St. Isaac Jogues and Companions
October 19
Blessed Trinity’s Altar of Sacrifice is dedicated to St. Isaac Jogues and his companions, known collectively as The North American Martyrs. They are commemorated in a single celebration on October 19. A relic of St. Isaac Jogues (Jesuit missionary to New York State martyred in 1644) is contained in the Altar of Sacrifice, and relics of his companion missionaries, St. Charles Garnier and St. Gabriel Lelamant (martyred by the Iroquois in 1649), are contained in our Tabernacle Altar.
(Rev. Walter Kern’s Guidebook to Blessed Trinity Roman Catholic Church at page 29).
Photo credit: Margaret Dick
October 18 – October 25, 2020
Weekly Activities
All in-person meetings and activities remain cancelled until further notice, with the exception of the Food Pantry.
Tuesday, October 27 at 7:00 p..m. ~ ZOOM Bible Discussion
Wednesday, October 28, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. ~ EXTENDED HOURS ~ Catholic Central Food Pantry in St. Charles Hall
Now operating every other Wednesday (Oct 28, Nov 11, Nov 25, etc.) but with extended hours. Volunteers will distribute pre-prepared bags of groceries.
Mass Intentions
The regular schedule for weekend Masses is in effect, but there is a temporary change in the daily Mass schedule. A communion service will take place at 11 AM on Tuesday-Friday, Oct 20-23 and Oct 27-30). Daily Mass will resume on Monday, November 2, with a special 7 PM Mass for All Souls Day. Going forward, the NEW schedule for daily Mass will be Monday-Wednesday & Friday at 11 AM. There will be no Mass on Thursdays.
Sunday, October 18 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – Eternal Joy for Sabra C. House (BT Bingo Workers)
Monday, October 19 ~ Ss.John de Brebeuf, Isaac Jogues & Companions ~ No scheduled service
Tuesday, October 20 ~ St. Paul of the Cross ~ Communion Service at 11:00 a.m.
Wednesday, October 21 ~ Communion Service at 11:00 a.m.
Thursday, October 22 ~ St. John Paul II ~ Communion Service at 11:00 a.m.
Friday, October 23 ~ St. John of Capistrano ~ Communion Service at 11:00 a.m.
Saturday, October 24 ~ St. Anthony Mary Claret ~ Mass at 4:30 p.m. – Intentions of our Blessed Trinity Parishioners (Blessed Trinity Parish)
Sunday, October 25 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – Eternal Joy for Catherine Harzynski (Req. by Bud and Mickey Dick) and Blessings for Lois Knapp Gillen (Req. by Sisters, Mary Lou Knapp King and Joanne Knapp McGuirk
Lector Schedule ~ Oct 18: Pam Zanghi; Oct 24: Michael Ogoh; Oct 25: Fran Cahill
Rev. Robert Gebhard
News from our Parish Community
Our parish community welcomes Rev. Robert L. Gebhard, Jr. as our temporary administrator, while sending prayers and best wishes to our former administrator, Rev. Victor Ibhawa. Although prior commitments will keep Father Bob from celebrating Mass with us until the weekend of October 31/November 1, he has been actively coordinating with staff and parish leadership since the beginning of the month.
A Message from Father Gebhard:
Music Ministry ~ We are pleased to announce that Elizabeth Clay will be able to return as Music Director on Sunday, November 1. Our Tellers-Kent organ has had its post-COVID checkup, and we will once again be able to enjoy organ music from the loft. Elizabeth joins the parish in thanking Luke and Catherine Humphrey for offering their inspiring music during these last few months.They will be with us on October 18 and 25, so you will have an opportunity to thank them in person.
Join Our Family Promise Ministry ~ As a shelter for homeless families and recently certified by NYS, Family Promise of WNY is following new health and safety guidelines and cannot accept donations of home prepared meals. Instead, volunteers have become grocery donors in a food category assigned to the day of the week. Blessed Trinity volunteers did this on 9/15 and found it much easier than coordinating and cooking a full dinner. We signed up for a date on the meal schedule and delivered the requested foods during the day at our convenience. We hope more parishioners will be able to participate. Family Promise also needs volunteers in areas like tutoring and transportation. If you think you might want to help and need more information go to their web site at fpwny.org and click on “Get Involved” to find the grocery sign up schedule. Also, you may contact our parish coordinator, Amy Johnson, at 716-836-4694
A New Night and Time for Zoom Bible Study ~ Our ZOOM Bible Study now meets every other TUESDAY at 7pm. The next session will be October 27. It’s not too late to join the conversation as we continue our study of The Acts of the Apostles and explore the beginnings of our Church and the Church of today. The same link will work for each meeting; click HERE to enter the discussion. If you encounter a problem with the link, use Meeting ID:762 8722 8149 (Pass Code: jLD8Gg). The next session is scheduled to last approximately one hour. Those without computers might consider social distancing with a friend (wearing masks). Call Pat Dyer at 716-256-2586 for additional information.
