Detail, terra cotta baptismal font Photo credit: Char Szabo-Perricelli
January 13 – January 20, 2019
Weekly Activities
Tuesday, January 15 at 7:00 p.m. ~ Choir Rehearsal in St. Charles Hall
Wednesday, January 16 from 12:00 noon – 4:00 p.m. ~ Catholic Central Food Pantry in St. Charles Hall – NEW HOURS
Wednesday, January 16 at 7:00 p.m. ~ Parish Council Meeting in St. Charles Hall
Thursday, January 17 at 8:00 p.m. ~ Bingo will be played in St. Charles Hall*
Saturday, January 19 from 10:00 a.m. – 12 Noon ~ Receipt of items at St. Charles Hall for January 20 reception and basket raffle
Saturday, January 19 at 8:00 p.m. ~ BINGO HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER.
Sunday, January 20 following 10:00 a.m. Diocesan Mass Honoring Rev. Martin Luther King ~ Reception in St. Charles Hall
*To check the Red, White & Blue and progressive Share-the-Wealth carry over amounts and progressive numbers for this week, click HERE and visit our Facebook page.
Mass Intentions
Sunday, January 13 ~ The Baptism of the Lord ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – William and Margaret Stiffler (Requested by Family)
Monday, January 14 ~ No Service
Tuesday, January 15 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Deceased Members of the Ryan, Reilly, Reynolds and Pfeiffer Families (Estate of Mary Reilly)
Wednesday, January 16 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – For the intentions of our parishioners, both living and deceased (Blessed Trinity Parish)
Thursday, January 17 ~ St. Anthony, Abbot ~ Mass at 11:00 a. m. – Deceased Members of the Ryan, Reilly, Reynolds and Pfeiffer Families (Estate of Mary Reilly)
Friday, January 18 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Deceased Members of the Ryan, Reilly, Reynolds and Pfeiffer Families (Estate of Mary Reilly)
Saturday, January 19 ~ Vigil Mass at 4:30 p.m. – For the intentions of our parishioners, both living and deceased (Blessed Trinity Parish)
Sunday, January 20 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – Chaka Chapman (Tina and Mom)
Ministry Schedule for Saturday and Sunday, January 19/20, 2019:
Saturday, 4:30 p.m. Reader: Michael Ogoh; Eucharistic Minister: Lorna Cameron
Sunday, 10:00 a.m. Readers: Chris Porter, Miles James and Representative of African American Commission; Eucharistic Ministers: Fran Cahill, Maggie Gatson, Mary Kresse; Choir – Sharon Dunnigan
Diocesan Celebration of the Life of the Rev. Martin Luther King “Living in the Spirit of God” January 20, 2019 at Blessed Trinity Photo credit: Phil Woods
News from our Parish Community
The Parish Council will hold its first meeting of 2019 at 7pm on Wednesday, January 16, in St. Charles Hall. Please remember that we will be formulating discussion points for our representatives to the February CCCB steering committee meeting. If you are unable to attend, contact Mickey Dick (716-832-2540).
Diocesan Celebration to Take Place at Blessed Trinity ~ On Sunday, January 20, at 10am, Blessed Trinity is honored to host the annual diocesan celebration of the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This year’s theme is:”Living in the Spirit of God: Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.” Our bishop, the Most Reverend Richard Malone, Th.D. will preside and the guest homilist will be Rev. Clarence Williams, CPPS, Ph.D. A reception following the Mass will include a basket raffle to raise funds for the MLK Scholarship Fund. If you are willing to donate a gift basket for the raffle or finger foods for the reception, please bring them to St. Charles Hall on Saturday, January 19, between 10am and noon. You may also call Althea Porter (716-316-8395) to arrange for pick-up.
Monthly Anointing and Birthday Blessing ~ Because of the special Mass honoring Rev. Martin Luther King on January 20, our monthly anointing of the sick and well-aging has been rescheduled for the fourth Sunday, January 27, following the 10 o’clock Mass. Mass on that day will end with a birthday blessing for all those born in the month of January.
Vital Employment Opportunity ~ Blessed Trinity Church is looking to employ a person to work on an as needed basis to assist in shoveling the walkways and stairs to the church on Saturday and/or Sunday before Mass, only when needed due to snow. In addition, we are looking for a person to clean the church hall after the food pantry closes on Wednesday. This can be done on Wednesday afternoon or during the morning on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday. This task takes 2-3 hours. If you are interested in one or both of these jobs, please contact Bud Dick at 716-998-7855 or Bob Heicklen at 716-881-3793. Please don’t hesitate to call; snow is in the forecast.
Shall We Gather at the River? ~ We welcomed two wonderful musical ministers to this weekend’s liturgy – Mr. Lorenzo Quebral and Ms. Carolyn Liarakos – as the choir takes a well-deserved break. We are all truly grateful when these fine musicians share their talents to enhance our liturgical experience. Thank you! Today’s feast celebrated the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River by John the Baptist. Two major events occurred in the Gospel: first, John baptizes Jesus and then a voice from heaven speaks directly to Jesus: “This is my Beloved Son; with You I am well pleased.” Words fail, but baptism says it all. The musical selections today focused on joy, comfort, rebirth and our universal ability to chose Christ through baptism. While the Christmas season ended today, baptism lasts forever. Let’s “gather at the river” and be grateful for a Redeemer who understands our joy when we are *also* chosen by God. Choir rehearsals resume Tuesday, January 15, at 7pm in St. Charles Hall. All are welcome to join our Choral Family … Elizabeth
Thank You to our faithful volunteers who turned out on January 7 to remove the Christmas decorations, carry them to the basement, sweep, vacuum, and water the still vibrant poinsettias. We are extremely grateful to Tom, Nik and Drew Brodfuehrer; Judy Casassa, Bud and Mickey Dick, Tom Dinder, Ellen Duffy, Alan Frank, Amy Johnson, Dorothy Manuppelli, Kathy Press, Sr. Liz Savage and Palma Zanghi.
Catholic Relief Services ~ A special collection for Catholic Relief Services will take place on the weekend of January 26/27. Your generosity will answer the knock of Jesus in Disguise. Your financial support is greatly appreciated.
The Giving Tree ~ A warm “THANK YOU” to everyone who helped make our 2018 Giving Tree very fruitful for Haven House, a home for victims of domestic abuse. The envelopes taken off the tree during Advent were returned with $723.00. This will surely help Haven House meet some of its costs for such essentials as heat, electricity and maintenance. Many blessing to all who participate in any way.
