31st Sunday in Ordinary Time – Week of October 30, 2016

Nov 1, 2016 | This Week

“I believe in … the Communion of Saints….and life everlating. Amen.”

The Feast of All Saints on November 1 and the Commemoration of All Souls on November 2 remind us of these tenants of our Faith, expressed in The Apostles Creed and depicted in symbols on the right side of the main doors to our church. In the words of Pope Paul VI: “We believe in the communion of all the faithful of Christ, those who are pilgrims on earth, the dead who are being purified and the blessed in heaven, all together forming one Church; and we believe that in this communion, the merciful love of God and his saints is always [attentive] to our prayers.”

On November 2, 2o16, we welcome Rev. Victor Ibhawa, who has been
appointed by Bishop Malone to serve Blessed Trinity
as our parish priest and temporary administrator.
Father Victor comes to us from St. Vincent dePaul parish in Niagara Falls, New York
where he has served as parochial vicar since January of this year.

Rev. George Reger
Eighth Pastor of Blessed Trinity
1991-2016

We are grateful to our former pastor, Rev. George L. Reger,
and pastoral associate, Sr. Barbara Horan,
for their years (25 and 17, respectively) of dedication and
offer congratulations and best wishes
on the occasion of their retirements.

Sr. Barbara Horan
Pastoral Associate
1999-2016

October 30 – November 6, 2016

Weekly Activities

Sunday, October 30 following 3:00 p.m. Mass ~ Reception honoring Fr. George and Sr. Barbara in St. Charles Hall

Tuesday, November 1 at 7:30 p.m. ~ Choir Rehearsal in St. Charles Hall

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

Friday, November 4 from 9:00 a.m. to 12 Noon ~ Helping Hands Food Pantry in St. Charles Hall

Saturday, November 5 from 9:00 a.m. to 12 Noon ~ Helping Hands Food Pantry in St. Charles Hall

Saturday, November 5 at 8:00 p.m. ~ Bingo will be played in St. Charles Hall*

Sunday, October 6 following 10:00 a.m. Mass ~ Ladies Sodality Meeting & Service of Remembrance in St. Charles Hall

*In response to requests from our players, we have instituted age restrictions for admission to Bingo.  As of  October 15, 2015, we no longer admit children under 8 years of age.

We now have a Bingo camera with TV monitors and electronic verification!
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, October 30 ~ Mass at 3:00 p.m. ~ Concelebrated Mass on the Retirements of Reverend George Reger and Sister Barbara Horan

Intentions of Mgbenka Family (Fidelia Ejimadu) and Gregory DeLong (Angela Jost)

Monday, October 31 ~ No Service

Tuesday, November 1 ~ The Feast of All Saints ~ Mass at 6:00 p.m. – Catherine Maher (Estate)

Wednesday, November 2 ~ The Feast of All Souls ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Deceased Members of Ryan, Reilly, Reynolds and Pfeiffer Families (Estate of Mary Reilly)

Thursday, November 3 ~ St. Martin de Porres ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Ray and Martha Freudenberger (Estate)

Friday, November 4 ~ St. Charles Borromeo ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Francis Pietrzykowski (Estate)

Saturday, November 5 ~ St. Josephat ~ Mass at 4:30 p.m. ~ Milon Brown (Estate)

Sunday, November 6~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. ~ Bridget Dick Blesnuk (Bob and Mary Kresse)

Assisting on the Altar – Ministry Schedule for Saturday and Sunday, November 5 and 6:

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

Sunday, 10:00 a.m.   Readers: Angela Jost and Bob Heicklen;  Eucharistic Ministers: Fran Cahill, Pat Hartinger, Mary Kresse; Maggie Gatson (Loft)

Readings for the Week of October 30

Sunday: Rv 7:2-4, 9-14; Ps 24:1-6; 1 Jn 3:1-3; Mt 5:1-12
Monday: Phil 2:1-4; Ps 131:1-3; Lk 14:12-14
Tuesday: Rv 7:2-4, 9-14; Ps 24:1-6; 1 Jn 3:1-3; Mt 5:1-12a
Wednesday: Wis 3:1-9; Ps 23:1-6; Rom 5:5-11 or Rom 6:3- 9; Jn 6:37-40
Thursday: Phil 3:3-8a; Ps 105:2-7; Lk 15:1-10
Friday: Phil 3:17-4:1; Ps 122:1-5; Lk 16:1-8
Saturday: Phil 4:10-19; Ps 112:1-2, 5-6, 8-9; Lk 16:9-15
Sunday, Nov. 6: 2 Mc 7:1-2, 9-14; Ps 17:1, 5-6, 8, 15; 2 Thes 2:16-3:5; Lk 20:27-38 or 20:27, 34-38

News from our Parish Community

Feast of All Saints ~ Tuesday, November 1, is a Holy Day of Obligation. Please join us the the celebration of Mass at 6:00pm. Holy and Whole people are those who allow God’s light to shine through them and include the admired and famous saints – the canonized. It also includes people in our everyday lives, people who encourage us, are kind to us and give us guidance; people who just seem to radiate. The person at the checkout counter. Your next door neighbor. A friend you meet in the hustle and bustle of the mall.

The Ladies Sodality will hold its annual Service of Remembrance for deceased members, including Catherine Floyd and Catherine Dial, on Sunday, November 6, immediately following Mass. The service will be preceded by a brief business meeting and continental breakfast.

Prisoner Gift Project 2016 ~ Blessed Trinity will again participate in this work of mercy and forgiveness begun by Sr. Karen Klimczak, SSJ, and now continued by the Peaceprints Prison Ministries. We are asked to donate instant hot cocoa packets to fill 2,100 gift bags for inmates at the Albion and Wende Correctional Facilities. You can participate and honor Sr. Karen’s memory when you:

• Donate instant hot chocolate packets – Our goal is 4,200 packets by December 4!
• Make a monetary donation – Cash or checks (make out to “Peaceprints of WNY”) in an envelope marked “Prisoner Gifts” and dropped into the weekend collection basket.
• Decorate Gift Bags – Artistic talent isn’t necessary. Draw, trace, or just write season greetings or lines from carols and hymns to personalize the gift bags. For bags contact Amy Johnson HERE.
• Help assemble the gifts on Friday, December 9 here at Blessed Trinity.

World Mission Sunday ~ Thank you for your generous response to the Society for the Propagation of the Faith last weekend on World Mission Sunday. While some go to serve in other countries to develop the Church and serve its people, all of us are called to pray and support the Missions from right where we live. To continue answering this call, download the Mission App which makes it possible for you to meet and support religious Sisters and Brothers, priests and dedicated lay leaders who provide help and hope in some of the world’s poorest places. These missionaries provide essential education and health care, social outreach and advocacy, and pastoral service. They address basic human needs, while in every moment offering spiritual comfort and support to the suffering and the marginalized. Join them in mission every day as you joined them this past World Mission Sunday!

Solemn Vespers (Evening Prayer) ~ Closing Celebration of the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy on Sunday, November 6 at 4pm at St. Joseph Cathedral. All are invited to join Bishop Malone in thanking God for the ways in which his mercy has been demonstrated to us throughout the year.

The Diocese of Buffalo wants your feedback. A survey has been created to understand perceptions about how deacons are currently ministering within our community, as well as direct future needs so that our ordained deacons are able to effectively minister to all people within the diocese. Please visit http://bit.ly/dcnsurvey to take this short survey.

Attendees at CMG cantor workshop join in song.

Former Music Director Remembered ~ On Saturday, October 22, The Church Musicians’ Guild of Buffalo remembered Bridget Blesnuk, their former board member and Blessed Trinity’s music director from 1991-2010. Almost 50 individuals involved in music ministry from parishes across Western New York attended the Bridget Blesnuk Memorial Cantor Workshop held at Our Lady Help of Christians. The workshop presenter, Mary Lynn Pleczykowski, reviewed the goals and role of a cantor and coached attendees as they practiced singing various psalm settings. Ms. Pleczykowski, who traveled from Pittsburgh, is a Master Cantor Trainer affiliated with the National association of Pastoral Musicians. Click HERE to see additional photos from this event.

Please welcome Ralph Overton, who assumed the position of parish custodian on Monday, October 3rd. We are happy to have him on board and hope that you will make him feel at home here at Blessed Trinity.

Albert Lenhard Family Scholarship ~ The Albert Lenhard Family Scholarship Fund was established in 1985 through a bequest of the estate of Albert M. Lenhard. The Scholarship was developed to assist applicants who want to continue their formal education beyond high school at the undergraduate and graduate levels. To be eligible for the Scholarship the candidate will have to be residing in the geographic boundaries of the Catholic Churches of Central Buffalo, i.e.: Blessed Trinity, SS Columba Brigid, St. Ann, St. Katharine Drexel, St. Lawrence and St. Martin de Porres. The Lenhard Scholarship fund is administered by the pastor of St. Martin de Porres in collaboration with the African American Commission of the Diocese of Buffalo and the director of the Office of Cultural Diversity. This Scholarship is awarded annually. The completed application and the Personal Statement Essay should be sent to the Office of Cultural Diversity, 795 Main St, Buffalo, NY 14203 to the attention of Milagros Ramos by December 1, 2016. An email confirmation will be sent to verify receipt of your application. The recipient of the award will be invited to receive the award in person at the annual Martin Luther King Jr. celebration, which will take place on Sunday, January 15, 2017, at 10 am at Holy Cross Church in Buffalo. Applications are available at the rectory office. Please call our secretary, Barbara Sercu, at 716-833-0301 if you are interested in applying. (Rectory office hours are: Tuesday-Thursday from 10:30am – 2:30pm).

Rectory office hours are Tuesday-Thursday from 10:30am – 2:30pm. Please call our secretary, Barbara Sercu, at 716-833-0301 if you have information for the bulletin, changes to your phone number or mailing address, or would like to register as a parishioner.

Deacon Jimmie Boyd ~ On Sunday, October 16, the parish honored the memory of Deacon Jimmie Boyd with the placing of his name on our memorial plaque. The plaque was presented to the parish in the early 1990s by our Holy Name Society and lists the names and tenure of all pastors and associates who have served our parish. Members of the Boyd family attended both the liturgy and the social which followed the service. Click HERE for additional photos.

Fr. Reger joins members of Deacon Jimmie Boyd’s family in front of the plaque which now bears the deacon’s name. From lf. to rt.: Jimmie’s daughter, Kim Harris; grandson Aaron, sister Juliette Graves;
Mrs. Carrie Boyd, and granddaughter Porsha.

News from our Vicariate Cluster and the Wider Community

Concert at SS. Columba-Brigid Church, 75 Hickory Street, Buffalo on Sunday, November 6 at 6pm. This special concert will combine the choirs of St. Joseph’s Church in Fredonia and the one from SS. Columba-Brigid. Some favorite local musicians will also be a part of this evening of inspiring music. A social will follow the concert and there is no charge for the event. The building is handicapped accessible.

