May 10, 2020 | This Week
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY
May 10, 2020
This depiction of St. Anne, Patron Saint of Grandmothers, and the Child Mary appears in a stained glass window in the shrine area on the left (east) side of the church transept.
Photo credit: Margaret Dick
May 3 – May 10, 2020
Weekly Activities –
We are social distancing. All services, meetings and activities are cancelled until further notice, with the exception of the Food Pantry.
Wednesday, May 13, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. ~ EXTENDED HOURS ~ Catholic Central Food Pantry in St. Charles Hall
Now operating every other Wednesday (May 13, May 27, June 10, etc.) but with extended hours. Volunteers will distribute pre-prepared bags of groceries.
Mass Intentions – As of March 16, 2020, all services are cancelled until further notice.
Mass for the Fifth Sunday of Easter celebrated at neighboring St. Joseph University Church is available on YouTube. You can watch it at any time by Clicking HERE.
We also invite you to follow the daily Mass readings for the week of May 10. They are available on the website of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops by Clicking HERE. Select the desired day on their Roman Liturgical Calendar, and the text of the readings for that day will appear
Mother Nature shares the garden with Mother Mary as a tiny early spring flower with a big name — Arabis Snowcap Rockcress — blooms in time for Mother’s Day
News from our Parish Community
Happy Mother’s Day ~ The Blessed Trinity Parish family joins Father Victor in wishing all mothers and those who have assumed motherly responsibilities a Happy Mother’s Day. May all your works, joys and sacrifices be blessed.
Remembering a Parish Tradition ~ For the first time in more than a half century, the men of our Holy Name Society will be unable to honor women of the parish by hosting the annual Mother’s Day Breakfast. As our parish family celebrates Happy Mother’s Day, we honor not only our mothers, but all the gentlemen who have made this such a special occasion over the years.
Stewardship ~ On behalf of the parish, Father Victor would like to express his gratitude to all who have have continued their weekly offerings. While we have not been able to worship together since March 15, many expenses associated with running the parish continue. If you are blessed to be in a position to support the parish financially, please consider resuming your contributions. Checks payable to “Blessed Trinity Church” should be sent to the church at 317 Leroy Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14214.
To the Moms Who Are
To the Moms who are struggling, to those filled with incandescent joy.
To the Moms who are remembering children who have died, and pregnancies that miscarried.
To the Moms who decided other parents were the best choice for their babies, to the Moms who adopted those kids and loved them fierce.
To those experiencing frustration or desperation in infertility.
To those who knew they never wanted kids, and the ways they have contributed to our shared world.
To those who mothered colleagues, mentees, neighborhood kids, and anyone who needed it.
To those remembering Moms no longer with us.
To those moving forward from Moms who did not show love, or hurt those they should have cared for.
Today is a day to honor the unyielding love and care for others we call ‘Motherhood,’ wherever we have found it and in whatever ways we have found to cultivate it within ourselves.
Hannah Kardon, Pastor at Elston Avenue United Methodist Church, Chicago, IL
Saints in a time of pandemics ~ There seems to be a saint associated with every form of trial or tribulation, so what about pandemics? His name is St. Rock (Roch in the Church of England). A favorite of Italians who venerate him as “St. Rocco,” his image can be found in our church sanctuary.
Rocco was born into nobility circa 1340, orphaned as a young child, and raised by his uncle, the Duke of Montpellier, France. Having distributed his wealth among the poor, Rocco took a vow of poverty. Dressed as a pilgrim, he traveled to Italy at a time when the country was being ravaged by disease. St. Rocco cured many of the plague, but contracted the disease himself and was banished from Rome. Legend has it that he took refuge in a cave, and survived by eating bread brought to him by a dog. St. Rocco eventually arrived back at his birthplace, but in such a weakened state he was unrecognizable by the townspeople and ended up being imprisoned for 5 years as a spy. His true identity was revealed on his prison deathbed, where a “voice from paradise” announced this his soul had merited immortal glory in Heaven. Many miracles were attributed to him after his death on August 16, 1378.
The following Litany of Saint Roch dates back to 1855 in The Church of England.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Jesus, hear us.
Holy Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.
Saint Mary, pray for us.
Saint Anne, pray for us.
Saint Joseph, pray for us.
Saint Roch, confessor, pray for us.
Saint Roch, given to the prayers of your parents, pray for us.
Saint Roch, brought up in holiness, pray for us.
Saint Roch, mortified from your infancy, pray for us.
Saint Roch, giving away all your goods to the poor after the death of your parents, pray for us.
Saint Roch, who did quit your country to live unknown, pray for us.
Saint Roch, taking care of the sick at Rome, pray for us.
Saint Roch, attacked by the plague at Florence, pray for us.
Saint Roch, cured of the plague by the grace of God, pray for us.
Saint Roch, consoling men in public calamity, pray for us.
Saint Roch, taken as spy, put in prison, pray for us.
Saint Roch, prisoner four years, pray for us.
Saint Roch patient in sickness, pray for us.
Saint Roch, model of a recluse, pray for us.
Saint Roch, by love of shame, pray for us.
Saint Roch, pattern of chastity, pray for us.
Saint Roch, pattern of patience, pray for us.
Saint Roch, dying in the odor of sanctity, pray for us.
Saint Roch, praying against the plague, pray for us.
Saint Roch, whose image carried in procession by the fathers In Council, dispersed the plague at Constance, pray for us.
Saint Roch, honored in hospitals, pray for us.
Saint Roch, whose worship is universal, pray for us.
Saint Roch, whose images are universal, pray for us.
Let us pray,
Receive Lord, in Thy Fatherly goodness, thy people, who cast themselves on Thee in these days of trouble, to the end that they who fear this scourge may be mercifully delivered by the prayers of St. Roch, and may persevere till death in the keeping of Thy Holy Commandments. Amen
Have your responded to the 2020 Census? It is a once-in-a-decade chance to inform how billions of dollars in federal funding are allocated for critical public services. The current corona virus pandemic should certainly enforce in our minds how crucial such funding can be. Census statistics are used to determine the number of seats each state receives in the U.S. House of Representatives, and will also have an impact on planning and funding for health clinics and highways, fire departments and disaster response, education programs such as Head Start and college tuition assistance, and so much more. The Diocese of Buffalo has joined other faith communities and civic organizations in encouraging all people in our community to participate. You should have received a census form in the mail during the month of March. If you misplaced yours, go to 2020census.gov to find out how you obtain another or complete the census online. Then ask your friends and family as well as your neighbors and co-workers if THEY have completed the census, and — if not — encourage them to do the same.
Do you miss being at church? Of course long-time parishioners can probably close their eyes and picture the view from a favorite pew. But here’s something even better. Buffalo Rising and Explore Buffalo teamed up to give their online followers a “tour” of Blessed Trinity. You can join them, by Clicking HERE. You will be treated to both exterior and interior photos and more than a little history. Take the “tour” and test your knowledge about your house of worship.
Our Faith Formation Program now has its own page on our web site. Click HERE to look for complete information on the resumption of programs, classes and volunteer opportunities as they become available.
New Office Hours ~ The parish has temporarily reduced office hours to one day each week. Our secretary, Pat Pendleton, will be in the office every Wednesday from 10:30am-2:30pm.
Until the current COVID-19 restrictions on services and activities are lifted, we will not be preparing a weekly bulletin. However, there may well be announcements that Father Victor would like to share with our parish family. The most efficient way to do this is to utilize email messaging, but our secretary has email addresses for only about 40 parishioners. Please share your current email address with Pat so that you will be able to receive such announcements in a timely fashion. You may submit this information using the contact feature at the bottom of this page or by calling Pat at 716-833-0301 on Wednesdays between 10:30am and 2:30pm.
A Message from Catholic Charities Appeal 2020:
Catholic Charities is doing everything possible to continue to serve our neighbors in need at this time. We are operating every service we safely can and especially those most vital at this time such as basic emergency assistance, including our food pantries (all nine are up and running, assisted by CC staff from other departments) and counseling and mental health services. We are here to help! Many of our staff are working remotely and returning office calls daily.
For the Appeal, our office at 741 Delaware Ave. is closed to visitors. Parishes (and even individual parishioners) are asked to mail donations to our office, 741 Delaware Ave., Buffalo, NY 14209, Attn: Appeal Department. We also encourage online donations:https://www.ccwny.org/donation when possible. Appeal staff are working remotely and returning office calls daily. Please call Clara Moran, 716-713-4410, with questions or concerns. We are grateful for the returns that are being mailed already!
For a daily update about Catholic Charities, go to our home page at ccwny.org. Thank you!
Faith Formation Program Provides On-line Opportunities ~ Buffalo’s Department of Lifelong Faith Formation’s Youth and Young Adult Ministry has officially partnered with “ProjectYM Live” a program designed especially for youth and young adults. In this time of “Social Distancing,” try Church in a way our parents could never have imagined. And, everyone in the parish is invited to join our Confirmation students as they prepare for receipt of the Sacrament. Here is a link to Lesson 2: Catholic Social Teaching: A Brief Overview.
Call to Stewardship ~ Our Parish Finance Council seeks a parishioner with accounting skills to join our committee. Please see Father Victor if you are able to serve in this capacity.
The Buffalo Diocese “has determined that it is in the best interests of victims of past clergy sexual abuse, as well as the ongoing and essential work of Faith in WNY to pursue reorganization through Chapter 11 [Bankruptcy].” Their Office of Communications has created a web page, “Reorganizing for the Future…together” to help explain this choice. Find it at buffalodiocese.org
Is it time to update your contact information? During this period when the COVID-19 Protocols prevent us from attending church services, there will surely be occasions when the parish has important information to convey to the faithful. Does the church office have your correct mailing address and phone number? Have you shared your 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 be included in our online email list, register as a parishioner, or request envelopes. You can also submit the requested information by phoning our secretary at 716-833-0301 any 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.
Home Visits ~ Because of the COVID-19 protocols, Father Victor has had to discontinue his “last Friday” visits to homebound parishioners. However, if someone is ill and in need of Last Rites, please call him at the rectory.
News from our Vicariate Cluster and the Wider Community
Food Assistance for Seniors ~ The County of Erie advises anyone over the age of 60 who is in need of food assistance to call 716-858-8526.
May 3, 2020 | This Week
St. Rocco
A patron in time of pandemics
St. Rocco is depicted in terra cotta relief above the metal door of a reliquary located on the left side of our church Sanctuary. His feast day is August 16.
May 3 – May 10, 2020
Weekly Activities –
We are social distancing. All services, meetings and activities are cancelled until further notice, with the exception of the Food Pantry.
Wednesday, May 13, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. ~ EXTENDED HOURS ~ Catholic Central Food Pantry in St. Charles Hall
Now operating every other Wednesday (May 13, May 27, June 10, etc.) but with extended hours. Volunteers will distribute pre-prepared bags of groceries.
Mass Intentions – As of March 16, 2020, all services are cancelled until further notice.
Mass for the Fourth Sunday of Easter celebrated at neighboring St. Joseph University Church is available on YouTube. You can watch it at any time by Clicking HERE.
We also invite you to follow the daily Mass readings for the week of May 3. They are available on the website of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops by Clicking HERE. Select the desired day on their Roman Liturgical Calendar, and the text of the readings for that day will appear
St. Joseph the Worker
May 1
Shrine to St. Joseph to the left of the Sanctuary. The niche surrounding the statue “is one of the exquisite ceramic creations in the church.” (Rev. Walter Kern’s “Guide to Blessed Trinity R. C. Church,” page 45). Photo credit: Margaret Dick
News from our Parish Community
This is “Good Shepard Sunday,” which occurs on the Fourth Sunday of Easter. The name is derived from the gospel reading for this Sunday (John 10:1-10) in which Christ is described as the good shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep. Today’s liturgy also includes the shepherd imagery of Psalm 23. Even though our ability to fully participate in Mass is limited this year, we can still take time to thoughtfully consider today’s readings and meditate on Christ’s presence in our lives with this Prayer to the Good Shepherd provided by Catholic Relief Services.
