Week of October 9, 2022 – 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Oct 10, 2022 | This Week

This wooden statue of Our Lady was a gift to the parish from another congregation in 1906. Named “Our Lady of the Home and the Neighborhood” by former pastor
Fr. Walter Kern, she serves as a reminder to pray the Rosary for peace in our homes, our neighborhoods, our
Country and our world.

October 9 – October 16, 2022

We have made important changes to our web site, adding 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. The “Bulletins“ link will be found at the top of the home page, and the calendar link appears under the “Worship” heading. (For your convenience as you adjust to this change, we have added the links here as well). Our web administrators hope you will enjoy the convenience of the “Bulletins” page and four-parish calendar as much as they do.

ALTHOUGH THE DIOCESE LIFTED ITS MASK MANDATE for worship in February, we have reserved a section of seating for mask wearers in the center section of pews on the right side of church. For the comfort of all, please remember to wear a mask when sitting in this section.

LIVESTREAMING of Sunday Mass has been temporarily suspended. We are sorry that transmission difficulties have forced us to discontinue livestreaming until such time as we are able to obtain a more stable internet connection. 

Judy Casassa (right) with docent Nancy Yager.

News from our Parish Community

On Sunday, October 16, we will honor the late Judy Casassa and give thanks for her years of stewardship at Blessed Trinity, most notably “her efforts in obtaining and administering a $300,000 plus grant from the State of New York, enabling us to undertake needed restoration of exterior areas of our…Landmark Church.” In addition to the Mass intention, Father Bob will dedicate a memorial to Judy in the east side garden and new signage recognizing the State’s funding contribution. The tribute to Judy will continue at a reception in St. Charles Hall following the 10am Mass.

During this month dedicated to Our Lady and the Rosary, you are invited to pray the Rosary at 4:15pm each Wednesday (Oct. 12,19 & 26). If “Indian Summer” describes the day, bring a lawn chair and gather in the grove behind the church on the east (left) side. Otherwise, assemble in church. If unable to attend in person, you can participate in spirit by praying the Rosary at home.

Bible Study on ZOOM has resumed and will continue every Tuesday at 4pm.

Alumni Memorial Mass
Sept 25, 2022 at 10AM

On Sunday, September 25, approximately 60 alumni of Blessed Trinity School joined us in worship at the annual Alumni Memorial Mass. Early arrivals were treated to a mini-tour focusing on symbols found in the stained-glass rose windows, which were installed 70 years ago. An all-class reception in St. Charles Hall followed the Mass. At the reception, Father Bob was presented with a $3,000 donation from alumni of the school for the church’s Under This Roof Fund. Blessed Trinity School operated from 1909-1975, during which time the Sisters of St. Joseph and lay faculty educated more than 2,300 students.

Blessed Trinity Church joined Explore Buffalo’s free “Doors Open Houses of Worship Series” on Friday evening, September 16. Following a 6:30pm presentation on its history, art and architecture, volunteer docents highlighted architectural details and interpreted some of the Christian symbols displayed in the church. An hour-long concert followed, during which the a cappella voices of the St. John Paul II Schola Cantorum demonstrated the building’s splendid acoustic as they sang Catholic choral masterpieces from the 16^th—21^st centuries.

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 write to 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.

Jesus Stills the Storm (Lk. 8:22-25).
Bas relief over interior of left side door
from narthex into nave.
Photo credit: Margaret Dick

Week of October 2, 2022 – 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Oct 2, 2022 | This Week

Our Lady of the Rosary
October 7
An image of Our Lady of the Rosary appears at the top (center) of the rose window in the church’s left transept, above Joseph Mazur’s mural of Mary’s Assumption. Symbols in stained-glass represent the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary.
Photo credit: Steve Mangione

October 2 – October 9, 2022

We have made important changes to our web site, adding 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. The “Bulletins“ link will be found at the top of the home page, and the calendar link appears under the “Worship” heading. (For your convenience as you adjust to this change, we have added the links here as well). Our web administrators hope you will enjoy the convenience of the “Bulletins” page and four-parish calendar as much as they do.

ALTHOUGH THE DIOCESE LIFTED ITS MASK MANDATE for worship in February, we have reserved a section of seating for mask wearers in the center section of pews on the right side of church. For the comfort of all, please remember to wear a mask when sitting in this section.

