Lent begins this Wednesday, February 26.
Mass and Distribution of Ashes at 6:00 p.m.

February 23 – March 1, 2020

Weekly Activities

Sunday, February 16 at 9:30 a.m. in church ~ Meeting for adult Confirmation candidates

Sunday, February 23 following 10:00 a.m. Mass ~ Coffee Hour and group discussion in St. Charles Hall regarding new faith formation programs

Tuesday, February 25 at 7:00 p.m. ~ Choir Rehearsal in St. Charles Hall

Wednesday, February 26 from 12:00 noon – 2:00 p.m. ~ NEW HOURSCatholic Central Food Pantry in St. Charles Hall (Food Pantry operates every Wednesday from Noon-2pm)

Thursday, February 27 at 8:00 p.m. ~ Bingo has been CANCELLED due to weather conditions.

Friday, February 28 at 6:00 p.m. ~ Stations of the Cross in Church

Saturday, February 29 at 8:00 p.m. ~  Bingo will be played in St. Charles Hall.*

Sunday, March 1 following 10:00 a.m. Mass ~ Ladies Sodality Meeting and “Celebrating Women Witnesses” program in St. Charles Hall

*To check the Bonus Ball 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 23 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. –  Blessings for Gerald Cahill (Requested by Blessed Trinity Bingo Workers)

Monday, February 24 ~ No Service

Tuesday, February 25 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Blessings for Max Stachura (The Partyka Family)

Wednesday, February 26 ~ Ash Wednesday ~ Mass & Distribution of Ashes at 6:00 p.m. – Blessings for Morris Heicklen (Son Robert)

Thursday, February 27 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Deceased Members of the Ryan, Reilly, Reynolds and Pfeiffer Families (Estate of Mary Reilly)

Friday, February 28 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Blessings for Bill Yurko (The Partyka Family)

Saturday, February 29 ~ Mass at 4:30 p.m.- Eternal Rest for Lucille Venezia (The Bingo Workers)

Sunday, March 1 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. –  Eternal Joy for Lucille Venezia (Blessed Trinity Ladies Sodality) and Blessings for Loretta Dominick (Bob and Mary Kresse)

Ministry Schedule for Saturday and Sunday, February 29 & March 1, 2020:

Saturday, 4:30 p.m.  Reader: Gary Kelley; Eucharistic Minister: Lorna Cameron

Sunday, 10:00 a.m.  Readers: Fran Cahill, Bernice Bradley; Eucharistic Ministers: Dan Korchowsky, Pat Hartinger, Toni Maus; Choir – Sharon Dunnigan

Lenten Soup Supper and presentation on “The Fourth Cup,”
Tuesday, March 10 at 5:30pm.
Photo Credit: Phyllis Lobbins

News from our Parish Community

Ash Wednesday is this Wednesday, February 26, Our solemn observance of Lent will begin with Mass and Distribution of Ashes at 6pm. There will be NO morning Mass at 11am.

Lenten Stations of the Cross begin at 6pm this Friday, February 28. They will continue in church at the same time every Friday through Friday, April 3.

A Little Help From Our Friends ~ If the Blessed Trinity Choir sounded exceptionally beautiful on Sunday [February 23], it was because we were not alone! The Choir from St. John XXIII Parish in West Seneca, under the direction of the Church Musicians’ Guild’s Immediate Past-President Bill Fay, joined us in the loft for Part 1 of our 2020 Choir Exchange. This is the second time this choir has visited and enhanced our Liturgy. They help us to remember that we are many parts, but we are all one Body.

Why should a small church like Blessed Trinity participate in this type of endeavor? First of all, we have a beautiful space with a marvelous acoustic and we are privileged to have two fine instruments right in our sanctuary. There are many churches that do not often have the opportunity to experience such opulence at Mass. We also have an appreciative congregation that supports the Music Ministry by helping to build the music repertoire at Mass by offering feedback and suggestions – that means the music at Blessed Trinity better represents the people who worship in this space. Our choir members are constantly trying to improve their vocal abilities while praising God and enhancing our liturgies – and that means they welcome suggestions from other Music Directors who bring a fresh perspective to our ministry. Also, it is wonderful to sit next to and sing with new people who love music also love our Lord – and then pray with them in their space.

