)

Sunday, September 6 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – Blessing for Eugene and Anna Koenig (Requested by Ss. Ann Helene, OSF)

Lector Schedule ~  August 30: Elaine Rehouf; Sept 5: Lorna Cameron; Sept 6: Mary Kresse

News from our Parish Community

Zoom Bible Study continues Monday, August 31 at 6:30pm ~ Study The Acts of the Apostles as we explore the beginnings of our Church and the Church of today. The group meets every other week. The session is scheduled to last 50 minutes; we will be discussing Acts: 1-3. Those without computers might consider social distancing with a friend (wearing masks). Call Pat Dyer at 716-256-2586 for additional information. Beginning September 15, our ZOOM Bible Study will meet on a different day and time. To prevent conflicts with the #OneBody ZOOM discussions, we will be moving Bible Study to every other TUESDAY and starting one half-hour later, at 7pm. Get a free account at zoom.com and use Meeting ID:762 8722 8149 (Pass Code: jLD8Gg).

Saturday/Weekday Masses to Resume in September ~ As we gradually reopen after the impact of the pandemic, weekday Masses will resume on Tuesday, September 1, and Saturday evening Mass resumes September 5. You are encouraged to once again request Mass intentions by mail, by leaving your request in the collection (marked “Mass Intention”), or simply calling the rectory office (716-833-0301). Office hours are Tues – Thurs, 10:30am – 2:30pm. The customary stipend is $15.00.

Religious education materials are available now. If you were not contacted please call Pat Dyer at 716-256-2598.

Congratulations, Father Victor ~ August 28 marked 10 years that Fr. Victor Ibhawa has been in the Priesthood. It’s not too late to wish him a Happy Anniversary, and please remember to pray for him.

Know Your Faith: Why do I cut the ham in half? One Easter, a man was in the kitchen working with his wife as they prepared the family celebration. She got the big roasting pan out and placed a huge ham in the pan. Next, she cut the ham in half. Her husband, looking puzzled, asked her why she cut the ham in half. Her answer, like ours to many questions, was simple – because her mother always did it that way.

Later in the afternoon, when her mother came, the wife asked her the same question. Mother’s answer was like the wife’s – her mother always did it that way. Grandma arrived just in time for dinner. The same question was asked of her, “Why do you cut the ham in half?” “Well,” Grandma replied, “because my pan was too small to put the entire ham in it. We have a big family.”

The lesson here is a simple one–there is always a reason for what we do, even if we do not know the reason.

We have a big family, too, and we often do things just because our parents did them that way. After the homilist finishes opening scripture for us, we make a “Profession of Faith.” The usual form taken is the Nicene Creed. This creed dates to the First Council of Nicea in the year 325. The better-known Apostle’s Creed is used at Masses with groups of children, around Easter and at other appropriate times, as well as before we begin decades of the Rosary. The Apostle’s Creed was in use as early as the third or fourth century, but was not in its final form until around the sixth or seventh century.

We stand and begin, “I believe” – not – “We believe,” for a reason. God calls us each by name (Is 43:1) and I am responsible for my own answer. That “I” is very important. It emphasizes not just personal faith, but personal responsibility for what I will do with that faith.

All of the essentials of our catholic faith are included in this beautiful prayer. It begins with our Creator God – the origin of all that is, acknowledges Jesus and the manner of his birth, life and death, the holy Spirit and the unity of the three. It describes how Jesus is both Divine and human. At the Council of Nicea, the truth of each statement was acknowledged by a gathering of the bishops.

At the Council of Nicea, the truth of each statement was acknowledged by a gathering of the bishops. This is the same manner in which all councils have proceeded for two thousand years. When I rise each Sunday to repeat the words used by my mother and her mother before her for the last 17 centuries, I will try to hear every word that I say and its meaning. Faith is a gift from God alone (Lk 17:5.) As I say those words, I will concentrate on what each and every word means.

These days when we are asked to make this profession without written copies in front of us, I hope that each of us will concentrate on the words that we are saying, listen to the priest as he leads us in prayer…. “I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth of all things visible and invisible (Gen 1.)

I believe in one Lord (one having power and authority) Jesus Christ (Mk 1:1,) the Only Begotten Son of God (one brought into existence by God), born of the Father before all ages (always existed.) God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, consubstantial (of the same substance as) with the Father; through him all things were made (Jn 1:1-5). For us men (the original English uses male pronouns when one either does not know the gender or when it could be either men or women) and for our salvation (we are all sinners) he came down from heaven, and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate (made flesh) of the Virgin Mary, and became (hu)man (Mt 1:1-23.)

For our sake (forgiveness of our sins) he was crucified under Pontius Pilate, he suffered death and was buried, and rose again on the third day (Paschal Feast means feast of passing over from death into life but also follows the Jewish Feast of Passover) in accordance with the Scriptures (frequently the Hebrew scriptures are connected to the New Testament) (Lk 22-24). He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father (Acts 1:10-11). He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead and his kingdom will have no end.

I believe in the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:2, Acts 2:14), the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified (the catholic Church is trinitarian three persons in One), who has spoken through the prophets (Rom 1:2, Lk 24:26, Is 7:14, Is 52:13-53:12, Eph 5:14, et al).

I believe in one, holy, catholic (small “c” indicates universal) and apostolic Church (of the apostles.) I confess (declare) one Baptism (we never re-Baptize anyone who is Baptized) for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38) and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come Acts 24:15). Amen (so be it). ”

Fun Fact: Any one Baptized in any faith tradition which professes the Nicene Creed is considered Baptized when he or she becomes a Catholic.

