Week of August 11, 2019 – 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Aug 11, 2019 | This Week

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

August 11 – August 18, 2019

Weekly Activities

Sunday, August 11 following 10:00 a.m. Mass ~ Parish Council “Meet and Greet” on newly repaved front plaza

Wednesday, August 14 from 12:00 noon – 4:00 p.m. ~ Catholic Central Food Pantry in St. Charles Hall (Food Pantry operates every Wednesday from Noon-4pm)

Marian Devotion and outdoor Mass on
The Feast of the Assumption
August 15

Thursday, August 15 beginning at 5:00 p.m. ~ Outdoor celebration of the Feast of the Assumption

Thursday, August 15 at 8:00 p.m. ~ Bingo will be played in St. Charles Hall.*

Saturday, August 17 at 8:00 p.m. ~ Bingo will be played in St. Charles Hall.*

Sunday, August 18 following 10:00 a.m. Mass – Anointing of the sick and well-aging in church

*To check the Red, White & Blue and progressive Share-the-Wealth carry over amounts and progressive numbers for this week, click HERE and visit our Facebook page.

Mass Intentions

Sunday , August 11 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – Thanksgiving for Malinda C. Cavitt (Requested by “Eldo”)

Monday, August 12 ~ St. Jane Frances de Chantal ~ No Service

Tuesday, August 13 ~ Ss. Pontian and Hippolytus ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – For the intentions of our parishioners, both living and deceased (Blessed Trinity Parish)

Wednesday, August 14 ~St. Maximilian Kolbe ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Deceased Members of the Ryan, Reilly, Reynolds and Pfeiffer Families (Estate of Mary Reilly)

Thursday, August 15 ~ The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary  ~ Outdoor Mass at 6:00 p.m. – Deceased Members of the Ryan, Reilly, Reynolds and Pfeiffer Families (Estate of Mary Reilly)

Friday, August 16 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – St. Stephen of Hungary ~ Blessings for Bud & Mickey Dick on their 50th Wedding Anniversary

Saturday, August 17 ~ Mass at 4:30 p.m. – For the intentions of our parishioners, both living and deceased (Blessed Trinity Parish)

Sunday, August 18 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – Deceased Members of the Ryan, Reilly, Reynolds and Pfeiffer Families (Estate of Mary Reilly)

Ministry Schedule for Saturday and Sunday, August 17/18, 2019:

Saturday, 4:30 p.m.  Reader: Michael Ogoh; Eucharistic Minister: Lucille Venezia

Sunday, 10:00 a.m.  Readers: Judy Casassa, Avery White; Eucharistic Ministers: Dan Korchowsky, Maggie Gatson, Fidelia Ejimadu

Parishioners received treats along with information
about serving on our Parish Council at Sunday’s “Meet & Greet.”

News from our Parish Community

Sunday August 11 is our Parish Council “Meet & Greet” … Please join The Parish Council after Mass on Sunday for a small reception on the newly repaved front plaza. Ask questions, learn more about the upcoming elections in September. (In case of rain, we’ll greet you in the front vestibule.) Light refreshments will be served.

Have Faith! Be Ready! ~ “Brothers and Sisters: Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen.” – Hebrews 11:1. “Stay awake and be ready! For you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” – Matthew 24:42a, 44. “Gird your loins and light your lamps and be like servants who await their master’s return from a wedding, ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks.” – Luke 12:35. This weekend’s readings contained some of my favorite verses of all time.  At this time of great difficulty, disappointment, and shame, these readings remind us of great people who had faith when things seemed impossible. This week’s musical selections were made to reinforce these ideals:

Wake, O Wake, and Sleep No Longer told us to get up and get moving to make change in our world, following Christ. O God, You Search Me reminded us that God wants us to do his work in spite of our many faults. You are Near helped us to remember we are never, ever alone. Blest Be the Lord encouraged us not to be afraid as we do God’s work.

When our world becomes too overwhelming to bear, opening our hymnal and placing a song in our hearts that reminds us to be ready and have faith helps us to keep trying for the glory of God.  Praying you, too, were uplifted by this weekend’s music.  Now let’s get to work!

Choir practice resumes in September.  All are invited to participate. … Elizabeth

The Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a Holy Day of Obligation, is this Thursday, August 15. We will gather outside near the statue of Mary at 5pm for recitation of the Rosary and the Litany of the Blessed Virgin, followed by Mass at 6pm. Please bring a flower for presentation and a folding chair. In the event of inclement weather, the Liturgy will be celebrated in church. If physical limitations prevent you or a loved one from attending Thursday’s services, the Mass for the Holy Day is available all day at www.HeartoftheNation.org.

A visit from local firefighters (Ladder 34, Engine 7 at Main & Mercer) was a highlight of National Night Out festivities on August 6.

National Night Out ~ A Note of thanks and appreciation for a great committee from each parish, for all who helped set-up, take-down, donated food, cleaned-up, attended, danced, and celebrated the event, hosted by Blessed Trinity on Tuesday evening, August 6. A good time was had by all! Thank you from Sr. Maureen Harris.

Father Victor will be away until August 29. We wish him safe travels and a restful vacation.

What’s My Line? A few of you may be old enough to remember the long-running TV panel show (1950-75) of that name, in which celebrities questioned members of the public to try to guess their occupations. Fast-forward to the 2019 BT version. You are the celebrity, and our organist and choir director, Elizabeth Clay, is the mystery guest. How many guesses would you need to discover that Elizabeth leads a double life?

Monday-Saturday, Elizabeth Clay is a Pediatric Physical Therapist at Beyond Boundaries: Therapy for Kids. Three years ago, Elizabeth received a scholarship through The Make LemonAide for Cerebral Palsy Foundation to become certified in The Symptom Recovery Models. The Models are a series of techniques that accurately assess the primary dysfunction, prepare the body for healing, treat the problem, regulate the area of disruption, and provide exercises and activities to promote improvement. Since receiving the award, Elizabeth has traveled to Atlanta nine times for intensive weekend classes – the reason she was occasionally absent from the organ bench. Upon the successful completion of her certification exam at the end of July, our Elizabeth became the first therapist in the Northeastern United States to earn the distinction of Manual Structural Correction Specialist.

While Elizabeth’s area of expertise is with children, these techniques were actually developed in the adult population. Elizabeth plans to hold her first introductory class on the Symptom Recovery Models this fall with the ultimate goal of training all WNY therapists in these cutting-edge techniques.

We have long recognized that Elizabeth’s musical talents enhance the quality of our liturgies. Now we know that in her “other life,” she is equally dedicated to enhancing the lives of children. Please join in congratulating Elizabeth on her achievement and pray for her continued success in her dual careers.

Father George Reger is now undergoing rehabilitation at the McAuley Residence, 1503 Military Road, Kenmore, NY 14217. We are sure he would appreciate your prayers, cards and notes of encouragement as he works to regain his strength.

Travel AND stay connected ~ Even when you are away on vacation, you can keep in touch with your parish family by visiting www.blessedtrinitybuffalo.org. It is optimized for use with mobile devices, so whether you check in with a cellphone, tablet or desktop computer, there is all kinds of information at your finger tips. Just click on the post with the current week’s date; e.g., “Week of August 11, 2019 ~ 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time,” to find scheduled activities, coming events, and Mass intentions, not to mention examples of church symbolism and artwork relating to the week’s readings or feast days.

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!

Our Kids Parent Education and Awareness Program (OKPEAP) is a Catholic Charities program available to families who are experiencing conflict related to custody issues. Visit ccwny.org/okpeap.

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 homebound parishioners who may wish to receive a visit and the Eucharist on the last Friday of each month.

“If God can cloth in such splendor the [flowers] of the field…, will he not provide much more for you, O weak in faith!” Mt 6:30
Photo credit: Margaret Dick

News from our Vicariate Cluster and the Wider Community

“Dancing Under the Stars,” Sunday, August 18 from 6-9 pm at St. Joseph University Parish (3269 Main Street, Buffalo). Big band and dance music featuring the fabulous Jim Tudini Band and Bobby Militello. Free dance lessons at 6:30 pm, Anderson’s food truck, raffle and theme baskets. Donation at the door.

Employment Opportunity ~ Full time Customer Service / Account Collections position available immediately.  Please send resume by August 12, 2019 to: Office manager, Catholic Cemeteries, 4000 Elmwood Avenue, Kenmore, NY 14217.

Week of August 4, 2019 – 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Aug 4, 2019 | This Week

“If you were raised with Christ, seek what is above,
where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.” Col 3:1
Christ is seated at the Father’s right hand in Robert Hoffman’s
depiction of The Trinity in our church’s baldachino.
Photo credit: Gary Kelley

August 4 – August 11, 2019

Weekly Activities

Tuesday, August 6 from 5-8:00 p.m. ~ National Night Out celebration at Blessed Trinity

Wednesday, August 7 from 12:00 noon – 4:00 p.m. ~ Catholic Central Food Pantry in St. Charles Hall (Food Pantry operates every Wednesday from Noon-4pm)

Thursday, August 8 at 8:00 p.m. ~ Bingo will be played in St. Charles Hall.*

Saturday, August 10 at 8:00 p.m. ~ Bingo will be played in St. Charles Hall.*

Sunday, August 11 following 10:00 a.m. Mass ~ Parish Council “Meet and Greet” on newly repaved front plaza

*To check the Red, White & Blue and progressive Share-the-Wealth carry over amounts and progressive numbers for this week, click HERE and visit our Facebook page.