Blessed Trinity Needs Your Help! We’re not asking for money, but for some-thing maybe even more valuable: a little bit of your TIME. Just a bit. ONE or TWO nights a month that will really help your parish. Our last financial report (included in a recent bulletin) shows the importance of BINGO. Clearly, this fundraiser is essential for our parish’s financial health. Just as clearly, it needs broad parish support in the way of MORE workers. We have Bingo every Thursday and Saturday night. Can you PLEASE commit to one or two nights a month? You can start simply by helping to sell things and — as you learn the routine — cross-train for other essential tasks. Our friendly team of workers stands ready to help you. Please contact Kathy Press at 716-445-8160 for more information. Your Parish Bingo Team thanks you!
Do you know that Mass is the highest and greatest form of prayer? The Catechism of the Catholic Church reveals that “from the very earliest days of the Christian religion, [the Church] has honored with great respect the memory of the dead.” In its reference to the Second Vatican Council’s conclusion that “it is a wholly and a wholesome thought to pray for the dead that they may be loosed from their sins,” the Catechism adds: “Our prayer for them is capable of not only helping them, but also of making their intercession for us effective.” Consider contacting the church office (716-833-0301) to request a Mass for yourself, your deceased loved ones, or for any intention. The stipend is $15.
Has your contact information changed? Our parish secretary is finding that our parish records contain a growing number of not-in-service phone numbers, and the recent parish mailing resulted in several letters returned for “expired forwarding.” If your contact information has changed, you can notify the rectory office in one of several ways: use the form on the back of the bulletin; phone our secretary at 716-833-0301 any Tuesday-Thursday between 10:30am and 2:30pm; send an email to blessedtrinitychurch [at] gmail [dot] com; or Click HERE to use the contact feature of our web site to submit the information. If you choose either of the last two, please use “New Contact” as the subject of the email or message.
Home Visits ~ Please notify the church office if you know of aged, sick, or homebound parishioners who may wish to receive a visit and the Eucharist on the last Friday of each month.
Monday, January 21 ~ The “Prayers for the Catholic Church” group is gathering to pray to strengthen the faith of Catholics and to remember Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Following 12:05pm Mass at St. Louis Church (780 Main Street at Edward, Buffalo), the group will pray the Rosary outside of the Catholic Center, 795 Main St. Find out more at prayersforthecatholichurch.com or by calling 716-316-8550. Relying on the promptings of the Holy Spirit, Prayers for the Catholic Church was formed by lay Catholics of Western New York as a means to take action in response to the clerical sex abuse scandal in the Diocese of Buffalo and throughout the world. We believe our premise is simple, yet powerful – we gather to participate in Catholic Mass and communal public prayer. We pray to strengthen the faith of all Catholics, which can be challenged and compromised during this time of crisis in the Church. In addition to the January 21 event, Prayers for the Catholic Church gathers every Thursday for 12:05 p.m. Mass at St. Louis Church and prayer outside the Diocese of Buffalo Catholic Center. We see the Catholic Center, the Diocesan “headquarters,” as the focal point of the current crisis, and thus we pray that the people and activities within maintain true to their mission of serving God and His people. Since September 2018, over 50 people have joined us for Mass and prayer.
Wednesday, January 9 at 7:00 p.m. ~ Bible discussion in St. Charles Hall Thursday, January 10 at 8:00 p.m. ~ Bingo will be played in St. Charles Hall*
Saturday, January 12 at 8:00 p.m. ~ Bingo will be played in St. Charles Hall*
Sunday, January 13 following 10:00 a.m. Mass ~ Liturgy Committee Meeting
*To check the Red, White & Blue and progressive Share-the-Wealth carry over amounts and progressive numbers for this week, click HERE and visit our Facebook page.
Mass Intentions
Sunday, January 6 ~ The Epiphany of the Lord ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – Birthday Remembrance for John Duffy (Requested by The Duffy Family)
Monday, January 7 ~ St. Raymond of Penyafort ~ No Service
Tuesday, January 8 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – For the intentions of our parishioners, both living and deceased (Blessed Trinity Parish)
Wednesday, January 9 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Deceased Members of the Ryan, Reilly, Reynolds and Pfeiffer Families (Estate of Mary Reilly)
Thursday, January 10 ~ Mass at 11:00 a. m. – Barbara Draper (Blessed Trinity Parish)
Friday, January 11 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Deceased Members of the Ryan, Reilly, Reynolds and Pfeiffer Families (Estate of Mary Reilly)
Saturday, January 12 ~ Vigil Mass at 4:30 p.m. – For the intentions of our parishioners, both living and deceased (Blessed Trinity Parish)
Sunday, January 13 ~ The Baptism of the Lord ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – William and Margaret Stiffler (Family)
Ministry Schedule for Saturday and Sunday, January 12/13, 2019:
Saturday, 4:30 p.m. Reader: Gary Kelley; Eucharistic Minister: John Curtin
Music for Martyrs ~ This year’s Choir Meditation for the Christmas Eve service was an Andy Hillhouse arrangement of The Huron Carol, based on the text “Twas in the Moon of Wintertime” by St. Jean de Brébeuf. Written in about 1643, this is the earliest known Christmas carol composed in North America. St. Jean de Brébeuf was one of 8 Jesuit missionaries to the Iroquois and Huron tribes, who came to be known as the Jesuit Martyrs of North America. This arrangement was selected in order to highlight the recent restoration of our 1927 Tellers-Kent organ’s oboe pipe run, and gave a lovely, snowy ornament to the beautiful text. Unbeknownst to this Music Minster, this selection was even more appropriate because relics of two of the Jesuit missionaries, St. Gabriel Lelamant and St. Charles Garnier, both martyred in 1649, are contained in Blessed Trinity’s Tabernacle Altar. Our Altar of Sacrifice contains a relic of another of these missionaries, St. Isaac Jogues, who was martyred in 1644. The Blessed Trinity Choir provided a repeat of The Huron Carol on Epiphany so we could enjoy this music with new eyes and open hearts to the miracles contained within our own church. Happy New Year! Choir rehearsals resume Tuesday, January 15 at 7pm in St. Charles Hall. All are welcome to join our Choral Family … Elizabeth
Time to De-decorate ~ While it’s true that the Magi have only just arrived, it is already time to remove the church Christmas decorations and prepare to host the Diocesan Mass honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Sunday, January 20. Volunteers are needed to assist in this task on Monday, January 7, beginning at 6:30pm. Please enter the church using the door near the wheelchair ramp.
Monthly Bible Discussion Resumes This Week ~ Wednesday, January 9, at 7pm is the first Bible Discussion meeting of the new year in St. Charles Hall. The booklet for bible discussion meetings is Genesis 12-23 Abraham and Sarah’s Journey, by Kevin and Louise Perrotta. (Loyola Press, 2002). Copies are available from Althea Porter. The assigned reading for Wednesday is the Week #5 section, pages 54-63. For additional information please contact Althea at 716-316-8395.