LIVESTREAMING of Sunday Mass has been temporarily suspended. We are sorry that transmission difficulties have forced us to discontinue livestreaming until such time as we are able to obtain a more stable internet connection. 

On Sep 28, 2022, Blessed Trinity welcomed Dr. Harry R. Schmidt, President of the Religious Conference Management Association, and Visit Buffalo Niagara’s Emma Carlo, for a tour of our Landmark Church.

News from our Parish Community

During this month dedicated to Our Lady and the Rosary, you are invited to pray the Rosary at 4:15pm each Wednesday (Oct. 5,12,19 & 26). If “Indian Summer” describes the day, bring a lawn chair and gather in the grove behind the church on the east (left) side. Otherwise, assemble in church. If unable to attend in person, you can participate in spirit by praying the Rosary at home.

Bible Study on ZOOM has resumed and will continue every Tuesday at 4pm.

Alumni Memorial Mass
Sept 25, 2022 at 10AM

On Sunday, September 25, approximately 60 alumni of Blessed Trinity School joined us in worship at the annual Alumni Memorial Mass. Early arrivals were treated to a mini-tour focusing on symbols found in the stained-glass rose windows, which were installed 70 years ago. An all-class reception in St. Charles Hall followed the Mass. At the reception, Father Bob was presented with a $3,000 donation from alumni of the school for the church’s Under This Roof Fund. Blessed Trinity School operated from 1909-1975, during which time the Sisters of St. Joseph and lay faculty educated more than 2,300 students.

Blessed Trinity Church joined Explore Buffalo’s free “Doors Open Houses of Worship Series” on Friday evening, September 16. Following a 6:30pm presentation on its history, art and architecture, volunteer docents highlighted architectural details and interpreted some of the Christian symbols displayed in the church. An hour-long concert followed, during which the a cappella voices of the St. John Paul II Schola Cantorum demonstrated the building’s splendid acoustic as they sang Catholic choral masterpieces from the 16^th—21^st centuries.

Save the Date: Sunday, October 16 ~ “Thank You, Judy Casassa!” That was the heading on a February 7, 2021, bulletin insert outlining Judy’s fundraising efforts over an eleven-year period and expressing gratitude on behalf of the parish community “for her efforts in obtaining and administering a $300,000 plus grant from the State of New York, enabling us to undertake needed restoration of exterior areas of our beautiful Landmark Church.” Recognizing our continuing pandemic predicament, the document concluded with this positive note: “We hope that [we] will have achieved ‘herd immunity’ … by the time the final project paperwork is completed, and that we will finally be able to gather and celebrate the work that has been done. It is our plan that Judy be personally recognized at that time.” That time is now, and Sunday, October 16, is the chosen day. We will remember Judy with the Mass intention, and Father Bob will dedicate a memorial to Judy in the east side garden and new signage recognizing the State’s funding contribution. A reception in St. Charles Hall is also being planned.

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 write to 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.

St. Francis of Assisi (c. 1181-1226), whose feast we celebrate on October 4, is depicted in the dome of our church in a painting by Buffalo-born artist Joseph Mazur. He is the second kneeling figure from the left in this photo by Gary Kelley.

Week of September 25, 2022 – 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Sep 24, 2022 | This Week

Ss. Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, Archangels
September 29
The Angels Gabriel, Michael and Raphael are depicted in the stained glass skylight over the altar, on either side of the ten foot long central panel of Christ the King. St. Gabriel is visible in fourth panel to the left of Christ, holding a palm branch. St. Michael appears in the second panel to Christ’s left, with a sword in hand, and St. Raphael is shown in the second panel to the right of Christ.
Photo credit: Char Szabo-Perricelli

September 25 – October 2, 2022

We have made important changes to our web site, adding 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. The “Bulletins“ link will be found at the top of the home page, and the calendar link appears under the “Worship” heading. (For your convenience as you adjust to this change, we have added the links here as well). Our web administrators hope you will enjoy the convenience of the “Bulletins” page and four-parish calendar as much as they do.

ALTHOUGH THE DIOCESE LIFTED ITS MASK MANDATE for worship in February, we have reserved a section of seating for mask wearers in the center section of pews on the right side of church. For the comfort of all, please remember to wear a mask when sitting in this section.

LIVESTREAMING of Sunday Mass has been temporarily suspended. We are sorry that transmission difficulties have forced us to discontinue livestreaming until such time as we are able to obtain a more stable internet connection. 

