Week of March 8, 2020 – Second Sunday of Lent

March 8 – March 15, 2020

Weekly Activities

Tuesday, March 10 at 5:30 p.m. ~ Lenten Soup Supper in St. Charles Hall

Tuesday, March 10 at 7:00 p.m. ~ Lenten presentation by parishioner Bob Heicklen

Tuesday, March 10 from 6-7:30 p.m. ~ Adult Confirmation Class in St. Charles Hall

Wednesday, March 11 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 11 at 7:00 p.m. ~ Choir Rehearsal in St. Charles Hall

Thursday, March 12 at 8:00 p.m. ~ Bingo will be played in St. Charles Hall.*

Saturday, March 14 at 8:00 p.m. ~ Bingo will be played in St. Charles Hall.*

Sunday, March 15 following 10:00 a.m. Mass ~ Anointing of the sick and well-aging in church

*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 8 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. –  Blessings for Eugene and Anna Koenig (Requested by Sr. Ann Helene, OSF) and Eternal Rest for Richard Plunkett (Blessed Trinity Parish)

Monday, March 9 ~ St. Frances of Rome ~ CCCB Lenten Journey Mass at 6:30 p.m., Sisters Hospital, 2nd floor Chapel, 2157 Main Street. Recitation of the Rosary at 6pm.

Tuesday, March 10 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Deceased Members of the Ryan, Reilly, Reynolds and Pfeiffer Families (Estate of Mary Reilly)

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

Thursday, March 12 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Deceased Members of the Ryan, Reilly, Reynolds and Pfeiffer Families (Estate of Mary Reilly)

Friday, March 13 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. –  For the intentions of our parishioners, both living and deceased (Blessed Trinity Parish)

Friday, March 13 ~ Stations of the Cross in Church at 6:00 p.m. 

Saturday, March 14 ~ Mass at 4:30 p.m.- Eternal Joy for Lucille Venezia (Madonna Hartzell)

Sunday, March 15 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. –  Eternal Rest for Edward Schroeder (Franciscan Sisters)

Ministry Schedule for Saturday and Sunday, March 14/15, 2020:

Saturday, 4:30 p.m.  Reader: John Curtin; Eucharistic Minister: Lorna Cameron

Sunday, 10:00 a.m.  Readers:Bob Heicklen, Elaine Rehouf; Eucharistic Ministers: Dan Korchowsky, Fidelia Ejimadu, Mary Kresse; Choir – Sharon Dunnigan

News from our Parish Community

“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.

Transfigure Us, O Lord: Musical selection during Lent can be very tricky – many of the hymns appropriate for this season are written in what is known as a minor key. That means they tend to sound very sad. I really love the concept of transfiguration during Lent. Being changed by journeying with Christ is anything but sad – which is why I seek out hymns that help to fortify us during this solemn time. Today’s Communion hymn, Bob Hurd’s Transfigure Us, O Lord, is one of my favorites. I often find myself praying the words throughout Lent.

Transfigure us, O Lord. Transfigure us, O Lord.
Break the chains that bind us; speak your healing word, and
where you lead we’ll follow. Transfigure Us, O Lord.

Down from heights of glory, into the depths below.
the love of God self emptied, the love of God to show.
You light the path before us, the way that we must go.

Light for those in darkness, the hungry have their fill.
Glad tidings for the humble, the healing of all ills;
In these we glimpse your glory, God’s promises fulfilled.

Pardon for the sinner, a shepherd for the sheep,
a drink of living water for all who thirst and seek,
and feasting at your table the lowly and the least.

To the holy city, Jerusalem, you go; Shall we journey with you and share your paschal road?

Journeying with Christ toward redemption… how beautifully wonderful!

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 11, at 7:00 p.m. in St. Charles Hall. All are welcome to attend. … Elizabeth

Lenten Journey Masses ~ The second in a  series of five Monday evening services at our CCCB parishes is a 6:30pm Mass on Monday, March 9, at Sisters’ Hospital (2nd Floor Chapel), 2157 Main Street. 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 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.