Vital Employment Opportunity ~ Blessed Trinity Church is looking to employ a person to work on an as needed basis to assist in shoveling the walkways and stairs to the church on Saturday and/or Sunday before Mass, only when needed due to snow. In addition, we are looking for a person to clean the church hall after the food pantry closes on Wednesday. This can be done on Wednesday afternoon or during the morning on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday. This task takes 2-3 hours. If you are interested in one or both of these jobs, please contact Bud Dick at 716-998-7855 or Bob Heicklen at 716-881-3793. Please don’t hesitate to call; snow is in the forecast.
The Parish Council will hold its first meeting of 2019 at 7pm on Wednesday, January 16, in St. Charles Hall. Please remember that we will be formulating discussion points for our representatives to the February CCCB steering committee meeting.
Blessed Trinity Needs Your Help! We’re not asking for money, but for some-thing maybe even more valuable: a little bit of your TIME. Just a bit. ONE or TWO nights a month that will really help your parish. Our last financial report (included in a recent bulletin) shows the importance of BINGO. Clearly, this fundraiser is essential for our parish’s financial health. Just as clearly, it needs broad parish support in the way of MORE workers. We have Bingo every Thursday and Saturday night. Can you PLEASE commit to one or two nights a month? You can start simply by helping to sell things and — as you learn the routine — cross-train for other essential tasks. Our friendly team of workers stands ready to help you. Please contact Kathy Press at 716-445-8160 for more information. Your Parish Bingo Team thanks you!
Know Your Faith: Does God answer prayers?
Prayer is a means of communication between us and God. The catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us that “prayer is the raising up of our mind and heart to God, by thinking of God, adoring, praising, and thanking him.” The Bible tells us that even when we do not know how to pray, the spirit of God helps us to pray with groaning which cannot be uttered (Romans 8:26). Prayer can either be mental or verbal. Under these two types of prayers fall the different aspect of prayers; contemplative, adoration, thanksgiving etc.
Does God answer prayers? There are two main barriers to prayers: lack of faith and disbelief. Jesus told his disciples that if your faith is like that of a mustard seed… (Matthew 17:20, Luke 17:6). Jesus simply reminds us about the essential of faith in the life of Christians. Like Jesus, when we pray we should always consider God’s will above our own will, let your will be done … take this cup away from me… (Luke 22:42). In teaching us how to pray, Jesus expresses the different types of prayers in The Lord’s Prayer, and taught us to say “Thy will be done on earth”… (Matthew 6:10).
All prayers made in faith and left in God’s will are answered by God. There are three ways we should view our prayers of request: When we make a prayer of request and feel our prayer is taking too long to be answered, we need patience, consistency and endurance because God’s time is yet to come… my hour has not come… (John 2:4). When our exact request is granted, it means it conforms to God’s will and God is increasing our faith; and when we feel the exact request we make is not answered, God has something better for us. That is where God’s will comes in. We are very good in making requests without knowing the end result of what we have asked. God alone considers the good, the beginning and the end result of our prayers of request and knows the best for us.
As we continue in this New Year, may God help us with increased faith to trust in his will and journey with him where he takes us. Happy New Year and many God’s blessings!
Do you know that Mass is the highest and greatest form of prayer? The Catechism of the Catholic Church reveals that “from the very earliest days of the Christian religion, [the Church] has honored with great respect the memory of the dead.” In its reference to the Second Vatican Council’s conclusion that “it is a wholly and a wholesome thought to pray for the dead that they may be loosed from their sins,” the Catechism adds: “Our prayer for them is capable of not only helping them, but also of making their intercession for us effective.” Consider contacting the church office (716-833-0301) to request a Mass for yourself, your deceased loved ones, or for any intention. The stipend is $15.
Has your contact information changed? Our parish secretary is finding that our parish records contain a growing number of not-in-service phone numbers, and the recent parish mailing resulted in several letters returned for “expired forwarding.” If your contact information has changed, you can notify the rectory office in one of several ways: use the form on the back of the bulletin; phone our secretary at 716-833-0301 any Tuesday-Thursday between 10:30am and 2:30pm; send an email to blessedtrinitychurch [at] gmail [dot] com; or Click HERE to use the contact feature of our web site to submit the information. If you choose either of the last two, please use “New Contact” as the subject of the email or message.
Home Visits ~ Please notify the church office if you know of aged, sick, or homebound parishioners who may wish to receive a visit and the Eucharist on the last Friday of each month.
Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Observed January 20 Photo credit: Phil Woods
Mass Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King ~ The annual celebration of the life of Dr. Martin Luther King will take place at 10am on Sunday, January 20, at Blessed Trinity Church. Additional details will follow.
Thursday, January 3 at 8:00 p.m. ~ Bingo will be played in St. Charles Hall*
Saturday, January 5 at 8:00 p.m. ~ Bingo will be played in St. Charles Hall*
*To check the Red, White & Blue and progressive Share-the-Wealth carry over amounts and progressive numbers for this week, click HERE and visit our Facebook page.
Mass Intentions
Sunday, December 30 ~ Feast of the Holy Family ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – Ethel Grabenstatter (Requested by Bud and Mickey Dick)
Monday, December 31 ~ No Service
Tuesday, January 1 ~ Solemnity of Mary ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – For the intentions of our parishioners, both living and deceased (Blessed Trinity Parish)
Wednesday, January 2 ~ Ss. Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Deceased Members of the Ryan, Reilly, Reynolds and Pfeiffer Families (Estate of Mary Reilly)
Thursday, January 3 ~ Mass at 11:00 a. m. – For the intentions of our parishioners, both living and deceased (Blessed Trinity Parish)
Friday, January 4 ~ St. Elizabeth Ann Seton ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Deceased Members of the Ryan, Reilly, Reynolds and Pfeiffer Families (Estate of Mary Reilly)
Saturday, January 5 ~ St. John Neumann ~ Vigil Mass at 4:30 p.m. – For the intentions of our parishioners, both living and deceased (Blessed Trinity Parish)
Sunday, January 6 ~ The Epiphany of the Lord ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – Birthday Remembrance for John Duffy (The Duffy Family)
Ministry Schedule for Saturday and Sunday, January 5/6, 2019:
Saturday, 4:30 p.m. Reader: Michael Ogoh; Eucharistic Minister: Lucille Venezia
Sunday, 10:00 a.m. Readers: Judy Casassa , Don Williams; Eucharistic Ministers: Dan Korchowsky, Kathleen Marien, Sr. Liz Savage ; CHOIR –
News from our Parish Community
Explore Buffalo Visits Blessed Trinity ~ Sunday, December 30, at 12:30pm, Explore Buffalo again visits our church for its third and final 2018 “Inside Blessed Trinity Church” tour. The tour is about ninety minutes. It’s a great opportunity for families to bring holiday visitors to our architectural gem and really impress them! Reservations can be made by contacting Explore Buffalo at 716-245-3032 or explorebuffalo.org…or simply show up for the event ($15 per person or $10 with Explore Buffalo Pass, a portion of which is returned to us). Tell your friends and bring your visitors!