Mass Intentions

Sunday , August 4 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – Thanksgiving for the Life of Sister Agnes Clare Hatch, SSJ (Requested by Seta Chapman)

Monday, August 5 ~ Dedication of the Basilica of St. Mary Major ~ No Service

Tuesday, August 6 ~ The Transfiguration of the Lord ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – For the intentions of our parishioners, both living and deceased (Blessed Trinity Parish)

Wednesday, August 7 ~St. Sixtus II & Companions; St. Cajetan ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Deceased Members of the Ryan, Reilly, Reynolds and Pfeiffer Families (Estate of Mary Reilly)

Thursday, August 8 ~ St. Dominic ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Deceased Members of the Ryan, Reilly, Reynolds and Pfeiffer Families (Estate of Mary Reilly)

Friday, August 9 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross ~ Deceased Members of the Ryan, Reilly, Reynolds and Pfeiffer Families (Estate of Mary Reilly)

Saturday, August 10 ~ St. Lawrence ~ Mass at 4:30 p.m. – For the intentions of our parishioners, both living and deceased (Blessed Trinity Parish)

Sunday, August 11 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – Thanksgiving for Malinda C. Cavitt (“Eldo”)

Ministry Schedule for Saturday and Sunday, August 10/11, 2019:

Saturday, 4:30 p.m.  Reader: Gary Kelley; Eucharistic Minister: John Curtin

Sunday, 10:00 a.m.  Readers: Mary Kresse, David Iheke; Eucharistic Ministers: Dan Korchowsky, Pat Hartinger, Pam Zanghi

St. Dominic (1170-1221), whose feast day is celebrated on August 8, is depicted in this grouping of monks, hermits and religious in the dome of our church. He is the standing figure, second from the left, shown holding a book. The painting is by Joseph Mazur. Photo credit: Gary Kelley.

News from our Parish Community

Our second collection on the weekend of August 3/4 is for the Retired Diocesan Priests Medical Benefits Fund. Please give generously.

We were blessed with beautiful weather when we hosted “National Night Out” in 2016. Hoping for more of the same on Tuesday, Aug. 6.

CCCB “National Night Out” Celebration is Tuesday evening, August 6 at BT ~ Blessed Trinity is hosting this year’s National Night Out festivities — a chance for CCCB parishes to celebrate together. Please join us from 5–8pm on the parish grounds. This is an opportunity to get to know one another at a fun event. There will be DJ music, good food, and games for the children. Bring your own chair! Hot dogs from the grill will be provided. Volunteer help is essential for the “heavy lifting,” beginning with table and tent set up at 4pm and continuing through clean up at the end. Please let Dan Korchowsky or Bob Heicklen know  if you are able to assist. Thank you to everyone who has volunteered to bring a dish to share. Yellow sign-up sheets may be found on the right side of the communion rail.

Father Victor will be away until August 29. We wish him safe travels and a restful vacation.

Your Opinion Matters! Summer is a great time to try out some different hymns for the Liturgy, and this week there were two offerings never before used at Blessed Trinity. The Offertory Hymn, In Every Age, was written by Janèt Sullivan Whitaker in 1998. She is a lifelong music minister for the Diocese of Oakland. In addition to her work as a composer and recording artist, Janèt is a dynamic cantor, pianist, arranger, percussionist, workshop presenter and retreat leader. For almost two decades, she has served on the catechetical music staff for the One Bread, One Cup Summer Liturgical Leadership Conferences at St. Meinrad Archabbey in Southern Indiana. She holds a BA in music from California State University, Hayward (CSUEB), and a master of theological studies from the Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley. The Communion Hymn, Bread of Angels, combined a Latin text penned by St. Thomas Aquinas with an English text written by the composer, Curtis Stephan, in 2002. In less than 15 years, Curtis Stephan has leapfrogged from promising young songwriter to one of the most productive forces in liturgical music today. A lifelong musician, he received his bachelor’s in music and his master’s in jazz studies from the University of North Texas. He is a parish music director, composer, concert and recording artist and workshop clinician. Curtis currently lives in Frisco, Texas, with his wife and three sons. He is director of music and liturgy for St. Ann Catholic Church in Coppell, a mega-parish with more than 30,000 attendees. Did you enjoy the new music at Mass today?  Please let Elizabeth or any member of the choir know so we can build a musical repertoire that feeds everyone’s soul. Choir practice resumes in September.  All are invited to participate. … Elizabeth

Sunday, August 11 – Parish Council Meet & Greet ~ The Parish Council would like to invite you to find out more about our mission. We will have an informal reception on the newly repaved front plaza immediately after Mass. Please come, ask questions, or see if you would like to be a candidate for the upcoming elections in September. Looking forward to seeing you there. (In case of rain, we’ll greet you in the front vestibule). Light refreshments will be served.

What’s My Line? A few of you may be old enough to remember the long-running TV panel show (1950-75) of that name, in which celebrities questioned members of the public to try to guess their occupations. Fast-forward to the 2019 BT version. You are the celebrity, and our organist and choir director, Elizabeth Clay, is the mystery guest. How many guesses would you need to discover that Elizabeth leads a double life?

Monday-Saturday, Elizabeth Clay is a Pediatric Physical Therapist at Beyond Boundaries: Therapy for Kids. Three years ago, Elizabeth received a scholarship through The Make LemonAide for Cerebral Palsy Foundation to become certified in The Symptom Recovery Models. The Models are a series of techniques that accurately assess the primary dysfunction, prepare the body for healing, treat the problem, regulate the area of disruption, and provide exercises and activities to promote improvement. Since receiving the award, Elizabeth has traveled to Atlanta nine times for intensive weekend classes – the reason she was occasionally absent from the organ bench. Upon the successful completion of her certification exam at the end of July, our Elizabeth became the first therapist in the Northeastern United States to earn the distinction of Manual Structural Correction Specialist.

While Elizabeth’s area of expertise is with children, these techniques were actually developed in the adult population. Elizabeth plans to hold her first introductory class on the Symptom Recovery Models this fall with the ultimate goal of training all WNY therapists in these cutting-edge techniques.

We have long recognized that Elizabeth’s musical talents enhance the quality of our liturgies. Now we know that in her “other life,” she is equally dedicated to enhancing the lives of children. Please join in congratulating Elizabeth on her achievement and pray for her continued success in her dual careers.

Post-Construction Beautification ~ Now that the restoration work on the front stairs and concrete plaza is near completion, our parish volunteers are rushing to catch up with Mother Nature. Many thanks to: the “Duffy Girls” for removing weeds and debris from the large planters near the front doors; the “Brodfuehrer Boys” for maneuvering the planters back to their customary locations; and Bud & Mickey Dick for the mid-summer floral additions.

Construction Report No. 1 ~ In May and June we watched masons working behind the fence to restore the front steps to the church. There are only a couple extra “touches” to be done and we can again welcome lots of guests to tour the fascinating façade of the church with us! Last week we noticed signs posted on all the doors of the church. They are required by law to alert the public to removal of asbestos and other hazardous materials. The asbestos is contained in the original tar paper underlying the clay tiles at the top of our roof. There is no need for parishioners to have health concerns about the asbestos abatement work. The contractor is taking careful containment procedures, as required by law, and the work is occurring outside on the roof, far from where people are passing. The asbestos being abated is also non-friable (i.e., solid) which is much less dangerous than fibrous or powder material. There is no danger to persons in the church, or entering/exiting at any time. The abatement contractor plans to start removal this coming week. Once that process is completed, workers skilled in replacing historic roof tiles will start their task of replacing lost or damaged old tiles, flashing, gutters, etc. to eliminate the risk from existing/potential leaks. We in WNY are most privileged to have in our area Boston Valley Terra Cotta, who have been “cooking” new replacement tiles (in multiple colors) for us for several months. As soon as we know the start date for full roofing process, we will let you know.

Reminder: Funding for this project comes from a large grant from the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, with a local match from hundreds of donations to Blessed Trinity’s Under This Roof Fund. Thank you for your support!!!

Father George Reger is now undergoing rehabilitation at the McAuley Residence, 1503 Military Road, Kenmore, NY 14217. We are sure he would appreciate your prayers, cards and notes of encouragement as he works to regain his strength.

Travel AND stay connected ~ Even when you are away on vacation, you can keep in touch with your parish family by visiting www.blessedtrinitybuffalo.org. It is optimized for use with mobile devices, so whether you check in with a cellphone, tablet or desktop computer, there is all kinds of information at your finger tips. Just click on the post with the current week’s date; e.g., “Week of August 4, 2019 ~ 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time,” to find scheduled activities, coming events, and Mass intentions, not to mention examples of church symbolism and artwork relating to the week’s readings or feast days.

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!

Our Kids Parent Education and Awareness Program (OKPEAP) is a Catholic Charities program available to families who are experiencing conflict related to custody issues. Visit ccwny.org/okpeap.

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 homebound parishioners who may wish to receive a visit and the Eucharist on the last Friday of each month.

