Week of April 18, 2021 – 3rd Sunday of Easter

April 18 – April 25, 2021

COVID-19 Precautions: The Diocese of Buffalo has relaxed restrictions on capacity at worship services. See, Nov. 26 COVID-19 Update. It is NOT necessary to make a reservation to attend Mass at Blessed Trinity.

NEW: In addition to in-person worship, weekend Masses are now being livestreamed 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.

Personal copies of the Breaking Bread missal are available for each parishioner who would like one. You may claim yours at church and either take it home or place it in a zip-lock bag and reclaim it when you come again. Paper copies of the bulletin are also available. Look for them at the middle crossing of the church.

Keep in mind, the dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass on Sunday and on other Holy Days of Obligation remains in effect in our diocese.

Please pray for the health and safety of all in our community.

Weekly Activities

NEW: Our office is now open Monday – Wednesday from 10:30am – 2:30pm; closed Thursday and Friday.

All in-person meetings and activities remain cancelled until further notice, with the exception of the Food Pantry.

Wednesday, April 14 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. ~ EXTENDED HOURS ~ Catholic Central Food Pantry in St. Charles Hall
Now operating every other Wednesday (Mar 31, Apr 14, 28, etc.) but with extended hours. Volunteers will distribute pre-prepared bags of groceries.

Mass Intentions

The regular schedule for weekend Masses is in effect, and the NEW schedule for daily Mass, as of Monday, November 9, 2020 is: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday at 11 AM. There is no morning Mass on Thursdays.

Sunday, April 18~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. ~ Members of the Crib Donors Guild – Req. by Our Lady of Victory

Monday, April 19 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Deceased members of the Reilly, Reynolds and Pfieffer Families – Estate of Mary Reilly

Tuesday, April 20 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – In Memory of Alfreda Dawidzik – Req. by Gregory Allgrim

Wednesday, April 21 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Repose of the Soul of Arthur & Lillian Hildman – Req. by Our Lady of Victory

Friday, April 23 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Repose of the Souls of the Betz Families – Req. by Our Lady of Victory

Saturday, April 24 ~ Mass at 4:30 p.m. – Members of the Benefactors Memorial Book – Req. by Our Lady of Victory

Sunday, April 25th ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – Eternal Joy for Bernadette Dorsheimer – Req. by Family

Lector Schedule ~
Saturday, April 24 : Lorna Cameron
Sunday, April 25: Bob Heicklen

The Sanctuary Lamp burns this week in Memory of Helen Gerharpstein requested by Sr. Elizabeth Savage, SSJ.

News from our Parish Community

A Note from Father Bob ~

Sparks of Resurrection Life Fly! Our scripture readings these days are filled with the vitality and energy of the early church as it takes its first shape in the Spirit of the risen Jesus. Its impetus is the reality and continuance of the Good News, the gospel way of Jesus. Gathering for the breaking of the bread & worship, remembering and sharing the words and stories of Jesus when among them in the flesh, inviting others to hear, and giving witness by lives of service and charity is the Easter happening! It must have been exciting and challenging times.
We are challenged to be caught by that same spirit of life, hope and joy…. and to testify to it! To share and pass along our Catholic faith proudly and confidently as our ultimate lifeline! In that light, we need people eager to be missionaries of our faith in a number of very important ways – as religious educators and formators (catechists) to teach others our faith, prepare people for the sacraments (baptism, reconciliation, confirmation, eucharist, marriage), to faith-share. We need people to be mentors for children and adults. Some ways you might be called to assist: Baptism Preparation Program, Confirmation sessions, religious education teachers for our young people, Children’s Liturgy of the Word sessions on Sundays, RCIA (preparing adults for initiation into the Catholic Church). If you feel the Spirit moving your spirit in the ways of teaching and forming others in the ways of Jesus Christ, “making disciples” for Christ, spreading the Good News….. WE NEED YOU! Please contact me or Patricia Dyer, our parish Pastoral Associate, about how you can get involved in some aspect of this important mission of evangelization.

A Big THANK YOU – In a spirit of deep gratitude, join me in thanking Roy Laciura, parishioner and parish bookkeeper, as he retires from his position of stewardship, serving this parish and the Diocese of Buffalo, for many, many years. Roy has been a pleasant, committed and steady presence. We wish him well with our thoughts and prayers for a happy retirement. Please extend your personal thanks to him as you see him at mass or parish functions.~ Fr. Bob

The Members of the Blessed Trinity Choir are deeply grateful for the love and support of this beautiful faith community. Please remember our motto and remind those seeking to discover their voice that they have a home in the loft! Enquiries to the Elizabeth, the Choir Director,

Thank you for your generous support of the Good Friday collection for upkeep of holy sites as well as support for the pastoral, charitable, educational and social works of Christians in the Holy Land.

New Virtual “Study Group” Continues on April 27th. We have finished Acts and have begun our study of the Pastoral Conversion of the Parish Community, a teaching on parishes from the Congregation of the Clergy in Rome. Join us in hearing about our pope’s vision of the parish of the future as they respond to the changing needs of people. You can review a copy of the document ahead of time by clicking HERE; join the ZOOM meeting HERE.