Lord of the 23rd Psalm,
I have known death, and you have refreshed my soul.
I have known fear, and you have comforted me.
I have known hunger, and you have set a feast before me.
In the darkest valley no calamity of humankind or nature has separated us.
Teach me to walk as you walk
Beside those in mourning so that they will know joy,
Beside those in fear that they will know comfort,
Beside those in hunger that they will feast until their cup overflows.
As your goodness and love follow me,
May mine follow my neighbor
That the threat of the worst terrors
May turn to the knowledge of the comforts of
the house of the Lord,
Where you have invited us to dwell forever.
And so let me strive to help build on earth what you have promised us in heaven.
In the face of all calamity, present and yet to come,
Let me lead my neighbor beside quiet waters,
The quiet waters of the Good Shepherd. Amen.
Saints in a time of pandemics ~ There seems to be a saint associated with every form of trial or tribulation, so what about pandemics? His name is St. Rock (Roch in the Church of England). A favorite of Italians who venerate him as “St. Rocco,” his image can be found in our church sanctuary. St. Rocco is depicted in terra cotta relief above the metal door of a cabinet located on the left side of the sanctuary. The cabinet is used for storage of reliquaries.
Rocco was born into nobility circa 1340, orphaned as a young child, and raised by his uncle, the Duke of Montpellier, France. Having distributed his wealth among the poor, Rocco took a vow of poverty. Dressed as a pilgrim, he traveled to Italy at a time when the country was being ravaged by disease. St. Rocco cured many of the plague, but contracted the disease himself and was banished from Rome. Legend has it that he took refuge in a cave, and survived by eating bread brought to him by a dog. St. Rocco eventually arrived back at his birthplace, but in such a weakened state he was unrecognizable by the townspeople and ended up being imprisoned for 5 years as a spy. His true identity was revealed on his prison deathbed, where a “voice from paradise” announced this his soul had merited immortal glory in Heaven. Many miracles were attributed to him after his death on August 16, 1378.
At this time when our own country is being “ravaged by disease,” let us pray all those who minister to the sick and dying, especially those who left the comfort of their own homes and risked contagion to assist caregivers in New York City.
Prayer to St. Rocco (Patron of contagion, epidemics, illness)
O great St. Rocco, deliver us, we beseech you, from contagious diseases, and the contagion of sin. Obtain, for us, a purity of heart which will assist us to make good use of health, and to bear sufferings with patience. Teach us to follow your example in the practice of penance and charity, so that we may, one day enjoy the happiness of being with Christ, Our Savior, in Heaven. Amen.
Our 2019 Mother’s Day chefs and waiters
Next Sunday is Mother’s Day. For the first time in more than a half century, the men of our Holy Name Society will be unable to honor women of the parish by hosting the annual Mother’s Day Breakfast. However, as a parish family, we wish everyone a Happy Mother’s Day and honor not only our mothers, but all the gentlemen who have made this such a special occasion over the years.
Stewardship ~ On behalf of the parish, Father Victor would like to express his gratitude to all who have have continued their weekly contributions. We realize that many of you may have experienced a loss of income during the economic shutdown. However, if you are in a position to continue supporting the parish financially, please consider your responsibilities as a “good steward” and help us to survive the difficult weeks ahead. Checks payable to “Blessed Trinity Church” should be sent to the church at 317 Leroy Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14214.
Have your responded to the 2020 Census? It is a once-in-a-decade chance to inform how billions of dollars in federal funding are allocated for critical public services. The current corona virus pandemic should certainly enforce in our minds how crucial such funding can be. Census statistics are used to determine the number of seats each state receives in the U.S. House of Representatives, and will also have an impact on planning and funding for health clinics and highways, fire departments and disaster response, education programs such as Head Start and college tuition assistance, and so much more. The Diocese of Buffalo has joined other faith communities and civic organizations in encouraging all people in our community to participate. You should have received a census form in the mail during the month of March. If you misplaced yours, go to 2020census.gov to find out how you obtain another or complete the census online. Then ask your friends and family as well as your neighbors and co-workers if THEY have completed the census, and — if not — encourage them to do the same.
Do you miss being at church? Of course long-time parishioners can probably close their eyes and picture the view from a favorite pew. But here’s something even better. Buffalo Rising and Explore Buffalo teamed up to give their online followers a “tour” of Blessed Trinity. You can join them, by Clicking HERE. You will be treated to both exterior and interior photos and more than a little history. Take the “tour” and test your knowledge about your house of worship.
Our Faith Formation Program now has its own page on our web site. Click HERE to find an Easter Scavenger Hunt and — for the little ones — The Jelly Bean Prayer. This is also the place to look for complete information on the resumption of programs, classes and volunteer opportunities as they become available.
New Office Hours ~ The parish has temporarily reduced office hours to one day each week. Our secretary, Pat Pendleton, will be in the office every Wednesday from 10:30am-2:30pm.
Until the current COVID-19 restrictions on services and activities are lifted, we will not be preparing a weekly bulletin. However, there may well be announcements that Father Victor would like to share with our parish family. The most efficient way to do this is to utilize email messaging, but our secretary has email addresses for only about 40 parishioners. Please share your current email address with Pat so that you will be able to receive such announcements in a timely fashion. You may submit this information using the contact feature at the bottom of this page or by calling Pat at 716-833-0301 on Wednesdays between 10:30am and 2:30pm.
A Message from Catholic Charities Appeal 2020:
Catholic Charities is doing everything possible to continue to serve our neighbors in need at this time. We are operating every service we safely can and especially those most vital at this time such as basic emergency assistance, including our food pantries (all nine are up and running, assisted by CC staff from other departments) and counseling and mental health services. We are here to help! Many of our staff are working remotely and returning office calls daily.
For the Appeal, our office at 741 Delaware Ave. is closed to visitors. Parishes (and even individual parishioners) are asked to mail donations to our office, 741 Delaware Ave., Buffalo, NY 14209, Attn: Appeal Department. We also encourage online donations:https://www.ccwny.org/donation when possible. Appeal staff are working remotely and returning office calls daily. Please call Clara Moran, 716-713-4410, with questions or concerns. We are grateful for the returns that are being mailed already!
For a daily update about Catholic Charities, go to our home page at ccwny.org. Thank you!
Faith Formation Program Provides On-line Opportunities ~ Buffalo’s Department of Lifelong Faith Formation’s Youth and Young Adult Ministry has officially partnered with “ProjectYM Live” a program designed especially for youth and young adults. In this time of “Social Distancing,” try Church in a way our parents could never have imagined. And, everyone in the parish is invited to join our Confirmation students as they prepare for receipt of the Sacrament. Here is a link to Lesson 2: Catholic Social Teaching: A Brief Overview.
Call to Stewardship ~ Our Parish Finance Council seeks a parishioner with accounting skills to join our committee. Please see Father Victor if you are able to serve in this capacity.
The Buffalo Diocese “has determined that it is in the best interests of victims of past clergy sexual abuse, as well as the ongoing and essential work of Faith in WNY to pursue reorganization through Chapter 11 [Bankruptcy].” Their Office of Communications has created a web page, “Reorganizing for the Future…together” to help explain this choice. Find it at buffalodiocese.org
Is it time to update your contact information? During this period when the COVID-19 Protocols prevent us from attending church services, there will surely be occasions when the parish has important information to convey to the faithful. Does the church office have your correct mailing address and phone number? Have you shared your 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 be included in our online email list, register as a parishioner, or request envelopes. You can also submit the requested information by phoning our secretary at 716-833-0301 any 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.
Home Visits ~ Because of the COVID-19 protocols, Father Victor has had to discontinue his “last Friday” visits to homebound parishioners. However, if someone is ill and in need of Last Rites, please call him at the rectory.
News from our Vicariate Cluster and the Wider Community
Food Assistance for Seniors ~ The County of Erie advises anyone over the age of 60 who is in need of food assistance to call 716-858-8526.
Apr 26, 2020 | This Week
April 26 – May 3, 2020
Weekly Activities –
As of March 16, 2020, all services, meetings and activities are cancelled until further notice, with the exception of the Food Pantry.
Wednesday, April 29, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. ~ EXTENDED HOURS ~ Catholic Central Food Pantry in St. Charles Hall
Now operating every other Wednesday (April 29, May 13, May 27, etc.) but with extended hours. Volunteers will distribute pre-prepared bags of groceries.
Mass Intentions – As of March 16, 2020, all services are cancelled until further notice.
Mass for the Third Sunday of Easter celebrated at neighboring St. Joseph University Church is available on YouTube. You can watch it at any time by Clicking HERE.
We also invite you to follow the daily Mass readings for the week of April 26. They are available on the website of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops by Clicking HERE. Select the desired day on their Roman Liturgical Calendar, and the text of the readings for that day will appear
St. Mark, Evangelist
April 25
Painting of St. Mark by Joseph Mazur in large pendentive supporting great dome of the church.
Photo credit: Gary Kelley
Mark
by Malcolm Guite
A wingèd lion, swift, immediate
Mark is the gospel of the sudden shift
From first to last, from grand to intimate,
From strength to weakness, and from debt to gift,
From a wide desert’s haunted emptiness
To a close city’s fervid atmosphere,
From a voice crying in the wilderness
To angels in an empty sepulcher.
And Christ makes the most sudden shift of all;
From swift action as a strong Messiah
Casting the very demons back to hell
To slow pain, and death as a pariah.
We see our Saviour’s life and death unmade
And flee his tomb dumbfounded and afraid.
Saturday, April 25, was the feast day of St. Mark the Evangelist. The above sonnet on Mark’s Gospel was written by Malcolm Guite (pronounced “gait”). Father Guite is a 62-year-old English poet, singer-songwriter, Anglican priest, and academic. Born in Nigeria, he earned degrees from Cambridge and Durham universities. Guite is currently Bye-Fellow and chaplain of Girton College, Cambridge, and associate chaplain of St. Edward King and Martyr in Cambridge, England. You can find out more about him and follow his inspirational blog by clicking on his highlighted name above.
Photo credit: Bridget Blesnuk
News from our Parish Community
Cathy Gress
The Blessed Trinity Parish Community mourns the loss of Catherine “Cathy” Gress, who died unexpectedly on Thursday, April 16, 2020, after a brief illness. A resident of Getzville, Cathy was retired after a 35-year teaching career. She was well-known in the Catholic community, including as a volunteer at Blessed Trinity, Ss. Columba-Brigid, and Peaceprints of Western New York. Cathy had many cherished friends who will remember her cheerful countenance, caring spirit and wise counsel. She was preceded in death by her husband of 21 years, Terrence (Terry) Gress. Due to COVID-19 protocols, a Mass and Celebration of Cathy’s Life will be offered at a later date. She will be honored by members of the Ladies Sodality of Blessed Trinity at their annual Service of Remembrance on November 1, 2020.
Stewardship ~ On behalf of the parish, Father Victor would like to express his gratitude to all who have have continued their weekly contributions. We realize that many of you may have experienced a loss of income during the economic shutdown. However, if you are in a position to continue supporting the parish financially, please consider your responsibilities as a “good steward” and help us to survive the difficult weeks ahead. Checks payable to “Blessed Trinity Church” should be sent to the church at 317 Leroy Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14214.
Do you miss being at church? Of course long-time parishioners can probably close their eyes and picture the view from a favorite pew. But here’s something even better. Buffalo Rising and Explore Buffalo teamed up to give their online followers a “tour” of Blessed Trinity. You can join them, by Clicking HERE. You will be treated to both exterior and interior photos and more than a little history. Take the “tour” and test your knowledge about your house of worship.
Our Faith Formation Program now has its own page on our web site. Click HERE to find an Easter Scavenger Hunt and — for the little ones — The Jelly Bean Prayer. This is also the place to look for complete information on the resumption of programs, classes and volunteer opportunities as they become available.
