Week of September 27, 2020 – 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time

September 27 – October 4, 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.

Tuesday, Sept 29 at 7:00 p.m. ~ NEW ~ 50-minute Bible Study via ZOOM, featuring the Acts of the Apostles. Click HERE to sign-in!

Wednesday, September 30, 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 30, Oct 14,Oct 28, etc.) but with extended hours. Volunteers will distribute pre-prepared bags of groceries.

Thursday, October 1, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. ~ NEW ~ “Road to Renewal” ZOOM session for our Vicariate

Mass Intentions

Daily & Saturday Masses have resumed: Tuesday-Friday at 11 AM and Saturday at 4:30 PM.

Sunday, September 27 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – Eternal Joy for Margaret Schimpf (Requested by Family) and Eternal Joy for Alexis Farrar (Requested by Family) and Thanksgiving for Blessings Received (Requested by Fr. Victor Ibhawa)

Baptism of Gregory Scott Gaglione III

Monday, September 28 ~ St. Wenceslaus; St. Lawrence Ruiz & Companions – No scheduled Mass

Tuesday, September 29 ~ Ss. Michael, Gabriel & Raphael, Archangels ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Deceased Members of the Ryan, Reilly, Reynolds, and Pfeiffer Families (Estate of Mary Reilly)

Wednesday, September 30 ~ St. Jerome ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Intentions of our Blessed Trinity Parishioners (Blessed Trinity Parish)

Thursday, October 1 ~ St. Therese of the Child Jesus ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Deceased Members of the Ryan, Reilly, Reynolds, and Pfeiffer Families (Estate of Mary Reilly)

Friday, October 2 ~ The Holy Guardian Angels ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Intentions of our Blessed Trinity Parishioners (Blessed Trinity Parish)

Saturday, October 3 ~ Mass at 4:30 p.m. –  Deceased Members of the Ryan, Reilly, Reynolds, and Pfeiffer Families (Estate of Mary Reilly)

Sunday, October 4 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – Eternal Rest for Katherine LeClaire (Blessed Trinity School Alumni Committee)

Lector Schedule ~ Sept 27: Bob Heicklen; October 3: Lorna Cameron; October 4: Mary Kresse

News from our Parish Community

Saturday/Weekday Masses have now resumed. 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.

Congratulations to Greg and Theresa Gaglione whose son, Gregory Scott Gaglione III, will be welcomed to our faith community at his baptism on Sunday, September 27.

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 September 29. Participants requested a slightly later start time and changed the night to prevent conflicts with the #OneBody ZOOM discussions. It’s not too late to get a free account at zoom.com so you can be part of the conversation as we study 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 50 minutes; we will be discussing Acts: 5-6. Those without computers might consider social distancing with a friend (wearing masks). Call Pat Dyer at 716-256-2586 for additional information. 

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.Then participate in a Vicariate ZOOM Session with other parishes* in our Northwest Central Buffalo Vicariate on Thursday, October 1, from 6:30-8:30pm. Click HERE for a link to our ZOOM Session.

*Parishes include: St. Joseph Cathedral, All Saints, St. Anthony of Padua, Assumption, Blessed Sacrament, Blessed Trinity, SS. Columba & Brigid, Coronation of the B.V.M., Holy Angels, Holy Cross, Holy Spirit, St. Joseph University, St. Katharine Drexel, St. Lawrence, St. Louis, St. Margaret, St. Mark, St. Martin de Porres, St. Michael, Our Lady of Hope, and St. Rose of Lima.

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/

Know Your Faith: Where are you, Lord? This is hurricane season and we see devastation everywhere after one hits. It was early in September and the hurricane season had been pretty mild so far. A couple of meteorology students (those who study weather) were very excited. It seemed that a huge storm was brewing in the Atlantic. The more experienced meteorologists were not so thrilled. They knew about the devastation and loss of life that might come from such a storm. They knew what they had to do. A warning was issued and cell phones throughout the county beeped almost immediately. A few took notice, but most saw that the storm would not hit land for several days if at all so they went about their regular business. Then the governor was called. Each day the governor was on television warning about the storm, some took notice and went to stay with relatives inland, but others had grown weary of seeing the governor on television and went about their regular business. As the storm grew both stronger and closer, the governor’s warnings became more serious urging that people should leave the area until the danger had passed. And each evening, the meteorologists warned about the growing threat, too. The mayor was on television and radio several times a day directing people where to go, which routes to take and who to contact if help was needed to get to safety. A mandatory evacuation order was issued.

The town grew quiet as people left. A man named Fidele lived alone on a quiet street. His sister called and invited him to stay with her at her cabin in the mountains a few hours away. But the man refused to go saying, “I am not worried. God will provide.” The storm raged, closing in on the town. The mayor joined with the governor renewing the call for a mandatory evacuation. For those with no transportation a bus was provided. Fidele’s boyhood friend stopped by.  “Join me at the shelter. It will be like summer camp when we were kids.” But the man refused to go saying, “I am not worried. God will provide.” And so, Fidele’s friend left. His neighbor was packing his huge SUV with kids and suitcases. “Come along with us. We have a big car and are headed to my father-in-law’s farm. It is a long way from the storm.” But the man refused to go saying, “I am not worried. God will provide.”

