March 1 – March 8, 2020
Weekly Activities
Sunday, March 1 following 10:00 a.m. Mass ~ Ladies Sodality Meeting and “Celebrating Women Witnesses” program in St. Charles Hall
Tuesday, March 3 from 6-7:30 p.m. ~ Adult Confirmation Class in St. Charles Hall
Wednesday, March 4 from 12:00 noon – 2:00 p.m. ~ NEW HOURS ~ Catholic Central Food Pantry in St. Charles Hall (Food Pantry operates every Wednesday from Noon-2pm)
Wednesday, March 4 at 7:00 p.m. ~ Choir Rehearsal in St. Charles Hall
Thursday, March 5 at 8:00 p.m. ~ Bingo will be played in St. Charles Hall.*
Saturday, March 7 at 8:00 p.m. ~ Bingo will be played in St. Charles Hall.*
Sunday, March 8 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, March 1 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – Eternal Joy for Lucille Venezia (Requested by Blessed Trinity Ladies Sodality) and Blessings for Loretta Dominick (Requested by Bob and Mary Kresse)
Monday, March 2 ~ CCCB Lenten Journey Mass at 6:30 p.m., Ss. Columba-Brigid, 75 Hickory St. (off Clinton). Recitation of the Rosary at 6pm.
Tuesday, March 3 ~ St. Katharine Drexel ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Marion and Thomas Guagliardo (The Partyka Family)
Wednesday, March 4 ~ St. Casimir ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – For the intentions of our parishioners, both living and deceased (Blessed Trinity Parish)
Thursday, March 5 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Deceased Members of the Ryan, Reilly, Reynolds and Pfeiffer Families (Estate of Mary Reilly)
Friday, March 6 ~ First Friday Adoration, Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Benediction from 8:00 – 11:00 a.m. in the Daily Mass Chapel
Friday, March 6 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Blessings for Stephanie and Henry Partyka (The Partyka Family)
Friday, March 6 ~ Stations of the Cross in Church at 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, March 7 ~ Ss. Perpetua and Felicity ~ Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. for Richard Plunkett
Saturday, March 7 ~ Mass at 4:30 p.m.- For the intentions of our parishioners, both living and deceased (Blessed Trinity Parish)
Sunday, March 8 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – Blessings for Eugene and Anna Koenig (Sr. Ann Helene, OSF)
Ministry Schedule for Saturday and Sunday, March 7/8, 2020:
Saturday, 4:30 p.m. Reader: Michael Ogoh; Eucharistic Minister: Lorna Cameron
Sunday, 10:00 a.m. Readers:Chris Porter, Bernice Bradley; Eucharistic Ministers: Dan Korchowsky, Maggie Gatson, Pat Hartinger; Choir – Sharon Dunnigan
The lives and martyrdom of Saints Perpetua and Felicity will be the program topic at the Sodality’s March 1, 2020 meeting.
News from our Parish Community
The Ladies Sodality Meeting is this Sunday, March 1, following 10 AM Mass. Their group discussion and prayer service honoring Saints Perpetua and Felicity will be preceded by a brief business meeting in St. Charles Hall. Refreshments will be served.
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.
Who is that Knocking at the Door? Our 2020 Lenten Journey began on Ash Wednesday. In the world of optometry, “20/20” refers to the clarity or sharpness of vision It is not an indication of perfection; it’s a static measurement of one aspect of sight. Our music ministry requires us to have vision, and that is never more evident than during the journey to the Triduum. We need more than 20/20 vision to meet the musical needs of a Church that is moving and changing. Our Church is weeping and struggling – and our earthly home is environmentally challenged and there is increasing violence around us.
At Blessed Trinity, the Music Ministry tries to think sharper than 20/20. While traditional music is very important in liturgy, our musical prayer needs to evolve as the Church’s needs and concerns do. This Lenten season, you will hear some old favorites – but some new songs, too. Congregational suggestions are taken very seriously, so please keep them coming. Let’s pray and work together to help shape the future of our Liturgy. As today’s choral meditation encouraged, “Oh, sinner, why don’t you answer? Somebody’s knocking at your door.” Music is one aspect of achieving our Church’s vision for the future. Will you open the door?
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 Wednesday, March 4, at 7:00 p.m. in St. Charles Hall. All are welcome to attend. … Elizabeth
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.
Friday, March 6 is First Friday. Join in Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in the Daily Mass Chapel from 8:00 – 10:45 a.m., followed by Benediction and daily Mass.
Lenten Stations of the Cross continue at 6pm this Friday, March 6. They will continue in church at the same time every Friday through Friday, April 3.
“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.
Lenten Soup Supper and presentation
on “The Fourth Cup,”
Tuesday, March 10 at 5:30pm.
Photo Credit: Phyllis Lobbins
Our annual Soup Supper and Lenten Program 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, an exploration of the connection and meaning between Passover and the Redemption of Good Friday and Easter.
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.
New For You ~ Would you or someone you know like to contribute toward the upkeep and restoration of our Landmark church? For the convenience of donors, we now have envelopes specifically designed for Under This Roof contributions, including remembrances “in memoriam.” Are you thinking of inviting a friend to join us for worship? Why not present your personal note of invitation written on the back of one of our new church “business cards.” You will find both of these outreach aids on the guest book table at the middle crossing of the church.
Our Faith Formation Program now has its own page on our web site. Click HERE to find complete information on planned programs, classes and volunteer opportunities. If you are interested in the first adult Confirmation class this Tuesday, March 3, please call Pat Dyer at 716-256-2598 to register.
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.
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.
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
Fish Fry every Friday during Lent from 4-7 pm at St. Gregory the Great (School Cafeteria), 250 St. Gregory Ct., Williamsville. Fried or baked fish or breaded shrimp, sides (including fries), and a drink. Take-outs available, and pizza as well! For more information, call 716-688-5678.
Lenten Homemade Pierogi & Placek Sale at St. John Kanty, 101 Swinburne St., Buffalo on weekends through Palm Sunday, April 5. Saturday hours are 3-5 pm; Sunday hours are 9:30 am-noon. On Palm Sunday lunch is available for purchase and basket raffle drawing will take place. Join us for Mass and pick up your pierogi and placek. For further information, call 716-893-0412 (M-F, 9 am to noon) or visit saintjohnkanty.com.
Host Families Sought. Cardinal O’Hara High School is offering a new international student program and seeks families for 20 students from Germany. The students, who speak English and are honor roll students, will attend Cardinal O’Hara from April 6-24. During Easter break, the students will take excursions in and around Buffalo. If you are interested in hosting a German student, contact Jennifer Eisenman from Adventure Homestays Abroad at 716-454-2008 or go online at adventurehomestays.org.
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.
Spaghetti Dinner at Our Lady of Pompeii Parish Auditorium (129 Laverack Avenue in Lancaster). Sunday, March 8 from 12-4 pm ~ Take-out will open at 11:30 am.
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.