Solemnity of Mary ~ Tuesday, January 1, is a Holy Day of Obligation: The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. Our only Mass will be at 10am on Tuesday.
God’s Family ~ The Opening Collect for this week’s Feast of the Holy Family provides a beautiful framework for our preparation:
O God, who were pleased to give us the shining example of the HolyFamily, graciously grant that we may imitate them in practicing the virtues of family life.
American Families are diverse, but we can all be part of a family if we live within these words. The Church is a family of believers who live under this bond. The musical selections for this week’s honor our relationship with our Christian family, with Jesus, our Brother, and Mary, our Mother. Joy to the world – the Lord (our Brother) has come! May the coming of our Christ fill your hearts with joy, music, and love. Choir rehearsals resume Tuesday, January 15 at 7pm in St. Charles Hall. All are welcome to join our Choral Family … Elizabeth
Prayerful Thanks ~ We are extremely grateful to Bob Barnes; Tom, Nik and Drew Brodfuehrer; Judy Casassa, Bud and Mickey Dick, Alan Frank, Bob Heicklen, Amy Johnson, Althea Porter, Sr. Liz Savage and Palma Zanghi who took on the rigors of decorating the church for Christmas. May each of you enjoy many blessings on Christmas and into the new year.
Prisoner Gifts 2018 ~ Continuing Sr. Karen Klimczak’s message of hope, love, peace, and forgiveness to the imprisoned…A Big Thank You is extended to all the friends and supporters of Sr. Karen who donated goods and books, decorated bags, and helped package the gifts.
On the evening of December 12, goods and books were delivered with the help of a team of men from the Ancient Order of Hibernians.
On Friday morning December 14, volunteers, representing churches, schools, social agencies and friends of Sr. Karen Klimczak, unpacked, sorted and counted supplies for 2100 gift bags. Cartons and boxes were flattened and plastic wrappings bagged for recycling. Working very efficiently, they then filled gift bags destined for the men at Wende Correctional Facility. The evening crew prepared 1100 gift bags for the women at Albion, and finished packing the shipping boxes. Each bag contained: 2 books, a pair of socks, a ramen noodles or granola/snack bar, a bag of candy, 2 hot chocolate packs, and a note of peace and encouragement.
On Tuesday, Decemeber 18, “Paint of WNY” donated their truck and employees to load the boxes for delivery to the prisons that day.
Blessed Trinity’s Cocoa Challenge hit its goal of 4200 packets. Cash donations totaled $327.80 to purchase cocoa, with $145 left to fill shortages and donate to Peaceprints of WNY. Our BT parishioners also decorated or arranged for friends and students to decorate over 200 gift bags.
Thanks and appreciation to our maintenance man, Dennis, for setting up and meeting deliveries, and to our parishioners who stayed late to clean up.
We are most grateful that Blessed Trinity Parish has made the church available for this yearly project. We acknowledge and thank Janice Burns, project coordinator, for her hard work bringing this project to another successful end. Hopefully we have left fingerprints of peace.
Blessed Trinity Needs Your Help! We’re not asking for money, but for some-thing maybe even more valuable: a little bit of your TIME. Just a bit. ONE or TWO nights a month that will really help your parish. Our last financial report (included in a recent bulletin) shows the importance of BINGO. Clearly, this fundraiser is essential for our parish’s financial health. Just as clearly, it needs broad parish support in the way of MORE workers. We have Bingo every Thursday and Saturday night. Can you PLEASE commit to one or two nights a month? You can start simply by helping to sell things and — as you learn the routine — cross-train for other essential tasks. Our friendly team of workers stands ready to help you. Please contact Kathy Press at 716-445-8160 for more information. Your Parish Bingo Team thanks you!
The holidays can be a hard time. If you or someone you love is struggling, turn to Catholic Charities. Our agency offers several different types of counseling support including: marriage counseling, individual psychotherapy, family and group therapy, substance abuse treatment, diocesan counseling for church ministers, children’s clinics, and individual, child and family counseling. To learn more, visit ccwny.org and click the “Counseling & Mental Health” tab on the right.
Do you know that Mass is the highest and greatest form of prayer? The Catechism of the Catholic Church reveals that “from the very earliest days of the Christian religion, [the Church] has honored with great respect the memory of the dead.” In its reference to the Second Vatican Council’s conclusion that “it is a wholly and a wholesome thought to pray for the dead that they may be loosed from their sins,” the Catechism adds: “Our prayer for them is capable of not only helping them, but also of making their intercession for us effective.” Consider contacting the church office (716-833-0301) to request a Mass for yourself, your deceased loved ones, or for any intention. The stipend is $15.
Has your contact information changed? Our parish secretary is finding that our parish records contain a growing number of not-in-service phone numbers, and the recent parish mailing resulted in several letters returned for “expired forwarding.” If your contact information has changed, you can notify the rectory office in one of several ways: use the form on the back of the bulletin; phone our secretary at 716-833-0301 any Tuesday-Thursday between 10:30am and 2:30pm; send an email to blessedtrinitychurch [at] gmail [dot] com; or Click HERE to use the contact feature of our web site to submit the information. If you choose either of the last two, please use “New Contact” as the subject of the email or message.
Home Visits ~ Please notify the church office if you know of aged, sick, or homebound parishioners who may wish to receive a visit and the Eucharist on the last Friday of each month.
Fourteenth Annual Festival of Lights Benefit & Auction at Our Lady of Fatima Shrine (1023 Swann Road in Lewiston), Saturday evening, January 12, including wine tasting, auctions, door prizes, and a catered dinner. Call 716-754-7489 for tickets.
Wednesday, December 26 from 12:00 noon – 4:00 p.m. ~ Catholic Central Food Pantry in St. Charles Hall – NEW HOURS
Thursday, December 27 at 8:00 p.m. ~ Bingo will be played in St. Charles Hall*
Saturday, December 29 at 8:00 p.m. ~ Bingo will be played in St. Charles Hall*
Sunday, December 30 at 12:30 p.m. ~ Explore Buffalo tour of our church
*To check the Red, White & Blue and progressive Share-the-Wealth carry over amounts and progressive numbers for this week, click HERE and visit our Facebook page.
Mass Intentions
Sunday, December 23 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – Birthday thanksgiving for our parishioners born during the month of December (Requested by Blessed Trinity Parish)
Monday, December 24 ~ Christmas Eve Choral Preludes at 9:30 p.m.