Prayer for Times of Confusion
Lord Jesus Christ,
who feels the struggles of every heart,
sees the doubts of every mind,
we lay our confusions before you.
Already you know our thoughts.
You hold our bewilderment in your hand.
Whatever our falterings, you call us
to be your witness in the world.
Love us through this uncertainty.
Be present in this dim place.
Give us the light and hope of your presence
We pray in your name. Amen
New Office Hours ~ The parish has temporarily reduced office hours to one day each week. Our secretary, Pat Pendleton, will be in the office every Wednesday from 10:30am-2:30pm.
Until the current COVID-19 restrictions on services and activities are lifted, we will not be preparing a weekly bulletin. However, there may well be announcements that Father Victor would like to share with our parish family. The most efficient way to do this is to utilize email messaging, but our secretary has email addresses for only about 40 parishioners. Please share your current email address with Pat so that you will be able to receive such announcements in a timely fashion. You may submit this information using the contact feature at the bottom of this page or by calling Pat at 716-833-0301 on Wednesdays between 10:30am and 2:30pm.
Keep abreast of the latest Diocesan announcements by visiting their Facebook page.
A Message from Catholic Charities Appeal 2020:
Catholic Charities is doing everything possible to continue to serve our neighbors in need at this time. We are operating every service we safely can and especially those most vital at this time such as basic emergency assistance, including our food pantries (all nine are up and running, assisted by CC staff from other departments) and counseling and mental health services. We are here to help! Many of our staff are working remotely and returning office calls daily.
For the Appeal, our office at 741 Delaware Ave. is closed to visitors. Parishes (and even individual parishioners) are asked to mail donations to our office, 741 Delaware Ave., Buffalo, NY 14209, Attn: Appeal Department. We also encourage online donations:https://www.ccwny.org/donation when possible. Appeal staff are working remotely and returning office calls daily. Please call Clara Moran, 716-713-4410, with questions or concerns. We are grateful for the returns that are being mailed already!
For a daily update about Catholic Charities, go to our home page at ccwny.org. Thank you!
Faith Formation Program Provides On-line Opportunities ~ Buffalo’s Department of Lifelong Faith Formation’s Youth and Young Adult Ministry has officially partnered with “ProjectYM Live” a program designed especially for youth and young adults. In this time of “Social Distancing,” try Church in a way our parents could never have imagined. And, everyone in the parish is invited to join our Confirmation students as they prepare for receipt of the Sacrament. Here is a link to Lesson 2: Catholic Social Teaching: A Brief Overview.
Call to Stewardship ~ Our Parish Finance Council seeks a parishioner with accounting skills to join our committee. Please see Father Victor if you are able to serve in this capacity.
The Diocese of Buffalo has joined other faith communities and civic organizations in partnering with the Census Bureau to help encourage all people in our community to participate in the 2020 Census. The census is a once-in-a-decade chance to inform how billions of dollars in funding are allocated for critical public services. Census statistics are used to determine the number of seats each state receives in the U.S. House of Representatives, and will also have an impact on planning and funding for health clinics and highways, fire departments and disaster response, education programs such as Head Start and college tuition assistance, and so much more. You can inspire others. Tell everyone – your friends and family, your neighbors and co-workers – that you will complete the census, and tell them why it’s important that they respond too. For more information, contact 2020census.gov.
The Buffalo Diocese “has determined that it is in the best interests of victims of past clergy sexual abuse, as well as the ongoing and essential work of Faith in WNY to pursue reorganization through Chapter 11 [Bankruptcy].” Their Office of Communications has created a web page, “Reorganizing for the Future…together” to help explain this choice. Find it at buffalodiocese.org
Is it time to update your contact information? During this period when the COVID-19 Protocols prevent us from attending church services, there will surely be occasions when the parish has important information to convey to the faithful. Does the church office have your correct mailing address and phone number? Have you shared your 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 be included in our online email list, register as a parishioner, or request envelopes. You can also submit the requested information by phoning our secretary at 716-833-0301 any 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.
Home Visits ~ Because of the COVID-19 protocols, Father Victor has had to discontinue his “last Friday” visits to homebound parishioners. However, if someone is ill and in need of Last Rites, please call him at the rectory.
News from our Vicariate Cluster and the Wider Community
Food Assistance for Seniors ~ The County of Erie advises anyone over the age of 60 who is in need of food assistance to call 716-858-8526.
Apr 19, 2020 | This Week
Photo credit: Bridget Blesnuk
April 19 – April 26, 2020
Weekly Activities –
As of March 16, 2020, all services, meetings and activities are cancelled until further notice, with the exception of the Food Pantry.
Wednesday, April 29, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. ~ EXTENDED HOURS ~ Catholic Central Food Pantry in St. Charles Hall
Now operating every other Wednesday (April 15, April 29, May 13, etc.) but with extended hours. Volunteers will distribute pre-prepared bags of groceries.
Mass Intentions – As of March 16, 2020, all services are cancelled until further notice.
Mass for the Second Sunday of Easter (or Sunday of Divine Mercy) celebrated at neighboring St. Joseph University Church is available on YouTube. You can watch it at any time by Clicking HERE.
We also invite you to follow the daily Mass readings for the week.
Readings for April 19 – 26, 2020
Sunday: Acts 2:42-47; Ps 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24; 1 Pt 1:3-9; Jn 20:19-31
Monday: Acts 4:23-31; Ps 2:1-3,4-7A, 7B-9; Jn 3:1-8
Tuesday: Acts 4:32-37; Ps 93:1AB, 1CD-2, 5; Jn 3:7B-15
Wednesday: Acts 5:17-26; Ps 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9; Jn3:16-21
Thursday: Acts 3:11-265:27-33; Ps 34:2 and 9, 17-18, 19-20; Jn 3:31-36
Friday: Acts 5:34-42; Ps 27:1, 4, 13-14; Jn 6:1-15
Saturday: 1 Pt 5:5B-14; Ps 89:2-3, 6-7, 16-17; Mk 16:5-20
Third Sunday of Easter: Acts 2:14, 22-33 (46A); Ps 16:1-2, 5, 7-8, 9-10, 11; 1 Pt 1:17-21;Lk 24:13-35
Photo credit: Bonnie Hodur Williams
Easter 2020
by Malcolm Guite
And where is Jesus, this strange Easter day?
Not lost in our locked churches, anymore
Than he was sealed in that dark sepulchre.
The locks are loosed; the stone is rolled away,
And he is up and risen, long before,
Alive, at large, and making his strong way
Into the world he gave his life to save,
No need to seek him in his empty grave.
He might have been a wafer in the hands
Of priests this day, or music from the lips
Of red-robed choristers, instead he slips
Away from church, shakes off our linen bands
To don his apron with a nurse: he grips
And lifts a stretcher, soothes with gentle hands
The frail flesh of the dying, gives them hope,
Breathes with the breathless, lends them strength to cope.
On Thursday we applauded, for he came
And served us in a thousand names and faces
Mopping our sickroom floors and catching traces
Of that virus which was death to him:
Good Friday happened in a thousand places
Where Jesus held the helpless, died with them
That they might share his Easter in their need,
Now they are risen with him, risen indeed.
The above poem was written for the extraordinary day that was Easter 2020 by Malcolm Guite (pronounced “gait”). Father Guite is a 62-year-old English poet, singer-songwriter, Anglican priest, and academic. Born in Nigeria, he earned degrees from Cambridge and Durham universities. Guite is currently Bye-Fellow and chaplain of Girton College, Cambridge, and associate chaplain of St. Edward King and Martyr in Cambridge, England. You can find out more about him and read his inspirational poetry by clicking on his highlighted name below the title of the poem above.
News from our Parish Community
Prayer for Times of Confusion
Lord Jesus Christ,
who feels the struggles of every heart,
sees the doubts of every mind,
we lay our confusions before you.
Already you know our thoughts.
You hold our bewilderment in your hand.
Whatever our falterings, you call us
to be your witness in the world.
Love us through this uncertainty.
Be present in this dim place.
Give us the light and hope of your presence
We pray in your name. Amen
Photo credit: Margaret Dick
Stewardship ~ In late March, Father Victor mailed a letter to all parishioners enclosing a copy of the the Annual Parish Financial Report for the fiscal year 2018-19. At this time, Father Victor and the parish finance council have done everything possible to cut expenses. Members of our relatively small staff are making great sacrifices, working drastically reduced hours or none at all. However, expenses — including large utility bills — continue. We realize that many of you may have experienced a loss of income during the economic shutdown. However, if you are in a position to continue supporting the parish financially, please consider your responsibilities as a “good steward” and help us to survive the difficult weeks ahead. Checks payable to “Blessed Trinity Church” should be sent to the church at 317 Leroy Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14214.
New Office Hours ~ The parish has temporarily reduced office hours to one day each week. Our secretary, Pat Pendleton, will be in the office every Wednesday from 10:30am-2:30pm.
Until the current COVID-19 restrictions on services and activities are lifted, we will not be preparing a weekly bulletin. However, there may well be announcements that Father Victor would like to share with our parish family. The most efficient way to do this is to utilize email messaging, but our secretary has email addresses for only about 40 parishioners. Please share your current email address with Pat so that you will be able to receive such announcements in a timely fashion. You may submit this information using the contact feature at the bottom of this page or by calling Pat at 716-833-0301 on Wednesdays between 10:30am and 2:30pm.
Keep abreast of the latest Diocesan announcements by visiting their Facebook page.
A Message from Catholic Charities Appeal 2020:
Catholic Charities is doing everything possible to continue to serve our neighbors in need at this time. We are operating every service we safely can and especially those most vital at this time such as basic emergency assistance, including our food pantries (all nine are up and running, assisted by CC staff from other departments) and counseling and mental health services. We are here to help! Many of our staff are working remotely and returning office calls daily.
For the Appeal, our office at 741 Delaware Ave. is closed to visitors. Parishes (and even individual parishioners) are asked to mail donations to our office, 741 Delaware Ave., Buffalo, NY 14209, Attn: Appeal Department. We also encourage online donations:https://www.ccwny.org/donation when possible. Appeal staff are working remotely and returning office calls daily. Please call Clara Moran, 716-713-4410, with questions or concerns. We are grateful for the returns that are being mailed already!
For a daily update about Catholic Charities, go to our home page at ccwny.org. Thank you!
Our “Congregation Book Read” ~ We hope that you have been participating by following along in your copy of Matthew Kelly’s Rediscover Jesus,and that it has inspired you on your journey to a joyful Easter.
Faith Formation Program Provides On-line Opportunities ~ Buffalo’s Department of Lifelong Faith Formation’s Youth and Young Adult Ministry has officially partnered with “ProjectYM Live” a program designed especially for youth and young adults. In this time of “Social Distancing,” try Church in a way our parents could never have imagined. And, everyone in the parish is invited to join our Confirmation students as they prepare for receipt of the Sacrament. Here is a link to Lesson 2: Catholic Social Teaching: A Brief Overview.
Our Faith Formation Program now has its own page on our web site. Click HERE to find complete information on the resumption of programs, classes and volunteer opportunities as it becomes available.
Call to Stewardship ~ Our Parish Finance Council seeks a parishioner with accounting skills to join our committee. Please see Father Victor if you are able to serve in this capacity.
The Diocese of Buffalo has joined other faith communities and civic organizations in partnering with the Census Bureau to help encourage all people in our community to participate in the 2020 Census. The census is a once-in-a-decade chance to inform how billions of dollars in funding are allocated for critical public services. Census statistics are used to determine the number of seats each state receives in the U.S. House of Representatives, and will also have an impact on planning and funding for health clinics and highways, fire departments and disaster response, education programs such as Head Start and college tuition assistance, and so much more. You can inspire others. Tell everyone – your friends and family, your neighbors and co-workers – that you will complete the census, and tell them why it’s important that they respond too. For more information, contact 2020census.gov.
