February 26 – March 5, 2023
Live-streaming of 10AM Sunday Mass has resumed. Click HERE.
Our complete schedule of Lenten services and parish activities appears on the home page: “Lenten Journey 2023.” Our website also includes 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 is found at the top of the home page, and the calendar link appears under the “Worship” heading.
ALTHOUGH THE DIOCESE LIFTED ITS MASK MANDATE for worship in February 2022, 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.
News from our Parish Community
Bible Study Transitions to In-Person ~ During the Lenten season, Zoom Bible Study has been replaced with in-person Bible Study every Tuesday (except Holy Week) in St. Charles Hall, beginning at 5:45pm and lasting approximately one hour. We are reading and discussing the Gospel of John. On Tuesday, February 28, we hope to cover Chapters 1-3 with a particular focus on John 1:1-18. (When you are in church, look up at the biblical quotation inscribed into the wall under the cornice: “In the beginning was the Word….” It is John’s summary of the Incarnation which opens Chapter 1 of his Gospel).
Our Bulletin Page has a new look. We’ve been forced to change the way we post our weekly bulletin to accommodate a software change. We did not intend to change the order of their appearance, but the older bulletins now appear first and the latest version is at the end. We will do our best to switch this around, but please be patient as we navigate the learning curve.
We welcomed Explore Buffalo on Sunday, February 19, as nineteen adults and two children visited the church for docent-guided tours. Darvan Draper gave the introductory remarks and highlights of parish history before visitors separated into two groups for their rotating tour of interior and exterior. Palma Zanghi pointed out artistic elements and symbolism found in the Sanctuary, while Tom Brodfuehrer and Nancy Yager interpreted iconography on the church façade. And although one could easily spend an hour learning about the art and architecture displayed in the narthex, nave and transept, Eleanor Ash and Rafael Rondon teamed up to present a twenty minute synopsis. Visitors were also able to view historical photographs and examine a roof tile, brick and “church chunk” of terra cotta at our display table with the help of docent Geraldine Wnuk. Because of the busy Lenten schedule, there will be no tours scheduled until after Easter, but mark your calendar for the weekend of May 20/21. That’s when Blessed Trinity joins the New York Landmarks Conservancy for their annual Sacred Sites Open House Weekend.
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.