“If God can cloth in such splendor the [flowers] of the field…, will he not provide much more for you, O weak in faith!” Mt 6:30
Photo credit: Margaret Dick

News from our Vicariate Cluster and the Wider Community

Celebration at St. Lawrence Church ~ Parishioners of St. Lawrence (1520 Delavan Avenue, Buffalo) will celebrate the feast day of their patron saint on Saturday, August 10. You are invited to join them at 4:30pm Mass, which will be followed by an evening of fun with honored guests, Fr. Ron Sajdak and Fr. Daniel Ogbeifun. A chicken dinner and raffles (win $1000) are included. Call 892-2471 for information.

Employment Opportunity ~ Full time Customer Service / Account Collections position available immediately.  Please send resume by August 12, 2019 to: Office manager, Catholic Cemeteries, 4000 Elmwood Avenue, Kenmore, NY 14217.

Week of July 28, 2019 – 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Jul 28, 2019 | This Week

This Sunday’s Gospel (Lk 11:1-13) focuses on prayer, including an account of Christ teaching his disciples “The Lord’s Prayer.” The importance of this particular prayer is reflected in its symbolic depiction over the main door to our church between the Greek letters alpha and omega. It begins on the left with the all-seeing eye of our Father in heaven and ends with a serpent and bridge, symbolizing “deliver us from evil.”
Photo credit: Gary Kelley

July 28 – August 4, 2019

Weekly Activities

Wednesday, July 31 from 12:00 noon – 4:00 p.m. ~ Catholic Central Food Pantry in St. Charles Hall (Food Pantry operates every Wednesday from Noon-4pm)

Thursday, August 1 at 8:00 p.m. ~ Bingo will be played in St. Charles Hall.*

Saturday, August 3 at 8:00 p.m. ~ Bingo will be played in St. Charles Hall.*

Tuesday, August 6 from 5-8:00 p.m. ~ National Night Out celebration at Blessed Trinity

*To check the Red, White & Blue and progressive Share-the-Wealth carry over amounts and progressive numbers for this week, click HERE and visit our Facebook page.

Mass Intentions

Sunday , July 28 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – Peace and Harmony for Maxine Chapman and Family (Requested by Seta Chapman)

Monday, July 29 ~ St. Martha ~ No Service

Tuesday, July 30 ~ St. Peter Chrysologus ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – For the intentions of our parishioners, both living and deceased (Blessed Trinity Parish)

Wednesday, July 31 ~St. Ignatius of Loyola ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Deceased Members of the Ryan, Reilly, Reynolds and Pfeiffer Families (Estate of Mary Reilly)

Thursday, August 1 ~ St. Alphonsus Liguori ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Deceased Members of the Ryan, Reilly, Reynolds and Pfeiffer Families (Estate of Mary Reilly)

Friday, August 2 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – St. Eusebius of Vercelli; St. Peter Julian Eymard ~ Deceased Members of the Ryan, Reilly, Reynolds and Pfeiffer Families (Estate of Mary Reilly)

Saturday, August 3 ~ Mass at 4:30 p.m. – For the intentions of our parishioners, both living and deceased (Blessed Trinity Parish)

Sunday, August 4 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – Thanksgiving for the Life of Sister Agnes Clare Hatch, SSJ (Seta Chapman)

Ministry Schedule for Saturday and Sunday, August 3/4, 2019:

Saturday, 4:30 p.m.  Reader: Michael Ogoh; Eucharistic Minister: Lucille Venezia

Sunday, 10:00 a.m.  Readers: Bob Heicklen, Judy Casassa; Eucharistic Ministers: Dan Korchowsky, Maggie Gatson, Pam Zanghi

“I will give thanks to you, O Lord, with all my heart, … in the presence of the angels I will sing your praise.” Ps 138:1
Angels in Vincent Mundo’s murals on either side of the Sanctuary express attitudes one should have toward the Eucharist, including praise, thanksgiving, and petition.
Photo credit: Duane Held

News from our Parish Community

Blessings on Your July Birthday ~ The monthly birthday blessing will take place at the end of Mass on Sunday, July 28, for all who celebrate their birthday during the month of July.

Father Victor will be away from July 29 – August 29. We wish him safe travels and a restful vacation.

Seek Ye First ~ Today’s Gospel Reading from Luke was all about prayer.  Jesus taught his disciples how to prayer and encouraged them to be persistent and keep knocking on the door.  “For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds.” Today’s hymn for the Presentation and Preparation of Gifts was Karen Lafferty’s Seek Ye First.  Karen Lafferty (born February 29, 1948) is an American Contemporary Christian musician from Alamogordo, New Mexico.  With a simple melody and text, she managed to capture the necessity of having a daily relationship with God.  

Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness,
And all these things shall be added unto you.

Ask and it shall be given unto you; seek, and ye shall find;
Knock, and it shall be opened unto you.

You do not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. Allelu, Alleluia.

Choir practice resumes in September.  All are invited to participate. … Elizabeth

CCCB “National Night Out” Celebration is Tuesday evening, August 6 at BT ~ Blessed Trinity is hosting this year’s National Night Out festivities — a chance for CCCB parishes to celebrate together. Please join us from 5–8pm on the parish grounds. This is an opportunity to get to know one another at a fun event. There will be DJ music, good food, and games for the children. Bring your own chair! Hot dogs from the grill will be provided. Volunteer help is essential for the “heavy lifting,” beginning with table and tent set up at 4pm and continuing through clean up at the end. Please let Dan Korchowsky or Bob Heicklen know  if you are able to assist. Thank you to everyone who has volunteered to bring a dish to share. Yellow sign-up sheets may be found on the right side of the communion rail.

Extensive concrete replacement work has been completed.
Photo credit: Bud Dick

Construction Report No. 1 ~ In May and June we watched masons working behind the fence to restore the front steps to the church. There are only a couple extra “touches” to be done and we can again welcome lots of guests to tour the fascinating façade of the church with us! Last week we noticed signs posted on all the doors of the church. They are required by law to alert the public to removal of asbestos and other hazardous materials. The asbestos is contained in the original tar paper underlying the clay tiles at the top of our roof. There is no need for parishioners to have health concerns about the asbestos abatement work. The contractor is taking careful containment procedures, as required by law, and the work is occurring outside on the roof, far from where people are passing. The asbestos being abated is also non-friable (i.e., solid) which is much less dangerous than fibrous or powder material. There is no danger to persons in the church, or entering/exiting at any time. The abatement contractor plans to start removal this coming week. Once that process is completed, workers skilled in replacing historic roof tiles will start their task of replacing lost or damaged old tiles, flashing, gutters, etc. to eliminate the risk from existing/potential leaks. We in WNY are most privileged to have in our area Boston Valley Terra Cotta, who have been “cooking” new replacement tiles (in multiple colors) for us for several months. As soon as we know the start date for full roofing process, we will let you know.

Reminder: Funding for this project comes from a large grant from the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, with a local match from hundreds of donations to Blessed Trinity’s Under This Roof Fund. Thank you for your support!!!

Our second collection on the weekend of August 3/4 is for the Retired Diocesan Priests Medical Benefits Fund. Please give generously.

Your Parish Council has concluded its formal meetings until the fall, but several committees will be working through the summer. Chief among them is the nominating committee, chaired by Vice President Kathy Press. Starting in August, she and her committee consisting of Nik Brodfuehrer, Darvan Draper and Vera Andrew will be actively searching out parishioners interested in serving a term on the Council. If you would like to know more about what might be involved, please take time to talk with any of them or Father Victor.

Father George Reger is now undergoing rehabilitation at the McAuley Residence, 1503 Military Road, Kenmore, NY 14217. We are sure he would appreciate your prayers, cards and notes of encouragement as he works to regain his strength.

Catholic Charities 2019 Appeal ~ 9.3 million dollars of the 11 million dollar goal has been raised – 39 Parishes achieved their fundraising goals, including Blessed Trinity!

Travel AND stay connected ~ Even when you are away on vacation, you can keep in touch with your parish family by visiting www.blessedtrinitybuffalo.org. It is optimized for use with mobile devices, so whether you check in with a cellphone, tablet or desktop computer, there is all kinds of information at your finger tips. Just click on the post with the current week’s date; e.g., “Week of July 28, 2019 ~ 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time,” to find scheduled activities, coming events, and Mass intentions, not to mention examples of church symbolism and artwork relating to the week’s readings or feast days.

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!

Our Kids Parent Education and Awareness Program (OKPEAP) is a Catholic Charities program available to families who are experiencing conflict related to custody issues. Visit ccwny.org/okpeap.

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 homebound parishioners who may wish to receive a visit and the Eucharist on the last Friday of each month.

“If God can cloth in such splendor the [flowers] of the field…, will he not provide much more for you, O weak in faith!” Mt 6:30
Photo credit: Margaret Dick

News from our Vicariate Cluster and the Wider Community

Friends of Family Promise Day is Sunday July 28. This fundraiser, from 2-4pm, will take place at Ss. Columba-Brigid Catholic Church (75 Hickory Street in Buffalo) and features live music, taco bar, bounce house, jugglers, face painting, and unveiling of the Family Promise Founder Wall. Blessed Trinity is a support congregation for the Family Promise site at Ss. Columba-Brigid. For more information, contact the volunteer coordinator at 716-771-3007 or email grace [at] fpwny [dot] org.