The Buffalo Diocese “has determined that it is in the best interests of victims of past clergy sexual abuse, as well as the ongoing and essential work of Faith in WNY to pursue reorganization through Chapter 11 [Bankruptcy].” Their Office of Communications has created a web page, “Reorganizing for the Future…together” to help explain this choice. Find it at buffalodiocese.org
Is it time to update your contact information? During this period when the COVID-19 Protocols prevent us from attending church services, there will surely be occasions when the parish has important information to convey to the faithful. Does the church office have your correct mailing address and phone number? Have you shared your 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 be included in our online email list, register as a parishioner, or request envelopes. You can also submit the requested information by phoning our secretary at 716-833-0301 any 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.
Home Visits ~ Because of the COVID-19 protocols, Father Victor has had to discontinue his “last Friday” visits to homebound parishioners. However, if someone is ill and in need of Last Rites, please call him at the rectory.
News from our Vicariate Cluster and the Wider Community
Food Assistance for Seniors ~ The County of Erie advises anyone over the age of 60 who is in need of food assistance to call 716-858-8526.
Apr 11, 2020 | This Week
“O truly blessed night,
worthy alone to know the time and hour
when Christ rose from the underworld!”
from The Easter Proclamation (Exsultet)
Photo credit: Bonnie Hodur Williams
April 12 – April 19, 2020
Weekly Activities –
As of March 16, 2020, all services, meetings and activities are cancelled until further notice, with the exception of the Food Pantry.
Wednesday, April 15, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. ~ EXTENDED HOURS ~ Catholic Central Food Pantry in St. Charles Hall
Now operating every other Wednesday (April 15, April 29, May 13, etc.) but with extended hours. Volunteers will distribute pre-prepared bags of groceries.
Mass Intentions – As of March 16, 2020, all services are cancelled until further notice.
During these extraordinary times, several area Catholic churches are live-streaming weekend Masses. For your convenience, we are providing links to two of them:
Ss. Columba-Brigid
Live-streaming Saturdays at 4pm and Sundays at 9am (Spanish) and 11am (English)
St. Leo the Great (scroll down to “Live Stream”)
Live-streaming Saturdays at 4pm and Sundays at 9am and 11am; weekdays at 8am
We also invite you to follow the daily Mass readings for the week.
Readings for Easter Week, April 12-19, 2020
Easter Sunday: Acts 10:34A, 37-43; Ps 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23; Col 3:1-4; 1 Cor 5:6B-8; 1 Cor 5:7B-8A; Jn 20:1-9
Easter Monday: Acts 2:14, 22-23; Ps 16:1-2, 5,7-11; Mt 28:8-15
Easter Tuesday: Acts 2:36-41; Ps 33:4-5, 18-20, 22; Jn 20:11-18
Easter Wednesday: Acts 3:1-10; Ps 105:1-4, 6-9; Lk 24:13-35
Easter Thursday: Acts 3:11-26; Ps 8:2, 5-9; Lk 24:35-48
Easter Friday: Acts 4:1-12; Ps 118:1-2, 4, 22-27; Jn 21:1-14
Easter Saturday: Acts 4:13-21; Ps 118:1, 14-21; Mk 16:9-15
Second Sunday of Easter: Acts 2:42-27; Ps 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24; 1 Pt 1:3-9; Jn 20:19-31
Photo credit: Bridget Blesnuk
Pope Francis’ Easter Vigil Homily
April 11, 2020
In his Easter 2020 message, Pope Francis related our present situation to that of the women identified in Matthew’s Gospel, focusing on the gift that the women “prepared at home.”
“After the Sabbath” (Mt 28:1), the women went to the tomb. This is how the Gospel of this holy Vigil began: with the Sabbath. It is the day of the Easter Triduum that we tend to neglect as we eagerly await the passage from Friday’s cross to Easter Sunday’s Alleluia. This year however, we are experiencing, more than ever, the great silence of Holy Saturday. We can imagine ourselves in the position of the women on that day. They, like us, had before their eyes the drama of suffering, of an unexpected tragedy that happened all too suddenly. They had seen death and it weighed on their hearts. Pain was mixed with fear: would they suffer the same fate as the Master? Then too there was fear about the future and all that would need to be rebuilt. A painful memory, a hope cut short. For them, as for us, it was the darkest hour.
Yet in this situation the women did not allow themselves to be paralyzed. They did not give in to the gloom of sorrow and regret, they did not morosely close in on themselves, or flee from reality. They were doing something simple yet extraordinary: preparing at home the spices to anoint the body of Jesus. They did not stop loving; in the darkness of their hearts, they lit a flame of mercy. Our Lady spent that Saturday, the day that would be dedicated to her, in prayer and hope. She responded to sorrow with trust in the Lord. Unbeknownst to these women, they were making preparations, in the darkness of that Sabbath, for “the dawn of the first day of the week”, the day that would change history. Jesus, like a seed buried in the ground, was about to make new life blossom in the world; and these women, by prayer and love, were helping to make that hope flower. How many people, in these sad days, have done and are still doing what those women did, sowing seeds of hope! With small gestures of care, affection and prayer.
At dawn the women went to the tomb. There the angel says to them: “Do not be afraid. He is not here; for he has risen” (vv. 5-6). They hear the words of life even as they stand before a tomb… And then they meet Jesus, the giver of all hope, who confirms the message and says: “Do not be afraid” (v. 10). Do not be afraid, do not yield to fear: This is the message of hope. It is addressed to us, today. These are the words that God repeats to us this very night.
Tonight we acquire a fundamental right that can never be taken away from us: the right to hope. It is a new and living hope that comes from God. It is not mere optimism; it is not a pat on the back or an empty word of encouragement. It is a gift from heaven, which we could not have earned on our own. Over these weeks, we have kept repeating, “All will be well”, clinging to the beauty of our humanity and allowing words of encouragement to rise up from our hearts. But as the days go by and fears grow, even the boldest hope can dissipate. Jesus’ hope is different. He plants in our hearts the conviction that God is able to make everything work unto good, because even from the grave he brings life.
“May the light of Christ rising in glory
dispel the darkness of
our hearts and minds.”
from the Blessing of the [Easter] Fire”
Photo credit: Bonnie Hodur Williams
The grave is the place where no one who enters ever leaves. But Jesus emerged for us; he rose for us, to bring life where there was death, to begin a new story in the very place where a stone had been placed. He, who rolled away the stone that sealed the entrance of the tomb, can also remove the stones in our hearts. So, let us not give in to resignation; let us not place a stone before hope. We can and must hope, because God is faithful. He did not abandon us; he visited us and entered into our situations of pain, anguish and death. His light dispelled the darkness of the tomb: today he wants that light to penetrate even to the darkest corners of our lives. Dear sister, dear brother, even if in your heart you have buried hope, do not give up: God is greater. Darkness and death do not have the last word. Be strong, for with God nothing is lost!
Courage. This is a word often spoken by Jesus in the Gospels. Only once do others say it, to encourage a person in need: “Courage; rise, [Jesus] is calling you!” (Mk 10:49). It is he, the Risen One, who raises us up from our neediness. If, on your journey, you feel weak and frail, or fall, do not be afraid, God holds out a helping hand and says to you: “Courage!”. You might say, as did Don Abbondio (in Manzoni’s novel), “Courage is not something you can give yourself” (I Promessi Sposi, XXV). True, you cannot give it to yourself, but you can receive it as a gift. All you have to do is open your heart in prayer and roll away, however slightly, that stone placed at the entrance to your heart so that Jesus’ light can enter. You only need to ask him: “Jesus, come to me amid my fears and tell me too: Courage!” With you, Lord, we will be tested but not shaken. And, whatever sadness may dwell in us, we will be strengthened in hope, since with you the cross leads to the resurrection, because you are with us in the darkness of our nights; you are certainty amid our uncertainties, the word that speaks in our silence, and nothing can ever rob us of the love you have for us.
This is the Easter message, a message of hope. It contains a second part, the sending forth. “Go and tell my brethren to go to Galilee” (Mt 28:10), Jesus says. “He is going before you to Galilee” (v. 7), the angel says. The Lord goes before us. It is encouraging to know that he walks ahead of us in life and in death; he goes before us to Galilee, that is, to the place which for him and his disciples evoked the idea of daily life, family and work. Jesus wants us to bring hope there, to our everyday life. For the disciples, Galilee was also the place of remembrance, for it was the place where they were first called. Returning to Galilee means remembering that we have been loved and called by God. We need to resume the journey, reminding ourselves that we are born and reborn thanks to an invitation given gratuitously to us out of love. This is always the point from which we can set out anew, especially in times of crisis and trial.
But there is more. Galilee was the farthest region from where they were: from Jerusalem. And not only geographically. Galilee was also the farthest place from the sacredness of the Holy City. It was an area where people of different religions lived: it was the “Galilee of the Gentiles” (Mt 4:15). Jesus sends them there and asks them to start again from there. What does this tell us? That the message of hope should not be confined to our sacred places, but should be brought to everyone. For everyone is in need of reassurance, and if we, who have touched “the Word of life” (1 Jn 1:1) do not give it, who will? How beautiful it is to be Christians who offer consolation, who bear the burdens of others and who offer encouragement: messengers of life in a time of death! In every Galilee, in every area of the human family to which we all belong and which is part of us – for we are all brothers and sisters – may we bring the song of life! Let us silence the cries of death, no more wars! May we stop the production and trade of weapons, since we need bread, not guns. Let the abortion and killing of innocent lives end. May the hearts of those who have enough be open to filling the empty hands of those who do not have the bare necessities.
Those women, in the end, “took hold” of Jesus’ feet (Mt 28:9); feet that had travelled so far to meet us, to the point of entering and emerging from the tomb. The women embraced the feet that had trampled death and opened the way of hope. Today, as pilgrims in search of hope, we cling to you, Risen Jesus. We turn our backs on death and open our hearts to you, for you are Life itself.
Photo credit: Bonnie Hodur Williams
News from our Parish Community
Prayer for Times of Confusion
Lord Jesus Christ,
who feels the struggles of every heart,
sees the doubts of every mind,
we lay our confusions before you.
Already you know our thoughts.
You hold our bewilderment in your hand.
Whatever our falterings, you call us
to be your witness in the world.
Love us through this uncertainty.
Be present in this dim place.
Give us the light and hope of your presence
We pray in your name. Amen
Stewardship ~ In late March, Father Victor mailed a letter to all parishioners enclosing a copy of the the Annual Parish Financial Report for the fiscal year 2018-19. At this time, Father Victor and the parish finance council have done everything possible to cut expenses. Members of our relatively small staff are making great sacrifices, working drastically reduced hours or none at all. However, expenses — including large utility bills — continue. We realize that many of you may have experienced a loss of income during the economic shutdown. However, if you are in a position to continue supporting the parish financially, please consider your responsibilities as a “good steward” and help us to survive the difficult weeks ahead. Checks payable to “Blessed Trinity Church” should be sent to the church at 317 Leroy Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14214.
New Office Hours ~ The parish has temporarily reduced office hours to one day each week. Our secretary, Pat Pendleton, will be in the office every Wednesday from 10:30am-2:30pm.
Until the current COVID-19 restrictions on services and activities are lifted, we will not be preparing a weekly bulletin. However, there may well be announcements that Father Victor would like to share with our parish family. The most efficient way to do this is to utilize email messaging, but our secretary has email addresses for only about 40 parishioners. Please share your current email address with Pat so that you will be able to receive such announcements in a timely fashion. You may submit this information using the contact feature at the bottom of this page or by calling Pat at 716-833-0301 on Wednesdays between 10:30am and 2:30pm.
Keep abreast of the latest Diocesan announcements by visiting their Facebook page.
A Message from Catholic Charities Appeal 2020:
Catholic Charities is doing everything possible to continue to serve our neighbors in need at this time. We are operating every service we safely can and especially those most vital at this time such as basic emergency assistance, including our food pantries (all nine are up and running, assisted by CC staff from other departments) and counseling and mental health services. We are here to help! Many of our staff are working remotely and returning office calls daily.
