This weekend’s Gospel focuses on Christ’s teaching of the Beatitudes, according to Luke’s account. A cherubic angel tops a column in our choir loft. Partially visible below it is the top of a “poor man’s staff,” symbolizing the Beatitude, “Blessed are you who are poor, for the kingdom of God is yours.” Lk 6:20
Photo credit: Derek Gee, Buffalo News

February 13 – 20, 2022

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 and inserts 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.

The most recent Diocesan Interim Guidance for Parishes with respect to COVID precautions appears on the Bulletins page of this web site. It is dated June 15, 2021.

LIVESTREAMING: In keeping with the latest diocesan guidelines, we are livestreaming only one Mass (usually Sunday Mass) each weekend 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.

News from our Parish Community

Bible Study on ZOOM will resume this Tuesday, February 15, at a new time: 4PM. Our Pastoral Associate, Pat Dyer, has surveyed potential participants and is hoping to continue meeting at 4PM every Tuesday. You can join us from the comfort of your home and not have to worry about inclement weather. Click this ZOOM link and join us as we study the Gospel of Luke. 

Road to Renewal ~ Father Bob is asking us to participate in a diocesan survey regarding the “Road to Renewal.” Please read the notice about this on the inside page of the Bulletin for February 13.

Father Bob is also looking for assistance in moving some furniture at the rectory this week. If you are up to the task, please call him at 716-833-0301.

Dorothy H. Prystawski
1927 – 2021

A Memorial Mass for Dorothy H. Prystawski was offered by Father Gebhard on Saturday, February 5, at 10:00am.Dorothy, who passed on November 24, 2021 at the age of 94, was a parishioner for more than 30 years. She was a former vice-president of the Ladies Sodality, a member of the choir, a sacristan, and a devoted bingo worker.

COVID Cancellations – We regret that the latest COVID protocols have caused our Family of Parishes to  cancel Friday Night movies scheduled through May 13. They will be rescheduled as soon as practicable.

Project Welcome!  Afghani Families Relocate to Buffalo – In an extension of Christian love of neighbor and our City of Good Neighbors hospitality, assistance is needed to help Afghani families who are relocating to Buffalo. Immediate needs include:

Winter Wear:

Winter Shoes & Boots
Shoe/Boot Sizes:  Men, sizes 7, 8, and 9; Women sizes 6, 7, and 8
Jackets/Coats: Medium and Large
Fleece leggings for women: Medium and large

Laundry Detergent
New flatware and cookware sets (may be lightly used, prefer new)
Tea kettles (not coffee pots)
New sheets and pillows/pillowcases in twin and full size
Gift Cards: Price Rite, Aldi’s, Walmart.

Drop off at church on the weekend or the rectory office Monday-Wednesday 10:30am-2:30pm.

Pantry Expands Hours of Operation ~ The Catholic Central Helping Hands Food Pantry, which operates from our St. Charles Hall at 350 Dewey Avenue, is now operating EVERY Wednesday from 9:30am – 1:30pm. Individuals living in Zip Codes 14214 and 14215 who are in need of supplemental food supplies may stop by and receive pre-packaged bags of groceries from a pantry volunteer.

If mobility issues or illness are preventing you from joining us in person, you can watch our Sunday Mass LIVE on Facebook at 10:00 AM, 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 year when 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 you are now able to attend Mass in person, 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 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.

Enjoy a virtual tour of our Landmark house of worship, courtesy of Buffalo Rising and Explore Buffalo. By Clicking HERE, you will be treated to both exterior and interior photos and more than a little history.

Ceiling of St. Joseph Shrine
Photo credit: Margaret Dick