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.

22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time – Week of August 28, 2016

Aug 28, 2016 | This Week

The Passion of St. John the Baptist
August 29
St. John the Baptist ends the procession of prophets and saints
from the Jewish Bible in Joseph Mazur’s artistic rendering in the dome of our church.
Photo credit: Gary Kelley

August 28 – September 4, 2016

Weekly Activities

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

Friday, September 2 from 9:00 a.m. to 12 Noon ~ Helping Hands Food Pantry in St. Charles Hall

Saturday, September 3 from 9:00 a.m. to 12 Noon ~ Helping Hands Food Pantry in St. Charles Hall

Saturday, September 3 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, August 28 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. ~ Cleveland Witherspoon (Requested by Family)

Monday, August 29 ~ The Passion of St. John the Baptist ~ No Service

Tuesday, August 30  ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Catherine M. Maher (Estate)

Wednesday, August 31 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Deceased Members of Blessed Trinity Parish (Blessed Trinity Parish)

Thursday, September 1 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Anna Snyder (Estate)

Friday, September 2 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Agnes and Cleveland Witherspoon (Family)

Saturday, September 3 ~ St. Gregory the Great ~ Vigil Mass at 4:30 p.m. – Deceased Members of Ryan, Reilly, Reynolds and Pfeiffer Families (Estate of Mary Reilly)

Sunday, September 4 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. ~ Intentions of the Mgbenka Family (Fidelia Ejimadu)

Assisting on the Altar – Ministry Schedule for Saturday, September 3 and Sunday, September 4:

Saturday, 4:30 p.m.  Reader: Michael Ogoh; Eucharistic Minister: John Curtin

Sunday, 10:00 a.m.   Readers: Don Williams, Helen Roddy Gray; Eucharistic Ministers: Dan Korchowsky, Judy Casassa, Kathleen Marien, Sr. Liz Savage (Loft)

Readings for the Week of August 28

Sunday: Sir 3:17-18, 20, 28-29; Ps 68:4-7, 11-11; Heb 12:18-19, 22-24a; Lk 14:1, 7-14
Monday: 1 Cor 2:1-5; Ps 119:97-102; Mk 6:17-29
Tuesday: 1 Cor 2:10b-16; Ps 145:8-14; Lk 4:31-37
Wednesday: 1 Cor 3:1-9; Ps 33:12-15, 20-21; Lk 4:38-44
Thursday: 1 Cor 3:18-23; Ps 24:1-6; Lk 5:1-11
Friday: 1 Cor 4:1-5; Ps 37:3-6, 27-28, 39-40; Lk 5:33-39
Saturday: 1 Cor 4:6b-15; Ps 145:17-21; Lk 6:1-5
Sunday, Sept. 4: Wis 9:13-18b; Ps 90:3-6, 12-17; Phlm 1:9-10, 12-17; Lk 14:25-33

Photo Credit: Bridget Blesnuk

News from our Parish Community

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? The other two principles of Catholic Social teaching not covered previously are “The Common Good” and “Solidarity.”

       The Common Good #49 – 51

In #49 it is stated that “Human dignity is respected and the common good is fostered only if human rights are protected and basic responsibilities are met. Every human being has a right to life, …and a right to access those things required for human decency – food and shelter, education and employment, health care and housing, freedom of religion and family life.”

#50 “The economy must serve people, not the other way around. Employers contribute to the common good through the services or products they provide and by creating jobs that uphold the dignity and right of the workers – to productive work, to decent and just wages, to adequate benefits and security in their old age…”

#51 “We have a duty to care for God’s creation, ‘our common home.’ As stewards called by God to share the responsibility for the future earth, we should work for a world in which people respect and protect all of creation and seek to live simply in harmony with it for the sake of future generations.”

Solidarity #52 – 56

#52 “We are the one human family, whatever our national, racial, ethnic, economic, and ideological differences. We are our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers, wherever they may be. Loving our neighbors has global dimensions and requires us to eradicate racism and address extreme poverty and disease plaguing so much of the world.”