Lenten Stations of the Cross continue at 6pm this Friday, March 13. They will continue in church at the same time every Friday through Friday, April 3.

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.

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. Adult Confirmation classes continue this Tuesday, March 10 from 6-7:30pm in St. Charles Hall. Please call Pat Dyer at 716-256-2598 to register. A class entitled “Faithful Citizenship” is scheduled for Tuesday, March 24 at 6pm. You must be over the age of 16 to attend.

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.

The Annual Catholic Charities Appeal has started. Donated funds go to agencies run by Catholic Charities or to the Fund for the Faith that supports diocesan programs such as campus and hospital ministries. None of the funds collected for Catholic Charities will be used for legal settlements or awards to abuse victims. Pledge cards are in the mail to you. They include an option that allows you to direct your contribution to Catholic Charities, the Fund for the Faith, or both. Please give generously. You may place your Catholic Charities Appeal envelope in the collection basket or mail your donation/pledge card directly to the diocese. (It will be credited to our parish). If you are in need of a pledge card or have questions, contact Bob Heicklen, 716-881-3793.

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.

Know Your Faith: Why are prayer, fasting, and almsgiving especially important during Lent?

Prayer: Prayer is our conversation with God. It is through prayer that we find the strength to fast. It is through prayer that we develop a closer, more intimate relationship with God. This relationship makes us so grateful for the blessings he has bestowed upon us, that we eagerly give to those less fortunate than us. The Church, in its wisdom, understands that prayer is essential to any action we Christians may undertake.

Fasting: Fasting is one of the most ancient actions linked to Lent. Fasting rules have changed through the ages, but throughout Church history fasting has been considered sacred. The prophet Isaiah insists that fasting without changing our behavior is not pleasing to God. Therefore, the goal of fasting is linked with prayer. The pangs of hunger remind us of our hunger for God, and prayer and fasting together brings us to what Lent is about – a deeper conversion.

Almsgiving: It should be obvious by now, that almsgiving is simply a response by us to God, a response that we have come to through prayer and fasting. It is an expression of our gratitude for all that God has given us, and a realization that in the Body of Christ, it is never just “me and God.” Through prayer and fasting we come to a deeper understanding that the needs of all are the responsibility of all in the Body of Christ. Works of charity and the promotion of justice are integral elements of the Christian way of life we began when we were baptized.

Outreach Aids ~ 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 “in memoriam” tributes. 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.

Congregation Book Read ~  On Sunday, March 22, after 10am Mass, you are invited to join us for a brunch and Congregation Book Read in St Charles Hall. As part of our Lenten journey, many of us are in the midst of reading Rediscover Jesus by author Matthew Kelly. You do not need to have a copy of the book to join us to listen, share food, thoughts, and reflections.

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.

Wednesday March 11 at 7pm ~ “Voices of Mercy,” made up of the missionaries of St Luke’s Mission of Mercy, will present sacred music at St. Philip the Apostle Church (950 Losson Road in Cheektowaga). They will lead the Stations of the Cross, followed by a Holy Communion service. A free-will offering will be taken.

Lenten Retreat, Saturday, March 14 from 10:00am to 3:30pm at Fourteen Holy Helpers (Msgr. Ebner Hall – 1345 Indian Church Road in West Seneca). Begins with registration and light refreshments at 10 am, presentations start at 10:30 am and run until approximately 3:30 pm; lunch included. The format will include presentations, some group activities, and music. Register by calling the rectory at 716-674-2374. After the retreat, the Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available in the church; Mass at 4:30 pm. We ask that when you attend this session you bring an article of clothing or non-perishable food item to donate to St. Luke’s Mission of Mercy.

“ANAM CARA” (Celtic for ‘Soul Friend’) with Cory James Gallagher & Concerts For The Soul, Saturday March 14 at 7pm. A Celebration of Love and Soul Friendship, at SS Columba-Brigid Church (75 Hickory Street–off Clinton Street in Buffalo). Join the Musical-Poetic Journey, followed by a dance party in the church hall. Wine and Cheese reception will be provided. EVERYONE is Welcome! Free-will offering. Off-street parking.

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.