Week of July 31, 2022 – 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time

July 31 – August 7, 2022

We have made important changes to our web site, adding a “Bulletins” page where visitors may view an exact copy of the weekly bulletin and inserts in PDF format, as well as a calendar for our Family of Parishes. The “Bulletins“ link will be found at the top of the home page, and the calendar link appears under the “Worship” heading. (For your convenience as you adjust to this change, we have added the links here as well). Our web administrators hope you will enjoy the convenience of the “Bulletins” page and four-parish calendar as much as they do.

ALTHOUGH THE DIOCESE LIFTED ITS MASK MANDATE for worship in February, we have reserved a section of seating for mask wearers in the center section of pews on the right side of church. For the comfort of all, please remember to wear a mask when sitting in this section.

LIVESTREAMING of Sunday Mass has been temporarily suspended. We are sorry that transmission difficulties have forced us to discontinue livestreaming until such time as we are able to obtain a more stable internet connection. 

News from our Parish Community

Volunteer Gardener Schedule – Prayerful thanks to everyone who have accepted the challenge of watering our parish gardens and planters for one week. Here is the watering volunteer schedule for the weeks of:  July 31–Rafael Rondon; August 7—Darvan Draper; August 14—Kathy Press & Dorothy Manuppelli; August 21—Bob Barnes. We expect to be watering through September, so there are still 5 weeks available. If you would like to discover whether one is truly “closer to God in a garden, than anywhere else on earth,” call Mickey or Bud Dick (716-832-2540) and sign up for one of the remaining weeks. They will be happy to show you the 3 strategically located water hookups & hoses.

Docent Training—Our first docent team was formed in the spring of 2011 in anticipation of the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s October annual meeting in Buffalo. Over the years, our Landmark house of worship has become an established local tourism site, and requests for guided tours have increased exponentially. Between now and January 7, 2023, there are 8 group tours scheduled or in the planning stages. To ensure that our dedicated volunteers are able to meet the demand, a cross-training program and “refresher course” is being planned for a Saturday in September, and new recruits are welcome. If you have ever thought about becoming a docent and would like to learn what is involved, please contact Mickey Dick (716-832-2540).

On Saturday, July 23, Blessed Trinity was the only Buffalo area house of worship but one of 84 statewide to participate in the New York Landmarks Conservancy’s Sacred Sites Open House Weekend. Vera Andrew and Annette Maus served as greeters, welcoming twenty-five visitors. Following a  presentation on parish history and the building’s notable features given by Mickey Dick, individual docents provided additional facts and answered questions from our guests as they moved through various sections of the church. We are grateful to Tom Brodfuehrer, Louis Clay, Rafael Rondon and Nancy Yager for fulfilling that role and thank everyone who volunteered in extending our reputation as a welcoming congregation and tourism destination.

Bingo Workers Night Out ~ Members of our bingo volunteer team, along with Father Bob, enjoyed a night out on July 22, beginning with a buffet dinner at the Consumers Pub restaurant at Sahlen Field. They then cheered the Buffalo Bisons on to a 3-0 victory over the Rochester Red Wings. It came as close as one can imagine to a perfect evening: good friends enjoying a beautiful summer evening, entertaining baseball and a fireworks display to close out the “Friday Nite Bash.”

Bible Study on ZOOM is taking a summer break. We will resume on Tuesday, September 13, and continue every Tuesday at 4pm.

Food Pantry Returns to Shopper’s Choice ~ 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. Residents of 14214 & 14215 are welcome to help themselves, according to household size, to portions of carbohydrates, grains, proteins and canned vegetables. Bread and sweets generally available. Baby needs in stock also. Call (716) 800-1075 or write to ccfp14215 [at] gmail [dot] com for information.

FAMILY PROMISE OF WNY: Feed the Hungry, Shelter the Homeless. Family Promise offers us the opportunity to perform these acts of charity in a very direct and personal manner. As a support congregation, Blessed Trinity parishioners purchase and deliver groceries to the Family Promise shelter at Ss. Brigid-Columba Parish. With a few more volunteers we could continue this corporal work of mercy at least one day a month. Working in pairs, you could anticipate your turn to occur 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 (716-836-4694).

• 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 pandemic 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.