Week of July 16, 2023 – 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Jul 15, 2023 | This Week

St. Mary of Magdala
July 22
The Church today recognizes Mary of Magdala’s rightful role as an important early Christian leader. She is mentioned a total of fourteen times in all four accounts of the Gospel – more than most of the apostles. Saint Augustine was the first to call her “the Apostle to the Apostles.”
Confessional woodcarving, right (west) transept
Photo credit: Margaret Dick

July 16 – July 23, 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.

News from our Parish Community

Just Showing Off!
July 22-23, 2023
This multi-hued hydrangea in one of the church’s flower beds is ready and waiting for visitors on Buffalo’s East Side Garden Walk.

Blessed Trinity’s multiple flower beds provide a “garden walk” all their own, but we are just one of many stops on Buffalo’s East Side Garden Walk taking place on Saturday, July 22 and Sunday, July 23 from 10am – 3pm, rain or shine. Take a self-guided tour of our multiple floral gardens which extend along the east and west sides of our Landmark Church and surround the parish rectory. Then circle round to the back side of the rectory to visit Father Bob’s vegetable and herb garden! We are located at 317 Leroy Avenue (between Fillmore and Grider) with off-street parking for all our visitors.

Save the date – Sunday, August 6, 2023, is the 100^th 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.

Our Garden Walk continues all summer, and we are grateful to those who have volunteered to keep them watered when Mother Nature does not. The next week (Sun.-Sat.) in need of a volunteer is August 13. For your convenience, the gardening calendars are near the ramp side entrance. Not sure you’re up to the challenge? Why not offer to assist someone who can “show you the ropes”—and the spigots, hoses, nozzles and sprinklers. This is the last week before the East Side Garden Walk, so please consider stopping by to pull a few weeds!

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.

On Sunday, June 25, more than 20 women representing our parish family attended a luncheon hosted by the Ladies Sodality of Blessed Trinity. Table talk was lively and harmonious, and we are already exploring several opportunities for joint programs in the fall. Stay tuned.

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 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.

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.

Woodcarving in rear of church symbolizing offering of first fruits (wheat and grapes) to the Lord.
Photo credit: Margaret Dick

Week of July 9, 2023 – 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Jul 8, 2023 | This Week

Kateri Tekakwitha
July 14
The first Native American to be canonized a saint. The daughter of a Mohawk warrior and Catholic Algonquin woman, Kateri was born in a Mohawk fortress near Auriesville, New York. This woodcarving on the right (west) transept wall of our church was a gift of the Southtowns Woodcarvers of WNY.
Photo credit: Margaret Dick

July 9 – July 16, 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.

News from our Parish Community

We are celebrating a very special anniversary on Sunday, August 6, 2023. Please join us.

Souls for the Soil ~  Not every potential parish gardener was happy with the suggested “dirt bags” moniker, but the polls are open. You can not only select a week (Sunday-Saturday) to water parish gardens, you can also suggest another name! Dirt Devils? Trinity Trolls? And I’m sure our friends at Ss. Columba-Brigid would not object to our adopting their “Gardening Angels.” Thanks to those who have covered July thus far, but we need a volunteers as soon as July 16. Hoses, nozzles and sprinklers are available at both sides of the church and the rectory (near the Sacred Heart statue). Will you commit to watering for one week between now and Sept 24? Gardening calendars can be found in church near the ramp side door. And no sign-up or supervisor is required to weed. Just stop by with your gardening tools at your convenience.

Save the date – Sunday, August 6, 2023, is the 100^th 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.

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.

On Sunday, June 25, more than 20 women representing our parish family attended a luncheon hosted by the Ladies Sodality of Blessed Trinity. Table talk was lively and harmonious, and we are already exploring several opportunities for joint programs in the fall. Stay tuned.

Thanks to Madonna Hartzell who brought her friends from the Presbyterian Village to tour our church on June 23.

Residents of the Presbyterian Village senior living apartments in Williamsville visited the church on Friday, June 23, for a tour conducted by Jack Curtin and Mickey Dick. The group of nineteen also remained for daily Mass before finishing their excursion with lunch at Chef’s Restaurant. One gentleman, a non-Catholic, was impressed by the fact that ours was the first church they had visited that provided an opportunity to participate in a worship service.

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 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.

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. Bonaventure
July 15
St. Bonaventure (1221-1274) is depicted on the right in this mural at Blessed Trinity’s right side altar devoted to the Sacred Heart.
Photo credit: Margaret Dick

Week of July 2, 2023 – 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Jul 1, 2023 | This Week

St. Thomas, Apostle
July 3
St. Thomas is represented by the arrow–or lance–and staff, shown here (second from right) in one of the 45 decorated roofline corbels on the church façade.
Photo credit: Gary Kelley

July 2 – July 9, 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.

News from our Parish Community

Women of our parish family enjoyed a friendship luncheon at Blessed Trinity on June 25.
Photo credit: Pat Dyer

Independence Day ~ There is no change in our Mass schedule for Tuesday, July 4th. Mass will be at 11AM.

On Sunday, June 25, more than 20 women representing our parish family attended a luncheon hosted by the Ladies Sodality of Blessed Trinity. Table talk was lively and harmonious, and we are already exploring several opportunities for joint programs in the fall. Stay tuned.

Souls for the Soil ~  Not every potential parish gardener was happy with the suggested “dirt bags” moniker, but the polls are open. You can not only select a week (Sunday-Saturday) to water parish gardens, you can also suggest another name! Dirt Devils? Leroy Larkspurs? Trinity Trolls? You get the picture…. now grab that nozzle and commit to watering for one week between now and Sept 24. Gardening calendars will be available this weekend; see Mickey Dick or Pat Dyer. And no sign-up or supervisor is required to weed. Just stop by with your gardening tools at your convenience.

Summer Solstice ~ Our Bible Study class is taking a break for the summer. We will be welcoming you back in the fall and look forward to expanding participation in our Tuesday afternoon ZOOM sessions.

Thanks to Madonna Hartzell who brought her friends from the Presbyterian Village to tour our church on June 23.

Residents of the Presbyterian Village senior living apartments in Williamsville visited the church on Friday, June 23, for a tour conducted by Jack Curtin and Mickey Dick. The group of nineteen also remained for daily Mass before finishing their excursion with lunch at Chef’s Restaurant. One gentleman, a non-Catholic, was impressed by the fact that ours was the first church they had visited that provided an opportunity to participate in a worship service.

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.

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 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.

Symbols representing phrases from the Litany of the Most Sacred Heart appear above the side altar dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Top, left-right: throne (Infinite Majesty), temple (Sacred Temple of God), tabernacle (tent) in the desert (Tabernacle of the Most High); Bottom, l-r: open gates (House of God and Gate of Heaven), flaming furnace (Furnace of Charity)
Photo credit: Char Szabo-Perricelli