For the Appeal, our office at 741 Delaware Ave. is closed to visitors. Parishes (and even individual parishioners) are asked to mail donations to our office, 741 Delaware Ave., Buffalo, NY 14209, Attn: Appeal Department. We also encourage online donations:https://www.ccwny.org/donation when possible. Appeal staff are working remotely and returning office calls daily. Please call Clara Moran, 716-713-4410, with questions or concerns. We are grateful for the returns that are being mailed already!
For a daily update about Catholic Charities, go to our home page at ccwny.org. Thank you!
Our “Congregation Book Read” ~ We hope that you have been participating by following along in your copy of Matthew Kelly’s Rediscover Jesus,and that it has inspired you on your journey to a joyful Easter.
Faith Formation Program Provides On-line Opportunities ~ Buffalo’s Department of Lifelong Faith Formation’s Youth and Young Adult Ministry has officially partnered with “ProjectYM Live” a program designed especially for youth and young adults. In this time of “Social Distancing,” try Church in a way our parents could never have imagined. And, everyone in the parish is invited to join our Confirmation students as they prepare for receipt of the Sacrament. Here is a link to Lesson 2: Catholic Social Teaching: A Brief Overview.
Our Faith Formation Program now has its own page on our web site. Click HERE to find complete information on the resumption of programs, classes and volunteer opportunities as it becomes available.
Call to Stewardship ~ Our Parish Finance Council seeks a parishioner with accounting skills to join our committee. Please see Father Victor if you are able to serve in this capacity.
The Diocese of Buffalo has joined other faith communities and civic organizations in partnering with the Census Bureau to help encourage all people in our community to participate in the 2020 Census. The census is a once-in-a-decade chance to inform how billions of dollars in funding are allocated for critical public services. Census statistics are used to determine the number of seats each state receives in the U.S. House of Representatives, and will also have an impact on planning and funding for health clinics and highways, fire departments and disaster response, education programs such as Head Start and college tuition assistance, and so much more. You can inspire others. Tell everyone – your friends and family, your neighbors and co-workers – that you will complete the census, and tell them why it’s important that they respond too. For more information, contact 2020census.gov.
The Buffalo Diocese “has determined that it is in the best interests of victims of past clergy sexual abuse, as well as the ongoing and essential work of Faith in WNY to pursue reorganization through Chapter 11 [Bankruptcy].” Their Office of Communications has created an informative page, “Reorganizing for the Future…together” to help explain this choice. Find it at buffalodiocese.org
Anyone interested in coordinating a prayer group, such as Pious Society, Sacred Heart, St. Jude, Altar Rosary, etc., please see Fr. Victor or email the church office at blessedtrinitychurch [at] gmail [dot] com.
Is it time to update your contact information? During this period when the COVID-19 Protocols prevent us from attending church services, there will surely be occasions when the parish has important information to convey to the faithful. Does the church office have your correct mailing address and phone number? Have you shared your 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 be included in our online email list, register as a parishioner, or request envelopes. You can also submit the requested information by phoning our secretary at 716-833-0301 any 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.
Home Visits ~ Because of the COVID-19 protocols, Father Victor has had to discontinue his “last Friday” visits to homebound parishioners. However, if someone is ill and in need of Last Rites, please call him at the rectory.
News from our Vicariate Cluster and the Wider Community
Food Assistance for Seniors ~ The County of Erie advises anyone over the age of 60 who is in need of food assistance to call 716-858-8526.
Apr 5, 2020 | This Week
April 5 – April 12, 2020
Weekly Activities –
As of March 16, 2020, all services, meetings and activities are cancelled until further notice, with the exception of the Food Pantry.
Wednesday, April 15, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. ~ EXTENDED HOURS ~ Catholic Central Food Pantry in St. Charles Hall
Now operating every other Wednesday (April 1, April 15, April 29, etc.) but with extended hours. Volunteers will distribute pre-prepared bags of groceries.
Mass Intentions – As of March 16, 2020, all services are cancelled until further notice.
During these extraordinary times, several area Catholic churches are live-streaming weekend Masses. For your convenience, we are providing links to two of them:
Ss. Columba-Brigid
Live-streaming Saturdays at 4pm and Sundays at 9am (Spanish) and 11am (English)
St. Leo the Great (scroll down to “Live Stream”)
Live-streaming Saturdays at 4pm and Sundays at 9am and 11am; weekdays at 8am
We also invite you to follow the daily Mass readings for the week.
Readings for Holy Week, April 5-12, 2020
Sunday: Is 50:4-7; Ps 22:8-9, 17-20, 23-24; Phil 2:6-11; Mt 26:14–27:66
Monday: Is 42:1-7; Ps 27:1-3, 13-14; Jn 12:1-11
Tuesday: Is 49-1-6; Ps 71:1-4a, 5ab-6ab, 15, 17; Jn 13:21-33, 36-38
Wednesday: Is 50:4-9a; Ps 69:8-10, 21-22, 31, 33-34; Mt 26:14-25
Holy Thursday: Ex 12:1-8, 11-14 (39ABC); Ps 116:12-13, 15-16bc, 17-18; 1 Cor 11:23-26; Jn 13:1-15
Good Friday: Is 52:13 – 53:12; Ps 31:2, 6, 12-13, 15-16, 17, 25; Heb 4:14-16, 5:7-9; Jn 18:1 – 19:42
Holy Saturday: Gn 1:1 – 2:2; Ps 104:1-2, 5-6, 10, 12, 13-14, 24, 35 OR Ps 33:4-5, 6-7. 12-13, 20, 22; Gn 22:1-18 OR Gn 22:1-2, 9A, 10-13, 15-18; Ps 16:5, 8, 9-10, 11; Ex 14:15 -15:1; Ex 15:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 17-18; Is 54:5-14; Ps 30:2, 4, 5-6, 11-12, 13; Is 55:1-11; Is 12:2-3, 4, 5-6; Bar 3:9-15, 32 – 4:4; Ps 19:8, 9, 10, 11; Ez 36:16-17A, 18-28; Ps 42:3, 5, 43:3.4; Is 12:2-3, 4BCD, 5-6; Ps 51:12-13. 14-15, 18-19; Rom 6:3-11; Ps 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23; Mt 28:1-10
Easter Sunday: Acts 10:34A, 37-43; Ps 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23; Col 3:1-4; 1 Cor 5:6B-8; 1 Cor 5:7B-8A; Jn 20:1-9
Reflection and Prayer for Palm Sunday
from Lenten Light: Reflections and Prayers by Fr. Thomas Connery
“God’s Donkey” ~ Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Mark 11:10
“Corrie ten Boom survivor of the Nazi concentration camp and author of The Hiding Place, was once asked if it was difficult for her to remain humble. She simply replied, ‘When Jesus rode into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday on the back of a donkey, and everyone was waving palm branches and throwing garments on the path and singing praises, do you think that for one moment it even entered the head of the donkey that any of that was for him?’
Our vocation in life is to be the Lord’s donkey. We are to be used by him for his purpose wherever and whatever that may be. We seek to know and love the Lord. We will be at times overworked, overlooked and taken advantage of. This is our sacrifice. Not only does the Lord know his sheep, he knows his donkeys as well.
All-powerful Father, I am on this earth just for a short time. May I seek to please and serve you and not strive for the worldly honor. Let me be the donkey your son uses. Amen.“
News from our Parish Community
We all wish that we could worship together as a parish family this Holy Week. For almost everyone, this is the first time in our lives that we will not be attending Palm Sunday and Holy Week services. But these are extraordinary times, as acknowledged by Pope Francis on March 27, 2020, when he bestowed his special blessing, “Urbi et Orbi,” (To the City and to the World). As he prayed for an end to the Covid-19 corona virus pandemic, Pope Francis meditated on the calming of the storm from the Gospel of Mark. and reflected on Jesus’ words to His disciples: “Why are you afraid? Have you no faith?” He repeated these words at the end of his message and added this prayer:
“Dear brothers and sisters, from this place that tells of Peter’s rock-solid faith, I would like this evening to entrust all of you to the Lord, through the intercession of Mary, Health of the People and Star of the stormy Sea. From this colonnade that embraces Rome and the whole world, may God’s blessing come down upon you as a consoling embrace. Lord, may you bless the world, give health to our bodies and comfort our hearts. You ask us not to be afraid. Yet our faith is weak and we are fearful. But you, Lord, will not leave us at the mercy of the storm. Tell us again: ‘Do not be afraid’ (Mt. 28:5). And we, together with Peter, ‘cast all our anxieties onto you, for you care about us.’ (cf. 1 Pet 5:7).”
If you are anxious and looking for comfort and reassurance, please read the full text of the Pontiff’s address and blessing.
Prayer for Times of Confusion ~ The following prayer appeared in our church bulletin on May 8, 2005 (Ascension Sunday).
Lord Jesus Christ,
who feels the struggles of every heart,
sees the doubts of every mind,
we lay our confusions before you.
Already you know our thoughts.
You hold our bewilderment in your hand.
Whatever our falterings, you call us
to be your witness in the world.
Love us through this uncertainty.
Be present in this dim place.
Give us the light and hope of your presence
We pray in your name. Amen
New Office Hours ~ The parish has temporarily reduced office hours to one day each week. Our secretary, Pat Pendleton, will be in the office every Wednesday from 10:30am-2:30pm.
Until the current COVID-19 restrictions on services and activities are lifted, we will not be preparing a weekly bulletin. However, there may well be announcements that Father Victor would like to share with our parish family. The most efficient way to do this is to utilize email messaging, but our secretary has email addresses for only about 40 parishioners. Please share your current email address with Pat so that you will be able to receive such announcements in a timely fashion. The easiest way to do that is by using the contact feature at the bottom of this page. You may also call her at 716-833-0301 on Wednesdays between 10:30am and 2:30pm.
The Annual Parish Financial Report for the fiscal year 2018-2019 has been mailed to parishioners, together with a March 25, 2020 letter from Father Victor. If you did not receive a copy, it may be that the office does not have your correct contact information. Please call the rectory on Wednesday between 10:30am and 2:30pm and verify your address.
Aiding You on Your Lenten Journey ~ At the beginning of Lent, The Parish Council compiled a list of suggested daily prayer intentions to assist our parishioners on their Lenten journey to a joyful Easter season. These prayer intentions take on an even more significant role now that services and activities have been cancelled, Please use the link above to view them and remember them during your at-home prayer.
Keep abreast of the latest Diocesan announcements by visiting their Facebook page.
A Message from Catholic Charities Appeal 2020:
Catholic Charities is doing everything possible to continue to serve our neighbors in need at this time. We are operating every service we safely can and especially those most vital at this time such as basic emergency assistance, including our food pantries (all nine are up and running, assisted by CC staff from other departments) and counseling and mental health services. We are here to help! Many of our staff are working remotely and returning office calls daily.
For the Appeal, our office at 741 Delaware Ave. is closed to visitors. Parishes (and even individual parishioners) are asked to mail donations to our office, 741 Delaware Ave., Buffalo, NY 14209, Attn: Appeal Department. We also encourage online donations:https://www.ccwny.org/donation when possible. Appeal staff are working remotely and returning office calls daily. Please call Clara Moran, 716-713-4410, with questions or concerns. We are grateful for the returns that are being mailed already!
For a daily update about Catholic Charities, go to our home page at ccwny.org. Thank you!
Lenten Stations of the Cross have been cancelled. Please pray the Stations of the Cross at home and join your prayer with others who are doing the same. Our Lord and Savior does not need to practice social distancing and is always waiting for you to reach out.
Our “Congregation Book Read” ~ We hope that you have been participating by following along in your copy of Matthew Kelly’s Rediscover Jesus. Although we will not be able to gather in St. Charles Hall and discuss the book, you can still use it to inspire you as you journey to a joyful Easter.