Concert for the Angels ~ A weekend of remembrance, a musical-poetic journey of healing with tenor vocalist Cory James Gallagher and writer/poet Amy Gallagher on Friday, Nov 11 @ 7pm at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 4263 St. Francis Drive, Hamburg and Saturday, Nov 12 at St. Michael Church, 651 Washington St, Buffalo. Join Cory and Amy as they lead you on a musical and poetic journey of the heart to reconnect with our loved ones that have gone before us. Events by donation.

National Donor Sabbath is observed annually Friday through Sunday two weekends before Thanksgiving (November 11-13, 2016). During this 3-day observance, faith leaders, donor families, transplant recipients, and donation and transplantation professionals join forces to increase awareness of the need for lifesaving organ, tissue and eye donation. In New York State, we have tremendous need for these acts as there are currently over 10,500 New Yorkers waiting for lifesaving organ transplants. Show compassion and love to your brothers and sisters by joining the New York State Organ, Tissue and Eye Registry. You can find out more information about the lifesaving gifts passed to others through organ, tissue and eye donation by visiting http://alliancefordonation.org.

Living Mercy Beyond the Year of Mercy presented by Deacon Bill Hynes on Monday, November 14 from 7-8pm at Our Lady of Pompeii Church, 158 Lavarack Avenue, Lancaster. The close of the Year of Mercy is quickly approaching! Here is an opportunity to reflect on mercy and to learn ways to make mercy part of our everyday lives. ALL are welcome. Refreshments following presentation. Free will offering accepted.

News from the NativityMiguel Middle School of Buffalo ~ Recently, NativityMiguel hosted a variety of different volunteer groups at the St. Monica Campus including the Junior League, The Buffalo Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, M&T Bank tutors, and members of the junior class from Mount Mercy Academy. We appreciate all the community involvement and the wonderful work they do for our students and school. For enrollment information, please call Nancy Langer at 716-984-5146 or 716-852-6854.

New programs offered by Buffalo Public Schools ~ Information, brochures and flyers are available on table display in front vestibule.

Buffalo City Ballet ~ The finest training in classical ballet. Offering: Ballet, Contemporary Modern, Pointe Works for young girls, Tiny Tots pre-movement and Boys Ballet. Two classes per week for ages 3 to 18 years. This is not a hip hop or recital-based dance program. Buffalo City Ballet is a designed training program for young dancers who are serious about obtaining a dance career or entering a professional dance college. For more information contact Buffalo City Ballet @ 716-833-1243 or Marvin Askew @ 716-864-4167 weekdays between 10am-4pm. Also visit us at www.buffalocityballet.org. Slingers available on the table in front vestibule of church.

29th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Week of October 16, 2016

Oct 16, 2016 | This Week

The Altar of Sacrifice at Blessed Trinity is dedicated to St. Isaac Jogues and his companions, Jesuit martyrs who are commemorated in a single celebration on October 19. A relic of St. Isaac Jogues is one of several placed in the altar when it was consecrated by Bishop Edward D. Head on June 2, 1976..

October 16 – October 23, 2016

Weekly Activities

Sunday, October 16 at 9:30 a.m. ~ Choir Rehearsal in church

Sunday, October 16 following the 10:00 a.m. Mass ~ Coffee Hour in St. Charles Hall

Wednesday, October 19 at 7:00 p.m. ~ Parish Council Meeting in St. Charles Hall

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

Friday, October 21 from 9:00 a.m. to 12 Noon ~ Helping Hands Food Pantry in St. Charles Hall

Saturday, October 22 from 9:00 a.m. to 12 Noon ~ Helping Hands Food Pantry in St. Charles Hall

Saturday, October 22 at 8:00 p.m. ~ Bingo will be played in St. Charles Hall*

Sunday, October 23 at 9:30 a.m. ~ Choir Rehearsal in church

*In response to requests from our players, we have instituted age restrictions for admission to Bingo.  As of  October 15, 2015, we no longer admit children under 8 years of age.

We now have a Bingo camera with TV monitors and electronic verification!
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, October 16 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. ~ William Blesnuk (Requested by Family) and Deacon Jimmie Boyd (Requested by Blessed Trinity Holy Name Society)

Monday, October 17 ~ St. Ignatius of Antioch ~ No Service

Tuesday, October 18 ~ St. Luke, Evangelist ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Deceased Members of Ryan, Reilly, Reynolds and Pfeiffer Families (Estate of Mary Reilly)

Wednesday, October 19 ~ St. John de Brebeuf; St. Isaac Jogues & Companions ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Catherine Maher (Estate)

Thursday, October 20 ~ St. Paul of the Cross ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – All Souls (Queen of Martyrs Parish)

Friday, October 21 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Ray and Martha Freudenberger (Estate)

Saturday, October 22 ~ St. John Paul II, Pope ~ Vigil Mass at 4:30 p.m. – Francis Pietrzykowski (Estate)

Sunday, October 23 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. ~ James McNamara (Colleen Schroeder)

Assisting on the Altar – Ministry Schedule for Saturday, October 22 and Sunday, October 23:

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

Sunday, 10:00 a.m.   Readers: Maggie Gatson and Richard Plunkett; Eucharistic Ministers: Fran Cahill, Alice Davis, Sharon Dunnigan, Maggie Gatson (Loft)

Readings for the Week of October 9

Sunday: Ex 17:8-13; Ps 121: 1-8; 2 Tim 3:14-4:2; Lk 18:1-8
Monday: Eph 2:1-10; Ps 100:1-5; Lk 12:13-21
Tuesday: 2 Tm 4:10-17b; Ps 145:10-13, 17-18; Lk 10:1-9
Wednesday: Eph 3:2-12; Is 12:2-6; Lk 12:39-48
Thursday: Eph 3:14-21; Ps 33:1-2, 4-5, 11-12, 18-19; Lk 12:49-53
Friday: Eph 4:1-6; Ps 24:1-6; Lk 12:54-59
Saturday: Eph 4:7-16; Ps 122:1-5; Lk 13:1-9
Sunday, Oct. 23: Sir 35:12-14, 16-18; Ps 34:2-3, 17-19, 23; 2 Tim 4:6-8, 16-18; Lk 18:9-14

News from our Parish Community

Fr. Reger joins members of Deacon Jimmie Boyd’s family in front of the plaque which now bears the deacon’s name. From lf. to rt.: Jimmie’s daughter, Kim Harris; grandson Aaron, sister Juliette Graves;
Mrs. Carrie Boyd, and granddaughter Porsha.

Honoring Deacon Jimmie ~ On Sunday, October 16, the parish honored the memory of Deacon Jimmie Boyd with the placing of his name on our memorial plaque. The plaque was presented to the parish in the early 1990s by our Holy Name Society and lists the names and tenure of all pastors and associates who have served our parish. Members of the Boyd family attended both the liturgy and the social which followed the service.

Parish Council ~ Important Parish Council meeting on Wednesday, October 19, at 7pm in St. Charles Hall. If unable to attend, please notify Sr. Peggy Gallagher in advance.

Sr. Barbara Horan

Rev. George Reger

October 30 Celebration Honors Father George Reger and Sister Barbara Horan ~ Father George Reger began serving as our parish priest in February 1991, and will celebrate his last Mass as our pastor on Sunday, October 30. The day will also mark the retirement of Sister Barbara Horan, our long-tenured pastoral associate. A number of priests have been invited to concelebrate with Father Reger and to accommodate everyone’s schedule, our Mass times for the weekend have been changed. There will be NO Mass on Saturday, October 29, and the 10am Sunday Mass will be REPLACED by a Mass of celebration at 3 pm. The afternoon Mass will be followed by a reception in St. Charles Hall, honoring both Father Reger and Sister Barbara. Please join us in thanking them for their decades of service and dedication.

Our Annual Watch for Watches Campaign to assist the St. Vincent de Paul Society began on October 1 and will continue through the month of October. Your watch doesn’t have to have a strap or be in working order. Watches are repaired and sold to further the work of the Society which is to help the poor. Last year we collected 104 watches. The Watch for Watches box will be near the statue of St. Joseph. Thanks to all who have contributed thus far. We’re off to a good start. For further information see Marianne Pernick.

World Mission Sunday is October 23. Its theme this year is “Mercy Changes the World.” Pope Francis invites the entire Church to support the young mission dioceses in Africa, Asia, the Pacific Islands, and parts of Latin America and Europe, where priests, religious and lay leaders serve some of the poorest of the poor. Please keep the Missions in your prayers and be generous in our special collection on October 22/23 for the Society of the Propagation of the Faith. There is a special envelope in your packet for this collection.

The Ladies Sodality will hold its annual Service of Remembrance for deceased members on Sunday, November 6, following Sunday Mass. The service will be preceded by a brief business meeting.

Ralph Overton

Please welcome Ralph Overton, who assumed the position of parish custodian on Monday, October 3rd. We are happy to have him on board and hope that you will make him feel at home here at Blessed Trinity.

Giving Griffins ~ On Sat. October 1, 2016, Blessed Trinity welcomed 13 Canisius College “Giving Griffins” who chose our site for their Community Day volunteer efforts. We are so grateful to Accounting Society members Quinn Corrao, Thomas Gagola, Donald Hymers, Wesley Ireland, Liam Kulakowski, Tom Widman, and Nicholas Wojtkiewicz; and Disney Club members David Hicks, Sophie Huffman, Nathan Hynes, Gwyneth Romon, Krystal Saimon and Ethan Shannon for their hard work and youthful energy in helping to make our Landmark edifice even more beautiful. The following is an excerpt from a letter received from their office of Campus Ministry: “On behalf of all of us at Canisius College, we thank you for your partnership with us…. As a Catholic and Jesuit University we place a very strong emphasis on the importance of being men and women both with and for others and through events such as this one we are able to introduce our students to this concept in a very hands on way. Thank you, again, for your support and partnership with Canisius College.” Click HERE for additional photos of the students at work.

Albert Lenhard Family Scholarship ~ The Albert Lenhard Family Scholarship Fund was established in 1985 through a bequest of the estate of Albert M. Lenhard. The Scholarship was developed to assist applicants who want to continue their formal education beyond high school at the undergraduate and graduate levels. To be eligible for the Scholarship the candidate will have to be residing in the geographic boundaries of the Catholic Churches of Central Buffalo, i.e.: Blessed Trinity, SS Columba Brigid, St. Ann, St. Katharine Drexel, St. Lawrence and St. Martin de Porres. The Lenhard Scholarship fund is administered by the pastor of St. Martin de Porres in collaboration with the African American Commission of the Diocese of Buffalo and the director of the Office of Cultural Diversity. This Scholarship is awarded annually. The completed application and the Personal Statement Essay should be sent to the Office of Cultural Diversity, 795 Main St, Buffalo, NY 14203 to the attention of Milagros Ramos by December 1, 2016. An email confirmation will be sent to verify receipt of your application. The recipient of the award will be invited to receive the award in person at the annual Martin Luther King Jr. celebration, which will take place on Sunday, January 15, 2017, at 10 am at Holy Cross Church in Buffalo. Applications are available at the rectory office. Please call our secretary, Barbara Sercu, at 716-833-0301 if you are interested in applying. (Rectory office hours are: Tuesday-Thursday from 10:30am – 2:30pm).