Celebration at St. Lawrence Church ~ Parishioners of St. Lawrence (1520 Delavan Avenue, Buffalo) will celebrate the feast day of their patron saint on Saturday, August 10. You are invited to join them at 4:30pm Mass, which will be followed by an evening of fun with honored guests, Fr. Ron Sajdak and Fr. Daniel Ogbeifun. A chicken dinner and raffles (win $1000) are included. Call 892-2471 for information.

Employment Opportunity ~ Full time Customer Service / Account Collections position available immediately.  Please send resume by August 12, 2019 to: Office manager, Catholic Cemeteries, 4000 Elmwood Avenue, Kenmore, NY 14217.

Week of July 21, 2019 – 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Jul 21, 2019 | This Week

Mary of Magdala
July 22
Mary of Magdala is arguably the second most important woman in the New Testament. She is mentioned a total of fourteen times in all four accounts of the Gospel – more than most of the apostles. Saint Augustine was the first to call her “the Apostle to the Apostles.” Mary is depicted in both painting and woodcarving in our church. Here, in a grouping of “Virgins and Widows” in the great dome, she appears as the first kneeling figure on the left. Photo credit: Gary Kelley.

July 21 – July 28, 2019

Weekly Activities

Wednesday, July 24 from 12:00 noon – 4:00 p.m. ~ Catholic Central Food Pantry in St. Charles Hall (Food Pantry operates every Wednesday from Noon-4pm)

Thursday, July 25 at 8:00 p.m. ~ Bingo will be played in St. Charles Hall.*

Saturday, July 27 at 8:00 p.m. ~ Bingo will be played in St. Charles Hall.*

*To check the Red, White & Blue and progressive Share-the-Wealth carry over amounts and progressive numbers for this week, click HERE and visit our Facebook page.

Mass Intentions

Sunday , July 21 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – Deceased Members of the Ryan, Reilly, Reynolds and Pfeiffer Families (Requested by Estate of Mary Reilly)

Monday, July 22 ~ St. Mary Magdalene ~ No Service

Tuesday, July 23 ~ St. Bridget ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – For the intentions of our parishioners, both living and deceased (Blessed Trinity Parish)

Wednesday, July 24 ~St. Sharbel Makhluf ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Deceased Members of the Ryan, Reilly, Reynolds and Pfeiffer Families (Estate of Mary Reilly)

Thursday, July 25 ~ St. James, Apostle ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Deceased Members of the Ryan, Reilly, Reynolds and Pfeiffer Families (Estate of Mary Reilly)

Friday, July 26 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Ss. Joachim and Anne ~ Deceased Members of the Ryan, Reilly, Reynolds and Pfeiffer Families (Estate of Mary Reilly)

Saturday, July 27 ~ Mass at 4:30 p.m. – For the intentions of our parishioners, both living and deceased (Blessed Trinity Parish)

Sunday, July 28 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – Peace and Harmony for Maxine Chapman and Family (Seta Chapman)

Ministry Schedule for Saturday and Sunday, July 27/28, 2019:

Saturday, 4:30 p.m.  Reader: Michael Ogoh; Eucharistic Minister: Lucille Venezia

Sunday, 10:00 a.m.  Readers: Bob Heicklen, Judy Casassa; Eucharistic Ministers: Dan Korchowsky, Maggie Gatson, Pam Zanghi

St. James, Apostle
July 25
St. James, known as the Greater in order to distinguish him from the other Apostle St. James, was St. John’s brother. With Peter and John he was one of the witnesses of the Transfiguration, and later, of the agony in the garden. There are two symbols on the church façade representing St. James, one of which is this shell (third from left) on one of the 45 decorated roofline corbels.
Photo credit: Gary Kelley

News from our Parish Community

“Peaceful Dove” at Blessed Trinity, July 21, 2019

Welcome, “Peaceful Dove” ~ This Sunday, the contemporary music group, Peaceful Dove, from St. Anthony’s Church in Lackawanna came to enhance our Sunday worship service with their enthusiastic and delightful musical abilities. A quick visit to the church’s website (stanthonylackawanna.com) will reveal they are a parish much like ours, caring and active in meeting the unique needs of their community. From singing for the residents at Autumnview Healthcare Facility, to participating in weekly liturgies, to visiting and enhancing worship at parishes throughout the diocese, this folk group represents the essence of parish music ministry. Thank you, St. Anthony’s, for sharing your wonderful musicians with the people of Blessed Trinity! Choir practice will resume in September and everyone is welcome to participate – no musical experience necessary. … Elizabeth

Anointing of the sick and well-aging will take place following Mass on Sunday, July 21.

Cement is poured for bell foundation.

The Bell Project – Phase 2. Yes, there is a new “ground disturbance” near the flagpole on our Leroy Avenue lawn, but it’s all part of a plan. On Tuesday, July 16, Highland Masonry poured a foundation and created a platform for the original church bell, which was removed from the bell tower of the former church/school building last October. After some finishing work on the new structure, the bell will be placed on permanent display. We hope to have “St. Helena” (every church bell has a name) installed and ready to ring by September.

Celebrating St. Mary Magdala ~ At 4pm on Sunday, July 21, the SJUP Social Justice Committee of St. Joseph University Church (3269 Main Street, Buffalo) will host a Vigil Service for the feast of St. Mary of Magdala, “the apostle to the apostles.” This service honors the first witness to the Resurrection and offers an opportunity to reflect on the role of women in the church—past, present, and future. Scholar (and Blessed Trinity docent), Eleanor Ash, will deliver the homily.

Blessings on Your July Birthday ~ The monthly birthday blessing will take place at the end of Mass on Sunday, July 28, for all who celebrate their birthday during the month of July.

Planning Underway for “National Night Out” Celebration on Tuesday evening, August 6 —  a chance for CCCB parishes to celebrate together, 5–8pm at Blessed Trinity Parish grounds. This is an opportunity to get to know one another at a fun event. Nice music, good food and children’s games will be available. Bring your own chair! Hot dogs from the grill will be provided. Please sign up on the yellow sheets by the church entrances to bring a dish to share. Also…Help will be needed with setting up at 4pm and taking down tables / cleaning up at the end. Please let Dan Korchowsky or Bob Heicklen know  if you are able to assist. Thank you to everyone who has volunteered to bring a dish to share. Yellow sign-up sheets may be found on the right side of the communion rail.

Your Parish Council has concluded its formal meetings until the fall, but several committees will be working through the summer. Chief among them is the nominating committee, chaired by Vice President Kathy Press. Starting in August, she and her committee consisting of Nik Brodfuehrer, Darvan Draper and Vera Andrew will be actively searching out parishioners interested in serving a term on the Council. If you would like to know more about what might be involved, please take time to talk with any of them or Father Victor.

Friends of Family Promise Day is Sunday July 28. This fundraiser, from 2-4pm, will take place at Ss. Columba-Brigid Catholic Church (75 Hickory Street in Buffalo) and features live music, taco bar, bounce house, jugglers, face painting, and unveiling of the Family Promise Founder Wall. Blessed Trinity is a support congregation for the Family Promise site at Ss. Columba-Brigid. For more information, contact the volunteer coordinator at 716-771-3007 or email grace [at] fpwny [dot] org.

Father Victor will be away from July 29 – August 29. We wish him safe travels and a restful vacation.

Father George Reger is now undergoing rehabilitation at the McAuley Residence, 1503 Military Road, Kenmore, NY 14217. We are sure he would appreciate your prayers, cards and notes of encouragement as he works to regain his strength.

Congratulations are in order as Blessed Trinity Parish has reached its Catholic Charities goal. Thank you to everyone who contributed so generously to the 2019 appeal.

Good news about staying connected ~ Have you visited www.blessedtrinitybuffalo.org lately? It’s been a decade since our parish launched its web site, and seven years since its first makeover. Since that time, mobile devices have become the dominant way to access websites. In fact, when parish council member Nik Brodfuehrer reviewed our usage stats, he found that 50% of our present users access the site from a cell phone or tablet. Unfortunately, sites like ours with their older design did not “flex” to fit small screens, necessitating a second upgrade. Our revamped site debuted right before Easter, and we encourage you to take a look. Whether you check in with your cellphone, tablet or desktop computer, we hope you like our new look. Mass times, office and food pantry hours, bingo schedules, and an easy-to-use contact form are visible at first glance. Looking for the type of information normally found in the bulletin? Just click on the post with the current week’s date; e.g., “Week of July 21, 2019 ~ 16th Sunday of Ordinary Time.” In addition to scheduled activities, coming events, and Mass intentions, you’ll also find examples of church symbolism and artwork relating to the week’s readings or feast days. While you are away on vacation this summer, stay in touch with your parish family by visiting  www.blessedtrinitybuffalo.org.

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!

Our Kids Parent Education and Awareness Program (OKPEAP) is a Catholic Charities program available to families who are experiencing conflict related to custody issues. Visit ccwny.org/okpeap.

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 homebound parishioners who may wish to receive a visit and the Eucharist on the last Friday of each month.

On July 26 the Church honors St. Anne and St. Joachim, parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This depiction of St. Anne and the Child Mary appears in a stained glass window in the shrine area near the left (east) side entrance of the church.
Photo credit: Margaret Dick

News from our Vicariate Cluster and the Wider Community

The Ignatian Volunteer Corps (“IVC”) of Buffalo seeks new members this Fall. Ignatian volunteers are men and women (age 50+)  who spend a few hours each week in service to those in need. IVC volunteers share their expertise, life skills, and their hope — while learning to pray and reflect in the Ignatian tradition. If you wish to explore this further, please contact the Volunteer Director, Minnie Wyse, at 716-854-6726, email mwyse [at] ivcusa [dot] org or visit ivcusa.org.