New Opportunity to Memorialize a Loved One or Special Intention ~ The Sanctuary Lamp is a lamp that is continually burning near or before the tabernacle of every Catholic Church throughout the world. It signifies that the Blessed Sacrament, the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, is present and reserved in the tabernacle. The General Instruction of the Roman Missal in the Catholic Church states: “In accordance with traditional custom, near the tabernacle a special lamp, fueled by oil or wax, should be kept alight to indicate and honor the presence of Christ.” The glass encasing the candle or oil flame is often red in color. With a donation of $10, we are now offering the opportunity for you to memorialize a loved one or intention. The lit lamp, in remembrance of your intention, will burn throughout the week. If interested, please contact the rectory, 716-833-0301. Additionally, we will offer the same opportunity to memorialize a loved one or intention with a donation for the gifts of Bread (Hosts) and Wine used at each mass. If interested in providing for these gifts, please contact the rectory, 716-833-0301.

Taking a Walk with Explore Buffalo ~ COVID protocols still restrict interior tours of Blessed Trinity, but we are delighted to welcome an Explore Buffalo Walking Tour of our Landmark building’s exterior on Saturday, May 15, 2021, beginning at 10:30 a.m. A team of Blessed Trinity docents will happily share their knowledge of the history and construction of this Lombard-Romanesque treasure, including the hand-formed Harvard bricks laid in a medieval fashion, the extensive used of terra cotta, and the church’s medieval iconography. Bring your binoculars. There are examples of Christian symbolism on display all the way to the roof line! If you or anyone you know would like to take this walk with Explore Buffalo, use this link for ticket information. (A portion of the ticket price will be returned to our parish).

Our Parish Financial Picture ~ Every parish family should have recently received a letter in the mail Father Bob and our Finance Council keeping you informed of our current financial picture. I ask your prayerful consideration of the financial challenges we face in these difficult times. Thank you for any ways you can offer your generosity in prayer, time, talent and treasure!

Catholic Charities Appeal 2021 ~ In the Christian faith, Jesus is the epitome of HOPE for all seasons. His death and Resurrection showed us that after a definitive amount of time, ultimate good can be dispersed to all. Today, we rejoice in our Lord and Savior’s glory! We also want to thank you for following the example of Appeal Patron St. Ignatius Loyola who called us to respond in faith, and to find God in all things. We thank you for being attuned to God’s presence in everyday circumstances as he taught us, and responding in faith with a gift to the Appeal. With your help, we give HOPE for all seasons. Thank you for your continued support of Appeal 2021. (If you have any questions, please feel free to ask Bob Heicklen, Blessed Trinity’s Campaign Chair. Thank you in advance for your support. Please make this a part of your Lenten almsgiving).

Job Opportunity at Blessed Trinity ~ Are you or someone you know looking for work? We have a part-time general housekeeping position now available. It involves general parish rectory housekeeping, cleaning responsibilities, and occasional laundry. 10-16 hours/month. Send applications to Blessed Trinity RC Church, 317 Leroy Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14214 (716-833-0301) or email blessedtrinitychurch [at] gmail [dot] com.

We are looking for a couple of people interested in helping us out!  If you are interested in any of these ministries please see Pat Dyer for more information.

Welcome “Desk” [in church] – staffing on weekends and special Masses like Holy Days.

Compassion Ministry – helping our current volunteer send out cards and notes to shut-ins, the ill, and families after a death occurs. All materials provided and can be done from home.

Caring for God’s Creation – helping to plan for and work on the day of a neighborhood and church grounds cleanup. Many hands make light work. We will serve hot dogs, chips and hot drinks.  Besides “hands and feet,” we need a grill, trash bags and food donations, and a cook or two.  Celebration will take place on a Saturday afternoon toward the end of April and will end with Mass.  Planning meetings to be set up once we have a few volunteers.

If weather or COVID or illness is preventing you from joining us in person, you can watch our weekend Masses LIVE on Facebook at 4:30 PM on Saturdays and 10:00 AM on Sundays 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 Homeless. Family 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 9 months when the 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 we are now able to resume Mass attendance, this may be a good time to ask yourself: Does the church office have my correct mailing address and phone number? (Important, too, for contact tracing). 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.

Virtual Church Tour ~  Buffalo Rising and Explore Buffalo teamed up to give their online followers a “tour” of Blessed Trinity. You can join them, by Clicking HERE. You will be treated to both exterior and interior photos and more than a little history. Take the “tour” and test your knowledge about your house of worship.

News from our Vicariate Cluster and the Wider Community

Help for Victims of Domestic Violence ~ Because of COVID-19, the Family Justice Center (“FJC”) is not accepting walk-in appointments or in-person meetings. In case of emergency, call 911. For help with safety planning or other services you may need during this time, call or text the FJC Safeline, 716-558-SAFE (7233).

Food Assistance for Seniors ~ The County of Erie advises anyone over the age of 60 who is in need of food assistance to call 716-858-8526.