Week of August 28, 2022 – 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Aug 28, 2022 | This Week

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

August 28 – September 4, 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

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.

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.

“Rosary on the Green,” Monday, August 15, 2022. The faithful gathered to honor Our Blessed Lady on the Feast of her Assumption into heaven with a public recitation of the Rosary.

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.

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

Food Pantry Returns to Shopper’s Choice ~ The Catholic Central Helping Hands Food Pantry, which operates from our St. Charles Hall at 350 Dewey Avenue, is now operating EVERY Wednesday from 9:30am – 1:30pm. Residents of 14214 & 14215 are welcome to help themselves, according to household size, to portions of carbohydrates, grains, proteins and canned vegetables. Bread and sweets generally available. Baby needs in stock also. Call (716) 800-1075 or 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.

Docent Rafael was happy to show off ceiling detail in the transept with his high powered
flashlight on Aug. 13, 2022.

Week of August 21, 2022 – 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time

Aug 26, 2022 | This Week

St. Rose of Lima (1586-1617)
August 23
St. Rose, born in Lima, Peru, was the first person from the Americas to be canonized a saint (1671). She is depicted in a grouping of “Virgins and Widows” in the great dome of our church as the second kneeling figure on the left, wearing a crown of roses, St. Rose is the patroness of
embroiderers, gardeners, florists, people who suffer family problems, and those who suffer ridicule for their piety.
Artist: Joseph Mazur. Photo credit: Gary Kelley.

August 21 – 28, 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. 

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

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.

Save the Date— Friday evening, September 16. Plan to be with us as Blessed Trinity joins Explore Buffalo’s “Doors Open Houses of Worship Series.” The FREE event includes a 6:30pm church tour followed by a 7:30pm musical performance by the St. John Paul II Schola Cantorum. Click HERE to reserve a spot on the tour. The 7:30pm concert is open to all; NO reservations required.

“Rosary on the Green,” Monday, August 15, 2022. The faithful gathered to honor Our Blessed Lady on the Feast of her Assumption into heaven with a public recitation of the Rosary.

Reggae band “Strictly Riddim” entertaining at our block club party on Aug 13, 2022.

Neighborhood Night Out, Aug. 13 ~ Saturday’s “Meet Your Neighbor” night 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.

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

Food Pantry Returns to Shopper’s Choice ~ The Catholic Central Helping Hands Food Pantry, which operates from our St. Charles Hall at 350 Dewey Avenue, is now operating EVERY Wednesday from 9:30am – 1:30pm. Residents of 14214 & 14215 are welcome to help themselves, according to household size, to portions of carbohydrates, grains, proteins and canned vegetables. Bread and sweets generally available. Baby needs in stock also. Call (716) 800-1075 or 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 a cappella voices of the St. John Paul II Schola Cantorum can be heard at Blessed Trinity on Fri, Sept 16, at 7:30pm.

Week of August 14, 2022 – 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Aug 14, 2022 | This Week

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
August 15
Much of the left (east) transept wall of Blessed Trinity Church is covered by Joseph Mazur’s mural of Mary’s Assumption into Heaven.
Photo credit: Steve Mangione

August 14 – 21, 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. 

Parishioners & neighbors mingle
at BT block club party
August 13, 2022
Photo credit: Margaret Dick

News from our Parish Community

Pray with us on the
Feast of the Assumption
August 15

“Rosary on the Green,” Monday, August 15, 2022 at 4 PM. Although it is not a Holy Day of Obligation this year, we will honor Our Blessed Lady on the Feast of her Assumption into heaven with a public recitation of the Rosary. Please bring a lawn chair and join us at 4PM near the statue of Our Lady on the west side of the church. This event is open to all, so please invite someone to join us in prayer. If it rains, we will gather in church. There will be light refreshments following the service.

Neighborhood Night Out, Aug. 13 ~ Saturday’s “Meet Your Neighbor” night 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.

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.

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.

Docent Rafael was happy to show off ceiling detail in the transept with his high powered
flashlight on Aug. 13, 2022.

Week of August 7, 2022 – 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Aug 6, 2022 | This Week

St. Clare (1193-1253)
August 11
St. Clare was a follower of St. Francis of Assisi and became superior of a religious community known as The Poor Clares. She is said to have carried the Host in a monstrance to an upper window of her convent where she successfully prayed for their deliverance from marauding Saracen mercenaries of Frederick II. She is depicted in a grouping of “Virgins and Widows” in the great dome of our church as the standing figure on the far right, holding a monstrance.
Artist: Joseph Mazur. Photo credit: Gary Kelley.

August 7 – 14, 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. 