Week of July 14, 2019 – 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Jul 14, 2019 | This Week

St. Bonaventure
July 15
St. Bonaventure (1221-1274) is depicted on the right in this mural at Blessed Trinity’s right side altar devoted to the Sacred Heart. The saint is associated with devotion to the Sacred Heart, which “arose out of reverence for the Pierced Side of Christ and medieval devotion to the Five Wounds and the Heart of Jesus.” (Rev. Walter Kern’s Guidebook to Blessed Trinity R. C. Church, page 28).
Photo credit: Margaret Dick

July 14 – July 21, 2019

Weekly Activities

Sunday, July 14 following 10:00 a.m. Mass ~ Meeting of Religious Education Teachers & Assistants

Wednesday, July 17 from 12:00 noon – 4:00 p.m. ~ Catholic Central Food Pantry in St. Charles Hall (Food Pantry operates every Wednesday from Noon-4pm)

Thursday, July 18 at 8:00 p.m. ~ Bingo will be played in St. Charles Hall.*

Saturday, July 20 at 8:00 p.m. ~ Bingo will be played in St. Charles Hall.*

*To check the Red, White & Blue and progressive Share-the-Wealth carry over amounts and progressive numbers for this week, click HERE and visit our Facebook page.

Mass Intentions

Sunday , July 14 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – Birthday Remembrance for Bridget Blesnuk (Requested by Family)

Sunday, July 14 at 10:00 a.m. Mass – Blessing and Commissioning of new Eucharistic Ministers: Fidelia Ejimadu, Antoinette Maus and Palma Zanghi

Monday, July 15 ~ St. Bonaventure ~ No Service

Tuesday, July 16 ~ Our Lady of Mount Carmel ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – For the intentions of our parishioners, both living and deceased (Blessed Trinity Parish)

Wednesday, July 17 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Deceased Members of the Ryan, Reilly, Reynolds and Pfeiffer Families (Estate of Mary Reilly)

Thursday, July 18 ~ St. Camillus de Lellis ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Deceased Members of the Ryan, Reilly, Reynolds and Pfeiffer Families (Estate of Mary Reilly)

Friday, July 19 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Deceased Members of the Ryan, Reilly, Reynolds and Pfeiffer Families (Estate of Mary Reilly)

Saturday, July 20 ~ St. Apollinaris ~ Mass at 4:30 p.m. – For the intentions of our parishioners, both living and deceased (Blessed Trinity Parish)

Sunday, July 21 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – Deceased Members of the Ryan, Reilly, Reynolds and Pfeiffer Families (Estate of Mary Reilly)

Ministry Schedule for Saturday and Sunday, July 20/21, 2019:

Saturday, 4:30 p.m.  Reader: Gary Kelley; Eucharistic Minister: John Curtin

Sunday, 10:00 a.m.  Readers: Joe Nwogu, Bernice Bradley; Eucharistic Ministers: Fran Cahill, Pat Hartinger, Toni Maus

Saint Kateri Tekakwitha
Woodcarving, gift of the Southtowns Woodcarvers of WNY
Right (West) Transept Wall
On October 21, 2012, Blessed Kateri became the first Native American to be canonized. The daughter of a Mohawk warrior and Catholic Algonquin woman, Kateri was born in a Mohawk fortress near Auriesville, New York. Photo credit: Margaret Dick

News from our Parish Community

Religious education teachers and assistants will meet with Father Victor following Mass on Sunday, July 14.

Peter’s Pence ~ The annual collection known as Peter’s Pence will take place at Masses on July 13/14. Your generosity helps the Holy Father: continue his pastoral care for the Church, share the gospel message throughout the world, and assist victims of disasters. Please use the special envelope in your July – Sept. packet and help Pope Francis “profess faith, bestow love, and impart hope.” Thank you.

Commissioning Ceremony ~ On Sunday, July 14, parishioners Fidelia Ejimadu, Antoinette Maus, and Palma Zanghi will receive a special  blessing and be commissioned as Eucharistic Ministers to serve our congregation. Please join in thanking and congratulating the women who have successfully completed the diocesan training requirements to become Eucharistic Ministers.

Sing On ~ How Can I Keep From Singing? (also known by My Life Flows On in Endless Song) is a Christian hymn with music written by American Baptist minister Robert Wadsworth Lowry. The song is frequently, though erroneously, cited as a traditional Quaker or Shaker hymn.The original composition has now entered into the public domain, and appears in several hymnals and song collections, both in its original form and with a revised text. Though it is not, in fact, a Quaker hymn, twentieth-century Quakers adopted it as their own and use it widely today.

            My life flows on in endless song;
            Above earth’s lamentation, I hear the real, tho’ far-off hymn that hails a new creation;
            Thro’ all the tumult and the strife I hear the music ringing;
            It finds an echo in my soul — How can I keep from singing?

            What tho’ my joys and comforts die?
            The Lord my Saviour liveth;
            What tho’ the darkness gather round?
            Songs in the night he giveth.
            No storm can shake my inmost calm while to that refuge clinging;
            Since Christ is Lord of heaven and earth, how can I keep from singing?

            I lift my eyes; the cloud grows thin;
            I see the blue above it;
            And day by day this pathway smooths, since first I learned to love it,
            The peace of Christ makes fresh my heart, a fountain ever springing;
            All things are mine since I am his — How can I keep from singing?

Below are the lyrics as published by Robert Lowry in the 1869 song book, Bright Jewels for the Sunday School. Here Lowry claimed credit for the music but gave no indication as to who wrote the words. These words were also published in a British periodical in 1869, The Christian Pioneer, but no author is indicated.  In 1888, Henry S. Burrage listed this hymn as one of those for which Lowry had written the music, but not the lyrics.

When tyrants tremble, sick with fear, and hear their death-knell ringing,
When friends rejoice both far and near, how can I keep from singing?
In prison cell and dungeon vile, our thoughts to them go winging;
When friends by shame are undefiled, how can I keep from singing?

Choir practice will resume in September and all are welcome to participate; no musical experience necessary. … Elizabeth

Your Parish Council has just concluded its formal meetings until the fall, but several committees will be working through the summer. Chief among them is the nominating committee, chaired by Vice President Kathy Press. Starting in August, she and her committee consisting of Nik Brodfuehrer, Darvan Draper and Vera Andrew will be actively searching out parishioners interested in serving a term on the Council. If you would like to know more about what might be involved, please take time to talk with any of them or Father Victor.

Anointing of the sick and well-aging will take place following Mass on Sunday, July 21.

Celebrating St. Mary Magdala ~ At 4pm on Sunday, July 21, the SJUP Social Justice Committee of St. Joseph University Church (3269 Main Street, Buffalo) will host a Vigil Service for the feast of St. Mary of Magdala, “the apostle to the apostles.” This service honors the first witness to the Resurrection and offers an opportunity to reflect on the role of women in the church—past, present, and future. Scholar (and Blessed Trinity docent, Eleanor Ash, will deliver the homily.

Friends of Family Promise Day is Sunday July 28. This fundraiser, from 2-4pm, will take place at Ss. Columba-Brigid Catholic Church (75 Hickory Street in Buffalo) and features live music, taco bar, bounce house, jugglers, face painting, and unveiling of the Family Promise Founder Wall. Blessed Trinity is a support congregation for the Family Promise site at Ss. Columba-Brigid. For more information, contact the volunteer coordinator at 716-771-3007 or email grace [at] fpwny [dot] org.

Father Victor will be away from July 29 – August 29. We wish him safe travels and a restful vacation.

Save the Date! Tuesday August 6th ~ National Night Out for CCCB parishes to celebrate together, 5–8pm at Blessed Trinity Parish grounds. This is an opportunity to get to know one another at a fun event. Nice music, good food and children’s games will be available. Bring your own chair! Hot dogs from the grill will be provided. Please sign up on the yellow sheets by the church entrances to bring a dish to share. Also…Help will be needed with setting up at 4pm and taking down tables / cleaning up at the end. Please let Dan Korchowsky or Bob Heicklen know  if you are able to assist. Thank you, and looking forward to seeting you there.

Father George Reger is now undergoing rehabilitation at the McAuley Residence, 1503 Military Road, Kenmore, NY 14217. We are sure he would appreciate your prayers, cards and notes of encouragement as he works to regain his strength.

Congratulations are in order as Blessed Trinity Parish has reached its Catholic Charities goal. Thank you to everyone who contributed so generously to the 2019 appeal.

Good news about staying connected ~ Have you visited www.blessedtrinitybuffalo.org lately? It’s been a decade since our parish launched its web site, and seven years since its first makeover. Since that time, mobile devices have become the dominant way to access websites. In fact, when parish council member Nik Brodfuehrer reviewed our usage stats, he found that 50% of our present users access the site from a cell phone or tablet. Unfortunately, sites like ours with their older design did not “flex” to fit small screens, necessitating a second upgrade. Our revamped site debuted right before Easter, and we encourage you to take a look. Whether you check in with your cellphone, tablet or desktop computer, we hope you like our new look. Mass times, office and food pantry hours, bingo schedules, and an easy-to-use contact form are visible at first glance. Looking for the type of information normally found in the bulletin? Just click on the post with the current week’s date; e.g., “Week of June 30, 2019 ~ 13th Sunday of Ordinary Time.” In addition to scheduled activities, coming events, and Mass intentions, you’ll also find examples of church symbolism and artwork relating to the week’s readings or feast days. While you are away on vacation this summer, stay in touch with your parish family by visiting  www.blessedtrinitybuffalo.org.