An appreciative audience of more than 125 attended a performance by the St. John Paul II Schola Cantorum, following Explore Buffalo tour of Blessed Trinity on September 16, 2022.

News from our Parish Community

Bible Study on ZOOM has resumed and will continue every Tuesday at 4pm.

Alumni Memorial Mass
Sept 25, 2022 at 10AM

School Alumni ~ On Sunday, September 25, we will again host alumni of Blessed Trinity School for their annual Alumni Memorial Mass and all-class reception. Their reunion Sunday will include a mini-tour before Mass featuring the stained-glass rose windows and an all-class reception in St. Charles Hall following the Mass. The Prayer of the Faithful will include a remembrance of 13 recently deceased alumni. Blessed Trinity School operated from 1909-1975, during which time the Sisters of St. Joseph and lay faculty educated more than 2,300 students.

Blessed Trinity Church joined Explore Buffalo’s free “Doors Open Houses of Worship Series” on Friday evening, September 16. Following a 6:30pm presentation on its history, art and architecture, volunteer docents highlighted architectural details and interpreted some of the Christian symbols displayed in the church. An hour-long concert followed, during which the a cappella voices of the St. John Paul II Schola Cantorum demonstrated the building’s splendid acoustic as they sang Catholic choral masterpieces from the 16^th—21^st centuries.

Save the Date: Sunday, October 16 ~ “Thank You, Judy Casassa!” That was the heading on a February 7, 2021, bulletin insert outlining Judy’s fundraising efforts over an eleven-year period and expressing gratitude on behalf of the parish community “for her efforts in obtaining and administering a $300,000 plus grant from the State of New York, enabling us to undertake needed restoration of exterior areas of our beautiful Landmark Church.” Recognizing our continuing pandemic predicament, the document concluded with this positive note: “We hope that [we] will have achieved ‘herd immunity’ … by the time the final project paperwork is completed, and that we will finally be able to gather and celebrate the work that has been done. It is our plan that Judy be personally recognized at that time.” That time is now, and Sunday, October 16, is the chosen day. We will remember Judy with the Mass intention, and Father Bob will dedicate a memorial to Judy in the east side garden and new signage recognizing the State’s funding contribution. A reception in St. Charles Hall is also being planned.

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 write to 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.

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 18, 2022 – 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Sep 18, 2022 | This Week

St. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist
September 21
St. Matthew is depicted in this pendentive supporting Blessed Trinity’s great dome.
Photo Credit: Gary Kelley.

September 18 – 25, 2022

We have made important changes to our web site, adding 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. The “Bulletins“ link will be found at the top of the home page, and the calendar link appears under the “Worship” heading. (For your convenience as you adjust to this change, we have added the links here as well). Our web administrators hope you will enjoy the convenience of the “Bulletins” page and four-parish calendar as much as they do.

ALTHOUGH THE DIOCESE LIFTED ITS MASK MANDATE for worship in February, we have reserved a section of seating for mask wearers in the center section of pews on the right side of church. For the comfort of all, please remember to wear a mask when sitting in this section.

LIVESTREAMING of Sunday Mass has been temporarily suspended. We are sorry that transmission difficulties have forced us to discontinue livestreaming until such time as we are able to obtain a more stable internet connection. 

An appreciative audience of more than 125 attended a performance by the St. John Paul II Schola Cantorum, following Explore Buffalo tour of Blessed Trinity on September 16, 2022.

News from our Parish Community

Bible Study on ZOOM has resumed and will continue every Tuesday at 4pm.

Alumni Memorial Mass
Sept 25, 2022 at 10AM

School Alumni ~ On Sunday, September 25, we will again host alumni of Blessed Trinity School for their annual Alumni Memorial Mass and all-class reception. Their reunion Sunday will include a mini-tour before Mass and a reception in St. Charles Hall following the Mass. Please take time to personally welcome people who may be sitting near you and encourage them to worship with us at other times during the year.

Blessed Trinity Church joined Explore Buffalo’s free “Doors Open Houses of Worship Series” on Friday evening, September 16. Following a 6:30pm presentation on its history, art and architecture, volunteer docents highlighted architectural details and interpreted some of the Christian symbols displayed in the church. An hour-long concert followed, during which the a cappella voices of the St. John Paul II Schola Cantorum demonstrated the building’s splendid acoustic as they sang Catholic choral masterpieces from the 16^th—21^st centuries.