Coming Soon!
Sat. August 13

News from our Parish Community

A Sonnet for The Transfiguration of the Lord (Aug. 6) — Here is a sonnet written by the Anglican priest, Malcolm Guite, taken from his book, Soundings of the Seasons. Click HERE to hear it read by the author.

For that one moment, ‘in and out of time’,
On that one mountain where all moments meet,
The daily veil that covers the sublime
In darkling glass fell dazzled at his feet.
There were no angels full of eyes and wings
Just living glory full of truth and grace.
The Love that dances at the heart of things
Shone out upon us from a human face
And to that light the light in us leaped up,
We felt it quicken somewhere deep within,
A sudden blaze of long-extinguished hope
Trembled and tingled through the tender skin.
Nor can this blackened sky, this darkened scar
Eclipse that glimpse of how things really are.

Neighborhood Night Out, Saturday, August 13, 2022 following 4:30 PM Mass. Grab your folding chair and plan to be there as we invite our neighbors to share picnic fare and enjoy music and dancing with a live Reggae band! Members of our docent team will be there to share information about church architecture and history with our guests. Help is still needed in distributing flyers to homes on Leroy and Dewey following Sunday Mass on August 7.

“Rosary on the Green,” Monday, August 15, 2022 at 4 PM. Although it is not a Holy Day of Obligation this year, we will honor Our Blessed Lady on the Feast of her Assumption into heaven with a public recitation of the Rosary. Please bring a lawn chair and join us at 4PM near the statue of Our Lady on the west side of the church. This event is open to all, so please invite someone to join us in prayer. If it rains, we will gather in church. There will be light refreshments following the service.

Volunteer Gardener Schedule – Prayerful thanks to everyone who have accepted the challenge of watering our parish gardens and planters for one week. Here is the watering volunteer schedule for the weeks of:  August 7—Darvan Draper; August 14—Kathy Press & Dorothy Manuppelli; August 21—Bob Barnes. We expect to be watering through September, so there are still 5 weeks available. If you would like to discover whether one is truly “closer to God in a garden, than anywhere else on earth,” call Mickey or Bud Dick (716-832-2540) and sign up for one of the remaining weeks. They will be happy to show you the 3 strategically located water hookups & hoses.

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.

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.

Sanctuary docent Nancy Yager explains symbolism in dome mural to Sacred Sites Open House visitors on Sat., July 23, 2022.

Week of July 31, 2022 – 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Aug 2, 2022 | This Week

St. Alphonsus Liguori (1695-1787)
August 1
St. Alphonsus, the first standing figure on the left, is depicted with a pen and book in a in a group of twelve figures identified as “Monks, Hermits, and Religious” in the dome of our church. The painting is by Joseph Mazur.
Photo credit: Gary Kelley

July 31 – August 7, 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. 

Coming Soon!
Sat. August 13

News from our Parish Community

Volunteer Gardener Schedule – Prayerful thanks to everyone who have accepted the challenge of watering our parish gardens and planters for one week. Here is the watering volunteer schedule for the weeks of:  July 31–Rafael Rondon; August 7—Darvan Draper; August 14—Kathy Press & Dorothy Manuppelli; August 21—Bob Barnes. We expect to be watering through September, so there are still 5 weeks available. If you would like to discover whether one is truly “closer to God in a garden, than anywhere else on earth,” call Mickey or Bud Dick (716-832-2540) and sign up for one of the remaining weeks. They will be happy to show you the 3 strategically located water hookups & hoses.

Docent Training—Our first docent team was formed in the spring of 2011 in anticipation of the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s October annual meeting in Buffalo. Over the years, our Landmark house of worship has become an established local tourism site, and requests for guided tours have increased exponentially. Between now and January 7, 2023, there are 8 group tours scheduled or in the planning stages. To ensure that our dedicated volunteers are able to meet the demand, a cross-training program and “refresher course” is being planned for a Saturday in September, and new recruits are welcome. If you have ever thought about becoming a docent and would like to learn what is involved, please contact Mickey Dick (716-832-2540).

On Saturday, July 23, Blessed Trinity was the only Buffalo area house of worship but one of 84 statewide to participate in the New York Landmarks Conservancy’s Sacred Sites Open House Weekend. Vera Andrew and Annette Maus served as greeters, welcoming twenty-five visitors. Following a  presentation on parish history and the building’s notable features given by Mickey Dick, individual docents provided additional facts and answered questions from our guests as they moved through various sections of the church. We are grateful to Tom Brodfuehrer, Louis Clay, Rafael Rondon and Nancy Yager for fulfilling that role and thank everyone who volunteered in extending our reputation as a welcoming congregation and tourism destination.