Monday, December 24 ~ Christmas Eve Mass at 10:00 p.m. – For the intentions of our parishioners, both living and deceased (Blessed Trinity Parish)
Tuesday, December 25 ~ The Nativity of the Lord ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – For the Families of Anthony and Mary Hartmann (The Hartmanns)
Wednesday, December 26 ~ St. Stephen ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Deceased Members of the Ryan, Reilly, Reynolds and Pfeiffer Families (Estate of Mary Reilly)
Thursday, December 27 ~ St. John, Apostle & Evangelist ~ Mass at 11:00 a. m. – For the intentions of our parishioners, both living and deceased (Blessed Trinity Parish)
Friday, December 28 ~ The Holy Innocents ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Deceased Members of the Ryan, Reilly, Reynolds and Pfeiffer Families (Estate of Mary Reilly)
Saturday, December 29 ~ St. Thomas Becket ~ Vigil Mass at 4:30 p.m. – For the intentions of our parishioners, both living and deceased (Blessed Trinity Parish)
Sunday, December 30 ~ Feast of the Holy Family ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – Ethel Grabenstatter (Bud and Mickey Dick)
Ministry Schedule for Saturday and Sunday, December 29/30:
Saturday, 4:30 p.m. Reader: John Curtin; Eucharistic Minister: Lucille Venezia
Sunday, 10:00 a.m. Readers: Mary Kresse , Grace Iheke; Eucharistic Ministers: Dan Korchowsky Maggie Gatson, Pat Hartinger; CHOIR – Kathleen Marien
St. John, whose feast day is celebrated on December 27, 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.
News from our Parish Community
Important Scheduling Notes ~ There will be NO coffee hour on Sunday, December 23, but the Catholic Central Food Pantry will operate during its regular hours on Wednesday, December 26 and Wednesday, January 2.
The Whole World is Waiting for Love
We’re waiting for Jesus like Mary, We’re waiting for Jesus the Lord. We’re laying a manger for Mary, A manger for Jesus the Lord. We’re making it lovely for Mary, lovely for Jesus the Lord. Come down, Lord Jesus! Come quickly, Lord Jesus! The whole world is waiting for Love, The whole world is waiting for Love.
Marianne Misetich, SNJM
May the coming of our Christ fill your hearts with joy, music, and love…The Blessed Trinity Choir
Prayerful Thanks ~ We are extremely grateful to Bob Barnes; Tom, Nik and Drew Brodfuehrer; Judy Casassa, Bud and Mickey Dick, Alan Frank, Bob Heicklen, Amy Johnson, Althea Porter, Sr. Liz Savage and Palma Zanghi who took on the rigors of decorating the church for Christmas. May each of you enjoy many blessings on Christmas and into the new year.
Blessed Trinity Needs Your Help! We’re not asking for money, but for some-thing maybe even more valuable: a little bit of your TIME. Just a bit. ONE or TWO nights a month that will really help your parish. Our last financial report (included in a recent bulletin) shows the importance of BINGO. Clearly, this fundraiser is essential for our parish’s financial health. Just as clearly, it needs broad parish support in the way of MORE workers. We have Bingo every Thursday and Saturday night. Can you PLEASE commit to one or two nights a month? You can start simply by helping to sell things and — as you learn the routine — cross-train for other essential tasks. Our friendly team of workers stands ready to help you. Please contact Kathy Press at 716-445-8160 for more information. Your Parish Bingo Team thanks you!
Explore Buffalo Visits Blessed Trinity ~ Sunday, December 30, at 12:30pm, Explore Buffalo again visits our church for its third and final 2018 “Inside Blessed Trinity Church” tour. The tour is about ninety minutes. It’s a great opportunity for families to bring holiday visitors to our architectural gem and really impress them! Reservations can be made by contacting Explore Buffalo at 716-245-3032 or explorebuffalo.org…or simply show up for the event ($15 per person or $10 with Explore Buffalo Pass, a portion of which is returned to us). Tell your friends and bring your visitors!
Know Your Faith: Who is My Neighbor? My neighbor is the other person outside myself. My neighbor begins from my immediate family to outside my home. My neighbor is the other person living in the same apartment, the next apartment or house, the next street, and most importantly the foreigner. Jesus makes this clearer when a scholar of the law asked him, “who is my neighbor?” Jesus told the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). Jesus made it clearer that my neighbor cut across all boundaries and we are called to love them as ourselves. To help us love our neighbor as ourselves anytime, anywhere, and any day, there are two ways we are called to see others: as human beings created the way I am created (imago dei – image of God), and as God’s child, loved as God loved me. Also there are three ways we are called not to see people: as foreigners, from nationality/race/ language, and as inferiors. As we celebrate Christmas, the season of love, for God so love the world, that he gave his son… (John 3:16)… we are called to express that love to our neighbor in a unique and special way. Let us go out to be the instrument of God’s love to one another.
Prayerful Thanks from the Ladies Sodality to everyone who contributed to the success of our annual outreach to homebound parishioners, especially all the wonderful volunteers who delivered the gift bags and poinsettias and, most importantly, made time for a visit. We have already received calls from recipients expressing their gratitude and delight. Merry Christmas to each of you who carried Christ to another.
The holidays can be a hard time. If you or someone you love is struggling, turn to Catholic Charities. Our agency offers several different types of counseling support including: marriage counseling, individual psychotherapy, family and group therapy, substance abuse treatment, diocesan counseling for church ministers, children’s clinics, and individual, child and family counseling. To learn more, visit ccwny.org and click the “Counseling & Mental Health” tab on the right.
Do you know that Mass is the highest and greatest form of prayer? The Catechism of the Catholic Church reveals that “from the very earliest days of the Christian religion, [the Church] has honored with great respect the memory of the dead.” In its reference to the Second Vatican Council’s conclusion that “it is a wholly and a wholesome thought to pray for the dead that they may be loosed from their sins,” the Catechism adds: “Our prayer for them is capable of not only helping them, but also of making their intercession for us effective.” Consider contacting the church office (716-833-0301) to request a Mass for yourself, your deceased loved ones, or for any intention. The stipend is $15.
Has your contact information changed? Our parish secretary is finding that our parish records contain a growing number of not-in-service phone numbers, and the recent parish mailing resulted in several letters returned for “expired forwarding.” If your contact information has changed, you can notify the rectory office in one of several ways: use the form on the back of the bulletin; phone our secretary at 716-833-0301 any Tuesday-Thursday between 10:30am and 2:30pm; send an email to blessedtrinitychurch [at] gmail [dot] com; or Click HERE to use the contact feature of our web site to submit the information. If you choose either of the last two, please use “New Contact” as the subject of the email or message.
Home Visits ~ Please notify the church office if you know of aged, sick, or homebound parishioners who may wish to receive a visit and the Eucharist on the last Friday of each month.
Voices of Mercy Christmas Concert, Saturday, December 29 at 6:30pm. Our Lady of Fatima Shrine (1023 Swann Road, off Rt. 18E, Lewiston, NY). This annual Christmas concert will be held in the beautifully decorated National Shrine Basilica. Festival lights on every evening from 5-9 pm through January 6. Free parking and admission (handicap accessible). Gift shop open daily 9 – 9. For daily cafeteria hours and more information, call 716-754-7489.