Jerry Gallisdorfer extends his heartfelt THANK YOU to all who attended the reception on Sunday, September 25. Having all of you with him to celebrate his retirement was gratifying. He will remember your kindness and friendship as he begins a new phase of life. Jerry also promises that we will continue to see him in the usher’s pew at Sunday Mass.

Rectory office hours are Tuesday-Thursday from 10:30am – 2:30pm. Please call our secretary, Barbara Sercu, at 716-833-0301 if you have information for the bulletin, changes to your phone number or mailing address, or would like to register as a parishioner.

“I am the true vine and you are the branches….”

News from our Vicariate Cluster and the Wider Community

Political responsibility from a Catholic Perspective presented by Msgr. Frederick Leising on Monday, October 17 from 7-8pm at Our Lady of Pompeii church, 158 Laverack Ave, Lancaster. As we prepare to exercise our rights and duties as participants in our democracy on Election Day, Msgr. Leising will help us evaluate what we hear through culture and the media and what the Bible teaches us. All our welcome! Refreshments follow presentation. Free will offering accepted.

Classes for Caregivers ~ The Church of the Annunciation, 7580 Clinton St, Elma will host a 6-week session of “Powerful Tools for Caregivers,” a national program which addresses the problems facing persons responsible for the needs of relatives or friends with physical and/or memory impairments. Each week attendees will learn new ways to deal with stress, brainstorm solutions to common challenges, and receive information on available services to assist them in their caregiving role. Classes will take place from 1-3:30pm on Tuesdays from October 18 through November 22. Fee (paid by insurers Blue Cross/Blue Shield of WNY and Independent Health for members) covers the cost of The Caregivers Helpbook. For more information and registration contact the Erie County Caregivers Resource Center at caregiver [at] erie [dot] gov or 716-858-2177.

Save the Date ~ Sr. Maureen invites you to save the date – Wednesday, October 19, from 6:30-8pm for a live session about “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship” and our Catholic participation in political life as a U.S. Citizen. Deacon Don Weigel will assist us in bringing together our principles and our political voices, our values and our votes, to help build a better world. Place to be announced. Contact Sr. Maureen Harris OSF at 897-9948 x114 to RSVP or with any questions.

Harmonia Chamber Singers open their 11^th season with Voices of Autumn – an eclectic program of a cappella choral treasures on Friday, October 21 at 7:30pm, St. Bernadette’s Church, 5930 S. Abbott Rd., Orchard Park and again on Sunday, October 23 at 4pm, St. Louis Church, 35 Edward Street at Main in Buffalo. $15 donation. Harmonia, one of Western New York’s finest vocal ensembles, will present a cappella works of all subjects, from the seasons to the wonder of nature to the working man. You will hear works such as Simple Gifts, Voices of Autumn, I Have Had Singing, Cindy, Shall We Gather at the River, and Wade in the Water. Gorgeous music in two beautiful spaces. Join us as we kick off an exciting year.

October 28/29 Retreat: “Sharing the Mercy of God” ~ The African Commission is sponsoring a retreat from 6-9pm on Friday, Oct. 28 and Sat. Oct 29 at Holy Cross Parish, 345 Seventh St, Buffalo. Reverend Anthony Mario Ozele will conduct the retreat and serve as homilist at the Africa Thanksgiving Bazaar Mass, to be celebrated by Most Reverend Bishop Richard J. Malone at 10am on Sun., Oct. 30.. A bazaar following the Mass will include a Taste of Africa, auction and basket raffle. All are welcome to participate.

28th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Week of October 9, 2016

Oct 9, 2016 | This Week

Symbolic artwork on underside of choir loft.
Photo credit: Char Szabo-Perricelli

October 9 – October 16, 2016

Weekly Activities

Sunday, October 9 at 9:30 a.m. ~ Choir Rehearsal in church

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

Friday, October 14 from 9:00 a.m. to 12 Noon ~ Helping Hands Food Pantry in St. Charles Hall

Saturday, October 15 from 9:00 a.m. to 12 Noon ~ Helping Hands Food Pantry in St. Charles Hall

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

Sunday, October 16 at 9:30 a.m. ~ Choir Rehearsal in church

Sunday, October 16 following the 10:00 a.m. Mass ~ Coffee Hour in St. Charles Hall

*In response to requests from our players, we have instituted age restrictions for admission to Bingo.  As of  October 15, 2015, we no longer admit children under 8 years of age.

We now have a Bingo camera with TV monitors and electronic verification!
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, October 9 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. ~ Intentions of the Mgbenka Family (Requested by Fidelia Ejimadu) and Deacon Jimmie Boyd (Requested by Bob and Mary Kresse)

Monday, October 10 ~ No Service

Tuesday, October 11 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Joseph Kohn (Family)

Wednesday, October 12 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Bridget Blesnuk (Dorothy Prystrawski)

Thursday, October 13 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Francis Pietrzykowski (Estate)

Friday, October 14 ~ St. Callistus I ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Milon Brown (Estate)

Saturday, October 15 ~ Wedding of Corey Pender and Natalie Kolkmeyer at 2:00 p.m.

Saturday, October 15 ~ St. Teresa of Jesus ~ Vigil Mass at 4:30 p.m. – Anna Snyder (Estate)

Sunday, October 16 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. ~ William Blesnuk (Family) and Deacon Jimmie Boyd (Blessed Trinity Holy Name Society)

Assisting on the Altar – Ministry Schedule for Saturday, October 15 and Sunday, October 16:

Saturday, 4:30 p.m.  Reader: Lorna Cameron; Eucharistic Minister: Lucille Venezia

Sunday, 10:00 a.m.   Readers: Chris Porter and Dianne Riordan; Eucharistic Ministers: Dan Korchowsky, Sharon Dunnigan, Pat Hartinger; Fran Cahill (Loft)

Readings for the Week of October 9

Sunday: 2 Kgs 5:14-17; Ps 98:1-4; 2 Tm 2:8-13; Lk 17:11-19
Monday: Gal 4:22-24, 26-27, 31-5:1; Ps 113:1-7; Lk 11:29-32
Tuesday: Gal 5:1-6; Ps 119:41, 43-45, 47-48; Lk 11:37-41
Wednesday: Gal 5:18-25; Ps 1:1-4, 6; Lk 11:42-46
Thursday: Eph 1:1-10; Ps 98:1-6; Lk 11:47-54
Friday: Eph 1:11-14; Ps 33:1-2, 4-5, 12-13; Lk 12:1-7
Saturday: Eph 1:15-23; Ps 8:2-7; Lk 12:8-12
Sunday, Oct. 16: Ex 17:8-13; Ps 121: 1-8; 2 Tim 3:14-4:2; Lk 18:1-8

Parish to honor the late Deacon Jimmie Boyd on Sunday, October 16.

News from our Parish Community

Honoring Deacon Jimmie ~ On Sunday, October 16, we will honor the memory of Deacon Jimmie Boyd with the placing of his name on our memorial plaque. The plaque was presented to the parish in the early 1990s by our Holy Name Society and lists the names and tenure of all pastors and associates who have served our parish. We have asked his family to attend, and coffee hour will follow in the hall.

Ralph Overton

Please welcome Ralph Overton, who assumed the position of parish custodian on Monday, October 3rd. We are happy to have him on board and hope that you will make him feel at home here at Blessed Trinity.

Special Collection for the Flood Victims of Louisiana ~ The Special Collection for the Flood Victims of Louisiana will take place this weekend, October 8/9. We are all well aware of the terrible hardships people are facing in Louisiana because of the recent floods and their need for help. Aware in this Year of Mercy of our need to care for each other, Bishop Malone has authorized the special collection for the Flood Victims of Louisiana. If you are able, please be as generous as possible. There will be envelopes in the pews this weekend. Please place your contribution in the envelope and drop it in the basket with the regular offertory collection. Thank you.

Charles Reedy and the Touch’e Band at Blessed Trinity.

The Trinity Concert Series ~ The 2016-17 Trinity Series opened on October 2 with a performance by saxophonist Charles Reedy and the Touch’e Band featuring deConstance on Keyboard, Jason Dobbs playing both the Bass Guitar and Upright Bass, percussionist Lady Diamond, drummer Rob Thomas, and guitarist Vita Vee. Lady Diamond, deConstance and Ms. Vee also proved to be talented vocalists. For additional photos of the Touch’e Band, Click HERE. Next in our series is “A Christmas Pie” on Sunday, December 4, at 3 PM, when the Freudig Singers of WNY return with their annual holiday offerings, following by a pie reception.

Our Annual Watch for Watches Campaign to assist the St. Vincent de Paul Society began on October 1 and will continue through the month of October. Your watch doesn’t have to have a strap or be in working order. Watches are repaired and sold to further the work of the Society which is to help the poor. Last year we collected 104 watches. The Watch for Watches box will be near the statue of St. Joseph. Thanks to all who have contributed thus far. We’re off to a good start. For further information see Marianne Pernick.

Giving Griffins ~ On Sat. October 1, 2016, Blessed Trinity welcomed 13 Canisius College “Giving Griffins” who chose our site for their Community Day volunteer efforts. We are so grateful to them for their hard work and youthful energy in helping to make our Landmark edifice even more welcoming. Many thanks to Accounting Society members Quinn Corrao, Thomas Gagola, Donald Hymers, Wesley Ireland, Liam Kula- kowski, Tom Widman, and Nicholas Wojtkiewicz; Disney Club members David Hicks, Sophie Huffman, Nathan Hynes, Gwyneth Romon, Krystal Saimon and Ethan Shannon; and Joe Van Volkenberg from the College’s Campus Ministry for remembering us. We also are grateful to Judy Casassa and Bud and Mickey Dick who welcomed the students and worked along with them. Click HERE for additional photos.

Jerry Gallisdorfer extends his heartfelt THANK YOU to all who attended the reception on Sunday, September 25. Having all of you with him to celebrate his retirement was gratifying. He will remember your kindness and friendship as he begins a new phase of life.

Rectory office hours are Tuesday-Thursday from 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM. Please call our secretary, Barbara Sercu, at 716-833-0301 if you have information for the bulletin, changes to your phone number or mailing address, or would like to register as a parishioner.

News from our Vicariate Cluster and the Wider Community

Private Screening of “Voiceless” on October 9 at 3pm at the Regal Transit Theater, Williamsville. “Voiceless” is raw, powerful and transformational. Viewers will be enlightened, empowered and inspired to action. “Voiceless” shows how one person can make a difference; shows that standing for what is right will have a positive influence on people; reminds us that if we are not willing to confront evil, it will persist and grow in our community. Tickets are limited. For individual or group purchase, contact Delphine Verdi at 868-2049 or dollyverdi [at] gmail [dot] com or Dave Anderson at 773-4908 or daanderson [at] roadrunner [dot] com. See the movie trailer at http://voicelessthemovie.com.