Gathering at Consumers Pub

Bingo Workers Night Out ~ Members of our bingo volunteer team, along with Father Bob, enjoyed a night out on July 22, beginning with a buffet dinner at the Consumers Pub restaurant at Sahlen Field. They then cheered the Buffalo Bisons on to a 3-0 victory over the Rochester Red Wings. It came as close as one can imagine to a perfect evening: good friends enjoying a beautiful summer evening, entertaining baseball and a fireworks display to close out the “Friday Nite Bash.”

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

Food Pantry Returns to Shopper’s Choice ~ The Catholic Central Helping Hands Food Pantry, which operates from our St. Charles Hall at 350 Dewey Avenue, is now operating EVERY Wednesday from 9:30am – 1:30pm. Residents of 14214 & 14215 are welcome to help themselves, according to household size, to portions of carbohydrates, grains, proteins and canned vegetables. Bread and sweets generally available. Baby needs in stock also. Call (716) 800-1075 or 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.

Ceiling of St. Joseph Shrine
Photo credit: Margaret Dick

Week of July 24, 2022 – 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Jul 24, 2022 | This Week

Docent Tom Brodfuehrer interprets iconography on church façade during Sacred Sites Open House on Sat., July 23, 2022.

July 24 – July 31, 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.

THE DIOCESE HAS LIFTED ITS MASK MANDATE for worship as of February 9, 2022. Please read Father Bob’s guidelines as they relate to this parish in the church bulletin dated FEBRUARY 20, 2022. For the comfort of all, we have reserved a section of seating for mask wearers in the center section of pews on the right side of church.

LIVESTREAMING: In keeping with the latest diocesan guidelines, we are livestreaming only one Mass (usually Sunday Mass) each weekend on our Facebook page: Blessed Trinity R. C. Church. Click HERE to view. (If you “Like” and “Follow Us” on Facebook, you should receive notification when future Masses are posted). Later in the day, a recording of the Mass is available on YOU TUBE.

Docent Rafael Rondon and Greeter Annette Maus were still smiling at the end of Saturday’s Sacred Sites Open House.

News from our Parish Community

Livestreaming Suspended ~ We regret to announce that due to continuing transmission difficulties, we are suspending livestreaming of our Sunday Mass until such time as we are able to obtain a more stable internet connection.

On Saturday, July 23, Blessed Trinity was the only Buffalo area house of worship but one of 84 statewide to participate in the New York Landmarks Conservancy’s Sacred Sites Open House Weekend. Vera Andrew and Annette Maus served as greeters, welcoming twenty-five visitors. Following a  presentation on parish history and the building’s notable features given by Mickey Dick, individual docents provided additional facts and answered questions from our guests as they moved through various sections of the church. We are grateful to Tom Brodfuehrer, Louis Clay, Rafael Rondon and Nancy Yager for fulfilling that role and thank everyone who volunteered in extending our reputation as a welcoming congregation and tourism destination.

Maintaining our Gardens ~ Prayerful thanks to Amy Johnson, Kathy Press, Dorothy Manuppelli and others who have accepted the challenge of watering our parish gardens and planters for one week. Here is the watering volunteer schedule for the weeks of: July 24—Kathleen Dove; July 31—Rafael Rondon; August 7—Darvan Draper; August 21—Bob Barnes. If you would like to discover whether one is truly “closer to God in a garden than anywhere else on earth,” call Mickey or Bud Dick (716-832-2540) and sign up for one of the remaining weeks. They will be happy to show you the 3 strategically located water hookups & hoses.

Gathering at Consumers Pub

Bingo Workers Night Out ~ Members of our bingo volunteer team, along with Father Bob, enjoyed a night out on July 22, beginning with a buffet dinner at the Consumers Pub restaurant at Sahlen Field. They then cheered the Buffalo Bisons on to a 3-0 victory over the Rochester Red Wings. It came as close as one can imagine to a perfect evening: good friends enjoying a beautiful summer evening, entertaining baseball and a fireworks display to close out the “Friday Nite Bash.”

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

Food Pantry Returns to Shopper’s Choice ~ The Catholic Central Helping Hands Food Pantry, which operates from our St. Charles Hall at 350 Dewey Avenue, is now operating EVERY Wednesday from 9:30am – 1:30pm. Residents of 14214 & 14215 are welcome to help themselves, according to household size, to portions of carbohydrates, grains, proteins and canned vegetables. Bread and sweets generally available. Baby needs in stock also. Call (716) 800-1075 or 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.

Sanctuary docent Nancy Yager explains symbolism in dome mural to Sacred Sites Open House visitors on Sat., July 23, 2022.