The neighborhood was no longer quiet. The wind whipped through the trees. There were no deliveries. No children playing. No dogs being walked. An emergency vehicle with firemen  came by. “Hop in,” said one. But the man refused to go saying, “I am not worried. God will provide.” The skies grew dark. The winds roared and thunder came even closer. The rain began – light, at first, and then heavier. The streets began to flood. Fidele slept in an upstairs bedroom so he was not afraid. The dam broke and the water level began to rise quickly so Fidele went to the roof. Still the storm raged on. A man in a boat came by offering to take Fidele to safety, but the man refused to go saying, “I am not worried. God will provide.” And so, the man with the boat left.

Fidele was alone on the roof of his house when he heard a helicopter approach. There were two women in the helicopter – a pilot and a rescuer. The pilot saw Fidele and hovered close while the rescuer threw down a rope. But the man refused to go saying, “I am not worried.  God will provide.” The women left, wishing Fidele, “Good luck.” The storm was not yet over and the waters continued to rise. The house collapsed and as he was drowning Fidele asked the Lord, “Why did you not come to my aid? I had great faith in you.” God responded saying, “Oh my precious child. I did not abandon you. I sent you the students, the meteorologist, the governor, the mayor, your sister, your boyhood friend, your neighbor, the firemen in the rescue vehicle, the boater and the helicopter.”

“No hands, no feet on earth but yours, Yours are the eyes with which He looks Compassion on this world, Yours are the feet with which He walks to do good, Yours are the hands, with which He blesses all the world. Yours are the hands, yours are the feet, Yours are the eyes, you are His body. Christ has no body now but yours, No hands, no feet on earth but yours, Yours are the eyes with which he looks compassion on this world. Christ has no body now on earth but yours.”  (Attributed to St. Teresa of Avila.)

Being a Catholic Christian is not an obligation to Mass on Sunday. It is an obligation to be the body, hands and feet of Christ in this world. We are strengthened by attending Mass and receiving Communion, but that is only the beginning. It may be something small like being kind to the tired woman struggling with small children in the grocery store or larger like using your business talent with the finance council or committing to teaching or volunteering at the food pantry or a soup kitchen, but it is personal. Remember, “I have called you by name” (Is 43:1)

Do we recognize those God sends to help us?  Do we recognize that God is also sending us?  What is God calling you to do?

Reflection on the Gospel reading for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Times: Matthew 21: 28-32

In Latin American Countries the work of Comunidades de Base (base communities) has always been essential in parishes. These small Christian groups read a Bible text and dedicate time to reflect on its’ meaning in their everyday lives. Action would always accompany their words. Decisions were made on how to meet the basic needs of food, water, electricity or other justice issues. I have witnessed and admired their sincerity and commitment.

In a way I see today’s parable related to one of the motivations of base communities: Action. In this particular gospel it’s a call to personal action, not the collective one. Jesus is telling us something important about the Kingdom of God and salvation. We can’t afford to dilly-dally around. Our belief must be decisive and our action must carry through and be consistent with our belief. Believing is doing God’s will.

All of us are a little like both sons in today’s Gospel. Sometimes we hear and respond faithfully to God’s will but at other times our actions don’t carry through what we hear and believe. The good news however is that God doesn’t change the Divine Mind about calling us. The invitations are many. We are constantly invited to the ‘change of mind’ described in the gospel; calls which entail self-emptying for the sake of others and are lived every day in the little things that come our way.

So today we ask help to listen to those ‘prophets’ God sends to call us to conversion of life, to change our minds about whatever blocks our believing in what they say, and to put into action what we come to believe.

Sr. Ann Marie Grasso, SSNM

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

The second collection on September 26/27 benefits Christ the King Seminary. Monies collected will be used for the diocesan Formation operating budget, which covers tuition expenses for seminarians and diaconate candidates. With the closing of our local seminary, those studying for the priesthood are pursuing  their studies at St. Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore. Final year seminarians with a May 2021 ordination date will complete the academic year at Christ the King in E. Aurora. Diaconate candidates are being accommodated through our new collaboration with St. Bernard’s School of Theology in Rochester, utilizing a combination of in-person classes and remote learning. Your generosity will assist them in transitioning.

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.

October 31, 2020 is the deadline for responding to the 2020 Census. If you have not yet participated, please do so on Online by visiting: my2020census.gov – by phone: 844-330-2020 – or by mail:1201 E. 10th St., Jeffersonville, IN 47132. The form contains 9 basic questions, only takes a few minutes to complete, and helps our community receive the federal funding it needs for the next 10 years. (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 data helps communities respond to natural disasters and secure funding for hospitals and fire departments, resources that are especially important amidst the current coronavirus crisis. The results also show where communities need new schools, new clinics, new roads, and more services for families, older adults, and children, as well as determining the number of seats each state has in the House of Representatives.We thank the office of Representative Brian Higgins for providing this timely reminder and these helpful links.

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. They now have doubled their capacity as “a safer, more private and more comfortable shelter” for temporarily homeless families. Staff and volunteer anticipation is heightened as they brace for the housing crisis that is sure to follow 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. Thank you Judy Casassa, Mickey Dick, and Palma Zanghi for assisting Amy with shopping for the Sept. 15 dinner. To learn more about Family Promise of Western New York, Click HERE.

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. Click HERE to find an early voting 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.