Week of October 9, 2022 – 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time

October 9 – October 16, 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

On Sunday, October 16, we will honor the late Judy Casassa and give thanks for her years of stewardship at Blessed Trinity, most notably “her efforts in obtaining and administering a $300,000 plus grant from the State of New York, enabling us to undertake needed restoration of exterior areas of our…Landmark Church.” In addition to the Mass intention, Father Bob will dedicate a memorial to Judy in the east side garden and new signage recognizing the State’s funding contribution. The tribute to Judy will continue at a reception in St. Charles Hall following the 10am Mass.

During this month dedicated to Our Lady and the Rosary, you are invited to pray the Rosary at 4:15pm each Wednesday (Oct. 12,19 & 26). If “Indian Summer” describes the day, bring a lawn chair and gather in the grove behind the church on the east (left) side. Otherwise, assemble in church. If unable to attend in person, you can participate in spirit by praying the Rosary at home.

Bible Study on ZOOM has resumed and will continue every Tuesday at 4pm.

On Sunday, September 25, approximately 60 alumni of Blessed Trinity School joined us in worship at the annual Alumni Memorial Mass. Early arrivals were treated to a mini-tour focusing on symbols found in the stained-glass rose windows, which were installed 70 years ago. An all-class reception in St. Charles Hall followed the Mass. At the reception, Father Bob was presented with a $3,000 donation from alumni of the school for the church’s Under This Roof Fund. Blessed Trinity School operated from 1909-1975, during which time the Sisters of St. Joseph and lay faculty educated more than 2,300 students.

Blessed Trinity Church joined Explore Buffalo’s free “Doors Open Houses of Worship Series” on Friday evening, September 16. Following a 6:30pm presentation on its history, art and architecture, volunteer docents highlighted architectural details and interpreted some of the Christian symbols displayed in the church. An hour-long concert followed, during which the a cappella voices of the St. John Paul II Schola Cantorum demonstrated the building’s splendid acoustic as they sang Catholic choral masterpieces from the 16^th—21^st centuries.

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.