Faith Formation Program Provides On-line Opportunities ~ Buffalo’s Department of Lifelong Faith Formation’s Youth and Young Adult Ministry has officially partnered with “ProjectYM Live” a program designed especially for youth and young adults. In this time of “Social Distancing,” try Church in a way our parents could never have imagined. And, everyone in the parish is invited to join our Confirmation students as they prepare for receipt of the Sacrament. Here is a link to Lesson 2: Catholic Social Teaching: A Brief Overview.
Our Faith Formation Program now has its own page on our web site. Click HERE to find complete information on the resumption of programs, classes and volunteer opportunities as it becomes available.
The St. John Paul II Schola Cantorum
Tenebrae Service Cancelled ~ We regret that an adaptation of the Good Friday Liturgy of Tenebrae, tentatively scheduled to take place in our church on Friday evening, April 3, has been cancelled. Our parish looks forward to hosting the St. John Paul II Schola Cantorum, an a cappella choir dedicated to performing, promoting and preserving the great treasury of sacred choral music, in the very near future.
Outreach Aids ~ For the convenience of donors, we now have envelopes specifically designed for Under This Roof contributions, including remembrances “in memoriam.” We are also re-introducing parish “business cards,” which you can use when inviting someone to join us for worship. Both can be found in a display rack on the guest book table at the middle crossing of the church.
Call to Stewardship ~ Our Parish Finance Council seeks a parishioner with accounting skills to join our committee. Please see Father Victor if you are able to serve in this capacity.
The Diocese of Buffalo has joined other faith communities and civic organizations in partnering with the Census Bureau to help encourage all people in our community to participate in the 2020 Census. The census is a once-in-a-decade chance to inform how billions of dollars in funding are allocated for critical public services. Census statistics are used to determine the number of seats each state receives in the U.S. House of Representatives, and will also have an impact on planning and funding for health clinics and highways, fire departments and disaster response, education programs such as Head Start and college tuition assistance, and so much more. You can inspire others. Tell everyone – your friends and family, your neighbors and co-workers – that you will complete the census, and tell them why it’s important that they respond too. For more information, contact 2020census.gov.
The Buffalo Diocese “has determined that it is in the best interests of victims of past clergy sexual abuse, as well as the ongoing and essential work of Faith in WNY to pursue reorganization through Chapter 11 [Bankruptcy].” Their Office of Communications has created an informative page, “Reorganizing for the Future…together” to help explain this choice. Find it at buffalodiocese.org
Anyone interested in coordinating a prayer group, such as Pious Society, Sacred Heart, St. Jude, Altar Rosary, etc., please see Fr. Victor or email the church office at blessedtrinitychurch [at] gmail [dot] com.
Is it time to update your contact information? During this period when the COVID-19 Protocols prevent us from attending church services, there will surely be occasions when the parish has important information to convey to the faithful. Does the church office have your correct mailing address and phone number? Have you shared your 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 be included in our online email list, register as a parishioner, or request envelopes. You can also submit the requested information by phoning our secretary at 716-833-0301 any 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.
Home Visits ~ Please notify the church office if you know of aged, sick, or home bound parishioners who may wish to receive a visit and the Eucharist on the last Friday of each month.
News from our Vicariate Cluster and the Wider Community
Help for Seniors and Caregivers ~ Information about housing options, healthcare, insurance, and other important topics of aging may be found at caring.com, a leading resource, featured by AARP, The Administration for Community Living, The National Legal Resource Center, and Forbes.
Mar 29, 2020 | This Week
“Then you shall know that I am the LORD, when I open your graves and have you rise from them, O my people!
I will put my spirit in you that you may live….”
Ezekiel 37: 13-14
Iconography from church facade.
Photo credit: Margaret Dick
March 29 – April 5, 2020
Weekly Activities –
As of March 16, 2020, all services, meetings and activities are cancelled until further notice, with the exception of the Food Pantry.
Wednesday, March 25 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. ~ EXTENDED HOURS ~ Catholic Central Food Pantry in St. Charles Hall
Now operating every other Wednesday (April 1, April 15, April 29, etc.) but with extended hours. Volunteers will distribute pre-prepared bags of groceries.
Mass Intentions – As of March 16, 2020, all services are cancelled until further notice.
During these extraordinary times, several area Catholic churches are live-streaming weekend Masses. For your convenience, we are providing links to two of them:
Ss. Columba-Brigid
Live-streaming Saturdays at 4pm and Sundays at 9am (Spanish) and 11am (English)
St. Leo the Great (scroll down to “Live Stream”)
Live-streaming Saturdays at 4pm and Sundays at 9am and 11am; weekdays at 8am
We also invite you to follow the daily Mass readings for the week.
Readings for the week of March 29, 2020
Sunday: Ez 37:12-14; Ps 130:1-8; Rom 8:8-11; Jn 11:1-45
Monday: Dn 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62; Ps 23:1-6; Jn 8:1-11
Tuesday: Nm 21:4-9; Ps 102:2-3, 16-21; Jn 8:21-30
Wednesday: Dn 3:14-20, 91-92, 95; Dn 3:52-56; Jn 8:31-42
Thursday: Gn 17:3-9; Ps 105:4-9; Jn 8:51-59
Friday: Jer 20:10-13; Ps 18:2-7; Jn 10:31-42
Saturday: Ez 37:21-28; Jer 31:10-13; Jn 11:45-56
Sunday: Is 50:4-7; Ps 22:8-9, 17-20, 23-24; Phil 2:6-11; Mt 26:14–27:66
News from our Parish Community
New Office Hours ~ The parish has temporarily reduced office hours to one day each week. Our secretary, Pat Pendleton, will be in the office every Wednesday from 10:30am-2:30pm.
Until the current COVID-19 restrictions on services and activities are lifted, we will not be preparing a weekly bulletin. However, there may well be announcements that Father Victor would like to share with our parish family. The most efficient way to do this is to utilize email messaging, but our secretary has email addresses for only about 40 parishioners. Please share your current email address with Pat so that you will be able to receive such announcements in a timely fashion. The easiest way to do that is by using the contact feature at the bottom of this page. You may also call her at 716-833-0301 on Wednesdays between 10:30am and 2:30pm.
The Annual Parish Financial Report for the fiscal year 2018-2019 has been mailed to parishioners, together with a March 25, 2020 letter from Father Victor. If you did not receive a copy, it may be that the office does not have your correct contact information. Please call the rectory on Wednesday between 10:30am and 2:30pm and verify your address.
Aiding You on Your Lenten Journey ~ At the beginning of Lent, The Parish Council compiled a list of suggested daily prayer intentions to assist our parishioners on their Lenten journey to a joyful Easter season. These prayer intentions take on an even more significant role now that services and activities have been cancelled, Please use the link above to view them and remember them during your at-home prayer.
Keep abreast of the latest Diocesan announcements by visiting their Facebook page.
Lenten Stations of the Cross have been cancelled. Please pray the Stations of the Cross at home and join your prayer with others who are doing the same. Our Lord and Savior does not need to practice social distancing and is always waiting for you to reach out.
Our “Congregation Book Read” ~ We hope that you have been participating by following along in your copy of Matthew Kelly’s Rediscover Jesus. Although we will not be able to gather in St. Charles Hall and discuss the book, you can still use it to inspire you as you journey to a joyful Easter.
Faith Formation Program Provides On-line Opportunities ~ Buffalo’s Department of Lifelong Faith Formation’s Youth and Young Adult Ministry has officially partnered with “ProjectYM Live” a program designed especially for youth and young adults. In this time of “Social Distancing,” try Church in a way our parents could never have imagined. And, everyone in the parish is invited to join our Confirmation students as they prepare for receipt of the Sacrament. Here is a link to Lesson 2: Catholic Social Teaching: A Brief Overview.
Our Faith Formation Program now has its own page on our web site. Click HERE to find complete information on the resumption of programs, classes and volunteer opportunities as it becomes available.
The Annual Catholic Charities Appeal has started. Donated funds go to agencies run by Catholic Charities or to the Fund for the Faith that supports diocesan programs such as campus and hospital ministries. None of the funds collected for Catholic Charities will be used for legal settlements or awards to abuse victims. Pledge cards are in the mail to you. They include an option that allows you to direct your contribution to Catholic Charities, the Fund for the Faith, or both. During this period of isolation, the services provided by Catholic Charities are even more essential. Please give generously. You may mail your donation/pledge card directly to Blessed Trinity or the diocese. (It will be credited to our parish). If you are in need of a pledge card or have questions, contact Bob Heicklen, 716-881-3793.
The St. John Paul II Schola Cantorum
Tenebrae Service Cancelled ~ We regret that an adaptation of the Good Friday Liturgy of Tenebrae, tentatively scheduled to take place in our church on Friday evening, April 3, has been cancelled. Our parish looks forward to hosting the St. John Paul II Schola Cantorum, an a cappella choir dedicated to performing, promoting and preserving the great treasury of sacred choral music, in the very near future.
Outreach Aids ~ For the convenience of donors, we now have envelopes specifically designed for Under This Roof contributions, including remembrances “in memoriam.” We are also re-introducing parish “business cards,” which you can use when inviting someone to join us for worship. Both can be found in a display rack on the guest book table at the middle crossing of the church.
Call to Stewardship ~ Our Parish Finance Council seeks a parishioner with accounting skills to join our committee. Please see Father Victor if you are able to serve in this capacity.
The Diocese of Buffalo has joined other faith communities and civic organizations in partnering with the Census Bureau to help encourage all people in our community to participate in the 2020 Census. The census is a once-in-a-decade chance to inform how billions of dollars in funding are allocated for critical public services. Census statistics are used to determine the number of seats each state receives in the U.S. House of Representatives, and will also have an impact on planning and funding for health clinics and highways, fire departments and disaster response, education programs such as Head Start and college tuition assistance, and so much more. You can inspire others. Tell everyone – your friends and family, your neighbors and co-workers – that you will complete the census, and tell them why it’s important that they respond too. For more information, contact 2020census.gov.
The Buffalo Diocese “has determined that it is in the best interests of victims of past clergy sexual abuse, as well as the ongoing and essential work of Faith in WNY to pursue reorganization through Chapter 11 [Bankruptcy].” Their Office of Communications has created an informative page, “Reorganizing for the Future…together” to help explain this choice. Find it at buffalodiocese.org
Anyone interested in coordinating a prayer group, such as Pious Society, Sacred Heart, St. Jude, Altar Rosary, etc., please see Fr. Victor or email the church office at blessedtrinitychurch [at] gmail [dot] com.
Is it time to update your contact information? During this period when the COVID-19 Protocols prevent us from attending church services, there will surely be occasions when the parish has important information to convey to the faithful. Does the church office have your correct mailing address and phone number? Have you shared your 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 be included in our online email list, register as a parishioner, or request envelopes. You can also submit the requested information by phoning our secretary at 716-833-0301 any 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.
Home Visits ~ Please notify the church office if you know of aged, sick, or home bound parishioners who may wish to receive a visit and the Eucharist on the last Friday of each month.
News from our Vicariate Cluster and the Wider Community
Help for Seniors and Caregivers ~ Information about housing options, healthcare, insurance, and other important topics of aging may be found at caring.com, a leading resource, featured by AARP, The Administration for Community Living, The National Legal Resource Center, and Forbes.
Mar 24, 2020 | This Week
The Annunciation of the Lord
March 25
On March 25 the Church celebrates the Angel Gabriel’s visit to Mary, announcing that she has “found favor with God” and need not fear accepting her role in salvation. His assurance includes the message that: “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God.” Lk. 1:35. The Annunciation is also remembered in a Joyful Mystery of the Rosary of the same name, which is symbolized along with the other Joyful Mysteries in the rose window in the left transept of the church. The symbol – a dove – is the second symbol from the top on the right.
Rev. Walter Kern’s “Guidebook to Blessed Trinity R. C. Church,” page 43.
Photo credit: Derek Gee, Buffalo News
March 22 – March 29, 2020
Weekly Activities –
As of March 16, 2020, all services, meetings and activities are cancelled until further notice, with the exception of the Food Pantry.