Sunday, December 16 following 10:00 a.m. Mass ~ Anointing of the sick and well-aging in church
Monday, December 17 beginning at 6:30 p.m. ~ Decorating church for Christmas
Tuesday, December 18 at 6:30 p.m. ~ Decorating church for Christmas continues
Tuesday, December 18 at 7:00 p.m. ~ Choir Rehearsal in Church
Wednesday, December 19 from 12:00 noon – 4:00 p.m. ~ Catholic Central Food Pantry in St. Charles Hall – NEW HOURS
Thursday, December 20 at 8:00 p.m. ~ Bingo will be played in St. Charles Hall*
Saturday, December 22 at 8:00 p.m. ~ Bingo will be played in St. Charles Hall*
*To check the Red, White & Blue and progressive Share-the-Wealth carry over amounts and progressive numbers for this week, click HERE and visit our Facebook page.
Mass Intentions
Sunday, December 16 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – Birthday Remembrance for Irene Hodur (Requested by Bonnie and Don Williams) and God’s Blessings for Sylvester Chapman (Requested by Judy Casassa)
Monday, December 17 ~ No Service
Tuesday, December 18 ~ SMass at 11:00 a.m. – Deceased Members of the Ryan, Reilly, Reynolds and Pfeiffer Families (Estate of Mary Reilly)
Wednesday, December 19 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – For the intentions of our parishioners, both living and deceased (Blessed Trinity Parish)
Thursday, December 20 ~ Mass at 11:00 a. m. – Deceased Members of the Ryan, Reilly, Reynolds and Pfeiffer Families (Estate of Mary Reilly)
Friday, December 21 ~ St. Peter Canisius ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – For the intentions of our parishioners, both living and deceased (Blessed Trinity Parish)
Saturday, December 22 ~ Vigil Mass at 4:30 p.m. – Deceased Members of the Ryan, Reilly, Reynolds and Pfeiffer Families (Estate of Mary Reilly)
Sunday, December 23 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – For the intentions of our parishioners, both living and deceased (Blessed Trinity Parish)
Ministry Schedule for Saturday and Sunday, December 22/23:
Saturday, 4:30 p.m. Reader: Michael Ogoh; Eucharistic Minister: Lorna Cameron
Sunday, 10:00 a.m. Readers: Bob Heicklen, Avery White; Eucharistic Ministers: Fran Cahill, Alice Davis, Mary Kresse; CHOIR – Dan Korchowsky
News from our Parish Community
Pews fill with boxes as volunteers pack Christmas gift bags for delivery to Albion and Wende Correctional Facilities.
Time to “Deck the Halls” ~ While there is still one more Sunday of Advent, Christmas Eve is only 8 days away!! That means we have to decorate the church for Christmas THIS WEEK. The work will begin at 6:30pm tomorrow night, Monday, December 17, and continue on Tuesday, December 18, if necessary. As always, “many hands make light work,” so please lend yours to the task. Enter church using the door near the wheelchair ramp.
Gaudete! ~ Today we lit the rose-colored candle in the advent wreath, signifying Gaudete Sunday, also known as the Third Sunday of Advent. The day takes its common name from the Latin word Gaudete (“Rejoice”), the first word of the Entrance Antiphon of this day’s Mass. In keeping with our Latin heritage, your Blessed Trinity Choir sang “Veni, Veni Emmanuel” in the traditional Latin chant. While music at Mass should be accessible,our Catholic musical heritage is profound and beautiful – and it is fun to rejoice on special occasions in another language. When you see that advent wreath, you can look at that Gaudete candle and rejoice! “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice. Let your forbearance be known to all, for the Lord is near at hand; have no anxiety about anything, but in all things, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God. Lord, you have blessed your land; you have turned away the captivity of Jacob.” Philippians 4:4–6; Psalm 85 (84):1. Christ is coming -Rejoice! Choral Christmas preparation continues on Tuesday, December 18, at 7:00pm in the BT choir loft. … Elizabeth
Blessed Trinity Needs Your Help! We’re not asking for money, but for some-thing maybe even more valuable: a little bit of your TIME. Just a bit. ONE or TWO nights a month that will really help your parish. Our last financial report (included in a recent bulletin) shows the importance of BINGO. Clearly, this fundraiser is essential for our parish’s financial health. Just as clearly, it needs broad parish support in the way of MORE workers. We have Bingo every Thursday and Saturday night. Can you PLEASE commit to one or two nights a month? You can start simply by helping to sell things and — as you learn the routine — cross-train for other essential tasks. Our friendly team of workers stands ready to help you. Please contact Kathy Press at 716-445-8160 for more information. Your Parish Bingo Team thanks you!
Prayerful Thanks from the Ladies Sodality to everyone who contributed to the success of our annual outreach to homebound parishioners, especially all the wonderful volunteers who delivered the gift bags and poinsettias and, most importantly, made time for a visit. We have already received calls from recipients expressing their gratitude and delight. Merry Christmas to each of you who carried Christ to another.
Under This Roof Fund ~ We are extremely grateful to everyone who responded to our “Fall Fest” fundraiser — both party attendees and financial supporters. Your response exceeded our expectations and, to date, proceeds total $7,260.00. Thank you to all!
The holidays can be a hard time. If you or someone you love is struggling, turn to Catholic Charities. Our agency offers several different types of counseling support including: marriage counseling, individual psychotherapy, family and group therapy, substance abuse treatment, diocesan counseling for church ministers, children’s clinics, and individual, child and family counseling. To learn more, visit ccwny.org and click the “Counseling & Mental Health” tab on the right.
Do you know that Mass is the highest and greatest form of prayer? The Catechism of the Catholic Church reveals that “from the very earliest days of the Christian religion, [the Church] has honored with great respect the memory of the dead.” In its reference to the Second Vatican Council’s conclusion that “it is a wholly and a wholesome thought to pray for the dead that they may be loosed from their sins,” the Catechism adds: “Our prayer for them is capable of not only helping them, but also of making their intercession for us effective.” Consider contacting the church office (716-833-0301) to request a Mass for yourself, your deceased loved ones, or for any intention. The stipend is $15.
Has your contact information changed? Our parish secretary is finding that our parish records contain a growing number of not-in-service phone numbers, and the recent parish mailing resulted in several letters returned for “expired forwarding.” If your contact information has changed, you can notify the rectory office in one of several ways: use the form on the back of the bulletin; phone our secretary at 716-833-0301 any Tuesday-Thursday between 10:30am and 2:30pm; send an email to blessedtrinitychurch [at] gmail [dot] com; or Click HERE to use the contact feature of our web site to submit the information. If you choose either of the last two, please use “New Contact” as the subject of the email or message.