Thank you for singing at BT, Friends! Part 2 of our 2020 Choir Exchange takes place on Saturday, March 7, at 4:00 p.m. at St. John XXIII, 1 Arcade Street in West Seneca. All members of Blessed Trinity are invited to attend.

Did you know Blessed Trinity Church has a congregation that supports Musical Ministry in Western New York? Join us up in the loft to help enhance our Liturgies – and feel the love. Choir practice continues this week on Tuesday, February 25, at 7:00 p.m. in St. Charles Hall. All are welcome to attend. … Elizabeth

The lives and martyrdom of Saints Perpetua and Felicity will be the discussion topic at the Sodality’s March 1, 2020 meeting.

The Ladies Sodality will meet next Sunday, March 1, following 10 AM Mass. All women of the parish are invited to join us for a group discussion and prayer service in St. Charles Hall focusing on the lives and death of Saints Perpetua and Felicity, two early martyrs of the Church whose feast day we celebrate on March 7. The program will be preceded by a brief business meeting, and refreshments will be served. If you plan to participate, please take the time this week to read “Perpetua and Felicity, Courageous unto Death.” Copies of the handout can be found on the tables at each church entrance

“Companions” on Your Lenten Journey ~ The Parish Council has created two documents to assist our parishioners on their Lenten journey to a joyful Easter season: (1) a compilation of suggested daily prayer intentions and (2) a complete calendar of religious services, special programs and activities from Ash Wednesday through May 2, 2020. Please use these links to view them or pick up a hard copy the next time you are at church.

A second collection for Black & Native American Missions will take place on the weekend of February 29/March 1. Please be as generous as possible in your support of The United States’ Home Missions.

Call to Stewardship ~ Our Parish Finance Council seeks a parishioner with accounting skills to join our committee. Please see Father Victor if you are able to serve in this capacity.

Lenten Journey Masses ~ The first in a  series of five Monday evening services at our CCCB parishes is a 6:30pm Mass on Monday, March 2, at Ss. Columba-Brigid, 75 Hickory St. (off Clinton). It will be preceded by recitation of the Rosary at 6pm. Blessed Trinity will host the Journey Mass on March 16. Click HERE for the complete schedule.

Our annual Lenten Soup Supper will take place on Tuesday, March 10, beginning at 5:30pm in St. Charles Hall. If you are able to volunteer to bring soup, bread, or dessert, please sign up on the sheets located on the tables at the church’s side entrances. Then plan to stay for Bob Heicklen’s presentation on Dr. Scott Hahn’s The Fourth Cup, Unveiling the Mystery of The Last Supper and the Cross.

Just for Kids ~ Handouts and activities to occupy children during Mass are now available in church. They can be found on the table at the (wheelchair ramp) side entrance. Please call Pat Dyer (716-256-2598) if you see that she has not left enough copies for everyone who would like to have one. Themes for the month of February are: The Mass, Helping Others, Commandments, and Lent.

New For You ~ Are you thinking of inviting someone to join us for worship? Take advantage of our new church “business cards,” which can be found on the table with the guest book at the middle crossing of the church. Why not take one and write a personal note on the back before presenting to your friend. Would you or someone you know like to contribute toward the upkeep and restoration of our Landmark church? We now have envelopes specifically designed for Under This Roof contributions, including remembrances “in memoriam.” They can also be found on the table with the guest book. Please help yourself to these outreach aids.

Congregation Book Read ~ As part of our Parish Lenten Journey, Blessed Trinity is happy to host a “Congregation Book Read.“ All members of our parish are invited to participate. The book is entitled Rediscover Jesus by author Matthew Kelly. It is perfect for Lent as each day there are a few pages to read along with a scripture verse, a point to ponder, and a question to personally reflect on along with a prayer. It will be a good and interesting way to continue developing our relationship with Jesus as we move through the Lenten season. Copies of Rediscover Jesus are now available at no charge, and everyone is invited to St. Charles Hall to discuss the book after Mass on Sunday, March 22.

Know Your Faith: Why seek God’s will when he has given us free will to make choice?