Save the Date: Sunday, October 16 ~ “Thank You, Judy Casassa!” That was the heading on a February 7, 2021, bulletin insert outlining Judy’s fundraising efforts over an eleven-year period and expressing gratitude on behalf of the parish community “for her efforts in obtaining and administering a $300,000 plus grant from the State of New York, enabling us to undertake needed restoration of exterior areas of our beautiful Landmark Church.” Recognizing our continuing pandemic predicament, the document concluded with this positive note: “We hope that [we] will have achieved ‘herd immunity’ … by the time the final project paperwork is completed, and that we will finally be able to gather and celebrate the work that has been done. It is our plan that Judy be personally recognized at that time.” That time is now, and Sunday, October 16, is the chosen day. We will remember Judy with the Mass intention, and Father Bob will dedicate a memorial to Judy in the east side garden and new signage recognizing the State’s funding contribution. A reception in St. Charles Hall is also being planned.

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 write to 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.

Tabernacle figure of Melchizedek, who offered a sacrifice of bread and wine in Gen 15:17-24.
Photo credit: Margaret Dick

Week of September 11, 2022 – 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Sep 10, 2022 | This Week

In remembrance of those lost due to the terrorist attacks of Sep 11, 2001, we are reminded of these words attributed to St. John Chrysostom whose feastday is September 13.

September 11-18, 2022

We have made important changes to our web site, adding 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. The “Bulletins“ link will be found at the top of the home page, and the calendar link appears under the “Worship” heading. (For your convenience as you adjust to this change, we have added the links here as well). Our web administrators hope you will enjoy the convenience of the “Bulletins” page and four-parish calendar as much as they do.

ALTHOUGH THE DIOCESE LIFTED ITS MASK MANDATE for worship in February, we have reserved a section of seating for mask wearers in the center section of pews on the right side of church. For the comfort of all, please remember to wear a mask when sitting in this section.

LIVESTREAMING of Sunday Mass has been temporarily suspended. We are sorry that transmission difficulties have forced us to discontinue livestreaming until such time as we are able to obtain a more stable internet connection. 

The a cappella voices of the St. John Paul II Schola Cantorum can be heard at Blessed Trinity on Fri, Sept 16, at 7:30pm.

News from our Parish Community

Bible Study on ZOOM is taking a summer break. We will resume on Tuesday, September 13, and continue every Tuesday at 4pm.

Blessed Trinity Church will join Explore Buffalo’s free “Doors Open Houses of Worship Series” on Friday evening, September 16. Following a 6:30pm presentation on its history, art and architecture, our docents will be standing by to provide more information and help you understand the panorama of Christian symbolism that surrounds you every time you come to church. From 7:30-8:30pm, experience our building’s splendid acoustic as the a cappella voices of the St. John Paul II Schola Cantorum sing Catholic choral masterpieces from the 16^th—21^st centuries. This is a FREE event and although the tour is “sold out,” everyone is invited to attend the 7:30pm concert.

Alumni Memorial Mass
Sept 25, 2022 at 10AM

School Alumni ~ On Sunday, September 25, we will again host alumni of Blessed Trinity School for their annual Alumni Memorial Mass and all-class reception. Their reunion Sunday will include a mini-tour before Mass and a reception in St. Charles Hall following the Mass. Please take time to personally welcome people who may be sitting near you and encourage them to worship with us at other times during the year.

Save the Date: Sunday, October 16 ~ “Thank You, Judy Casassa!” That was the heading on a February 7, 2021, bulletin insert outlining Judy’s fundraising efforts over an eleven-year period and expressing gratitude on behalf of the parish community “for her efforts in obtaining and administering a $300,000 plus grant from the State of New York, enabling us to undertake needed restoration of exterior areas of our beautiful Landmark Church.” Recognizing our continuing pandemic predicament, the document concluded with this positive note: “We hope that [we] will have achieved ‘herd immunity’ … by the time the final project paperwork is completed, and that we will finally be able to gather and celebrate the work that has been done. It is our plan that Judy be personally recognized at that time.” That time is now, and Sunday, October 16, is the chosen day. We will remember Judy with the Mass intention, and Father Bob will dedicate a memorial to Judy in the east side garden and new signage recognizing the State’s funding contribution. A reception in St. Charles Hall is also being planned.

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 write to 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.