Upon This Rock ~ We are pleased to inform the Parish that the “Upon this Rock” office has deposited a $3,079.61 disbursement to the church’s bank account. Total disbursements to date are $45,932.44. Thank you for your contributions and all are encouraged to continue fulfilling your pledges.

Music Ministry ~ The search for a Music Minister has begun. If you know anyone who may be interested, detailed information may be found on the Buffalodiocese.org website. Select  the “Careers” tab on the Main page.

Family Promise of WNY  ~ Blessed Trinity has partnered with Family Promise (formerly Interfaith Hospital Network) as a support congregation since 1994 when the agency first established a presence in Western New York. Having just completed renovations to their facility on Hickory Street, Executive Director Luanne Firestone was happy to take parish team members Amy Johnson and Mickey Dick on a guided tour. The renovations are impressive, especially the addition of bedrooms, bathrooms, and individual family cupboards, all designed with COVID-19 protocols in mind. When they are able to resume intakes this month, they will do so with double the capacity as “a safer, more private and more comfortable shelter” for temporarily homeless families. Their anticipation is heightened as they brace for the housing crisis that they know is coming with the lifting of the current NYS eviction moratorium. New meal guidelines will make it easier for parish partners, like Blessed Trinity, to provide dinners for guest families. If you are in a position to assist us with dinner drop-offs, please contact Amy Johnson at 716-836-4694. Our first commitment is Tuesday, Sept. 15. To learn more about Family Promise of Western New York, Click HERE.

Have your responded to the 2020 Census? It is a once-in-a-decade chance to inform how billions of dollars in federal funding are allocated for critical public services. The current corona virus pandemic should certainly enforce in our minds how crucial such funding can be. Census statistics are used to determine the number of seats each state receives in the U.S. House of Representatives, and will also have an impact on planning and funding for health clinics and highways, fire departments and disaster response, education programs such as Head Start and college tuition assistance, and so much more. The Diocese of Buffalo has joined other faith communities and civic organizations in encouraging all people in our community to participate. If you have not yet returned the census form mailed to you in March, you may receive a home visit from a census worker who will be carrying official identification and census forms. Please cooperate as he/she is there to help make sure you and your family are counted. If you have internet access, go to 2020census.gov and complete the census online. If you do not have a computer, you can go to any branch of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library and ask for assistance with the online census form.

The 2020 Catholic Charities Appeal concluded on June 30, falling $1.6 million short of its $10 mill goal. Deacon Steve Schumer, president and chief executive officer of the agency however, chose to see the positive aspects of having reached 84% of the goal “given everything going on….” Although Catholic Charities is a separate non-profit, human services agency, its fund raising was impacted by reaction to the diocesan bankruptcy filing and the coronavirus pandemic which shut down parish life and church services during the height of the annual appeal effort. In an article published in The Buffalo News on July 9, Deacon Schumer admitted that Catholic Charities “was facing a ‘perfect storm’ in that the need for its services grew because of the pandemic, while revenues to fund those services were hampered by the pandemic and a continued erosion of the agency’s tradition donor base, Mass-going parishioners.” In the early days of the pandemic before federal government made additional food stamps available, the News reported that the “agency’s food pantries were inundated.” Now it is “trying to handle an uptick in requests for counseling and mental health services, and Deacon Schumer admits the agency “will have to ‘make some difficult decisions’ to address shortfalls….” It is never too late to make a contribution to Catholic Charities. You may mail a donation to their office, 741 Delaware Ave., Buffalo, NY 14209, Attn: Appeal Department, or make an online donation at:https://www.ccwny.org/donation. Bob Heicklen, the appeal chair for our parish, will be happy to accept a contribution in any amount. If your pledged during the early days of the drive, please remember to honor your pledge.

Do you miss being at church? Of course long-time parishioners can probably close their eyes and picture the view from a favorite pew. But if you are not yet able to be physically present, it is possible to make a virtual visit. Buffalo Rising and Explore Buffalo teamed up to give their online followers a “tour” of Blessed Trinity. You can join them, by Clicking HERE. You will be treated to both exterior and interior photos and more than a little history. Take the “tour” and test your knowledge about your house of worship.

Is it time to update your contact information? During the past 4 months when the COVID-19 Protocols prevented us from attending church services, the ability to keep in touch by telephone or email took on increased importance. Even though we are now able to resume Mass attendance, 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 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, Wednesday, or Thursday 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.

News from our Vicariate Cluster and the Wider Community

National Elections ~ If you are nervous about voting in person on November 3, the Erie County Board of Elections wants you to know that the COVID-19 pandemic is an acceptable reason to request an absentee ballot. Applications for an absentee ballot are already available. Click HERE to see what is involved. Early Voting will take place from Saturday, October 24 through Sunday, November 1 at 37 different locations and the offices of the Board of Elections at 134 West Eagle Street, Buffalo, NY. There will be at least one site in each ward in the City of Buffalo. If you have any questions, or to offer your services as a poll worker, call 716.858.8891.

Help for Victims of Domestic Violence ~ Because of COVID-19, the Family Justice Center (“FJC”) is not accepting walk-in appointments or in-person meetings. In case of emergency, call 911. For help with safety planning or other services you may need during this time, call or text the FJC Safeline, 716-558-SAFE (7233).

Food Assistance for Seniors ~ The County of Erie advises anyone over the age of 60 who is in need of food assistance to call 716-858-8526.