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!

Our Kids Parent Education and Awareness Program (OKPEAP) is a Catholic Charities program available to families who are experiencing conflict related to custody issues. Visit ccwny.org/okpeap.

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 homebound parishioners who may wish to receive a visit and the Eucharist on the last Friday of each month.

“For in him were created all things in heaven and on earth, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers….” Col 1:16
There are 27 full-length angels appearing in Joseph Mazur’s painting in the great dome of our church. “They represent the ‘Nine Choirs of Heavenly Beings or Angels’ who worship and serve God.” (Rev. Walter Kern’s “Guidebook to Blessed Trinity R. C. Church,” page 33).
Photo credit: Gary Kelley

News from our Vicariate Cluster and the Wider Community

The Ignatian Volunteer Corps (“IVC”) of Buffalo seeks new members this Fall. Ignatian volunteers are men and women (age 50+)  who spend a few hours each week in service to those in need. IVC volunteers share their expertise, life skills, and their hope — while learning to pray and reflect in the Ignatian tradition. If you wish to explore this further, please contact the Volunteer Director, Minnie Wyse, at 716-854-6726, email mwyse [at] ivcusa [dot] org or visit ivcusa.org.

Queen of Heaven Carnival 2019 ~ Sunday July 14 at 4220 Seneca Street & Mill Road in West Seneca Find out more at rectory [at] qofhchurch [dot] org or QofHcarnival.com.

Week of July 7, 2019 – 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Jul 7, 2019 | This Week

The gospel reading for the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time is St. Luke’s account of the Lord’s “commissioning” of 72 disciples. Because Christ sent his apostles out to spread the Good News of God’s love for us, this church “places the missionary emphasis of the Church in a prominent position.” The Four Evangelists and other missionaries are depicted in the area between the pendentives supporting the dome. (Rev. Walter Kern’s “Guidebook to Blessed Trinity R.C. Church, pp. 21-22.
Photo credit: Gary Kelley

July 7 – July 14, 2019

Weekly Activities

Sunday, July 7 following 10:00 a.m. Mass ~ Liturgy committee meeting

Wednesday, July 10 from 12:00 noon – 4:00 p.m. ~ Catholic Central Food Pantry in St. Charles Hall (Food Pantry operates every Wednesday from Noon-4pm)

Thursday, July 11 at 8:00 p.m. ~ Bingo will be played in St. Charles Hall.*

Saturday, July 13 at 8:00 p.m. ~ Bingo will be played in St. Charles Hall.*

Sunday, July 14 following 10:00 a.m. Mass ~ Meeting of Religious Education Teachers & Assistants

*To check the Red, White & Blue and progressive Share-the-Wealth carry over amounts and progressive numbers for this week, click HERE and visit our Facebook page.

Mass Intentions

Sunday , July 7 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – For the intentions of our parishioners, both living and deceased (Blessed Trinity Parish)

Monday, July 8 ~ No Service

Tuesday, July 9 ~ St. Augustin Zhao-Rong & Companions ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Special Intention (John Curtin)

Wednesday, July 10 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Deceased Members of the Ryan, Reilly, Reynolds and Pfeiffer Families (Estate of Mary Reilly)

Thursday, July 11 ~ St. Benedict, Abbot ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Deceased Members of the Ryan, Reilly, Reynolds and Pfeiffer Families (Estate of Mary Reilly)

Friday, July 12 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – For the intentions of our parishioners, both living and deceased (Blessed Trinity Parish)

Saturday, July 13 ~ St. Henry ~ Mass at 4:30 p.m. – God’s Blessings for Therese Reid (Tim and Mary Reid)

Sunday, July 14 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – Birthday Remembrance for Bridget Blesnuk (Family)

Sunday, July 14 at 10:00 a.m. Mass – Blessing and Commissioning of new Eucharistic Ministers: Fidelia Ejimadu, Antoinette Maus and Palma Zanghi

Ministry Schedule for Saturday and Sunday, July 13/14, 2019:

Saturday, 4:30 p.m.  Reader: Michael Ogoh; Eucharistic Minister: Lucille Venezia

Sunday, 10:00 a.m.  Readers: Chris Porter, Miles James; Eucharistic Ministers: Fran Cahill, Don Williams, Bonnie Williams

St. Peter Claver (1581-1654), a missionary to the slaves brought to South America, is depicted in this painting by Joseph Mazur in the church’s transept.
Photo credit: Gary Kelley

News from our Parish Community

The Liturgy Committee will meet following Mass on Sunday, July 7.

A Royal Priesthood ~ Lumen Gentium, the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, implemented by Saint Paul VI when he was Pope, proclaimed that the people of the Church belong to a “royal priesthood.” Today’s musical selections included the theme of our royal priesthood. Church of God, Elect and Glorious, our closing hymn, was a familiar tune (known as HYFRYDOL, composed by Rowland Prichard in the 19th century) with words written in the 20th century by James E. Seddon. I can think of no better way to demonstrate that every generation is called to our common priesthood.  

            1.  Church of God, elect and glorious, holy nation, chosen race;
            called as God’s own special people, royal priests and heirs of grace:
            know the purpose of your calling, show to all his mighty deeds;
            tell of love which knows no limits, grace which meets all human needs.

             2.  God has called you out of darkness into his most marvelous light;
            brought his truth to life within you, turned your blindness into sight.
            Let your light so shine around you that God’s name is glorified;
            and all find fresh hope and purpose in Christ Jesus crucified.

             3.  Once you were an alien people, strangers to God’s heart of love;
            but he brought you home in mercy, citizens of heaven above.
            Let his love flow out to others, let them feel a Father’s care;
            that they too may know his welcome and his countless blessings share.

            4.  Church of God, elect and holy, be the people he intends;
            strong in faith and swift to answer each command your master sends:
            royal priests, fulfill your calling through your sacrifice and prayer;
            give your lives in joyful service sing his praise, his love declare.

James E Seddon (1915 – 1983) from 1 Peter 2

May we all fulfill our calling in the week to come. Choir practice will resume in September and all are welcome to participate; no musical experience necessary. … Elizabeth

Peter’s Pence ~ The annual collection known as Peter’s Pence will take place at Masses on July 13/14. Your generosity helps the Holy Father: continue his pastoral care for the Church, share the gospel message throughout the world, and assist victims of disasters. Please use the special envelope in your July – Sept. packet and help Pope Francis “profess faith, bestow love, and impart hope.” Thank you.

Commissioning Ceremony ~ On Sunday, July 14, parishioners Fidelia Ejimadu, Antoinette Maus, and Palma Zanghi will receive a special  blessing and be commissioned as Eucharistic Ministers to serve our congregation. Please join in thanking and congratulating the women who have successfully completed the diocesan training requirements to become Eucharistic Ministers.

Religious Education Meeting ~ On Sunday, July 14, Father Victor will meet with religious education teachers and assistants following the 10am Mass.

Congratulations are in order as Blessed Trinity Parish has reached its Catholic Charities goal. Thank you to everyone who contributed so generously to the 2019 appeal.

Good news about staying connected ~ Have you visited www.blessedtrinitybuffalo.org lately? It’s been a decade since our parish launched its web site, and seven years since its first makeover. Since that time, mobile devices have become the dominant way to access websites. In fact, when parish council member Nik Brodfuehrer reviewed our usage stats, he found that 50% of our present users access the site from a cell phone or tablet. Unfortunately, sites like ours with their older design did not “flex” to fit small screens, necessitating a second upgrade. Our revamped site debuted right before Easter, and we encourage you to take a look. Whether you check in with your cellphone, tablet or desktop computer, we hope you like our new look. Mass times, office and food pantry hours, bingo schedules, and an easy-to-use contact form are visible at first glance. Looking for the type of information normally found in the bulletin? Just click on the post with the current week’s date; e.g., “Week of June 30, 2019 ~ 13th Sunday of Ordinary Time.” In addition to scheduled activities, coming events, and Mass intentions, you’ll also find examples of church symbolism and artwork relating to the week’s readings or feast days. While you are away on vacation this summer, stay in touch with your parish family by visiting  www.blessedtrinitybuffalo.org.

Father George Reger is now undergoing rehabilitation at the McAuley Residence, 1503 Military Road, Kenmore, NY 14217. We are sure he would appreciate your prayers, cards and notes of encouragement as he works to regain his strength.

Friends of Family Promise Day is Sunday July 28. This fundraiser, from 2-4pm, will take place at Ss. Columba-Brigid Catholic Church (75 Hickory Street in Buffalo) and features live music, taco bar, bounce house, jugglers, face painting, and unveiling of the Family Promise Founder Wall. Blessed Trinity is a support congregation for the Family Promise site at Ss. Columba-Brigid. For more information, contact the volunteer coordinator at 716-771-3007 or email grace [at] fpwny [dot] org.