Chiavetta’s Chicken Dinner on Thursday, October 13 from 3:30-7pm at St. Michael’s Church, 651 Washington St, Buffalo. Take out only. For tickets, call the rectory at 854-6726.

Rummage Sale on Saturday and Sunday, October 15 & 16 from 8am-2pm at St. Michael’s Church, 651 Washington St, Buffalo. Free admission. If you have donations or for further information, call the rectory at 854-6726.

Pilgrimage to Fatima Shrine ~ Annual New York State Knights of Columbus Pilgrimage to Our Lady of Fatima Shrine in Lewiston will be held on Sunday, October 16. The pilgrimage starts with a 1:15pm Mass in the Basilica followed by a Rosary Walk and Benediction. This event is open to the public and families are encouraged to attend. This is one of the four state pilgrimages that the Knights of Columbus sponsors around the state. As the Year of Mercy draws to a close, commemorate it by praying to Our Lady of Fatima for world peace. For further information contact Deacon Charles Esposito at 207-6630 or espo67_2000 [at] yahoo [dot] com.

Political responsibility from a Catholic Perspective presented by Msgr. Frederick Leising on Monday, October 17 from 7-8pm at Our Lady of Pompeii church, 158 Laverack Ave, Lancaster. As we prepare to exercise our rights and duties as participants in our democracy on Election Day, Msgr. Leising will help us evaluate what we hear through culture and the media and what the Bible teaches us. All our welcome! Refreshments follow presentation. Free will offering accepted.

Save the Date ~ Sr. Maureen invites you to save the date – Wednesday, October 19, from 6:30-8pm for a live session about “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship” and our Catholic participation in political life as a U.S. Citizen. Deacon Don Weigel will assist us in bringing together our principles and our political voices, our values and our votes, to help build a better world. Place to be announced. Contact Sr. Maureen Harris OSF at 897-9948 x114 to RSVP or with any questions.

October 28/29 Retreat: “Sharing the Mercy of God” ~ The African Commission is sponsoring a retreat from 6-9pm on Friday, Oct. 28 and Sat. Oct 29 at Holy Cross Parish, 345 Seventh St, Buffalo. Reverend Anthony Mario Ozele will conduct the retreat and serve as homilist at the Africa Thanksgiving Bazaar Mass, to be celebrated by Most Reverend Bishop Richard J. Malone at 10am on Sun., Oct. 30.. A bazaar following the Mass will include a Taste of Africa, auction and basket raffle. All are welcome to participate.

27th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Week of October 2, 2016

Oct 2, 2016 | This Week

St. Francis of Assisi (c. 1181-1226), whose feast we celebrate on October 4, is depicted in the dome of our church in a painting by Buffalo-born artist Joseph Mazur. St. Francis appears in a group of twelve figures identified as “Monks, Hermits, and Religious” in Rev. Walter Kern’s Guidebook to Blessed Trinity R. C. Church, p. 38. Francis is the second kneeling figure from the left in this photo by Gary Kelley.

October 2 – October 9, 2016

Weekly Activities

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

Friday, October 7 from 9:00 a.m. to 12 Noon ~ Helping Hands Food Pantry in St. Charles Hall

Saturday, October 8 from 9:00 a.m. to 12 Noon ~ Helping Hands Food Pantry in St. Charles Hall

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

Sunday, October 9 at 9:30 a.m. ~ Choir Rehearsal in church

*Please remember that we have instituted age restrictions for admission to Bingo in response to requests from our players. As of  October 15, 2015, we no longer admit children under 8 years of age.

We now have a Bingo camera with TV monitors and electronic verification!
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.

Our Trinity Series opens October 2 with Charles Reedy and the Touch’e Band.

Mass Intentions

Sunday, October 2 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. ~ Maria Mejuto (Requested by Family) and Aileen Horan Townsell (Requested by Madonna Hartzell)

Monday, October 3 ~ No Service

Tuesday, October 4 ~ St. Francis of Assisi ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – All Souls (Queen of Martyrs Parish)

Wednesday, October 5 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Ray and Martha Freudenberger (Estate)

Thursday, October 6 ~ St. Bruno; St. Isaac Jogues and companions ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Anna Snyder (Estate)

Friday, October 7 ~ Our Lady of the Rosary ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Deceased Members of Ryan, Reilly, Reynolds and Pfeiffer Families (Estate of Mary Reilly)

Saturday, October 8 ~ Vigil Mass at 4:30 p.m. – Catherine M. Maher (Estate)

Sunday, October 9 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. ~ Intentions of the Mgbenka Family (Fidelia Ejimadu) and Deacon Jimmie Boyd (Bob and Mary Kresse)

Assisting on the Altar – Ministry Schedule for Saturday, October 8 and Sunday, October 9:

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

Sunday, 10:00 a.m.   Readers: Mary Kresse, Richard Plunkett; Eucharistic Ministers: Alice Davis, Maggie Gatson, Bernice Bradley; Fran Cahill (Loft)

Readings for the Week of October 2

Sunday: Hab 1:2-3, 2:2-4; Ps 95:1-2, 6-9; 2 Tim 1:6-8, 13-14; Lk 17:5-10
Monday: Gal 1:6-12; Ps 111:1-2, 7-10; Lk 10:25-37
Tuesday: Gal 1:13-24; Ps 139:1-3, 13-15; Lk 10:38-42
Wednesday: Gal 2:1-2, 7-14; Ps 117:1-2; Lk 11:1-4
Thursday: Gal 3:1-5; Lk 1:69-75; Lk 11:5-13
Friday: Gal 3:7-14; Ps 111:1-6; Lk 11:15-26
Saturday: Gal 3:22-29; Ps 105:2-7; Lk 11:27-28
Sunday, Oct. 9: 2 Kgs 5:14-17; Ps 98:1-4; 2 Tm 2:8-13; Lk 17:11-19

Jerry Gallisdorfer, left; Sodality President Vera Andrew, & Trustee Bud Dick

News from our Parish Community

Jerry Gallisdorfer extends his heartfelt THANK YOU to all who attended the reception on Sunday, September 25. Having all of you with him to celebrate his retirement was gratifying. He will remember your kindness and friendship as he begins a new phase of life.

More jazz, more swing, more blues … Sunday, October 2 ~ Blessed Trinity opens its 2016-17 Trinity Concert Series at 3pm this Sunday when our Landmark church hosts Charles Reedy and the talented musicians and singers of TOUCH’E with their exciting blend of jazz, blues, gospel and swing music. Mr. Reedy was a crowd pleaser when he closed the 2013-14 concert season. This band is guaranteed to get your toes tappin’ and your spirits soaring. Join us at 3 o’clock for a musical treat!

Sodality Program This Sunday ~ All women of the parish are invited to participate in the Ladies Sodality’s Celebrating Women Witnesses program this Sunday, October 2, immediately following the 10am Mass. Dr. Althea Porter will lead a discussion of the life and legacy of Penny Lernoux (1940-1989), an American Journalist in Latin America who worked to expose social injustice and became a strong advocate for Church reform. Pease join us in St. Charles Hall.

Giving Griffins ~ On Sat. October 1, 2016, Blessed Trinity welcomed 13 Canisius College “Giving Griffins” who chose our site for their Community Day volunteer efforts. We are so grateful to them for their hard work and youthful energy in helping to make our Landmark edifice even more welcoming. Many thanks to Accounting Society members Quinn Corrao, Thomas Gagola, Donald Hymers, Wesley Ireland, Liam Kula- kowski, Tom Widman, and Nicholas Wojtkiewicz; Disney Club members David Hicks, Sophie Huffman, Nathan Hynes, Gwyneth Romon, Krystal Saimon and Ethan Shannon; and Joe Van Volkenberg from the College’s Campus Ministry for remembering us. We also are grateful to Judy Casassa and Bud and Mickey Dick who welcomed the students and worked along with them. Click HERE for additional photos.

Special Collection for the Flood Victims of Louisiana ~ We are all well aware of the terrible hardships people are facing in Louisiana because of the recent floods and their need for help. Aware in this Year of Mercy of our need to care for each other, Bishop Malone has authorized a special collection for the Flood Victims of Louisiana to be taken up the weekend of October 8-9. There will be envelopes in the pews next weekend for this collection. Please be as generous as possible. Thank you.

The Parish Council thanks the sixty plus parishioners who attended the September 19 meeting with Rev. Joseph Rogliano, a member of the priest’s personnel board and diocesan representative. Father Rogliano, who also serves as pastor of our neighboring parishes of St. Mark’s and St. Rose of Lima, complimented our attendance and promised to convey his impressions and our hopes to the other members of the personnel board. They are responsible for recommending a replacement candidate to Bishop Malone. Please continue to pray for a successful search and, as Father Rogliano suggested, “reach out” to priests we know and encourage them to consider the position.

Our Annual WATCH FOR WATCHES Campaign to assist the St. Vincent de Paul Society has begun and will continue through the month of October. Your watch does not have to have a strap or be in working order. Watches are repaired and sold to further the work of the Society which is to help the poor. Last year we collected 104 watches. The Watch for Watches box will be next to the statue of St. Joseph. For further information see Marianne Pernick.

Thank you for supporting Christ the King Seminary. Thank you to everyone who donated to the annual collection for Christ the King Seminary. If you missed the collection, it’s not too late to join in the journey and support our seminary’s important work of educating our future priests, deacons and lay leaders to serve in our diocese.  Donations are still being accepted at www.cks.edu or by calling 716-655-7089. Gifts may also be placed in the collection (Attn: Seminary Appeal) or mailed to Christ the King Seminary, Attn: Parish Appeal, PO Box 607, East Aurora, NY 14052.

Support for those who are grieving ~ St. Paul reminds us in his letter to the Romans of many comforting words. During times of loss, loneliness and grief, we may not feel or recognize God’s presence in our lives. Though we can’t imagine all the thoughts and feelings you are experiencing right now, we do understand a bit about grieving and that, first of all, it is a process. The Office of Family Life Ministries has a free bereavement packet of materials designed to provide support, especially during the initial stages of grief. For a bereavement packet call 847-2210 or email familylife [at] buffalodiocese [dot] org.

Rectory office hours are Tuesday-Thursday from 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM. Please call our secretary, Barbara Sercu, at 716-833-0301 if you have information for the bulletin, changes to your phone number or mailing address, or would like to register as a parishioner.

News from our Vicariate Cluster and the Wider Community

Political responsibility from a Catholic Perspective presented by Msgr. Frederick Leising on Monday, October 17 from 7-8pm at Our Lady of Pompeii church, 158 Laverack Ave, Lancaster. As we prepare to exercise our rights and duties as participants in our democracy on Election Day, Msgr. Leising will help us evaluate what we hear through culture and the media and what the Bible teaches us. All our welcome! Refreshments follow presentation. Free will offering accepted.