Home Visits ~ Please notify the church office if you know of aged, sick, or homebound parishioners who may wish to receive a visit and the Eucharist on the last Friday of each month.
Advent Service of Lessons and Carols, The St. John Paul II Schola Cantorum, Sunday, December 16 at 1:00 pm at St. Mary of the Cataract Church, 259 Fourth Street in Niagara Falls, NY.
Festival Service of Lessons and Carols, Sunday, December 16 at 4pm, presented by the Choir of St. Louis Church, under the direction of organist and choirmaster, Frank Scinta. (Main @ Edward Street in Buffalo). Featured will be carols and anthems of Mendelssohn, Ord, Wood, Praetorius, and others. Admission is free.
Advent Penance Service, Monday, December 17 at 7pm; Ss. Columba-Brigid Church (75 Hickory St., Buffalo).
Concert of Christmas Lessons &Carols, presented by the St. Joseph Cathedral Choir under the direction of Organist-Choir Director Tim Socha. Monday December 17 at7:30pm, (50 FranklinStreet between Church & Swan in Buffalo). They will be joined by the West Seneca West Vocal Jazz Singers, under the direction of Keith Ersing and the Bell Choir of the Catholic Academy of West Buffalo. Also performing are DianeDick, solo handbells; Paul Schlossman, English horn; and Sandy Consiglio, oboe. Music will include traditional carols and newly composed choral works. There will be a free-will offering. For more information, call 716-854-5855.
Life of St. Paul ~ Thursday December 20 at 7pm. Executive Producer, Eric Groth, will appear at the screening of the film, “Paul,” at St. Bernadette (930 S. Abbott Road in Orchard Park). Open forum with Mr. Groth will follow. The movie chronicles the life of Saint Paul from his journey as one of the most infamous persecutors of early Christians to one of its most prolific evangelists. This free event is open to the community. For more information, call 716-649-3090 or visit SaintBOPNY.org.
Concerts For The Soul presents ChristmasMagic and Miracles: A Musical & Poetic Journey through the wonder of the season. Tenor Vocalist Cory James Gallagher’s singing will stir your soul, as he shares well-loved songs spanning the ages. Writer-Poet Amy Gallagher’s reflections will remind you of the beauty of life, and the magic of the season. Thursday December 20, 7pm at BlessedSacrament Church (1029 Delaware Avenue in Buffalo) andFriday, December 21, 7pm at St. Michael’s Church (651 Washington Street in Buffalo).
Voices of Mercy Christmas Concert, Saturday, December 29 at 6:30pm. Our Lady of Fatima Shrine (1023 Swann Road, off Rt. 18E, Lewiston, NY). This annual Christmas concert will be held in the beautifully decorated National Shrine Basilica. Festival lights on every evening from 5-9 pm through January 6. Free parking and admission (handicap accessible). Gift shop open daily 9 – 9. For daily cafeteria hours and more information, call 716-754-7489.
Sunday, December 9 following 10:00 a.m. Mass ~ Pick up gifts for homebound in St. Charles Hall
Sunday, December 9 following 10:00 a.m. Mass ~ Liturgy Committee Meeting
Tuesday, December 11 at 7:00 p.m. ~ Choir Rehearsal in St. Charles Hall
Wednesday, December 12 from 12:00 noon – 4:00 p.m. ~ Catholic Central Food Pantry in St. Charles Hall – NEW HOURS
Thursday, December 13 at 8:00 p.m. ~ Bingo will be played in St. Charles Hall*
Friday, December 14 from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. ~ Assembly of Prison Project Gift Bags in Church
Friday, December 14 from 6:00 p.m. – completion ~ Assembly of Prison Project Gift Bags in Church
Saturday, December 15 at 8:00 p.m. ~ Bingo will be played in St. Charles Hall*
Sunday, December 16 following 10:00 a.m. Mass ~ Anointing of the sick and well-aging in church
Monday, December 17 beginning at 6:30 p.m. ~ Decorating church for Christmas
Tuesday, December 17 beginning at 6:30 p.m. ~ Decorating church for Christmas
*To check the Red, White & Blue and progressive Share-the-Wealth carry over amounts and progressive numbers for this week, click HERE and visit our Facebook page.
The Freudig Singers of WNY perform a premier setting of The Huron Carol at Blessed Trinity on Dec 2, 2018.
Mass Intentions
Sunday, December 9 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – Bridget Blesnuk (Requested by Family) and Edward Wilbert (Requested by Seta and Family)
Monday, December 10 ~ No Service
Tuesday, December 11 ~ St. Damasus I ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Deceased Members of the Ryan, Reilly, Reynolds and Pfeiffer Families (Estate of Mary Reilly)
Wednesday, December 12 ~ Our Lady of Guadalupe ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – For the intentions of our parishioners, both living and deceased (Blessed Trinity Parish)
Thursday, December 13 ~ St. Lucy ~ Mass at 11:00 a. m. – Deceased Members of the Ryan, Reilly, Reynolds and Pfeiffer Families (Estate of Mary Reilly)
Friday, December 14 ~ St. John of the Cross ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – For the intentions of our parishioners, both living and deceased (Blessed Trinity Parish)
Saturday, December 15 ~ Vigil Mass at 4:30 p.m. – Deceased Members of the Ryan, Reilly, Reynolds and Pfeiffer Families (Estate of Mary Reilly)
Sunday, December 16 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – Birthday Remembrance for Irene Hodur (Bonnie and Don Williams) and God’s Blessings for Sylvester Chapman (Judy Casassa)
Ministry Schedule for Saturday and Sunday, December 15/16:
Saturday, 4:30 p.m. Reader: John Curtin; Eucharistic Minister: Lorna Cameron
Sunday, 10:00 a.m. Readers: Gary Kelley, Mary Kresse; Eucharistic Ministers: Dan Korchowsky, Pat Hartinger, John Curtin; CHOIR – Kathleen Marien
Assembly of gift bags for 2018 Prison Project will take place this Friday, December 14. 2010 Photo: Derek Gee, Buffalo News.
News from our Parish Community
Retirement Fund for Religious ~ There will be a second collection on the weekend of December 8/9 for the Retirement Fund for Religious. It supports hundreds of senior Catholic sisters, brothers, and religious order priests who have spent their lives serving others — even in “retirement” — but never benefited from a Diocesan retirement plan. Please give to those who have given a lifetime.
