Week of August 20, 2023 – 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time

This weekend’s Gospel reading is taken from Mt.15:21-28, recounting Christ’s debate with the Canaanite woman before recognizing her faith and healing her daughter. His words appear on the right side of the communion rail at Blessed Trinity: “Vere panis filiorum non mittendus canibus,” meaning “It is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs.”
Photo credit: Margaret Dick

August 20 – August 27, 2023

Live-streaming of 10AM Sunday Mass has resumed. Click HERE.

This 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.

Parishioners and visitors join in prayer prior to centennial rededication of the church cornerstone by Rev. Robert Gebhard on August 6, 2023.
Photo credit: Tom Brodfuehrer

News from our Parish Community

Our first Family of Parishes Picnic is this Sunday, August 20, in the main shelter at Como Park in Lancaster. Many thanks to the Holy Name Society members at St. Martin de Porres for making it all possible. Bring a snack to share for the meet and greet from 1-3pm. Hot dogs, hamburgers and side dishes served from 3-6pm. See you there!

Next Sunday, August 27, the Ladies Sodality welcomes all women of the parish to join them for coffee and conversation in St. Charles Hall, immediately following Sunday Mass. They will be discussing tentative plans for three joint activities with women from our family of parishes and looking for new ideas and goals for the coming year.

Summer is waning, but not the need to keep our gardens watered. We’re looking for a volunteer to join our Bloom Crew for the week of Sep. 10-16. Please add your name to the gardening calendar near the ramp side door. If you need directions to the various spigots, nozzles and sprinklers, another volunteer will be sure to guide you.

Parish Family Camping Opportunity, Sep. 8-10, sponsored by the parishioners of Ss. Columba-Brigid. Watch the bulletin for details.

Thanks to all, especially Bob Heicklen and the Discipleship Committee as well as members of the docent team, who worked so hard to make the August 12 “Meet the Neighbors” event such a community success. We also appreciate the special efforts of our parishioners who contributed to the prayerful and joyful celebration of Our Lady Mary’s Assumption on August 15.

We play Bingo every Thursday in St. Charles Hall, 350 Dewey Ave. Doors open at 6:30pm, concessions open at 7:30, and games begin at 8:00pm. Please plan to join us. You can check the latest carryover figures on our Facebook page.

Summer Solstice ~ Our Bible Study class is taking a break for the summer. However, you can join ZOOM Bible Study with parishioners of Ss. Columba-Brigid every Thursday at 6:20. Contact their church office at (716) 852-3331 to obtain link. Blessed Trinity will be welcoming you back in September and look forward to expanding participation in our Tuesday afternoon ZOOM sessions 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 email ccfp14215 [at] gmail [dot] com for information.

FAMILY PROMISE OF WNY: Feed the Hungry, Shelter the HomelessFamily 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.

Pastor Emeritus, Rev. George L. Reger ~ The Mass of Christian Burial for Father Reger was celebrated at Blessed Trinity on Friday, May 26. Click HERE to view a recorded version of the Mass.

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.

St. Bartholomew, Apostle
August 24
This ceramic medallion of St. Bartholomew (apostle, first century) originally hung in St. Bartholomew R. C. Church on Grider St. It was carried in the procession that opened the Liturgy celebrating the merger of our two parishes. It is now mounted on the wall of the transept on the right (west) side of the church.
Photo credit: Margaret Dick

School Bell Restored and Rededicated, Oct. 6, 2019

“St. Helena,” the bell which hung in the former church and school building (visible in background) from 1909 until 2018, is now permanently displayed in front of church. It was blessed and rededicated by Fr. Victor in a ceremony following the 10 a.m. Mass on Sunday, October 6, 2019. Usher Ed Marien, a member of the school’s Class of 1944, rang the bell. Bud Dick, Parish Trustee and member of the Class of 1958 (left), coordinated the School Alumni’s Bell Project, which funded
the bell’s removal, restoration and relocation.

Week of August 6, 2023 – 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Church cornerstone dedicated by Bishop Turner on August 7, 1923.

August 6 – August 13, 2023

Live-streaming of 10AM Sunday Mass has resumed. Click HERE.

This 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.

Parishioners and visitors join in prayer prior to centennial rededication of the church cornerstone by Rev. Robert Gebhard.
Photo credit: Tom Brodfuehrer

News from our Parish Community

On Sunday, August 6, 2023, we will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the laying of our church cornerstone with a special outdoor ceremony at the conclusion of Sunday Mass, followed by a reception in St. Charles Hall. Members of the parish docent team will be recognized during the social gathering. Please plan to be with us.

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is Tuesday, August 15. Our Mass for this Holy Day of Obligation is at 11a.m. Following Mass, we will pray the Rosary. There will also be a Vigil Mass at 4 p.m. on Monday evening, August 14, at St. Lawrence and an evening Mass at 7 p.m. on the Holy Day (Tuesday) at Ss. Columba-Brigid. 