Save the Date ~ Sr. Maureen invites you to save the date – Wednesday, October 19, from 6:30-8pm for a live session about “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship” and our Catholic participation in political life as a U.S. Citizen. Deacon Don Weigel will assist us in bringing together our principles and our political voices, our values and our votes, to help build a better world. Place to be announced. Contact Sr. Maureen Harris OSF at 897-9948 x114 to RSVP or with any questions.

October 28/29 Retreat: “Sharing the Mercy of God” ~ The African Commission is sponsoring a retreat from 6-9pm on Friday, Oct. 28 and Sat. Oct 29 at Holy Cross Parish, 345 Seventh St, Buffalo. Reverend Anthony Mario Ozele will conduct the retreat and serve as homilist at the Africa Thanksgiving Bazaar Mass, to be celebrated by Most Reverend Bishop Richard J. Malone at 10am on Sun., Oct. 30.. A bazaar following the Mass will include a Taste of Africa, auction and basket raffle. All are welcome to participate.

The new year at NativityMiguel Middle School is off to a strong start with our teachers reporting students ready and eager to learn! Our students look sharp and so does the school. Why? A big part of the answer is the best summer volunteers ever! We had outstanding work done by Nardin Academy, Canisius High School and M&T Bank. In addition, our St. Monica Campus renovated two new classrooms and installed lockers. Thank you, Mr. Joe and all our dedicated volunteers!

26th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Week of Sept. 25, 2016

Sep 25, 2016 | This Week

The Archangels Gabriel, Michael and Raphael – whose feast day we celebrate on September 29 – are depicted in the stained glass windows of the skylight over the altar, on either side of the ten foot long central panel of Christ the King. In this photo, Gabriel is the partial figure at the far left, holding a palm branch. St. Michael appears in the third panel from the left holding a sword, and St. Raphael is the partial figure seen in the panel on the far right. Installed in 1953, the skylight windows contain 20,000 pieces of glass set in approximately one half mile of lead strips. Together, the 15 panels weigh about 1,000 pounds. (Rev. Walter Kern’s
Guidebook to Blessed Trinity Roman Catholic Church at page 44).
Photo credit: Jeannette Pikturna

September 25 – October 2, 2016

Weekly Activities

Sunday, September 25 following 10:00 a.m. Mass ~ Retirement Party for Jerry Gallisdorfer in St. Charles Hall

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

Friday, September 30 from 9:00 a.m. to 12 Noon ~ Helping Hands Food Pantry in St. Charles Hall

Saturday, October 1 from 9:00 a.m. to 12 Noon ~ Helping Hands Food Pantry in St. Charles Hall

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

Sunday, October 2 following 10:00 a.m. Mass ~ Sodality Meeting in St. Charles Hall

Sunday, October 2 at 3:00 p.m. ~ Trinity Series Concert featuring Charles Reedy and the Touch’e Band in church

*Please remember that we have instituted age restrictions for admission to Bingo in response to requests from our players. As of  October 15, 2015, we no longer admit children under 8 years of age.

We now have a Bingo camera with TV monitors and electronic verification!
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.

Our Trinity Series opens October 2 with Charles Reedy and the Touch’e Band.

Mass Intentions

Sunday, September 25 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. ~ Michelle Clemons (Requested by Shirley Blinkenderfer) and James Lojacono (Requested by Bob and Mary Kresse)

Monday, September 26 ~ Ss. Cosmos and Damian ~ No Service

Tuesday, September 27 ~ St. Vincent de Paul ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Eugene Prystawski (Dorothy Prystawski)

Wednesday, September 28  ~ St. Wenceslaus; St. Lawrence Ruiz & Companions ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Catherine M. Maher (Estate)

Thursday, September 29 ~ Ss. Michael, Gabriel & Raphael, Archangels ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Anna Snyder (Estate)

Friday, September 30 ~ St. Jerome ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Deceased Members of Ryan, Reilly, Reynolds and Pfeiffer Families (Estate of Mary Reilly)

Saturday, October 1 ~ Vigil Mass at 4:30 p.m. – Deceased Members of Blessed Trinity Parish (Blessed Trinity Parish)

Sunday, October 2 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. ~ Maria Mejuto (Family) and Aileen Horan Townsell (Madonna Hartzell)

Assisting on the Altar – Ministry Schedule for Saturday, October 1 and Sunday, October 2:

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

Sunday, 10:00 a.m.   Readers: Angela Jost, Sharon Dunnigan; Eucharistic Ministers: Fran Cahill, Pat Hartinger, Mary Kresse, Dan Korchowsky, (Loft)

Readings for the Week of September 25

Sunday: Am 6:1a, 4-7; Ps 146:7-10; 1 Tim 6:11-16; Lk 16:19-31
Monday: Gal 1:6-12; Ps 111:1-2, 7-10; Lk 10:25-37
Tuesday: Gal 1:13-24; Ps 139:1-3, 13-15; Lk 10:38-42
Wednesday: Gal 2:1-2, 7-14; Ps 117:1-2; Lk 11:1-4
Thursday: Gal 3:1-5; Lk 1:69-75; Lk 11:5-13
Friday: Gal 3:7-14; Ps 111:1-6; Lk 11:15-26
Saturday: Gal 3:22-29; Ps 105:2-7; Lk 11:27-28
Sunday, Oct. 2: Hab 1:2-3, 2:2-4; Ps 95:1-2, 6-9; 2 Tim 1:6-8, 13-14; Lk 17:5-10

News from our Parish Community

Jerry Gallisdorfer

Celebrate with us on September 25 ~ After more than twenty-three years as our parish custodian, Gerard “Jerry” Gallisdorfer is retiring. You are cordially invited to a parish reception honoring Jerry on Sunday, September 25 in St Charles Hall, following Sunday Mass. Please join in thanking Jerry for his service and wishing him well in this new phase of his life.

The Parish Council thanks the sixty plus parishioners who attended Monday evening’s meeting with Rev. Joseph Rogliano, a member of the priest’s personnel board and diocesan representative. Your presence spoke volumes in support of our parish as community, and was impressive not only in terms of number but in the thoughtful comments and questions presented. Father Rogliano, who also serves as pastor of our neighboring parishes of St. Mark’s and St. Rose of Lima, complimented our attendance and promised to convey his impressions and our hopes to the other members of the personnel board. They are responsible for recommending a replacement candidate to Bishop Malone. Please continue to pray for a successful search and, as Father Rogliano suggested, “reach out” to priests we know and encourage them to consider the position.

Ladies Sodality ~ The first general meeting of the Ladies Sodality will take place on October 2, and all women of the parish are invited to join us in St. Charles Hall, immediately following the 10am Mass. We will be continuing our Celebrating Women Witnesses series from last year, as Dr. Althea Porter leads us in a discussion of the life of Penny Lernoux (1940-1989), an American Journalist in Latin America who worked to expose social injustice and became a strong advocate for Church reform. As an aid to your participation, a handout about Ms. Lernoux will be available at Masses on September 24/25.

More jazz, more swing, more blues … Sunday, October 2, marks the first musical performance in our 2016-17 Trinity Concert Series. Back by popular demand after his 2014 concert at Blessed Trinity Church, Charles Reedy brings the talented musicians and singers of Touch’e with their exciting blend of jazz, blues, gospel and swing music. Performance time is 3 pm. A free-will offering will be taken, with a per person suggested donation of $10. Come and bring a friend – you’ll be glad you did! We have it on good authority; i.e., several parishioners who’ve heard them play, that these guys and gals are REALLY great!!

Blessed Trinity School Alumni ~ Members of the Blessed Trinity School Alumni joined parishioners at Blessed Trinity on Sunday, September 18, for the 10am Mass. Their annual Memorial Mass honored twelve graduates and one former teacher who have died since last September. Docent-team members and graduates of the school, Margaret Stiffler Dick, ’59, and Thomas Brodfuehrer, ’75, provided early arrivals with a guided mini-tour of the church. Following the Mass, the alumni committee hosted an all-class  reception in St. Charles Hall.

Our Annual WATCH FOR WATCHES Campaign to assist the St. Vincent de Paul Society will begin on October 1 and continue through the month of October. Your watch does not have to have a strap or be in working order. Watches are repaired and sold to further the work of the Society which is to help the poor. Last year we collected 104 watches. The Watch for Watches box will be next to the statue of St. Joseph. For further information see Marianne Pernick.

Connected in Faith ~ Through the generous support of the people of God in Western New York, Christ the King Seminary is able to build a strong community of faith for our local church by providing exceptional theological education, pastoral field experience, and spiritual formation. Seminary graduates form relationships that serve our community in many ways and are well prepared to navigate the spiritual future of our diocese. Next week our parish will hold our annual collection to benefit Christ the King Seminary during all the Masses. There are many people ready to answer the call to ministry to meet the needs of today’s church in our diocese. Please help them to do so by giving generously and remembering Christ the King in your prayers. For more information on our seminary’s mission or programs, or to give online, go to www.cks.edu.

Weekly Highlight from Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship #9 – Observations from Sister Maureen Harris: This week begins Part II of the document which applies Catholic teaching to 13 major issues. It gives a summary of policy positions of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). It calls attention to issues with significant moral dimensions that should be carefully considered in each campaign and as policy decisions are made in the years to come. I’ll start with the Importance of Human Life – #64: Living the Gospel of Life, declares, “Abortion and euthanasia have become preeminent threats to human life and dignity because they directly attack life itself, the most fundamental good and the condition for all others.” Laws that legitimize any of these practices are profoundly unjust and immoral. The USCCB conference supports laws and policies to protect human life to the maximum degree; constitutional laws to end abortion, assisted suicide, and euthanasia. They promote a culture of life by supporting programs for adoption over abortion and by addressing poverty, providing health care, and offering other assistance to pregnant women, children, and families. How do we live out the respect for human life and dignity every day?

Rectory office hours are Tuesday-Thursday from 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM. Please call our secretary, Barbara Sercu, at 716-833-0301 if you have information for the bulletin, changes to your phone number or mailing address, or would like to register as a parishioner.

Our Helping Hands Food Pantry has extended its hours and now operates on both Friday and Saturday mornings from 9 AM – 12 Noon. If you are interested in volunteering, contact Luis Clay at 716-812-3461.

News from our Vicariate Cluster and the Wider Community

“Concerts for the Soul,” with tenor vocalist, Cory James Gallagher and writer-poet, Amy  Gallagher, present “An Evening of Healing” on Sunday, September 25 after the 5pm mass at St. Michael’s Church, 651 Washington Street, Buffalo. Come join us for a musical-poetic journey of the heart. Cory’s tender singing will soothe your soul, while Amy’s reflections will uplift and inspire. An evening to cherish and remember. A reception will follow. Event is by donation.