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!

Our Kids Parent Education and Awareness Program (OKPEAP) is a Catholic Charities program available to families who are experiencing conflict related to custody issues. Visit ccwny.org/okpeap.

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 homebound parishioners who may wish to receive a visit and the Eucharist on the last Friday of each month.

A statue of St. Francis Xavier (1506-1552), the famous Jesuit missionary to the Far East, is found in the church’s right side aisle.
Photo credit: Margaret Dick

News from our Vicariate Cluster and the Wider Community

Summer Happy Hour for Nativity Miguel Middle School of Buffalo, Wednesday July 10, 5:30-7:30 ~ Fundraiser  hosted by their Junior Board at Flying Bison Brewing Company (840 Seneca Street in Buffalo). Tickets are $30 at the door or $25 pre-sale (nativitymiguelbuffalo.org/event/junior-boards-summer-happy-hour/).   

The Ignatian Volunteer Corps (“IVC”) of Buffalo seeks new members this Fall. Ignatian volunteers are men and women (age 50+)  who spend a few hours each week in service to those in need. IVC volunteers share their expertise, life skills, and their hope — while learning to pray and reflect in the Ignatian tradition. If you wish to explore this further, please contact the Volunteer Director, Minnie Wyse, at 716-854-6726, email mwyse [at] ivcusa [dot] org or visit ivcusa.org.

Queen of Heaven Carnival 2019 ~ Friday-Sunday July 12, 13, 14 at 4220 Seneca Street & Mill Road in West Seneca with Super Cruz Night on Thursday, July 11, 4-10pm. Find out more at rectory [at] qofhchurch [dot] org or QofHcarnival.com.

Week of June 30, 2019 – 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Jun 30, 2019 | This Week

St. Thomas, Apostle
July 3
The feast day of St. Thomas, the apostle, is celebrated on July 3. He appears in Joseph Mazur’s depiction of the evangelists and apostles in our church’s great dome. Thomas is pictured here, the fourth figure from the right, holding a carpenter’s square. It is a symbol of his profession, that of a builder.
Photo credit: Gary Kelley

June 30 – July 7, 2019

Weekly Activities

Sunday, June 30 following 10:00 a.m. Mass ~ Coffee Hour hosted by the Choir

Wednesday, July 3 from 12:00 noon – 4:00 p.m. ~ Catholic Central Food Pantry in St. Charles Hall (Food Pantry operates every Wednesday from Noon-4pm)

Thursday, July 4 ~ Independence Day Holiday ~ NO BINGO

Saturday, July 6 at 8:00 p.m. ~ Bingo will be played in St. Charles Hall.*

Sunday, July 7 following Mass ~ Liturgy committee meeting

*To check the Red, White & Blue and progressive Share-the-Wealth carry over amounts and progressive numbers for this week, click HERE and visit our Facebook page.

Mass Intentions

Sunday , June 30 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – Thanksgiving for Edward Wilbert (Requested by “Sam”) and God’s Blessings for the Anniversary of Jimmie and Mildred Porter (Requested by the Family)

Monday, July 1 ~ St. Junipero Serra ~ No Service

Tuesday, July 2 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Deceased Members of the Ryan, Reilly, Reynolds and Pfeiffer Families (Estate of Mary Reilly)

Wednesday, July 3 ~ St. Thomas, Apostle ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Deceased Members of the Ryan, Reilly, Reynolds and Pfeiffer Families (Estate of Mary Reilly)

Thursday, July 4 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – In Memory of Alice Rose Schroeder (Colleen Schroeder)

Friday, July 5 ~ First Friday Adoration, Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Benediction from 8:00 – 11:00 a.m. in the Daily Mass Chapel

Friday, July 5 ~ St. Anthony Zaccaria, St. Elizabeth of Portugal ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – For the intentions of our parishioners, both living and deceased (Blessed Trinity Parish)

Saturday, July 6 ~ St. Maria Goretti ~ Mass at 4:30 p.m. – Blessings for the Duncan Family (St. Nicholas, RCC)

Sunday July 7 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – For the intentions of our parishioners, both living and deceased (Blessed Trinity Parish)

Ministry Schedule for Saturday and Sunday, June 29/30, 2019:

Saturday, 4:30 p.m.  Reader: John Curtin; Eucharistic Minister: Lucille Venezia

Sunday, 10:00 a.m.  Readers: Sr. Liz Savage, Pam Zanghi; Eucharistic Ministers: Fran Cahill, Pat Hartinger

St. Thomas the Apostle, is also represented by the lance and staff, shown here (second from right) in one of the 45 decorated roofline corbels on the church facade.
Photo credit: Gary Kelley

News from our Parish Community

The Annual Mission Cooperative  Plan Sunday is June 30. We welcome Sr. Gaudiosa Fidelis who will speak on behalf of the Sisters of St. Bernadette and their work in Africa. Please give generously to support their mission and be part of it. We will take up collections for the Mission Cooperative this weekend and on July 6/7.

Birthday Blessing for all those born during the month of June will take place at Mass on Sunday, June 30.

Monthly Anointing of the sick and well-aging will take place after Mass on Sunday, June 30, followed by Coffee Hour being hosted by the Choir. (This will be our last monthly coffee hour until September).

Anything but Ordinary ~ We are back to Ordinary Time in the liturgical calendar, but our music at Blessed Trinity is anything but routine!  We have switched our Mass Setting back to the Mass of Creation, which begins with #871 in our Breaking Bread hymnal. You may have noticed there is a vertical number on our hymn board in the Sanctuary. That number represents the Mass Setting, which is the music we sing for the Gloria, Holy Holy, Mystery of Faith, Great Amen and Lamb of God. This music changes with the seasons, and we try to use Mass Settings that are included in our hymnals to encourage congregational singing.

The choir is taking a well-deserved break over the summer, but there is always room in the loft for people who want to contribute to our Liturgy through a music ministry. If you are curious as to how the ministry works or are thinking about contributing your talents to our parish, you are welcome to climb the stairs into the loft and check it out. We are always looking for ways to make our Liturgy even more meaningful, and whether you have a favorite hymn you would like sung at Mass or would like to join the choir, your presence and input are welcome.

Choir practice will resume in September and everyone is welcome to participate – no musical experience necessary!  Please join the choir after Sunday Mass this week for the coffee hour in St. Charles Hall as we celebrate their commitment to our church. Thank you! … Elizabeth

On Thursday, July 4, the Rectory Office will be closed in observance of Independence Day. Please submit Bulletin announcements for July 6/7 by the morning of Tuesday, July 2.

Friday, July 5 is First Friday. Join in Exposition and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in the Daily Mass Chapel from 8:00 – 10:45 a.m., followed by Benediction and daily Mass.

The Liturgy Committee will meet following Mass on Sunday, July 7.

Commissioning Ceremony ~ On Sunday, July 14, parishioners Fidelia Ejimadu, Antoinette Maus, and Palma Zanghi will receive a special  blessing and be commissioned as Eucharistic Ministers to serve our congregation. Please join in thanking and congratulating the women who have successfully completed the diocesan training requirements to become Eucharistic Ministers.

Good news about staying connected ~ Have you visited www.blessedtrinitybuffalo.org lately? It’s been a decade since our parish launched its web site, and seven years since its first makeover. Since that time, mobile devices have become the dominant way to access websites. In fact, when parish council member Nik Brodfuehrer reviewed our usage stats, he found that 50% of our present users access the site from a cell phone or tablet. Unfortunately, sites like ours with their older design did not “flex” to fit small screens, necessitating a second upgrade. Our revamped site debuted right before Easter, and we encourage you to take a look. Whether you check in with your cellphone, tablet or desktop computer, we hope you like our new look. Mass times, office and food pantry hours, bingo schedules, and an easy-to-use contact form are visible at first glance. Looking for the type of information normally found in the bulletin? Just click on the post with the current week’s date; e.g., “Week of June 30, 2019 ~ 13th Sunday of Ordinary Time.” In addition to scheduled activities, coming events, and Mass intentions, you’ll also find examples of church symbolism and artwork relating to the week’s readings or feast days. While you are away on vacation this summer, stay in touch with your parish family by visiting  www.blessedtrinitybuffalo.org.

The Ibhawa Family thanks everyone who came out to support them during the wedding celebration of Osaze and Bethany last Saturday, June 22, and all who attended the live music and luncheon after Sunday Mass. May God bless you abundantly.

Father George Reger is now undergoing rehabilitation at the McAuley Residence, 1503 Military Road, Kenmore, NY 14217. We are sure he would appreciate your prayers, cards and notes of encouragement as he works to regain his strength.

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!

Our Kids Parent Education and Awareness Program (OKPEAP) is a Catholic Charities program available to families who are experiencing conflict related to custody issues. Visit ccwny.org/okpeap.

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 homebound parishioners who may wish to receive a visit and the Eucharist on the last Friday of each month.