Grandparents’ Day
September 11
This stained glass depiction of St. Anne, grandmother of the Christ Child, is in the Shrine Area in the left transept of our church.
Photo credit: Margaret Dick

Week of September 4, 2022 – 23nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Sep 4, 2022 | This Week

Labor Day
September 5, 2022
Symbols on the doors of the usher’s office pay tribute to laborers and the trades: sickle (agricultural workers), scissors (tailor & seamstress), square (carpenter), anvil (blacksmith & iron worker), awl (shoemaker), spinning wheel (weaver). The carvings represent the woodworking skills of brothers Richard and Albert Lippich of Bowmansville, NY.
Photo credit: Margaret Dick

September 4 – 11, 2022

We have made important changes to our web site, adding 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. The “Bulletins“ link will be found at the top of the home page, and the calendar link appears under the “Worship” heading. (For your convenience as you adjust to this change, we have added the links here as well). Our web administrators hope you will enjoy the convenience of the “Bulletins” page and four-parish calendar as much as they do.

ALTHOUGH THE DIOCESE LIFTED ITS MASK MANDATE for worship in February, we have reserved a section of seating for mask wearers in the center section of pews on the right side of church. For the comfort of all, please remember to wear a mask when sitting in this section.

LIVESTREAMING of Sunday Mass has been temporarily suspended. We are sorry that transmission difficulties have forced us to discontinue livestreaming until such time as we are able to obtain a more stable internet connection. 

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

News from our Parish Community

Docent Training, Sept 10—A cross-training program and “refresher course” for parish docents is being planned for Saturday, September 10—our first since the team was formed in the spring of 2011. Over the years, our Landmark house of worship has become an established local tourism site, and requests for guided tours have increased exponentially. To ensure that our veteran docents are comfortable guiding visitors through more than one area of our church, we will review fact sheets on church art and architecture and exchange tour guide experiences. New recruits are welcome to join us in St. Charles Hall, beginning at 1:30pm. If you have ever thought about becoming a docent and would like to learn what is involved, please contact Mickey Dick (716-832-2540) and plan to attend on September 10.

Bible Study on ZOOM is taking a summer break. We will resume on Tuesday, September 13, and continue every Tuesday at 4pm.

Blessed Trinity Church will join Explore Buffalo’s free “Doors Open Houses of Worship Series” on Friday evening, September 16. Following a 6:30pm presentation on its history, art and architecture, our docents will be standing by to provide more information and help you understand the panorama of Christian symbolism that surrounds you every time you come to church. From 7:30-8:30pm, experience our building’s splendid acoustic as the a cappella voices of the St. John Paul II Schola Cantorum sing Catholic choral masterpieces from the 16^th—21^st centuries. This is a FREE event, but reservations are required for the tour. You can make yours at https://explorebuffalo.org/calendar/ or by calling (716) 245-3032. Reservations are NOT necessary for the 7:30pm concert, which is open to all.

School Alumni ~ On Sunday, September 25, we will again host alumni of Blessed Trinity School for their annual Alumni Memorial Mass and all-class reception. Their reunion Sunday will include a mini-tour before Mass and a reception in St. Charles Hall following the Mass. Please take time to personally welcome people who may be sitting near you and encourage them to worship with us at other times during the year.

Parishioners and friends pray the Rosary in honor of Mary on Aug 15, the Feast of the Assumption.

“Rosary on the Green” ~ The faithful gathered to honor Our Blessed Lady on August 15, the Feast of her Assumption into heaven, with a public recitation of the Rosary near the statue of Our Lady.

Neighborhood Night Out ~ BT’s “Meet Your Neighbor” night on August 13 out was a great success. Neighbors came and stayed to enjoy food and drink, face painting, church tours, lawn games and the live reggae sounds of Strictly Riddim. Members of our docent team enjoyed answering questions and sharing knowledge about our Landmark church with approximately 35 visitors, a number of whom admitted they had lived in the neighborhood for years but had never been in the church. Many thanks to the discipleship committee for planning and hosting this event.

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 write to 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.

Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
September 8
The feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary celebrates Mary’s personal sanctity and vocation as the mother of Jesus. It originated in the Eastern Church but was commemorated in the West as early as the fifth century. This stained glass depiction of the Mary as a child with her mother, St. Anne, is in the Shrine Area in the left transept of our church.
Photo credit: Margaret Dick