We play Bingo every Thursday in St. Charles Hall, 350 Dewey Ave. Doors open at 6:30pm, concessions open at 7:30, and games begin at 8:00pm. Please plan to join us. You can check the latest carryover figures on our Facebook page.

Our first Family of Parishes Picnic is Sunday, August 20, in the main shelter at Como Park in Lancaster. Many thanks to the Holy Name Society members at St. Martin de Porres for making it all possible. Please let Luis or Elizabeth Clay know that you will be attending by next Sunday, August 13, and see the bulletin for complete details.

Garden Walk visitors, dressed for the occasion.

The weather was perfect for our East Side Garden Walk debut last weekend, but caring for our flower beds and planters doesn’t end there. We are so grateful to those who have volunteered to keep our flowers watered when Mother Nature does not. You can sign up on the monthly gardening calendars near the ramp side entrance. Not sure you’re up to the challenge? Why not offer to assist one of the other volunteers. S/he can “show you the ropes”—and the spigots, hoses, nozzles and sprinklers.

Summer Solstice ~ Our Bible Study class is taking a break for the summer. However, you can join ZOOM Bible Study with parishioners of Ss. Columba-Brigid every Thursday at 6:20. Contact their church office at (716) 852-3331 to obtain link. Blessed Trinity will be welcoming you back in the fall and look forward to expanding participation in our Tuesday afternoon ZOOM sessions 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 email ccfp14215 [at] gmail [dot] com for information.

FAMILY PROMISE OF WNY: Feed the Hungry, Shelter the HomelessFamily 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.

Pastor Emeritus, Rev. George L. Reger ~ The Mass of Christian Burial for Father Reger was celebrated at Blessed Trinity on Friday, May 26. Click HERE to view a recorded version of the Mass.

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.

St. Clare
August 11
St. Clare is one of six saints associated with the Eucharist who is depicted (center right) in silver relief on the doors of our Tabernacle.
Photo credit: Margaret Dick

Week of July 30, 2023 – 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time

St. John Vianney
August 4

St. John Vianney (bottom left) is one of six saints depicted in silver relief on the doors of the church’s tabernacle. Each of these saints has some relationship to the offering of sacrificial gifts or to the Eucharist.
Photo credit: Margaret Dick

July 30- August 6, 2023

Live-streaming of 10AM Sunday Mass has resumed. Click HERE.

This 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.

Four of our ushers put in some overtime to welcome East Side Garden Walkers to Blessed Trinity on Sunday, July 23, 2023.

News from our Parish Community

On Sunday, July 30, parish volunteers will be fanning out to deliver slinger-invitations to our August 12 “Meet the Neighbors” event. Please wear your walking shoes and help us get the job done.

Church cornerstone dedicated by Bishop Turner on August 7, 1923.

Next Sunday, August 6, 2023, is the 100th anniversary of the laying of our church cornerstone. We will be commemorating this event with a special blessing at the conclusion of Sunday Mass, followed by a reception in St. Charles Hall.

We play Bingo every Thursday in St. Charles Hall, 350 Dewey Ave. Doors open at 6:30pm, concessions open at 7:30, and games begin at 8:00pm. Please plan to join us. You can check the latest carryover figures on our Facebook page.

Our first Family of Parishes Picnic is Sunday, August 20, in the main shelter at Como Park in Lancaster. Many thanks to the Holy Name Society members at St. Martin de Porres for making it all possible. Please let Luis or Elizabeth Clay know that you will be attending by next Sunday, August 6. Please see the bulletin for complete details.

The weather was perfect for our East Side Garden Walk debut last weekend, but caring for our flower beds and planters doesn’t end there. We are so grateful to those who have volunteered to keep our flowers watered when Mother Nature does not. You can sign up on the monthly gardening calendars near the ramp side entrance. Not sure you’re up to the challenge? Why not offer to assist one of the other volunteers. S/he can “show you the ropes”—and the spigots, hoses, nozzles and sprinklers.

Summer Solstice ~ Our Bible Study class is taking a break for the summer. However, you can join ZOOM Bible Study with parishioners of Ss. Columba-Brigid every Thursday at 6:20. Contact their church office at (716) 852-3331 to obtain link. Blessed Trinity will be welcoming you back in the fall and look forward to expanding participation in our Tuesday afternoon ZOOM sessions 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 email ccfp14215 [at] gmail [dot] com for information.

FAMILY PROMISE OF WNY: Feed the Hungry, Shelter the HomelessFamily 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.

Pastor Emeritus, Rev. George L. Reger ~ The Mass of Christian Burial for Father Reger was celebrated at Blessed Trinity on Friday, May 26. Click HERE to view a recorded version of the Mass.

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.

St. Ignatius of Loyola, whose feast the Church celebrates on July 31 is depicted (4th standing figure from the left) in this grouping of “Monks, Hermits and Religious” in the Dome of our church. Also shown, St. Alphonsus Liguori (far left with book and pen), whose feast day is August 1. The Dome painting is by Joseph Mazur; the photo by Gary Kelley.