Noah’s ark, dove with olive branch, and animals from the ark; detail of terra cotta sculpture to left of capital with portrait head of Noah on middle nave window (right side of church).
Photo credit: Gary Kelley
November 6 – 13, 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.
Music Director, Elizabeth Clay, debuts as our “Angel of Music” at Oct. 30 tour.
News from our Parish Community
Bible Study on ZOOM has resumed and will continue every Tuesday at 4pm.
Thanksgiving Mass for our Family of Parishes will be celebrated at 6pm on Wednesday, November 23, at St. Lawrence Church, 1520 E. Delavan. There will be no Mass at any of the Family churches on Thanksgiving Day.
On Sunday, October 30, Blessed Trinity welcomed Explore Buffalo® for a unique All-Hallows Eve/All Saints Day themed tour. Docents Tom Brodfuehrer and Nancy Yager interpreted the meaning behind the skulls, devils, monsters, skeletons and graveyards found on the church exterior; Rafael Rondon explained the Romanesque features and Byzantine influence as reflected in the interior design of the nave and dome; and Sr. Liz Savage elaborated on the symbolism displayed in Sanctuary artwork and terra cotta. Elizabeth Clay made her debut as a loft docent and treated visitors to several Halloween musical selections on the church’s 1927 Tellers-Kent pipe organ, including the title song from “The Phantom of the Opera,” sung by tenor Louis Clay. Mickey Dick, Darvan Draper and Geraldine Wnuk completed Sunday’s team of volunteers. We are grateful to all of them for introducing the wider community to the beauty of Blessed Trinity and its people.
Father Gebhard blesses those who attended dedication of “Judy’s Garden” on Oct. 16, 2022.
Prayerful Thanks for all who contributed to our recent celebration in memory of Judy Casassa. The garden mini-monument, thoughtful liturgy, reception planning, and heartfelt spoken tributes all reflected your love and appreciation of Judy and her parish ministry. We miss her but thank God for her presence among us.
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.
Floor Tile with Trinity Symbol
Photo credit: Bridget Blesnuk