The Ascension of the Lord
May 13
Oil on canvas painting of the Ascension of Christ
by Joseph Mazur in the right transept of the church.
Photo credit: Steve Mangione

May 9 – 16, 2021

We have made an important change to our web site, adding a “Bulletins” page where visitors may view an exact copy of the weekly bulletin in PDF format. The Bulletins link will be found at the top of the home page. (For your convenience as you adjust to this change, we have added the link here as well). Because, going forward, it will no longer be necessary to repeat information found in the bulletin, this weekly post will be greatly abbreviated. Our web administrators hope you will enjoy the convenience of the “Bulletins” page as much as they do.

COVID-19 Precautions: The Diocese of Buffalo has relaxed restrictions on capacity at worship services. See, Nov. 26 COVID-19 Update. It is NOT necessary to make a reservation to attend Mass at Blessed Trinity.

LIVESTREAMING: In addition to in-person worship, weekend Masses are livestreamed on our Facebook page: Blessed Trinity R. C. Church. Click HERE to view. (If you “Like” and “Follow Us” on Facebook, you should receive notification when future Masses are posted). Later in the day, a recording of the Mass is available on YOU TUBE.

Personal copies of the Breaking Bread missal are available for each parishioner who would like one. You may claim yours at church and either take it home or place it in a zip-lock bag and reclaim it when you come again. Paper copies of the bulletin are also available. Look for them at the middle crossing of the church.

Keep in mind, the dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass on Sunday and on other Holy Days of Obligation remains in effect in our diocese.

Please continue to pray for the health and safety of all in our community.

News from our Parish Community

New Virtual “Study Group” Continues on May 11th. We have finished Acts and have begun our study of the Pastoral Conversion of the Parish Community, a teaching on parishes from the Congregation of the Clergy in Rome. Join us in hearing about our pope’s vision of the parish of the future as they respond to the changing needs of people. You can review a copy of the document ahead of time by clicking HERE; join the ZOOM meeting HERE.

Blessed Trinity docent
interprets iconography on the church facade.

Taking a Walk with Explore Buffalo ~ COVID protocols still restrict interior tours of Blessed Trinity, but we are delighted to welcome an Explore Buffalo Walking Tour of our Landmark building’s exterior on Saturday, May 15, 2021. Beginning at 10:30 a.m., a team of Blessed Trinity docents will happily share their knowledge of the history and construction of this Lombard-Romanesque treasure, including the hand-formed Harvard bricks laid in a medieval fashion, the extensive used of terra cotta, and the church’s medieval iconography. Bring your binoculars. There are examples of Christian symbolism on display all the way to the roof line! If you or anyone you know would like to take Explore Buffalo’s walk with us, use this link for ticket information. (A portion of the ticket price will be returned to our parish).

A Welcoming Community ~ We pride ourselves as a welcoming community, but we are in need of several people to help out at a parish Welcome “Desk” [in church] at weekend Masses and special Masses like Holy Days. If you are interested, please see Pat Dyer for more information.

If weather or COVID or illness is preventing you from joining us in person, you can watch our weekend Masses LIVE on Facebook at 4:30 PM on Saturdays and 10:00 AM on Sundays as well as all Holyday Masses.  If you miss us LIVE, you can check out the recording later on YouTube.

FAMILY PROMISE OF WNY: Feed the Hungry, Shelter the HomelessFamily Promise offers us the opportunity to perform these acts of charity in a very direct and personal manner. Since September, Blessed Trinity parishioners have purchased and delivered groceries on five days to the Family Promise shelter at Ss. Brigid-Columba Parish. With a few more volunteers we hope to continue this at least one day a month. We are working in pairs so that you can expect your turn to be every third month. We hope you will join us. If you want more background information go to the web site, www.fpwny.org, or contact Amy Johnson (836-4694).

  • Family Promise is certified by NYS and can house up to six families.
  • It is one of only two emergency shelters in Erie County that allow fathers and teenage sons to stay with their family.
  • Families are referred by the Dept. of Social Services and receive case management in finding employment and permanent housing, security deposit assistance, day care, school transport, and follow up support upon leaving the shelter.
  • In 2020, the Homeless Alliance of WNY rated Family Promise with the best success rate for moving families into permanent homes.

Is it time to update your contact information? During the past 9 months when the COVID-19 Protocols prevented many from attending church services, the ability to keep in touch by telephone, mail or email took on increased importance. Because not everyone has computer access, really important information is sent in a letter. 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? (Important, too, for contact tracing). 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 receive the bulletin electronically via email, register as a parishioner, or request envelopes. You can also submit the requested information by phoning our secretary at 716-833-0301 any Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday 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.

Virtual Church Tour ~ Although we are currently unable to offer in person tours inside our church, Buffalo Rising and Explore Buffalo teamed up to give their online followers a virtual tour of Blessed Trinity in April 2020. 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.

Terra cotta ornamentation in the right (west) transept Shrine Area. The “Globe surmounted by a Cross, Olive Branch and Lily…are used as symbols of Christ’s life on earth.” Rev. Walter Kern’s Guidebook to Blessed Trinity R.C. Church, page 27. Photo credit: Margaret Dick

News from our Vicariate Cluster and the Wider Community

The Future of Camp Turner. For nearly a century Camp Turner, nestled in Allegany State Park, has been an invaluable resource for youth in our diocese: summer camp experience for boys and girls, overnight lodging for confirmation retreats and parish catechetical teams, to name but a few. Unfortunately, due to the significant financial challenges of the diocese, Camp Turner’s future was in jeopardy. However, following Father Baker’s example of service to youth, OLV Charities will serve as the new sponsoring organization, providing stability. But Camp Turner still needs your help to secure a strong future! We invite you to partner with Friends of Camp Turner to give youth, especially those unable to afford camp, the experience of God’s creation and gracious love through this treasure. Please send your donation to Camp Turner Fund, c/o OLV Charities, 780 Ridge Rd., Lackawanna, NY 14218.

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.