In our advanced world often times we tend to believe in ourselves, have great plans without considering if they conform to God’s will. Why seek God’s will when he has given us free will to make choice? Because we are imperfect beings striving for perfection, we make mistakes and bad choices sometimes that can cause great damage to our lives and society, so with all our inadequacies we need the intervention of the perfect being God, to perfect us in all we do.

Let us pray ~ Lord, you know what is best; let this be done or that be done as you please. Give what you will, as much as you will, when you will. Do with me as you know best, as will most please you, and as will be for your greater honor. Place me where you will, and deal with me freely in all things. Behold, I am your servant, ready to obey in all things. Not for myself do I desire to live, but for you! Amen.

Peaceprints “Thank You” ~ The parish has received a heartfelt letter of gratitude from the Executive Director of Peaceprints of Western New York, Cindi McEachon. Ms. McEachon acknowledged their appreciation for the kindness and support offered in the 2100 gift bags offered by our Parish to incarcerated individuals.

The Buffalo Urban League Scholarship Program application deadline is March 13 and is open to high school seniors or recent HSE/GED recipients who plan to attend college in the Fall 2020. Please contact the church office (716-833-0301) if you wish to have a copy of the application.

The Diocese of Buffalo has joined other faith communities and civic organizations in partnering with the Census Bureau to help encourage all people in our community to participate in the 2020 Census. The census is a once-in-a-decade chance to inform how billions of dollars in funding are allocated for critical public services. 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. You can inspire others. Tell everyone – your friends and family, your neighbors and co-workers – that you will complete the census, and tell them why it’s important that they respond too. For more information, contact 2020census.gov.

Personal Prayer Requests ~ We are continuing the practice started during the Christmas season of remembering your personal prayer requests at daily Masses. Just write them out and place your prayer petitions in the basket on the communion rail in front of the baptismal font. There is no need to provide your name. Your intentions will be remembered at Masses throughout the week.

Please notify the Rectory Office with your current email address if you wish to receive a PDF version of the weekly church bulletin. You easiest way to do that is by using the contact feature at the bottom of this page.

Anyone interested in coordinating a prayer group, such as Pious Society, Sacred Heart, St. Jude, Altar Rosary, etc., 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

Lenten Parish Mission: The Healing Effects of the Psalms ~ Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday March 2, 3 & 4 (12:30pm and 7pm) at St. Gregory the Great Parish (200 St. Gregory the Great Court in Williamsville) with international conference speaker, Dr. John Bergsma, a former Protestant Pastor; he has authored many books and is currently a professor of Theology at Franciscan University in Steubenville, OH.  No cost – all are welcome. For more information, contact Brian Ruh at 716-688-5678.

Concert by Sujeet Desai, Wednesday, March 12 at 7pm at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church (3148 Abbott Road in Orchard Park). Sujeet is a remarkable, talented young musician who was born with down syndrome and plays seven musical instruments. He has received many rave reviews wherever he goes. Please join us and bring friends and family for an entertaining evening of great music.To learn more about this talented young man, visit sujeet.com. If you have any questions, call Diana Skotarczak at 716-674-3825. The church is wheelchair accessible.

Preservation Buffalo Niagara presents an eight-week training course  on historic “Window Repair and Rehabilitation” on Tuesdays and Thursdays evenings from March 17 – May 2. Taught by Steve Swiat of Northwood Historic Restoration, it includes two hands-on field work sessions on April 4 and 25. Enrollment is limited and early registration is highly recommended. For rates and more info, check out northwoodrestoration.com or contact Bridge Rauch at brauch [at] pbnsaves [dot] org.

Breakfast Program, Spiritual Motherhood and Marian Moments on the Pilgrimage of Life, sponsored by Magnificat of Buffalo on Saturday, March 21, from 9:45am – 12:10pm at Millennium Hotel (2040 Walden Avenue in Cheektowaga). Registration opens at 9am. Guest speaker, Dawn Iacono, will share the unspeakable joy of experiencing the presence of Our Lady during pivotal moments in her pilgrimage of life. For more information and to register, visit facebook.com/magnificatbuffalo or call Maureen at 716-683-2290.

Help for Seniors and Caregivers ~ Information about housing options, healthcare, insurance, and other important topics of aging may be found at caring.com, a leading resource, featured by AARP, The Administration for Community Living, The National Legal Resource Center, and Forbes.