Symbols representing phrases from the Litany of the Most Sacred Heart appear above the side altar dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Top, left-right: throne (Infinite Majesty), temple (Sacred Temple of God), tabernacle (tent) in the desert (Tabernacle of the Most High); Bottom, l-r: open gates (House of God and Gate of Heaven), flaming furnace (Furnace of Charity)
Photo credit: Char Szabo-Perricelli

News from our Vicariate Cluster and the Wider Community

The Ignatian Volunteer Corps (“IVC”) of Buffalo seeks new members this Fall. Ignatian volunteers are men and women (age 50+)  who spend a few hours each week in service to those in need. IVC volunteers share their expertise, life skills, and their hope — while learning to pray and reflect in the Ignatian tradition. If you wish to explore this further, please contact the Volunteer Director, Minnie Wyse, at 716-854-6726, email mwyse [at] ivcusa [dot] org or visit ivcusa.org.

St. Mary’s High School Summer Camps (142 Laverack Avenue in Lancaster) ~ Register now for boys and girls age 5+ at bheist [at] smhlancers [dot] org.

Clarence Summer Art & Plein Air Festival ~ Saturday July 13, 10am-5pm. Painters, vendors, food trucks, and music in Clarence Town Park (10405 Main Street, Clarence), along with tours of the Clarence History Museum and Club House tours. Contact clarencearts [at] gmail [dot] com for information.

Queen of Heaven Carnival 2019 ~ Friday-Sunday July 12, 13, 14 at 4220 Seneca Street & Mill Road in West Seneca with Super Cruz Night on Thursday, July 11, 4-10pm. Find out more at rectory [at] qofhchurch [dot] org or QofHcarnival.com.

Corpus Christi Sunday – Week of June 23, 2019

Jun 24, 2019 | This Week

The Body of Christ, or “Corpus Christi,” is well-represented in art and symbols throughout our church. Ceramic pieces within the bronze decorations on the altar railing contain Latin phrases from the Sequence (hymn) for the Mass of Corpus Christi by St. Thomas Aquinas. The words shown here mean “Bread of Angels,” and are from the sentence “Ecce panis angelorum factus cibus viatorum – “Behold, the Bread of Angels is made into food for pilgrims” – which is spelled out on the left side of the railing as one faces the Sanctuary.
Photo credit: Margaret Dick

June 23 – June 30, 2019

Weekly Activities

Wednesday, June 26 from 12:00 noon – 4:00 p.m. ~ Catholic Central Food Pantry in St. Charles Hall (Food Pantry operates every Wednesday from Noon-4pm)

Thursday, June 27 at 8:00 p.m. ~ Bingo will be played in St. Charles Hall.*

Saturday, June 29 at 8:00 p.m. ~ Bingo will be played in St. Charles Hall.*

Sunday, June 30 following 10:00 a.m. Mass ~ Coffee Hour hosted by the Choir

*To check the Red, White & Blue and progressive Share-the-Wealth carry over amounts and progressive numbers for this week, click HERE and visit our Facebook page.

Mass Intentions

Sunday , June 23 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – God’s Blessings for Mary A. White (Penny Schick) and Thanksgiving for Ozy’s Graduation and Wedding Celebration (The Ibhawa Family)

Monday, June 24 ~ Nativity of St. John the Baptist ~ No Service

Tuesday, June 25 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – John F. Curtin (The Family)

Wednesday, June 26 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Deceased Members of the Ryan, Reilly, Reynolds and Pfeiffer Families (Estate of Mary Reilly)

Thursday, June 27 ~ St. Cyril of Alexandria ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – For the intentions of our parishioners, both living and deceased (Blessed Trinity Parish)

Friday, June 28 ~ Most Sacred Heart of Jesus ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Deceased Members of the Ryan, Reilly, Reynolds and Pfeiffer Families (Estate of Mary Reilly)

Saturday, June 29 ~ Ss. Peter & Paul ~ Mass at 4:30 p.m. – Seta Chapman (Lola)

Sunday June 30 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – Thanksgiving for Edward Wilbert (“Sam”) and God’s Blessings for the Anniversary of Jimmie and Mildred Porter (The Family)

Ministry Schedule for Saturday and Sunday, June 29/30, 2019:

Saturday, 4:30 p.m.  Reader: John Curtin; Eucharistic Minister: Lorna Cameron

Sunday, 10:00 a.m.  Readers: Bob Heicklen, Richard Plunkett; Eucharistic Ministers: Dan Korchowsky, Mary Kresse, Bernice Bradley

The Body of Christ, or “Corpus Christi,” is well-represented in art and symbols throughout our church. For example, the Gospel read at Mass on the Feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi) is Luke’s account of the miracle of the loaves and fishes, and a depiction of this scene appears in a ceramic relief by P. Kuhnle over the main door in the church’s nave.
Photo credit: Margaret Dick

News from our Parish Community

Monthly Anointing of the sick and well-aging will take place after Mass on Sunday, June 30.

Coffee Hour hosted by the Choir will take place in St. Charles Hall after Mass on Sunday, June 30. (This will be our last monthly coffee hour until September).

God Be With You ’til We Meet Again ~ The choir will be taking the summer off from the loft. They have earned some rest, and the loft temperatures soar in the summer, making beautiful music-making difficult.This week’s meditation was an old favorite requested by choir member Vera Andrew. It was re-discovered during a search through the music archives previously housed in the loft – and hasn’t been sung at BT in many years. Grayson Warren Brown is an internationally known liturgical composer, author, recording artist, and speaker who has published many collections of liturgical compositions. He began his liturgical ministry in the late 1960’s in a small inner-city parish in New York City. It was there that he learned how significant an authentic and spirit-filled experience of worship can be to those in need of hope. Forty years of experience working with multicultural parishes throughout the United States and abroad have given him a unique insight into the power that good liturgy can instill in people of all races and cultures. Grayson is now dividing his time between writing, composing, and traveling the country presenting workshops, speaking at conventions and conducting parish missions and revivals. His down-to-earth approach to liturgy and scripture, coupled with his dynamic speaking style, have made him one of the most sought after presenters in the United States today. His rendition of Holy, Holy was written in 1979 and hopefully filled you with the Spirit as we head into the summer liturgies and Ordinary Time. Choir practice will resume in September and everyone is welcome to participate – no musical experience necessary! … Elizabeth

The Mission Cooperative Plan collection will take place on June 29/30 and not on July 6/7 as indicated on the printed envelope. Sr. Gaudiosa Fidelis will speak on behalf of The Mission Coooperative. A few words about their mission…

Missionaries of Africa from Canada founded the Congregation of Franciscan Sisters of St. Bernadette in 1958 in Tanzania, East Africa. The Congregation works in the steps of the founder, which is to preach the Good News to all people, primarily in Tanzania and the USA through teaching and other activities. Currently, the congregation has 220 professed members. We live the Franciscan spirit by loving and accepting all God’s creatures as gifts. We are close to the people and participate according to the needs of the time by rendering pastoral and social services especially by teaching in schools, taking care of the orphans, the hospitalized, HIV/ADIS victims, refugees, women groups, children, the disabled, lepers, widows, and widowers. The greatest challenge for our congregation’s orphanage is a shortage of funds for food, clothes, school fees and medical services. The community has been struggling for four years to build St. Bonaventure English Medium school. The good news is that two classrooms, an administration block, and one dormitory for the girls and boys are already in use. Our next priority is to build two additional classrooms and one dining room for unprivileged children whom we serve. We believe that a good basic education will empower the children so that they will able to carry on their own lives in the future.

Please give generously to next weekend’s special collection using the Mission Cooperative Plan envelope.

Father George Reger is now undergoing rehabilitation at the McAuley Residence, 1503 Military Road, Kenmore, NY 14217. We are sure he would appreciate your prayers, cards and notes of encouragement as he works to regain his strength.

The Catholic Charities 2019 Appeal ends this month! No gift is too small. Donation envelopes can be on the tables by the church doors.

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!

Our Kids Parent Education and Awareness Program (OKPEAP) is a Catholic Charities program available to families who are experiencing conflict related to custody issues. Visit ccwny.org/okpeap.

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 homebound parishioners who may wish to receive a visit and the Eucharist on the last Friday of each month.

The Sequence (hymn) for the Mass of Corpus Christi by St. Thomas Aquinas also references the institution of the Eucharist by Christ at the Last Supper. P. Kuhnle’s ceramic sculpture of same appears over the inside door in Blessed Trinity’s Right (West) Transept.
Photo credit: Derek Gee, Buffalo News

News from our Vicariate Cluster and the Wider Community

St. Mary’s High School Summer Camps (142 Laverack Avenue in Lancaster) ~ Register now for boys and girls age 5+ at bheist [at] smhlancers [dot] org.

Our Lady of Pompeii Summer Bash is Saturday June 29, 8-11pm at 158 Laverack Avenue in Lancaster, with food, beverages, and music by Badlands, a Bruce Springsteen cover band (adults 21+). The Bash will be preceded by kids activities (bounce house, mini golf, lawn games, and hotdog roast) 5:30-7:30pm. Call 716-683-6522 for tickets.

Clarence Summer Art & Plein Air Festival ~ Saturday Jul 13, 10am-5pm. Painters, vendors, food trucks, and music in Clarence Town Park (10405 Main Street, Clarence), along with tours of the Clarence History Museum and Club House tours. Contact clarencearts [at] gmail [dot] com for information.

Queen of Heaven Carnival 2019 ~ Friday-Sunday July 12, 13, 14 at 4220 Seneca Street & Mill Road in West Seneca with Super Cruz Night on Thursday, July 11, 4-10pm. Find out more at rectory [at] qofhchurch [dot] org or QofHcarnival.com.