“These four principles provide a moral framework that does not easily fit ideologies of ‘right’ or ‘left,’ ‘liberal’ or ‘conservative,’ or the platform of any political party. They are common to all people.” How will we consider them on election day?

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.

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 9:30 AM and conclude with Mass at 4 PM. 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.

Blessed Trinity School Alumni will hold their annual Alumni Sunday on September 18. A 9:30 AM 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.

Preservationist Tom Yots (far right) and teachers from the Lewiston-Porter
District on their Aug. 18, 2016 visit to BTC.

Blessed Trinity Part of  “Summer School” Curriculum ~ Twenty-five teachers from the Lewiston-Porter School District, accompanied by local preservationist Tom Yots, participated in a docent-led architectural tour of our church on Thursday, August 18. We thank them for choosing to visit Blessed Trinity as part of their summertime professional development program.

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.

A Network of Caring ~ When you call on Catholic Charities,  you connect to a wealth of support. From professional counseling, mental health assessments, senior support, troubled teen programs, parenting to education and work readiness programs and more, we’ll respond with goals to grow stronger together. For more information, call 856-4494 or go to www.ccwny.org. You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

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

Summer Celebration Features Big Band Dance Under the Stars! Sunday, August 28 from 7-9 PM, St. Joseph University Church will host an outdoor Big Band Concert and Dance featuring the Jim Tudini Band with Bobby Militello. Join us for a great summer evening of music and dance under the stars! The Jim Tudini Band is an 11 piece contemporary big band perfect for dancing. Tudini has played with such notables as the Tommy Dorsey Band, Doc Severinson and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. The band specializes in traditional big band music as well as songs from the 70s through the 90s. Donation for the dance is $10 per person at the door. Beverages and light snacks will be available for purchase. For information contact 833-0298.

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.

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.

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.

“Griefshare” Support Group to meet at Our Lady of Pompeii Catholic Church ~ If you’ve experienced the death of a loved one, or know someone who has, please consider joining us on September 21 at 6:30 PM in our Ministry Center, 129 Laverack Avenue, Lancaster, NY. A different DVD will be shown on two Wednesdays of each month on how to cope with grief and loss. Coffee and an informal discussion will follow. Call Sister Joyce to register at 716-683-6522 x103.

21st Sunday in Ordinary Time – Week of Aug. 21, 2016

Aug 21, 2016 | This Week

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

August 21 – August 28, 2016

Weekly Activities

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

Friday, August 26 from 9:00 a.m. to 12 Noon ~ Helping Hands Food Pantry in St. Charles Hall

Saturday, August 27 from 9:00 a.m. to 12 Noon ~ Helping Hands Food Pantry in St. Charles Hall

Saturday, August 27 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, August 21 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. ~ Bob Kinmartin (Requested by Wife, Mary) and Kristi Duffy and Elizabeth Duffy (Requested by Duffy Family)

Monday, August 22 ~ The Queenship of the Blessed Virgin ~ No Service

Tuesday, August 23  ~ St. Rose of Lima ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Catherine M. Maher (Estate)

Wednesday, August 24 ~ St. Bartholomew ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Anna Snyder (Estate)

Thursday, August 25 ~ St. Louis, St. Joseph Calasanz ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Deceased Members of Blessed Trinity Parish (Blessed Trinity Parish)

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

Saturday, August 27 ~ St. Monica ~ Vigil Mass at 4:30 p.m. – Leo M. Townsell (Family)

Sunday, August 28 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. ~ Cleveland Witherspoon (Family)

Assisting on the Altar – Ministry Schedule for Saturday, August 27 and Sunday, August 28:

Saturday, 4:30 p.m.  Reader: Sr. Liz Savage; Eucharistic Minister: Lorna Cameron

Sunday, 10:00 a.m.   Readers: Bob Heicklen, Mary Kresse; Eucharistic Ministers: Dan Korchowsky, Maggie Gatson, Kathleen Marien, Judy Casassa (Loft)