Bishop Edward M. Grosz, D.D., V.G. will present an insightful talk, “The Role of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, In the Mystery of Christ and the Church.” Ardently devoted Catholics accept the Blessed Virgin Mary as the Mother of God, but she takes us with her to understand how we can be disciples of the Lord to whom she gave birth. All are welcome. The gathering is free of charge; refreshments to follow. Our Lady of Pompeii, Parish Ministry Center, 129 Laverack Ave, Lancaster, Monday, September 26 from 7-9pm.

25th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Week of September 18, 2016

Sep 20, 2016 | This Week

School alumni were “back in class” as Tom Brodfuehrer from the Class of ’75
interpreted iconography on the church facade on Sun. 9/18.

September 18 – September 25, 2016

Weekly Activities

Monday, September 19 at 7:00 p.m. ~ Parishioners’ meeting with Diocesan representatives in St. Charles Hall

Tuesday, September 20 at 7:30 p.m. ~ Choir Rehearsal in St. Charles Hall

Wednesday, September 21 at 7:00 p.m. ~ Parish Council Meeting in St. Charles Hall

Thursday, September 22 at 8:00 p.m. ~ Bingo will be played in St. Charles Hall*

Friday, September 23 from 9:00 a.m. to 12 Noon ~ Helping Hands Food Pantry in St. Charles Hall

Saturday, September 24 from 9:00 a.m. to 12 Noon ~ Helping Hands Food Pantry in St. Charles Hall

Saturday, September 24 at 8:00 p.m. ~ Bingo will be played in St. Charles Hall*

Sunday, September 25 following 10:00 a.m. Mass ~ Retirement Party for Jerry Gallisdorfer in St. Charles Hall

*Please remember that we have instituted age restrictions for admission to Bingo in response to requests from our players. As of  October 15, 2015, we no longer admit children under 8 years of age.

We now have a Bingo camera with TV monitors and electronic verification!
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, September 18 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. ~ Deceased Members of Blessed Trinity School Alumni (Requested by BTS Alumni) and Ralph and Geraldine Stroh (Requested by Family)

Monday, September 19 ~ St. Januarius ~ No Service

Tuesday, September 20 ~ St. Andrew Kim Tae-gon & St. Paul Chong Ha-sang & companions ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Catherine M. Maher (Estate)

Wednesday, September 21  ~ St. Matthew, Apostle & Evangelist ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Anna Snyder (Estate)

Thursday, September 22 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Margaret Schimpf – Anniversary (Family)

Friday, September 23 ~ St. Pius of Pietrelcina ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Deceased Members of Ryan, Reilly, Reynolds and Pfeiffer Families (Estate of Mary Reilly)

Saturday, September 24 ~ Vigil Mass at 4:30 p.m. – John F. Curtin (Family)

Sunday, September 25 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. ~ Michelle Clemons (Shirley Blinkenderfer) and James Lojacono (Bob and Mary Kresse)

Assisting on the Altar – Ministry Schedule for Saturday, September 24 and Sunday, September 25:

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

Sunday, 10:00 a.m.   Readers: Fran Cahill, Bob Heicklen; Eucharistic Ministers: Dan Korchowsky, Sharon Dunnigan, Bernice Bradley, Fran Cahill (Loft)

Readings for the Week of September 18

Sunday: Am 8:4-7; Ps 113:1-2, 4-8; 1 Tm 2:1-8; Lk 16:1-13
Monday: Prv 3:27-34; Ps 15:2-5; Lk 8:16-18
Tuesday: Prv 21:1-6, 10-13; Ps 119:1, 27, 30, 34-35, 44; Lk 8:19- 21
Wednesday: Eph 4:1-7, 11-13; Ps 19:2-5; Mt 9:9-13
Thursday: Eccl 1:2-11; Ps 90:3-6, 12-14, 17; Lk 9:7-9
Friday: Eccl 3:1-11; Ps 144:1-4; Lk 9:18-22
Saturday: Eccl 11:9-12:8; Ps 90:3-6, 12-14, 17; Lk 9:43b-45
Sunday, Sept. 25: Am 6:1a, 4-7; Ps 146:7-10; 1 Tim 6:11-16; Lk 16:19-31

Our 2016-17 Trinity Series opens October 2 with Charles Reedy and the Touch’e Band.

News from our Parish Community

Important Parish Meeting ~ As announced at Mass on August 28, Father Reger will be retiring October 31, 2016 after serving our parish for twenty-five years. On Monday, September 19, following diocesan protocol, representatives of the Diocese and Bishop’s Department for Parish Leaders will meet with our congregation. All members of the parish are invited and encouraged to attend this meeting at 7pm in St. Charles Hall.

Our Parish Council will meet Wednesday, September 21 at 7pm in St. Charles Hall.

Jerry Gallisdorfer

Celebrate with us on September 25 ~ After more than twenty-three years as our parish custodian, Gerard “Jerry” Gallisdorfer is retiring. You are cordially invited to a parish reception honoring Jerry on Sunday, September 25 in St Charles Hall, following Sunday Mass. Please join in thanking Jerry for his service and wishing him well in this new phase of his life.

Ladies Sodality ~ The first general meeting of the Ladies Sodality will take place on October 2, and all women of the parish are invited to join us in St. Charles Hall, immediately following the 10am Mass. We will be continuing our Celebrating Women Witnesses series from last year, as Dr. Althea Porter leads us in a discussion of the life of Penny Lernoux (1940-1989), an American Journalist in Latin America who worked to expose social injustice and became a strong advocate for Church reform. As an aid to your participation, a handout about Ms. Lernoux will be available at Masses on September 24/25.

More jazz, more swing, more blues … Sunday, October 2, marks the first musical performance in our 2016-17 Trinity Concert Series. Back by popular demand after his 2014 concert at Blessed Trinity Church, Charles Reedy brings the talented musicians and singers of Touch’e with their exciting blend of jazz, blues, gospel and swing music. Performance time is 3 pm. A free-will offering will be taken, with a per person suggested donation of $10. Invite your friends and plan now to enjoy Charles Reedy and the Touch’e Band.

Blessed Trinity School Alumni ~ Members of the Blessed Trinity School Alumni joined parishioners at Blessed Trinity on Sunday, September 18, for the 10am Mass. Their annual Memorial Mass honored twelve graduates and one former teacher who have died since last September. Docent-team members and graduates of the school, Margaret Stiffler Dick, ’59, and Thomas Brodfuehrer, ’75, provided early arrivals with a guided mini-tour of the church. Following the Mass, the alumni committee hosted an all-class  reception in St. Charles Hall.

Our Annual WATCH FOR WATCHES Campaign to assist the St. Vincent de Paul Society will begin on October 1 and continue through the month of October. Your watch does not have to have a strap or be in working order. Watches are repaired and sold to further the work of the Society which is to help the poor. Last year we collected 104 watches. The Watch for Watches box will be next to the statue of St. Joseph. For further information see Marianne Pernick.

Connected in Faith ~ Through the generous support of the people of God in Western New York, Christ the King Seminary is able to build a strong community of faith for our local church by providing exceptional theological education, pastoral field experience, and spiritual formation. Seminary graduates form relationships that serve our community in many ways and are well prepared to navigate the spiritual future of our diocese. Next week our parish will hold our annual collection to benefit Christ the King Seminary during all the Masses. There are many people ready to answer the call to ministry to meet the needs of today’s church in our diocese. Please help them to do so by giving generously and remembering Christ the King in your prayers. For more information on our seminary’s mission or programs, or to give online, go to www.cks.edu.

Weekly Highlight from Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship #9 – Observations from Sister Maureen Harris: This week begins Part II of the document which applies Catholic teaching to 13 major issues. It gives a summary of policy positions of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). It calls attention to issues with significant moral dimensions that should be carefully considered in each campaign and as policy decisions are made in the years to come. I’ll start with the Importance of Human Life – #64: Living the Gospel of Life, declares, “Abortion and euthanasia have become preeminent threats to human life and dignity because they directly attack life itself, the most fundamental good and the condition for all others.” Laws that legitimize any of these practices are profoundly unjust and immoral. The USCCB conference supports laws and policies to protect human life to the maximum degree; constitutional laws to end abortion, assisted suicide, and euthanasia. They promote a culture of life by supporting programs for adoption over abortion and by addressing poverty, providing health care, and offering other assistance to pregnant women, children, and families. How do we live out the respect for human life and dignity every day?

Rectory office hours are Tuesday-Thursday from 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM. Please call our secretary, Barbara Sercu, at 716-833-0301 if you have information for the bulletin, changes to your phone number or mailing address, or would like to register as a parishioner.

Our Helping Hands Food Pantry has extended its hours and now operates on both Friday and Saturday mornings from 9 AM – 12 Noon. If you are interested in volunteering, contact Luis Clay at 716-812-3461.

News from our Vicariate Cluster and the Wider Community

TRY (Teaching and Restoring Youth), a program for homeless young women ages 16 to 21, is in need of a variety of donations for our Annual Fund Raising Dinner to be held Friday, September 23 at 6 p.m. at Salvatore’s Italian Gardens Restaurant. For dinner reservations call 716-896-5332. If there are any questions email SMAKaiser [at] roadrunner [dot] com.

Bishop Edward M. Grosz, D.D., V.G. will present an insightful talk, “The Role of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, In the Mystery of Christ and the Church.” Ardently devoted Catholics accept the Blessed Virgin Mary as the Mother of God, but she takes us with her to understand how we can be disciples of the Lord to whom she gave birth. All are welcome. The gathering is free of charge; refreshments to follow. Our Lady of Pompeii, Parish Ministry Center, 129 Laverack Ave, Lancaster, Monday, September 26 from 7-9pm.

24th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Week of Sept. 11, 2016

Sep 11, 2016 | This Week

President Barack Obama at the Pentagon, Sunday, Sept. 11, 2016.
Memorial observance commemorating the 15th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Associate Press photo.

September 11 – September 18, 2016

Weekly Activities

Tuesday, September 13 at 7:30 p.m. ~ Choir Rehearsal in St. Charles Hall

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

Friday, September 16 from 9:00 a.m. to 12 Noon ~ Helping Hands Food Pantry in St. Charles Hall

Saturday, September 17 from 9:00 a.m. to 12 Noon ~ Helping Hands Food Pantry in St. Charles Hall

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

Sunday, September 18 following 10:00 a.m. Mass ~ BT School Alumni Reception in St. Charles Hall

Monday, September 19 at 7:00 p.m. ~ Parishioners’ meeting with Diocesan representatives in St. Charles Hall

*Please remember that we have instituted age restrictions for admission to Bingo in response to requests from our players. As of  October 15, 2015, we no longer admit children under 8 years of age.