Wednesday, March 25 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. ~ EXTENDED HOURS ~ Catholic Central Food Pantry in St. Charles Hall
NOW OPERATING EVERY OTHER WEDNESDAY (MARCH 18, APRIL 1, APRIL 15, ETC) BUT WITH EXTENDED HOURS.
VOLUNTEERS WILL DISTRIBUTE PRE-PREPARED BAGS OF GROCERIES.
Mass Intentions – As of March 16, 2020, all services are cancelled until further notice.
During these extraordinary times, several area Catholic churches are live-streaming weekend Masses. For your convenience, we are providing links to two of them:
Ss. Columba-Brigid
Live-streaming Saturdays at 4pm and Sundays at 9am (Spanish) and 11am (English)
St. Leo the Great (scroll down to “Live Stream”)
Live-streaming Saturdays at 4pm and Sundays at 9am and 11am; weekdays at 8am
We also invite you to follow the daily Mass readings for the week.
Readings for the week of March 22, 2020
Sunday: 1 Sm 16:1, 6-7, 10-13; Ps 23:1-6; Eph 5:8-14;Jn 9:1-41
Monday: Is 65:17-21; Ps 30:2, 4-6, 11-13; Jn 4:43-54
Tuesday: Ez 47:1-9, 12; Ps 46: 2-3, 5-6, 8-9; Jn 5:1-16
Wednesday: Is 7:10-14; 8:10; Ps 40:7-11; Heb 10:4-10; Lk 1:26-38
Thursday: Ex 32:7-14; Ps 106:19-23; Jn 5:31-47
Friday: Wis 2:1, 12-22; Ps 34:17-21, 23; Jn 7:1-2, 10, 25-30
Saturday: Jer 11:18-20; Ps 7:2-3, 9-12; Jn 7:40-53
Sunday: Ez 37:12-14; Ps 130:1-8; Rom 8:8-11; Jn 11:1-45
News from our Parish Community
New Office Hours ~ The parish has temporarily reduced office hours to one day each week. Our secretary, Pat Pendleton, will be in the office every Wednesday from 10:30am-2:30pm.
“Companions” on Your Lenten Journey ~ The Parish Council created two documents to assist our parishioners on their Lenten journey to a joyful Easter season: (1) a compilation of suggested daily prayer intentions and (2) a complete calendar of religious services, special programs and activities from Ash Wednesday through May 2, 2020. These prayer intentions take on an even more significant role now that services and activities have been cancelled, Please use the link above to view them and add them to your at-home prayer.
Lenten Stations of the Cross have been cancelled. Please pray the Stations of the Cross at home and join your prayer with others who are doing the same. Our Lord and Savior does not need to practice social distancing and is always waiting for you to reach out.
Our “Congregation Book Read” ~ We hope that you have been participating by following along in your copy of Matthew Kelly’s Rediscover Jesus. Although we will not be able to gather in St. Charles Hall and discuss the book, you can still use it to inspire you as you journey to a joyful Easter.
Faith Formation Program Provides On-line Opportunities ~ Buffalo’s Department of Lifelong Faith Formation’s Youth and Young Adult Ministry has officially partnered with “ProjectYM Live” a program designed especially for youth and young adults. In this time of “Social Distancing,” try Church in a way our parents could never have imagined. And, everyone in the parish is invited to join our Confirmation students as they prepare for receipt of the Sacrament. Here is a link to Lesson 2: Catholic Social Teaching: A Brief Overview.
Our Faith Formation Program now has its own page on our web site. Click HERE to find complete information on the resumption of programs, classes and volunteer opportunities as it becomes available.
The Annual Parish Financial Report for the fiscal year 2018-2019 is now available to parishioners. If you did not receive a copy with your bulletin on March 14/15, you may request one by calling the rectory on Wednesday between 10:30am and 2:30pm.
The Annual Catholic Charities Appeal has started. Donated funds go to agencies run by Catholic Charities or to the Fund for the Faith that supports diocesan programs such as campus and hospital ministries. None of the funds collected for Catholic Charities will be used for legal settlements or awards to abuse victims. Pledge cards are in the mail to you. They include an option that allows you to direct your contribution to Catholic Charities, the Fund for the Faith, or both. During this period of isolation, the services provided by Catholic Charities are even more essential. Please give generously. You may mail your donation/pledge card directly to Blessed Trinity or the diocese. (It will be credited to our parish). If you are in need of a pledge card or have questions, contact Bob Heicklen, 716-881-3793.
The St. John Paul II Schola Cantorum
Tenebrae Service Cancelled ~ An adaptation of the Good Friday Liturgy of Tenebrae, tentatively scheduled to take place in our church on Friday evening, April 3, has been cancelled. We have it on good authority that rehearsals were going well, and members of the St. John Paul II Schola Cantorum are very disappointed that current circumstances have forced the decision to cancel.
Outreach Aids ~ For the convenience of donors, we now have envelopes specifically designed for Under This Roof contributions, including remembrances “in memoriam.” We are also re-introducing parish “business cards,” which you can use when inviting someone to join us for worship. Both can be found in a display rack on the guest book table at the middle crossing of the church.
Call to Stewardship ~ Our Parish Finance Council seeks a parishioner with accounting skills to join our committee. Please see Father Victor if you are able to serve in this capacity.
The Diocese of Buffalo has joined other faith communities and civic organizations in partnering with the Census Bureau to help encourage all people in our community to participate in the 2020 Census. The census is a once-in-a-decade chance to inform how billions of dollars in funding are allocated for critical public services. Census statistics are used to determine the number of seats each state receives in the U.S. House of Representatives, and will also have an impact on planning and funding for health clinics and highways, fire departments and disaster response, education programs such as Head Start and college tuition assistance, and so much more. You can inspire others. Tell everyone – your friends and family, your neighbors and co-workers – that you will complete the census, and tell them why it’s important that they respond too. For more information, contact 2020census.gov.
The Buffalo Diocese “has determined that it is in the best interests of victims of past clergy sexual abuse, as well as the ongoing and essential work of Faith in WNY to pursue reorganization through Chapter 11 [Bankruptcy].” Their Office of Communications has created an informative page, “Reorganizing for the Future…together” to help explain this choice. Find it at buffalodiocese.org
Please notify the Rectory Office with your current email address if you wish to receive a PDF version of the weekly church bulletin. Your easiest way to do that is by using the contact feature at the bottom of this page.
Anyone interested in coordinating a prayer group, such as Pious Society, Sacred Heart, St. Jude, Altar Rosary, etc., please see Fr. Victor or email the church office at blessedtrinitychurch [at] gmail [dot] com.
Is it time to update your contact information? During this period when the COVID-19 Protocols prevent us from attending church services, there will surely be occasions when the parish has important information to convey to the faithful. Does the church office have your correct mailing address and phone number? Have you shared your 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 be included in our online email list, register as a parishioner, or request envelopes. You can also submit the requested information by phoning our secretary at 716-833-0301 any Wednesday between 10:30am and 2:30pm; sending an email to blessedtrinitychurch [at] gmail [dot] com; or Clicking HERE to use the contact feature of our web site to submit the information. If you choose either of the last two, please use “Contact Update” as the subject of the email or message.
Home Visits ~ Please notify the church office if you know of aged, sick, or home bound parishioners who may wish to receive a visit and the Eucharist on the last Friday of each month.
News from our Vicariate Cluster and the Wider Community
Preservation Buffalo Niagara’s eight-week training course on historic “Window Repair and Rehabilitation” has been postponed. If you are still interested in enrolling, check out northwoodrestoration.com or contact Bridge Rauch at brauch [at] pbnsaves [dot] org.
Help for Seniors and Caregivers ~ Information about housing options, healthcare, insurance, and other important topics of aging may be found at caring.com, a leading resource, featured by AARP, The Administration for Community Living, The National Legal Resource Center, and Forbes.
Mar 15, 2020 | This Week
On March 17 we celebrate the feast of St. Patrick of Ireland who died in 492. A depiction of the popular saint holding a symbol of The Trinity – the shamrock – appears in the dome of our church. The painting was done on canvas by a local artist,
Joseph Mazur, and then affixed to the dome.
Photo credit: Duane Held
March 15 – March 22, 2020
Weekly Activities – As of March 16, 2020, all services, meetings and activities are cancelled until further notice, with the exception of the Food Pantry.
Sunday, March 15 following 10:00 a.m. Mass ~ Anointing of the sick and well-aging in church
Monday, March 16 following 6:30 p.m. Journey Mass ~ CCCB Social in St. Charles Hall CANCELLED
Tuesday, March 17 from 6-7:30 p.m. ~ Adult Confirmation Class in St. Charles Hall CANCELLED
Tuesday, March 17 at 7:00 p.m. ~ Choir Rehearsal in St. Charles Hall CANCELLED
Wednesday, March 18 from 12:00 noon – 2:00 p.m. ~ NEW HOURS ~ Catholic Central Food Pantry in St. Charles Hall (Food Pantry operates every Wednesday from Noon-2pm)
NOW OPERATING EVERY OTHER WEDNESDAY (MARCH 18, APRIL 1, APRIL 15, ETC). VOLUNTEERS WILL DISTRIBUTE PRE-PREPARED BAGS OF GROCERIES.
Wednesday, March 18 at 7:00 p.m. ~ Parish Council Meeting in St. Charles Hall CANCELLED.
Thursday, March 19 at 8:00 p.m. ~ Bingo will be played in St. Charles Hall.* CANCELLED
Saturday, March 21 at 8:00 p.m. ~ Bingo will be played in St. Charles Hall.* CANCELLED
Sunday, March 22 following 10:00 a.m. Mass ~ Light brunch, discussion of “Rediscover Jesus” in St. Charles Hall CANCELLED
*To check the Bonus Ball and Progressive Share-the-Wealth carry over amounts and Progressive numbers for this week, click HERE and visit our Facebook page.
Mass Intentions – As of March 16, 2020, all services are cancelled until further notice.
Sunday, March 15 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – Eternal Rest for Edward Schroeder (Requested by Franciscan Sisters)
Monday, March 16 ~ CCCB Lenten Journey Mass at 6:30 p.m. in church; recitation of the Rosary at 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, March 17 ~ St. Patrick ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Deceased Members of the Ryan, Reilly, Reynolds and Pfeiffer Families (Estate of Mary Reilly)
Wednesday, March 18 ~ St. Cyril of Jerusalem ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – For the intentions of our parishioners, both living and deceased (Blessed Trinity Parish)
Thursday, March 19 ~ St. Joseph ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Deceased Members of the Ryan, Reilly, Reynolds and Pfeiffer Families (Estate of Mary Reilly)
Thursday, March 19 at 4:00 p.m. ~ Join Pope Francis in praying the Rosary for the world. He will be meditating on the Luminous Mysteries.
Friday, March 20 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – For the intentions of our parishioners, both living and deceased (Blessed Trinity Parish)
Friday, March 20 ~ Stations of the Cross in Church at 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, March 21 ~ Mass at 4:30 p.m.- For the intentions of our parishioners, both living and deceased (Blessed Trinity Parish)
Sunday, March 22 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – Blessings for Rita Mulligan and Julia Treacy (Bob and Mary Kresse) and Blessings for Evelyn Schmelzer (Mary Karlis)
Ministry Schedule for Saturday and Sunday, March 21/22, 2020:
Saturday, 4:30 p.m. Reader: Lorna Cameron; Eucharistic Minister: John Curtin
Sunday, 10:00 a.m. Readers: Mary Kresse, Greg Gaglione; Eucharistic Ministers: Fran Cahill, Pat Hartinger, Toni Maus; Choir – Maggie Gatson
St. Joseph
March 19
This depiction of St. Joseph holding the Christ Child appears in Joseph Mazur’s painting of “Evangelists and Apostles” in the church’s great dome.
Photo credit: Gary Kelley
News from our Parish Community
“Companions” on Your Lenten Journey ~ The Parish Council has created two documents to assist our parishioners on their Lenten journey to a joyful Easter season: (1) a compilation of suggested daily prayer intentions and (2) a complete calendar of religious services, special programs and activities from Ash Wednesday through May 2, 2020. Please use these links to view them or pick up a hard copy the next time you are at church.