World Mission Sunday ~ October 18 is World Mission Sunday. “On Mission Sunday, everybody remembers, prays, gives; but on EVERY DAY of the year, the missionary remembers, prays, gives.” On October 17/18, a contribution of just $4 enclosed in your World Mission Sunday envelope will enroll you as a member of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith for the coming year, entitling you to share in the benefits of 15,000 Masses said annually by missionaries throughout the world. Please give generously, and remember to support these same missionaries by praying daily: one Our Father, one Hail Mary … “St Francis Xavier, pray for us.”
Bishop Edward Scharfenberger
Diocese Embarks on “Road to Renewal” ~ The Catholic Faithful, priests, deacons, religious, parish administrators and school leaders of the Diocese of Buffalo have embarked on a journey to reinvigorate Catholic faith, more fully optimize parish and diocesan resources, and increase the impact of our varied ministries throughout Western New York. READ Bishop Scharfenberger’s September 19, 202 Letter to the Faithful about the Road to Renewal.
The Road to Renewal process is aimed at delivering recommendations to Bishop Scharfenberger regarding how parishes can better partner together to share resources, pull together capabilities and ensure greater impact.To that end, Bishop Scharfenberger has assembled a Diocesan Renewal Task Force (DRTF) to manage the process.Their scope is to review our current realities (mass attendance, parish financials, school attendance and financials, etc.) and collect input from people throughout the Diocese.
If you wish to contribute to the discussion, start by Clicking HERE and take an anonymous survey now available online.
We thank our parishioners who participated in the October 1, 2020 Vicariate ZOOM Session with other parishes* in our Northwest Central Buffalo Vicariate.
As indicated on the diocesan web site: “There are no pre-determined conclusions to this process and we seek broad input and candid discussion in order to define options that will ensure a stronger, more sustainable model of Catholic life and ministry in Western New York.” The site also states that “[t]he task force is not a decision-making group, “ and that “[a]ll decisions are reserved to the Bishop is his canonical role.”
November 30, 2020 is the date for the delivery of recommendations from the Task Force to the Bishop, and no actions will be taken before that date. Bishop Scharfenberger will receive the recommendations and reserves the right to further consult with additional groups.
You can learn much more about The Road to Renewal at https://roadtorenewal.org/
Religious education materials are available now. If you were not contacted please call Pat Dyer at 716-256-2598.
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
St. Luke
Photo credit: Gary Kelley
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
Open House at Canisius High School ~ Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday October 18, 20: Open House at Canisius High School (1180 Delaware Ave., Buffalo). Register at canisiushigh.org/openhouse. Entrance and Scholarship Examination will be given Saturday November 21 at 8:30am ($20). If interested, call Office of Admission at 716-200-0208.
HOPE IN THE DARKNESS, a program about Depression & Suicide in a Pandemic. Wednesday, October 28, 6:30 – 8 pm. Are you or someone you know suffering from anxiety or depression in these Covid days? Don’t know where to turn for emotional or spiritual help? Help parishioners cope and manage their mental health with their Catholic faith. Join Catholic psychotherapist Dan Lawson Live and Livestreaming at St. Martin of Tours (1140 Abbott Road in Buffalo). Q & A will be offered. This event is FREE. Call 716-823-7077 or register and find Livestreaming on St. Martin of Tours Buffalo Facebook. For more info visit stmartinbuffalo.com or contact diacono [at] stmartinbuffalo [dot] com.
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. 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. Click HERE to find an early voting site near you. If you have any questions, or to offer your services as a poll worker, call 716.858.8891.
Grief Sharing: a supportive group when you have lost someone dear. Begins Wednesday, October 21, 6:30-8pm, Our Lady of Pompeii Parish Ministry Center, 129 Laverack Avenue at Sheldon, Lancaster, NY. Meetings in person or by ZOOM, depending on coronavirus regulations in place at the time. For additional information and registration, call Sr. Joyce King, 716-683-6522, ext. 103.
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.