Discernment ~ Pope Francis, in his Apostolic Exhortation, Gaudete et Exultate, describes discernment as more than intelligence or common sense. “The gift of discernment has become all the more necessary today, since contemporary life offers immense possibilities for action and distrac-tion, and the world presents all of them as valid and good. Discernment also enables us to recognize the concrete means that the Lord provides in his mysterious and loving plan, to make us move beyond mere good inten-tions.” (167-169). Liturgy preparation requires developing a methodology to allow the opportunity for the Lord to speak to us. Prayer about the needs of our community is the initial step in developing a musical liturgy as well as prayer throughout the selection of hymns and musical settings. The texts sung at BT are carefully chosen to reflect the readings within the Liturgy as well as the needs of our community. As servants of the Liturgy, our priority must be to proclaim the Gospel message in a manner that is meaningful for our community. Therefore, every member of Blessed Trinity should feel free to share the music that brings them closer to the Lord. Please continue to bring your musical favorites to the attention of any one of the members of our Parish Music Ministry so they can be added to our musical Liturgy. Choral Christmas preparation continues on Tuesday, December 11 at 7:00 in St. Charles Hall. All are welcome. …. Elizabeth
Cocoa Challenge 2018 ~ With this weekend’s donations plus your generous cash contributions, we have reached our goal of 4,200 packets. THANK YOU! The Prisoner Package Project, a work of mercy and hope, was begun by Sr. Karen Klimczak, SSJ, and is now continued by Peaceprints Prison Minis-tries. Bag Decorators…Remember to return all your bags (decorated or not) by Friday Dec. 14. Place them in the box in the back pew. We still need volunteers to help fill 2,100 gift bags for inmates at the Albion and Wende Correctional Facilities. The gifts will be assembled here at Blessed Trinity on Friday Dec. 14 during the day from 10am to 1pm and in the evening from 6pm to completion.
Church Decorating for Christmas ~ Volunteers are needed to help decor-ate. We will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, December 17, and continue at the same time on Tuesday, December 18. Please enter using the side door near the wheelchair ramp.
Parish bingo team hoping to welcome new volunteers.
Blessed Trinity Needs Your Help! We’re not asking for money, but for some-thing maybe even more valuable: a little bit of your TIME. Just a bit. ONE or TWO nights a month that will really help your parish. Our last financial report (included in a recent bulletin) shows the importance of BINGO. Clearly, this fundraiser is essential for our parish’s financial health. Just as clearly, it needs broad parish support in the way of MORE workers. We have Bingo every Thursday and Saturday night. Can you PLEASE commit to one or two nights a month? You can start simply by helping to sell things and — as you learn the routine — cross-train for other essential tasks. Our friendly team of workers stands ready to help you. Please contact Kathy Press at 716-445-8160 for more information. Your Parish Bingo Team thanks you!
Know Your Faith: What is Advent? What are we called to do? How can we be prepared?The Latin word for Advent is Adventus meaning coming. Who is coming? Jesus the son of God, made man for us. The season of Advent calls us to prepare to re-enact the coming of Jesus which we cele-brate at Christmas and to prepare for his second coming. “I will come again to take you with me” (John 14:3). The season of Advent also reminds us that the coming of Jesus can be reflected upon in three ways. Jesus came, Jesus comes, and Jesus will come. As Jesus came in its historic sense, he brought us salvation. As he comes in its mysterious sense, he brings graces to us, and when Jesus will come in glory, he will come with Justice. How can I best live out this season of Advent? We are not called to do extra-ordinary things, but to do ordinary things in an extra-ordinary way. Live in love, show love, give love, receive love, be kind, be compassionate, and forgive. We are called to keep making efforts each day to be better persons, to strive for good all the time and avoid evil. To strive to build and mend bridges of our relationship between us and God and our neighbors. Finally Advent calls us to be happy children of God waiting for the return of God our father. May the spirit of God empower us to live our lives according to God’s will. Amen. Happy Advent season!
Water With Blessings ~ In the spring, the Ladies Sodality solicited donations in support of the Felician Sisters “Gift of Clean Water” initiative. A total of $1,200 was collected and sent to the Sisters’ Our Lady of Hope Province in Beaver Falls, PA. The Sodality has received an acknowledge-ment letter from Provincial Minister Sister Mary Christopher Moore, CSSF, which reads, in part: “Thank you for the most generous gift of support from the parishioners of Blessed Trinity Church….This gift will enable Haitian mothers… specially chosen and trained …to use proven water filter tech-nology to provide clean, safe drinking water to their families and several neighboring families. We are deeply grateful for this gift, humbled by the kindness, and blessed by your interest in…this life-giving and life-changing initiative.” Your dollars purchased 20 filtration units for the women of Jacmel, Haiti. Visit feliciansistershaiti.com to see how our gift “is making a difference.” Sister Mary Christopher promised that “we will remember each of you…in our daily prayers,” and again thanked us for our “kindness and generosity.”
Under This Roof Fund ~ We are extremely grateful to everyone who responded to our “Fall Fest” fundraiser — both party attendees and financial supporters. Your response exceeded our expectations and, to date, proceeds total $7,260.00. Thank you to all!
Do you know that Mass is the highest and greatest form of prayer? The Catechism of the Catholic Church reveals that “from the very earliest days of the Christian religion, [the Church] has honored with great respect the memory of the dead.” In its reference to the Second Vatican Council’s conclusion that “it is a wholly and a wholesome thought to pray for the dead that they may be loosed from their sins,” the Catechism adds: “Our prayer for them is capable of not only helping them, but also of making their intercession for us effective.” Consider contacting the church office (716-833-0301) to request a Mass for yourself, your deceased loved ones, or for any intention. The stipend is $15.
Has your contact information changed? Our parish secretary is finding that our parish records contain a growing number of not-in-service phone numbers, and the recent parish mailing resulted in several letters returned for “expired forwarding.” If your contact information has changed, you can notify the rectory office in one of several ways: use the form on the back of the bulletin; phone our secretary at 716-833-0301 any Tuesday-Thursday between 10:30am and 2:30pm; send an email to blessedtrinitychurch [at] gmail [dot] com; or Click HERE to use the contact feature of our web site to submit the information. If you choose either of the last two, please use “New Contact” as the subject of the email or message.
Home Visits ~ Please notify the church office if you know of aged, sick, or homebound parishioners who may wish to receive a visit and the Eucharist on the last Friday of each month.
Deacon Greg Feary Presents: The Mary of Advent, Monday December 17, 7-8pm at Our Lady of Pompeii Church (158 Laverack Avenue in Lancaster). How can Mary help us prepare for Christmas? Explore the stories of the Mary of Advent that we find in Scripture, song, and art to fill your Advent with joyful expectation. Visit olpparish.com or call 716-683-6522.
Camp Turner’s WinterCamp ’18 is Friday December 28 at 10am through Sunday December 30 at 6pm for Boys and girls, ages 7-15. An optional round trip bus is available from Williamsville and Hamburg. The cabins are toasty, the food is delicious, and our experienced staff is excited to make this a great experience for everyone. An RN is on-site at all times. Visit CampTurner.com for activity descriptions and online registration. If you have any questions, e-mail CampTurner [at] gmail [dot] com or call 716-354-4555.
