Week of September 17, 2023 – 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Sep 19, 2023 | This Week

St. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist
September 21
St. Matthew, whose feast day is celebrated on September 21, is depicted in this pendentive supporting Blessed Trinity’s great dome. “Since Christ sent the Apostles out to preach the Good News of how much God loves us, this church rightly places the missionary emphasis of the Church in a prominent position.” Rev. Walter Kern’s Guidebook to Blessed Trinity R. C. Church, page 21.
Photo Credit: Gary Kelley.

September 17 – September 24, 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.

Fully engaged in Faith Formation
Sep 14, 2023

News from our Parish Community

Our ZOOM Bible Study classes have resumed at 4pm each Tuesday. We are continuing our discussion of the Gospel of Matthew. The link to join is available HERE and on the “Faith Formation” Page.

Choir Rehearsals have resumed, every Tuesday evening at 7pm in church. If you are interested in joining our choir, please speak to Music Director Elizabeth Clay or any choir member. Traditionally, our choir sings for Sunday Mass from September through the Feast of Corpus Christi, as well as Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and all Holy Week services.

Sunday, September 24, is Alumni Sunday. We are pleased to welcome alumni of Blessed Trinity School for their annual Alumni Memorial Mass and reception on Sunday, September 24. Weather permitting, the annual observance will include a mini-tour of the church façade at 9:30am. An all-class reunion in St. Charles Hall will follow the 10am Mass. Blessed Trinity School operated from 1909-1975, educating more than 2,300 students. From the beginning, it was staffed by the Sisters of St. Joseph who were joined by lay faculty in the 1950s.

Thanks to the Bloom Crew! We are grateful to each of the weekly volunteers who have watered and/or weeded our parish gardens and planters since July. Special recognition goes to Kathleen Dove who stepped in on several occasions when others could not. As summer comes to a close, we are counting on Mother Nature to finish the job.

Fall Confirmation sessions begin for our family of parishes on September 28. Classes are held at Ss. Columba-Brigid and begin at 6:30pm.

Protecting God’s Children Workshop will be held at Blessed Trinity on Saturday, September 30, from 10am-1:30pm in St. Charles Hall. This VIRTUS program is aimed at protecting children from child sexual abuse and is a requirement for anyone working with children in our diocese.

“Spilling the Tea on Breast Cancer Awareness and Prevention,” Saturday, October 7, from Noon-2PM in St. Charles Hall. Join with women from our family of parishes for a luncheon and presentation on breast cancer awareness and prevention, sponsored by the St. Martin de Porres Women’s Guild. Our guest speaker will be Nikia Robinson, Roswell Park’s Community Outreach and Engagement Director. Dress the part with a fancy hat and something pink! Finger food donations gratefully accepted. Reservations are due October 1 and sign-up sheets are located at each church entrance. You can also reserve your place by texting 716-308-1613 or at humancapital1st [at] yahoo [dot] com

Let the Music Begin! On Sunday, October 8, at 3 PM, the Camerata di Sant’ Antonio brings the beautiful music of their chamber orchestra to our beautiful space. Since 2002, the Camerata—which includes members of the BPO—has presented concerts designed to preserve and celebrate the cultural heritage of our community, with premier works featured in every performance. ln recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, the program will include Manuel Ponce’s Concierto del Sur for Guitar and Orchestra. You will also be treated to a post-concert reception in St. Charles Hall. Courtesy passes enabling members of our parish family to attend free of charge will be available starting next week.

Blessed Trinity’s favorite fundraiser is back—a Fall Wine Tasting on Friday, October 27, from 7-9 PM, featuring a variety of wines to sample and savor, accompanied by delicious hors d’oeuvres, beer, non-alcoholic beverages and desserts. Please mark your calendar, invite your friends, and plan to join us for a lovely evening. Pre-sale tickets are available now for a donation of $40.00 per person by calling the rectory office (716-833-0301) or Bud & Mickey Dick (716-832-2540). Tickets at the door: $45. Proceeds will be used toward the replacement of the roof of 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.

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.

The Church celebrates the feast of St. Vincent de Paul (1580-1660),
“champion of the poor and patron of practical charity to the needy,”
on September 27. This statue of St. Vincent is located in the
left side aisle in the church nave.
Photo credit: Margaret Dick

Week of September 3, 2023 – 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Sep 2, 2023 | This Week

St. Peter Claver
September 9
St. Peter Claver (1581-1654), servant and missionary to Africans enslaved in South America,
is depicted in this painting by Joseph Mazur
in the church’s transept.
Photo credit: Gary Kelley

September 3 – September 10, 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.

Quilt memorializing victims of
May 2021 TOPS Massacre.
Photo credit: Elizabeth Clay

News from our Parish Community

Our Mass on Labor Day, Monday, September 4, will be celebrated in the Daily Mass Chapel at 11am.

Our ZOOM Bible Study classes will resume at 4pm this Tuesday, September 5 with continued discussion of the Gospel of Matthew. Check the “Faith Formation” Page for a link and join our virtual one-hour gathering.

Parish Family Camping Opportunity, Sep. 8-10, sponsored by the parishioners of Ss. Columba-Brigid. Reasonable price; no camping equipment required. Additional details can be found in this Sunday’s bulletin.

TOPS Memorial Quilt ~ We were privileged to display the quilt memorializing the ten victims of the May 14, 2021 massacre at the Tops Market in our sanctuary during the month of September. The September 12 community welcoming event provided a wonderful opportunity for neighborhood residents to view the quilt.

Our Bloom Crew is still looking for one more September volunteer to water our planters and gardens next week (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.

Line dancin’ the day away at the parish picnic.

The Aug 20 Family of Parishes Picnic checked all the boxes for a successful summer gathering: perfect weather, friendly folks from all four parishes, lots of dancing and delicious food! Many thanks to the Holy Name Society members at St. Martin de Porres for making it all possible.

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.

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.

Labor Day
September 4, 2023
Carpenter’s square: symbol of Trades in
woodcarving over usher’s office in church nave
Photo credit: Margaret Dick

Week of August 27, 2023 – 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time

Aug 30, 2023 | This Week

“[Y]ou are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church….” Mt 16:18
This depiction of St. Peter holding crossed keys (symbol of binding and loosening) appears in Joseph Mazur’s mural in the church’s great dome.
Photo credit: Gary Kelley

August 27 – September 3, 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.

Althea Porter receives community service award from St. Martin de Porres Holy Name Society on Aug 20, 2023.

News from our Parish Community

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.

Parish Family Camping Opportunity, Sep. 8-10, sponsored by the parishioners of Ss. Columba-Brigid. Additional details can be found in this Sunday’s bulletin.

Our Bloom Crew is still looking for one more September volunteer to water our planters and gardens during 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.

Our ZOOM Bible Study classes will resume at 4pm on Tuesday, September 5 with continued discussion of the Gospel of Matthew. Check the “Faith Formation” Page for a link and join our virtual one-hour gathering.

The best kind of condiment (seen at the Aug 20, 2023, parish picnic).

Last Sunday’s Family of Parishes Picnic checked all the boxes for a successful summer gathering: perfect weather, friendly folks from all four parishes, lots of dancing and delicious food! Many thanks to the Holy Name Society members at St. Martin de Porres for making it all possible.

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.

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.

The Passion of St. John the Baptist
August 29
This woodcarving of St. John the Baptist by the Lippich Brothers of Bowmansville, NY adorns the right confessional in the left transept of our church.
Photo credit: Margaret Dick

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

Aug 20, 2023 | This Week

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 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. 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