Anointing of the Sick and Well-Aging will take place after Mass on Sunday, March 15.
Lenten Journey Masses ~ The third in a series of five Monday evening services at our CCCB parishes is a 6:30pm Mass on Monday, March 16, at Blessed Trinity. It will be preceded by recitation of the Rosary at 6pm. The previously scheduled social following the Mass has been cancelled. Click HERE for the complete schedule of Monday evening services.
Lenten Happiness:
The more we get together, together, together
The more we get together, the happier we’ll be.
For your friends are my friends,
And my friends are your friends –
The more we get together, the happier we’ll be.
A few people have asked “what has been going on” with the responsorial psalm on Sundays during Lent – and the answer is simple. We all walk this journey to the cross together. Why shouldn’t we exemplify our unity by having every member of the choir cantor the responsorial psalm?
Last week Saturday, the Blessed Trinity Choir sang at St. John XXIII in West Seneca under the direction of Bill Fay, immediate past-president of the Buffalo Chapter of the Church Musicians’ Guild. We discovered that we enjoy spending time with other believers, glorifying God. On Monday, March 16, we will host a Lenten Journey Mass at Blessed Trinity, sharing our worship space, and our path to the cross, with our friends. What a great opportunity to become a community of believers – Friends of Jesus. The more we get together, the happier we’ll be!
Did you know Blessed Trinity Church has a congregation that supports Musical Ministry in Western New York? Join us up in the loft to help enhance our Liturgies – and feel the love. Choir practice continues this week on Tuesday, March 17, at 7:00 p.m. in St. Charles Hall. All are welcome to attend. … Elizabeth
The Parish Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday, March 18, has been cancelled.
Lenten Stations of the Cross continue at 6pm this Friday, March 20. They will continue in church at the same time every Friday through Friday, April 3.
Our “Congregation Book Read” ~ On Sunday, March 22, there will be an opportunity to gather in St. Charles Hall after 10am Mass and discuss author Matthew Kelly’s Rediscover Jesus. A light brunch is included. Please note: It is not expected that you will have completed the book as we are all in process of reading the chapters throughout the season of Lent. Please join in.
Our Faith Formation Program now has its own page on our web site. Click HERE to find complete information on planned programs, classes and volunteer opportunities. Adult Confirmation classes continue this Tuesday, March 17, from 6-7:30pm in St. Charles Hall. Please call Pat Dyer at 716-256-2598 to register.
Faithful Citizenship ~ Join our Confirmation candidates on Tuesday, March 24, as we explore how we make decisions as faith-filled Catholics. Discussion begins at 6pm. Please register to insure adequate materials. Contact Pat Dyer (716-256-2598) or the rectory office (716-833-3301). You must be over the age of 16 to attend.
The Annual Parish Financial Report for the fiscal year 2018-2019 is now available to parishioners. If you did not receive a copy with your bulletin on March 14/15, you may request one by calling the rectory during business hours. There will be an opportunity for questions and suggestions concerning parish finances during our coffee hour on Sunday, March 29.
Tenebrae Service
Friday, April 3 at 7:30 pm with choral music by The St. John Paul II Schola Cantorum
Tenebrae Service ~ An adaptation of the Good Friday Liturgy of Tenebrae will take place in our church on Friday evening, April 3, at 7:30pm, with choral music provided by The St. John Paul II Schola Cantorum. This is the second year we have been blessed to have the Schola enhance this moving service, which includes seven readings relating the story of Christ’s passion and death. It is a beautiful prelude to Holy Week, as those who participated last year will certainly attest.
Just for Kids ~ Handouts and activities to occupy children during Mass are now available in church. They can be found on the table at the (wheelchair ramp) side entrance. Please call Pat Dyer (716-256-2598) if you see that she has not left enough copies for everyone who would like to have one.
The Annual Catholic Charities Appeal has started. Donated funds go to agencies run by Catholic Charities or to the Fund for the Faith that supports diocesan programs such as campus and hospital ministries. None of the funds collected for Catholic Charities will be used for legal settlements or awards to abuse victims. Pledge cards are in the mail to you. They include an option that allows you to direct your contribution to Catholic Charities, the Fund for the Faith, or both. Please give generously. You may place your Catholic Charities Appeal envelope in the collection basket or mail your donation/pledge card directly to the diocese. (It will be credited to our parish). If you are in need of a pledge card or have questions, contact Bob Heicklen, 716-881-3793.
Outreach Aids ~ For the convenience of donors, we now have envelopes specifically designed for Under This Roof contributions, including remembrances “in memoriam.” We are also re-introducing parish “business cards,” which you can use when inviting someone to join us for worship. Both can be found in a display rack on the guest book table at the middle crossing of the church.
Call to Stewardship ~ Our Parish Finance Council seeks a parishioner with accounting skills to join our committee. Please see Father Victor if you are able to serve in this capacity.
The Diocese of Buffalo has joined other faith communities and civic organizations in partnering with the Census Bureau to help encourage all people in our community to participate in the 2020 Census. The census is a once-in-a-decade chance to inform how billions of dollars in funding are allocated for critical public services. Census statistics are used to determine the number of seats each state receives in the U.S. House of Representatives, and will also have an impact on planning and funding for health clinics and highways, fire departments and disaster response, education programs such as Head Start and college tuition assistance, and so much more. You can inspire others. Tell everyone – your friends and family, your neighbors and co-workers – that you will complete the census, and tell them why it’s important that they respond too. For more information, contact 2020census.gov.
The Buffalo Diocese “has determined that it is in the best interests of victims of past clergy sexual abuse, as well as the ongoing and essential work of Faith in WNY to pursue reorganization through Chapter 11 [Bankruptcy].” Their Office of Communications has created an informative page, “Reorganizing for the Future…together” to help explain this choice. Find it at buffalodiocese.org
Personal Prayer Requests ~ We are continuing the practice of remembering your personal prayer requests at daily Masses. Just write them out and place your prayer petitions in the basket on the communion rail in front of the baptismal font. There is no need to provide your name. Your intentions will be remembered at Masses throughout the week.
Please notify the Rectory Office with your current email address if you wish to receive a PDF version of the weekly church bulletin. You easiest way to do that is by using the contact feature at the bottom of this page.
Anyone interested in coordinating a prayer group, such as Pious Society, Sacred Heart, St. Jude, Altar Rosary, etc., please see Fr. Victor or email the church office at blessedtrinitychurch [at] gmail [dot] com.
Blessed Trinity Needs Your Help! We’re not asking for money, but for something 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 most recent financial report 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.
Presentation of Offertory Gifts ~ For those who have requested a Mass and would like to present the Offertory gifts, please see Head Usher, Ed Marien, prior to Mass. This also applies to those whose family members are being remembered during the Liturgy.
Is it time to update your contact information? We know that not everyone can attend church every weekend, so when there is important information to be shared, we often mail it. If you have not received some of our recent mailings, please make sure that we have your correct contact information by completing this form. This is also a chance to let us know if you: wish to be included in our online email list, register as a parishioner, or request envelopes. You can also submit the requested information by phoning our secretary at 716-833-0301 any Tuesday-Thursday between 10:30am and 2:30pm; sending an email to blessedtrinitychurch [at] gmail [dot] com; or Clicking HERE to use the contact feature of our web site to submit the information. If you choose either of the last two, please use “Contact Update” as the subject of the email or message.
Home Visits ~ Please notify the church office if you know of aged, sick, or home bound parishioners who may wish to receive a visit and the Eucharist on the last Friday of each month.
News from our Vicariate Cluster and the Wider Community
Lenten Homemade Pierogi & Placek Sale at St. John Kanty, 101 Swinburne St., Buffalo on weekends through Palm Sunday, April 5. Saturday hours are 3-5 pm; Sunday hours are 9:30 am-noon. On Palm Sunday lunch is available for purchase and basket raffle drawing will take place. Join us for Mass and pick up your pierogi and placek. For further information, call 716-893-0412 (M-F, 9 am to noon) or visit saintjohnkanty.com.
Host Families Sought. Cardinal O’Hara High School is offering a new international student program and seeks families for 20 students from Germany. The students, who speak English and are honor roll students, will attend Cardinal O’Hara from April 6-24. During Easter break, the students will take excursions in and around Buffalo. If you are interested in hosting a German student, contact Jennifer Eisenman from Adventure Homestays Abroad at 716-454-2008 or go online at adventurehomestays.org.
Preservation Buffalo Niagara presents an eight-week training course on historic “Window Repair and Rehabilitation” on Tuesdays and Thursdays evenings from March 17 – May 2. Taught by Steve Swiat of Northwood Historic Restoration, it includes two hands-on field work sessions on April 4 and 25. Enrollment is limited and early registration is highly recommended. For rates and more info, check out northwoodrestoration.com or contact Bridge Rauch at brauch [at] pbnsaves [dot] org.
Breakfast Program, “Spiritual Motherhood and Marian Moments on the Pilgrimage of Life,” sponsored by Magnificat of Buffalo on Saturday, March 21, from 9:45am – 12:10pm at Millennium Hotel (2040 Walden Avenue in Cheektowaga). Registration opens at 9am. Guest speaker, Dawn Iacono, will share the unspeakable joy of experiencing the presence of Our Lady during pivotal moments in her pilgrimage of life. For more information and to register, visit facebook.com/magnificatbuffalo or call Maureen at 716-683-2290.
Musical Stations of the Cross, led by Singer/Songwriter Laura Boronski, Saturday, March 21 at 5:30pm at St. Teresa Church (1974 Seneca Street in Buffalo) and Friday, March 27 at 7pm at St. Leo the Great Church (885 Sweet Home Road in Amherst). All are welcome.
Evening Eucharistic Adoration & Holy Hour for Mercy ~ Thursday, March 26 from 6-7 pm at St. Andrew Church, (1525 Sheridan Drive in Kenmore). We begin with the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, followed by Adoration. Afterwards, we will pray the rosary for our nation. Deacon Mike Ficorilli, presiding. Our light will be on and all are welcome for any length of time.
“Music and Memories” – A Service to Remember Those We Love, Thursday, April 2, at 6:30pm at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Kenmore and Saturday, April 4, at 1:00pm at Holy Cross Cemetery in Lackawanna. The services will feature songs that will inspire and uplift you as we remember those we have loved. Poems, Scripture, music and other pieces will be interspersed throughout the program, along with the reading of your loved one’s name. Call by March 20 to have your loved one’s name (limit of 3 names) listed in the program book. For the service at Mount Olivet, call 716-873-6500; for the service at Holy Cross, call716- 823-1197. This program is presented as part of the bereavement support programs of the Catholic Cemeteries, Diocese of Buffalo. Open to the community; no charge. For more information, call Marianne Hubert, Director of Grief Support, at716- 873-6500.
Help for Seniors and Caregivers ~ Information about housing options, healthcare, insurance, and other important topics of aging may be found at caring.com, a leading resource, featured by AARP, The Administration for Community Living, The National Legal Resource Center, and Forbes.
Mar 14, 2020 | Uncategorized
St. John Paul II Schola Cantorum
We regret that the current COVID-19 Protocols have forced the cancellation of our Tenebrae Service.
Tenebrae Service
Friday, April 3, 2020
7:30 PM
An adaptation of the Good Friday Liturgy of Tenebrae will take place in our church on Friday evening, April 3, at 7:30 p.m., with choral music provided by The St. John Paul II Schola Cantorum. This is the second year we have been blessed to have the Schola enhance this moving service, which includes seven readings relating the story of Christ’s passion and death. It is a beautiful prelude to Holy Week, and we hope you will be there to pray with us.
Our church is large enough to allow ample distance between worshipers.
Located at 317 Leroy Avenue (between Fillmore and Grider) in Buffalo,
it is also wheelchair accessible with ample off-street parking.