We now have a Bingo camera with TV monitors and electronic verification!
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, September 11 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. ~ Joseph Kohn (Requested by Family) and Msgr. Anthony Caligiuri (Requested by Blessed Trinity Parish)

Monday, September 12 ~ Most Holy Name of Mary ~ No Service

Tuesday, September 13 ~ St. John Chrysostom ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Deceased Members of Blessed Trinity Parish (Blessed Trinity Parish)

Wednesday, September 14  ~ Exaltation of the Holy Cross ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Catherine M. Maher (Estate)

Thursday, September 15 ~ Our Lady of Sorrows ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Anna Snyder (Estate)

Friday, September 16 ~ St. Cornelius and St. Cyprian ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Deceased Members of Ryan, Reilly, Reynolds and Pfeiffer Families (Estate of Mary Reilly)

Saturday, September 17 ~ Memorial Mass at 10:00 a.m. for Gregory DeLong

Saturday, September 17 ~ St. Robert Bellarmine ~ Vigil Mass at 4:30 p.m. – John J. Horan (Family)

Sunday, September 18 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. ~ Deceased Members of Blessed Trinity School Alumni (BTS Alumni) and Ralph and Geraldine Stroh (Family)

Assisting on the Altar – Ministry Schedule for Saturday, September 17 and Sunday, September 18:

Saturday, 4:30 p.m.  Reader: Gary Kelley; Eucharistic Minister: Lucille Venezia

Sunday, 10:00 a.m.   Readers: Bernice Bradley, Maggie Gatson; Eucharistic Ministers: Alice Davis, Pat Hartinger, Mary Kresse, Maggie Gatson (Loft)

Readings for the Week of September 11

Sunday: Nm 21:4-9; Ps 78:31-32, 34-38; Phil 2:6-11; Jn 3:13-17
Monday: 1 Cor 11:17-26, 33; Ps 40:7-10, 17; Lk 7:1-10
Tuesday: 1 Cor 12:12-14, 27-31a; Ps 100:1-5; Lk 7:11-17
Wednesday: Nm 21:4b-9; Ps 78:1-2, 34-38; Phil 2:6-11; Jn 3:13-17
Thursday: 1 Cor 15:1-11; Ps 118:1-2, 16-17, 28; Jn 19:25-27 or Lk 2:33-35
Friday: 1 Cor 15:12-20; Ps 17:1, 6-8, 15; Lk 8:1-3
Saturday: 1 Cor 15:35-37, 42-49; Ps 56:10-14; Lk 8:4-15
Sunday, Sept. 18: Am 8:4-7; Ps 113:1-2, 4-8; 1 Tm 2:1-8; Lk 16:1-13

Feast of St. John Chrysostom
September 13

News from our Parish Community

Important Parish Meeting ~ As announced at Mass on August 28, Father Reger will be retiring October 31, 2016 after serving our parish for twenty-five years. On Monday, September 19, following diocesan protocol, representatives of the Diocese and Bishop’s Department for Parish Leaders will meet with our congregation. All members of the parish are invited to attend this meeting at 7pm in St. Charles Hall.

Memorial Mass ~ On Saturday, September 17, we will be celebrating a Memorial Mass at 10am for Gregory DeLong, grandson of Dianne Riordan. Please join us in prayer for Greg and his family. Following the Mass, there will be a reception in St. Charles Hall (upstairs).

Blessed Trinity School Alumni ~ Please welcome members of the Blessed Trinity School Alumni who will be gathering at our church on Sunday, September 18, for the 10am Mass. They will be memorializing twelve graduates and one former teacher who have died since last September. A 9:30am guided mini-tour of the church will precede the Memorial Mass. Blessed Trinity School operated from 1909-1975, educating more than 2,300 students. Additional information regarding the day’s planned activities and the alumni committee raffle are available by Clicking HERE, or by calling Bud or Mickey Dick at 716-832-2540.

Diocesan Anniversary of Marriage Celebration ~ This year, once again, there will be a special Diocesan ceremony sponsored by the Office of Family Life Ministries honoring those who are celebrating 50, 60 and 70 years or more of marriage during the year 2016. The date for the cathedral event will be: Sunday, October 23, 2016, beginning with 3:00 PM Mass at St. Joseph’s Cathedral, followed by a reception at the Adam’s Mark Hotel. Anyone celebrating one of these special anniversaries and planning to participate in the ceremony at the Cathedral is requested to register by calling Sister Barbara Horan at the Rectory (716-833-0301) by Sunday, September 18. Family members are encouraged and most welcome to attend both the mass and reception.

Our Parish Council will meet Wednesday, September 21 at 7pm in St. Charles Hall.

Jerry Gallisdorfer

Celebrate with us on September 25 ~ After more than twenty-three years as our parish custodian, Gerard “Jerry” Gallisdorfer is retiring. You are cordially invited to a parish reception honoring Jerry on Sunday, September 25 in St Charles Hall, following Sunday Mass. Please join in thanking Jerry for his service and wishing him well in this new phase of his life.

Ladies Sodality ~ The first general meeting of the Ladies Sodality will take place on Sunday, October 2, following the 10am Mass. We will be continuing our Celebrating Women Witnesses series from last year, as Dr. Althea Porter leads us in a discussion of the life of Penny Lernoux (1940-1989), an American Journalist who risked her life to expose social injustice in Latin America. All women of the parish are invited to join us in St. Charles Hall, immediately following Mass.

More jazz, more swing, more blues … Sunday, October 2, marks the first musical performance in our 2016-17 Trinity Concert Series. Back by popular demand after his 2014 concert at Blessed Trinity Church, Charles Reedy brings the talented musicians and singers of Touch’e with their exciting blend of jazz, blues, gospel and swing music. Performance time is 3 pm. A free-will offering will be taken, with a per person suggested donation of $10. Invite your friends and plan now to enjoy Charles Reedy and the Touch’e Band.

Our Annual WATCH FOR WATCHES Campaign to assist the St. Vincent de Paul Society will begin on October 1 and continue through the month of October. Your watch does not have to have a strap or be in working order. Watches are repaired and sold to further the work of the Society which is to help the poor. Last year we collected 104 watches. The Watch for Watches box will be next to the statue of St. Joseph. For further information see Marianne Pernick.

TRY (Teaching and Restoring Youth), a program for homeless young women ages 16 to 21, is in need of a variety of donations for our Annual Fund Raising Dinner to be held Friday, September 23 at 6 p.m. at Salvatore’s Italian Gardens Restaurant. If you can donate anything for our baskets, please leave them at church marked “TRY” and we will pick them up. Monetary donations can be sent directly to Annual Dinner, c/o Sr. Mary Augusta, 228 Brinkman Ave, Buffalo 14211. For dinner reservations call 716-896-5332. If there are any questions email SMAKaiser [at] roadrunner [dot] com.

High School Happenings ~ Information on open house schedules and other school material is beginning to come to our office. All school-related material will be displayed on the table in the front vestibule of church.

Rectory office hours are Tuesday-Thursday from 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM. Please call our secretary, Barbara Sercu, at 716-833-0301 if you have information for the bulletin, changes to your phone number or mailing address, or would like to register as a parishioner.

Our Helping Hands Food Pantry has extended its hours and now operates on both Friday and Saturday mornings from 9 AM – 12 Noon. If you are interested in volunteering, contact Luis Clay at 716-812-3461.

News from our Vicariate Cluster and the Wider Community

CKS Seminary offers classes in Williamsville and Lockport ~ Jesus the Christ: Fully Human, Fully Divine – ‘Christology,’ taught by Deacon Donald Weigel, will be offered by Christ the King Seminary at Ss. Peter & Paul parish in Williamsville, in the Neumann Hall, on Tuesdays 6-8:30pm for eight sessions beginning Sept. 13. The center of the gospel and the Christian life is the living person, Jesus of Nazareth, crucified and risen. The course will consider the historical Jesus in his words and deeds, and the significance of his death and resurrection. Discussions will explore our beliefs about who Jesus is and why he matters. Catholic and Protestants in dialogue: A Historical and Theological Study, taught by Paul Lubienecki, PhD, will be offered by the seminary at All Saints parish in Lockport in the Parish hall on Wednesdays 6:30-8:30pm for ten weeks beginning Sept. 14. Over the centuries there has been, and continues to be, a general discussion of what separates and also unites the faiths of Christianity. This course will examine the historical nature of these discussions through a review of traditional Catholic and Protestant doctrines and various documents issued by all denominations which highlight key issues. The courses are part of Christ the King Seminary’s Continuing Education Program and are open to anyone. To register visit the seminary’s website at www.CKS.edu for the Continuing Education registration material or contact Julie Galey at jgaley [at] cks [dot] edu or 716-655-7081.

Bishop Edward M. Grosz, D.D., V.G. will present an insightful talk, “The Role of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, In the Mystery of Christ and the Church.” Ardently devoted Catholics accept the Blessed Virgin Mary as the Mother of God, but she takes us with her to understand how we can be disciples of the Lord to whom she gave birth. All are welcome. The gathering is free of charge; refreshments to follow. Our Lady of Pompeii, Parish Ministry Center, 129 Laverack Ave, Lancaster, Monday, September 26 from 7-9pm.

23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time – Week of Sept. 4, 2016

Sep 4, 2016 | This Week

Feast of St. Peter Claver ~ September 9
St. Peter Claver (1581-1654) was a servant and missionary to the newly-arrived African slaves in South America. In addition to the Four Evangelists, Blessed Trinity places Peter Claver and other missionaries in a prominent position to emphasize the importance of preaching the Good News.
Photo Credit: Gary Kelley

September 4 – September 11, 2016

Weekly Activities

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

Friday, September 9 from 9:00 a.m. to 12 Noon ~ Helping Hands Food Pantry in St. Charles Hall

Saturday, September 11 from 9:00 a.m. to 12 Noon ~ Helping Hands Food Pantry in St. Charles Hall

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

*Please remember that we have instituted age restrictions for admission to Bingo in response to requests from our players. As of  October 15, 2015, we no longer admit children under 8 years of age.