Readings for the Week of August 21

Sunday: Is 66:18-21; Ps 117:1-2; Heb 12:5-7, 11-13; Lk 13: 22-30
Monday: 2 Thes 1:1-5, 11-12; Ps 96:1-5; Mt 23:13-22
Tuesday: 2 Thes 2:1-31; 14-17; Ps 96:10-13; Mt 23:23-26
Wednesday: Rev 21:9b-14; Ps 145:10-18; Jn 1:45-51
Thursday: 1 Cor 1:1-9; Ps 145:2-7; Mt 24:42-51
Friday: 1 Cor 1:17-25; Ps 33:1-2, 4-5, 10-11; Mt 25:1-13
Saturday: 1 Cor 1:26-31; Ps 33:12-13, 18-21; Mt 25:14-30
Sunday, August 28: Sir 3:17-18, 20, 28-29; Ps 68:4-7, 11-11; Heb 12:18-19, 22-24a; Lk 14:1, 7-14

News from our Parish Community

Full-time Position Available ~ We are still hoping to bring on a new custodian before Jerry Gallisdorfer leaves in September so that he can show the new person around and train him/her in the basic tasks of the job. If you know of someone qualified for the job, please have him/her submit a resume to the rectory as soon as possible.
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 is a full-time position, with salary commensurate with education and experience. For detailed questions about the job, contact Bud Dick (832-2540). More information about the position is available at http://www.buffalodiocese.org/job-opportunities. Look under under “Parishes/Other.”

Preservationist Tom Yots (far right) and teachers from the Lewiston-Porter
District on their Aug. 18, 2016 visit to BTC.

Blessed Trinity Part of  “Summer School” Curriculum ~ Twenty-five teachers from the Lewiston-Porter School District, accompanied by local preservationist Tom Yots, participated in a docent-led architectural tour of our church on Thursday, August 18. We thank them for choosing to visit Blessed Trinity as part of their summertime professional development program.

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? The last section of Part 1 of A Well-Formed Conscience contains important remarks on the four principles of Catholic Social Teaching: the dignity of the human person, the common good, subsidiarity, and solidarity. In the words of Pope Francis, “Progress in building a people in peace, justice and fraternity depends on these 4 principles related to constant tensions present in every social reality.”

     #44 – Dignity of Human Life – We know all human life is sacred from womb to tomb. Catholic teaching about the dignity of life calls us to oppose torture, unjust wars, and the indiscriminate use of drones for violent purposes; to prevent genocide and attacks against noncombatants; to oppose racism; to oppose human trafficking; and to overcome poverty and suffering.

#46 – Subsidiarity – The human person is not only sacred but social. Full development takes place in relationship with others. The family is the first and fundamental unit of society. Respect for family should be reflected in every policy and program; we must uphold parents’ rights and responsibilities to care for their children, including the right to choose their children’s education.

#47 – How we organize our society – in economics and politics in law and policy – directly affects the common good and the capacity of individuals to develop their full potential. Every person and association has a right and a duty to participate actively in shaping society and to promote the well-being of all, especially the poor and vulnerable. (Observations from Sr. Maureen Harris)

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.

A Network of Caring ~ When you call on Catholic Charities,  you connect to a wealth of support. From professional counseling, mental health assessments, senior support, troubled teen programs, parenting to education and work readiness programs and more, we’ll respond with goals to grow stronger together. For more information, call 856-4494 or go to www.ccwny.org. You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

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.

St. Bartholomew
August 24
This ceramic medallion of St. Bartholomew originally hung in St. Bartholomew R. C. Church on Grider Street in Buffalo. Since the merger of our parishes in 1993, it has hung on the wall of the transept on the right (west) side of the church.

News from our Vicariate Cluster and the Wider Community

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.  Tickets purchased before August 22 will be eligible for a $50 cash drawing! Please call the SMDP office at 883-PRAY for further information.