We now have a Bingo camera with TV monitors and electronic verification!
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, September 4 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. ~ Intentions of the Mgbenka Family (Requested by Fidelia Ejimadu)

Monday, September 5 ~ Labor Day Holiday ~ No Service

Tuesday, September 6 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Deceased Members of Blessed Trinity Parish (Blessed Trinity Parish)

Wednesday, September 7  ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Deceased Members of Ryan, Reilly, Reynolds and Pfeiffer Families (Estate of Mary Reilly)

Thursday, September 8 ~ Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Catherine M. Maher (Estate)

Friday, September 9 ~ St. Peter Claver ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Anna Snyder (Estate)

Saturday, September 10 ~ St. Gregory the Great ~ Vigil Mass at 4:30 p.m. – John and Rita Curtin (Family)

Sunday, September 11 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. ~ Joseph Kohn (Family) and Msgr. Anthony Caligiuri (Blessed Trinity Parish)

Assisting on the Altar – Ministry Schedule for Saturday, September 10 and Sunday, September 11:

Saturday, 4:30 p.m.  Reader: Lorna Cameron; Eucharistic Minister: Lucille Venezia

Sunday, 10:00 a.m.   Readers: Bonnie Williams, Pam Zanghi; Eucharistic Ministers: Fran Cahill, Don Williams, Sr. Liz Savage, Kathleen Marien (Loft)

Readings for the Week of September 4

Sunday: Wis 9:13-18b; Ps 90:3-6, 12-17; Phlm 1:9-10, 12-17; Lk 14:25-33
Monday: 1 Cor 5:1-8; Ps 5:5-7, 12; Lk 6:6-11
Tuesday: 1 Cor 6:1-11; Ps 149:1-6, 9; Lk 6:12-19
Wednesday: 1 Cor 7:25-31; Ps 45:11-12, 14-17; Lk 6:20-26
Thursday: Mi 5:1-4a or Rom 8:28-30; Ps 13:6; Mt 1:1-16, 18-23 or 1:18-23
Friday: 1 Cor 9:16-19, 22b-27; Ps 84:3-6, 12; Lk 6:39-42
Saturday: 1 Cor 10:14-22; Ps 116:12-13, 17-18; Lk 6:43-49
Sunday, Sept. 11: Nm 21:4-9; Ps 78:31-32, 34-38; Phil 2:6-11; Jn 3:13-17

Photo Credit: Bridget Blesnuk

News from our Parish Community

Important Parish Meeting ~ As announced at Masses last weekend, Father Reger will be retiring October 31, 2016 after serving our parish for twenty-five years. On Monday, September 19, following diocesan protocol, representatives of the Diocese and Bishop’s Department for Parish Leaders will meet with our congregation. All members of the parish are invited to attend this meeting at 7pm in St. Charles Hall.

Employment Opportunity at BT ~ We’re still hoping to bring on a new custodian before Jerry Gallisdorfer retires in September.  If you know of someone qualified for the job, please have him/her submit a resume to the rectory as soon as possible. (Email address: blessedtrinitychurch [at] gmail [dot] com). The Custodian is responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of several buildings and assisting with a variety of semi-skilled manual work in the maintenance, repair and energy management of the church and other parish buildings. Requires a high school education, completed police background check, basic knowledge of plumbing and electrical work and ability to maintain the buildings and grounds of the parish. This position can be full- or part-time, with salary commensurate with education and experience. For detailed questions about the job, contact Bud Dick (716-832-2540).

Blessed Trinity School Alumni will hold their annual Alumni Sunday on September 18. A 9:30am guided mini-tour of the church will precede our 10 am Memorial Mass at which recently deceased alumni and faculty of the school will be remembered. Blessed Trinity School operated from 1909-1975, educating more than 2,300 students. If you know anyone who attended the grammar school, please be sure to mention the annual all-class gathering to them. Additional information regarding planned activities and the alumni committee raffle are available by Clicking HERE, or by calling Bud or Mickey Dick at 716-832-2540.

Our Parish Council will meet Wednesday, September 21 at 7pm in St. Charles Hall.

Our Annual WATCH FOR WATCHES Campaign to assist the St. Vincent de Paul Society will begin on October 1 and continue through the month of October. Your watch does not have to have a strap or be in working order. Watches are repaired and sold to further the work of the Society which is to help the poor. Last year we collected 104 watches. The Watch for Watches box will be next to the statue of St. Joseph. For further information see Marianne Pernick.

Rooted in Our Faith: Day of Reflection for the National Black Catholic Congress XII ~ The African American Commission of the Office of Cultural Diversity will be hosting a Day of Reflection on Saturday, September 10, at Ss. Columba-Brigid. Every five years since 1987, the National Black Catholic Congress convenes a congress culminating in a pastoral plan of action. Months before each congress, dioceses across the U.S. hold a Day of Reflection on the chosen theme. The Congress XII theme is “The Spirit of the Lord is Upon Me; Act Justly, Love Goodness, and Walk Humbly with Your God.” The Day of Reflection will begin with onsite registration at 9:30am and conclude with Mass at 4pm. Anyone may register for the Day of Reflection by completing a registration form. Registration forms are available at our church and should be returned to the Office of Cultural Diversity by September 5. For more information please contact Althea Porter at 716-316-8395 or Milagros Ramos at 716-847-2217.

High School Happenings ~ Information on open house schedules and other school material is beginning to come to our office. All school-related material will be displayed on the table in the front vestibule of church.

Weekly Highlight from Faithful Citizenship: A message from Sister Maureen Harris ~ How does the Church help the Catholic Faithful to speak about political and social Questions? How will we consider the moral principles on Election Day? The conclusion of Part 1 suggests:

#57 ~ Building a world of respect for human life and dignity, where justice and peace prevail, requires more than just political commitment. Individuals, families, businesses, community organizations, and governments all have a role to play. Participation in political life in light of fundamental moral principles is an essential duty for every Catholic and all people of good will.

#58 ~ The Church is involved in the political process but is not partisan. The Church cannot champion any candidate or party. Our cause is the defense of human life and dignity and the protection of the weak and vulnerable.

#61 ~ In light of these principles and the blessings we share as part of a free and democratic nation, the Bishops vigorously repeat the call for a renewed kind of politics, focused more on: moral principles than on the latest polls; the needs of the weak than on the benefits for the strong; the pursuit of the common good than on the demands of narrow interests.

From “A Call to Political Responsibility” from the Catholic Bishops of the United States – “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship.” It is online if you want to read it yourself at www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/faithfulcitizenship/upload.

TRY (Teaching and Restoring Youth), a program for homeless young women ages 16 to 21, is in need of a variety of donations for our Annual Fund Raising Dinner to be held Friday, September 23 at 6 p.m. at Salvatore’s Italian Gardens Restaurant. If you can donate anything for our baskets, please leave them at church marked “TRY” and we will pick them up. Monetary donations can be sent directly to Annual Dinner, c/o Sr. Mary Augusta, 228 Brinkman Ave, Buffalo 14211. For dinner reservations call 716-896-5332. If there are any questions email SMAKaiser [at] roadrunner [dot] com.

Looking for a Bible Study? There is a lot of information out there now: video programs, the internet, social media. But, if you are looking for a solid Bible study program that has withstood the test of time, the Catholic Biblical Studies program may be just what you are looking for. The CBSP has been conducting classes in the Buffalo Diocese for 25 years. Entry into a study of the Bible is a lifelong journey. It begins with the first step! Please join us in September at one of our introductory classes: Tuesday 7-9pm at St. Mary’s Church, 1 St. Mary’s Hill, Lancaster; or Wednesday 10am-noon at Newman Center, UB North Campus, 495 Skinnersville Rd, Amherst. Registration information, including class dates and cost, is available on their website where you can also learn more about who we are and other upcoming events and programs. Visit us at www.cbstudies.org or call 716-871-9180. For “first-hand information,” see our parishioner Elsieta Chapman.

Rectory office hours are Tuesday-Thursday from 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM. Please call our secretary, Barbara Sercu, at 716-833-0301 if you have information for the bulletin, changes to your phone number or mailing address, or would like to register as a parishioner.

Our Helping Hands Food Pantry has extended its hours and now operates on both Friday and Saturday mornings from 9 AM – 12 Noon. If you are interested in volunteering, contact Luis Clay at 716-812-3461.

News from our Vicariate Cluster and the Wider Community

Celebrate Saint Mother Teresa ~ On the day of her canonization, September 4, 2016 , celebrate the heroic life Saint Mother Teresa by entering through the Holy Doors of Mercy at St. Leo the Great Church, 885 Sweet Home Rd, Amherst at the Hour of Mercy, 3 pm, as we recite the Chaplet of Divine Mercy followed by a movie of her life, “Mother Teresa,” starring Olivia Hussey. The film is free and 177 minutes long, so feel free to bring a “pillow for the pew” and enjoy being inspired by the extraordinary life of our new saint. Questions, contact Dawn Iacono at diacono [at] stleothegreatamherst [dot] com.

September Concert ~ The Evangelization Committee at St. Martin de Porres (“SMDP”) is sponsoring The George Scott Big Band in concert at the church on Saturday, September 10 from 5-7 p.m. Tickets are available for $10.  Please call the SMDP office at 883-PRAY for further information.

WNY Coalition of Peace, Justice & Nonviolence Advocates are “joining together for all our Brothers and Sisters and Mother Earth” for their 3rd Annual Peace – Justice – Nonviolence Festival & Walk on Sunday, September 11, from 2:30pm to dusk at Canalside. There will be music, tabling, children’s activities and more. If you or your organization would like to be part of the event or event planning, please contact Vicki Ross, 716-931-3520 or victoryross9 [at] gmail [dot] com; Tom Casey, 716-491-9172 or caseytpc [at] aol [dot] com; or Paul McQuillen, 716-997-8659 or paulmcqesq [at] nyagv [dot] org.

Prayer Service for Mercy ~ Join women and men Religious of the Diocese of Buffalo during this Year of Mercy for a Prayer Service for Mercy. The Buffalo Leadership Conference of Women Religious is inviting the public to join us in a prayer for Mercy. Host sites include: September 9 at 7 pm, St. Mary Center, 241 Lafayette Ave, Buffalo; September 11 at 2 pm, Immaculate Conception Convent, 5229 South Park Ave, Hamburg; Sacred Heart Center, 22 Meadowbrook Pkwy, Cheektowaga; St. Mary of the Angels Convent, 210 Reist St, Williamsville.

On September 10 The Community Service Department of Christ the King Seminary is hosting a big outreach event for those in their 20s and 30s at Canalside. Young adults are invited to “Give Back!” by providing community service at agencies throughout the greater Buffalo area, and then re-gathering for a party with free food truck lunch. Be watching for a billboard on the 33 advertising this event next week as well as radio ads on KISS and other Town Square stations. If you are a young adult PLEASE JOIN US & invite friends! Saturday, Sept 10, 8:30am-3pm. Free breakfast, lunch and a T-shirt for giving of your time to others. Meet at Canalside for grab-and-go breakfast, head off to assigned work-sites, then re-gather for lunch, music and fun!  Please spread the word to all you know. You most definitely do not have to be a practicing Catholic to attend – you just have to be 18-39. This is a fun way for young adults to meet each other and live out the year of mercy in the community. The event is free but pre-registration is required to help organize the service sites, food and give-aways. Any questions about the event or ways you can be involved can be directed to Kaitlyn Buehlmann. Register at www.HaveFaithBuffalo.com.

Uptown Fresh ~ A Healthy Lifestyle Market featuring fresh fruits and vegetables is now taking place every Saturday from 10 AM – 2 PM at the corner of Bailey and Dartmouth in Buffalo. It began operation on June 25 and will continue every Saturday (except Labor Day weekend, Sept. 3) through September 24.

Bishop Edward M. Grosz, D.D., V.G. will present an insightful talk, “The Role of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, In the Mystery of Christ and the Church.” Ardently devoted Catholics accept the Blessed Virgin Mary as the Mother of God, but she takes us with her to understand how we can be disciples of the Lord to whom she gave birth. All are welcome. The gathering is free of charge; refreshments to follow. Our Lady of Pompeii, Parish Ministry Center, 129 Laverack Ave, Lancaster, Monday, September 26 from 7-9pm.