Infant of Prague Lawn Fete, 921 Cleveland Drive, Cheektowaga, will be having their lawn fete on August 26-27 – rides and games, carnival food, games of chance, a beer tent, entertainment, a basket extravaganza and much more. On Friday the rides, midway and beer garden open at 5 pm; basket raffle extravaganza from 5-10 pm; “Party of Nine” in the beer garden from 7-11:30 pm. On Saturday the rides and midway open at 12 noon; basket raffle extravaganza from 12-10 pm; “Kids Zone” featuring Party Animals Petting Zoo, face painting and games from 1-6 pm; Krolick’s BBQ dinner from 4-6 pm (or sold out): “Hit ‘N Run” in the beer garden from 7-11:30 pm.

Artisan Fair & Farmers’ Market ~ Father Baker Manor, 6400 Powers Road, Orchard Park, will be sponsoring its Second Annual Artisan Fair & Farmer’s Market on Saturday, August 27, from 10 am – 4 pm. The event is open to the public and will be held rain or shine. The community is invited to enjoy local artisans, crafters, and market vendors. There will also be a Lucky Draw Raffle for a number of prizes. All proceeds to support special projects at Father Baker Manor, a Catholic Health Skilled Nursing Facility. For more information visit www.chsbuffalo.org/FBMfair or contact Jill Hirczak at jhirczak [at] chsbuffalo [dot] org or by calling 716-209-0744.

Summer Celebration Features Big Band Dance Under the Stars! Sunday, August 28 from 7-9 PM, St. Joseph University Church will host an outdoor Big Band Concert and Dance featuring the Jim Tudini Band with Bobby Militello. Join us for a great summer evening of music and dance under the stars! The Jim Tudini Band is an 11 piece contemporary big band perfect for dancing. Tudini has played with such notables as the Tommy Dorsey Band, Doc Severinson and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. The band specializes in traditional big band music as well as songs from the 70s through the 90s. Donation for the dance is $10 per person at the door. Beverages and light snacks will be available for purchase. For information contact 833-0298.

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.

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.

“Griefshare” Support Group to meet at Our Lady of Pompeii Catholic Church ~ If you’ve experienced the death of a loved one, or know someone who has, please consider joining us on September 21 at 6:30 PM in our Ministry Center, 129 Laverack Avenue, Lancaster, NY. A different DVD will be shown on two Wednesdays of each month on how to cope with grief and loss. Coffee and an informal discussion will follow. Call Sister Joyce to register at 716-683-6522 x103.

20th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Week of Aug. 14, 2016

Aug 14, 2016 | This Week

The “Assumption of Mary into Heaven,” painting by Joseph Mazur on left side in church’s transept.
Photo credit: Steve Mangione

August 14 – August 21, 2016

Weekly Activities

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

Friday, August 19 from 9:00 a.m. to 12 Noon ~ Helping Hands Food Pantry in St. Charles Hall

Saturday, August 20 from 9:00 a.m. to 12 Noon ~ Helping Hands Food Pantry in St. Charles Hall

Saturday, August 20 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, August 14 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. ~ Mary Kinmartin (Requested by The Gallisdorfers) and Gregory DeLong (Requested by Bud and Mickey Dick)
Baptism of Elise Christine Chessher

Monday, August 15 ~ Assumption of The Blessed Virgin Mary ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m.  – Deceased Members of Ryan, Reilly, Reynolds and Pfeiffer Families (Estate of Mary Reilly)

Tuesday, August 16  ~ St. Stephen ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Deceased Members of Blessed Trinity Parish (Blessed Trinity Parish)

Wednesday, August 17 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Catherine M. Maher (Estate)

Thursday, August 18 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Anna Snyder (Estate)

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

Saturday, August 20 ~ St. Bernard, Abbot ~ Vigil Mass at 4:30 p.m. – Ann Horan O’Connor (Family)

Sunday, August 21 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. ~ Bob Kinmartin (Wife, Mary) and Kristi Duffy and Elizabeth Duffy (Duffy Family)

Readings for the Week of August 14

Sunday: Jer 38:4-6, 8-10; Ps 40:2-4, 18; Heb 12:1-4; Lk 12:49-53
Monday: Vigil: 1 Chr 15:3-4, 15-16; 16:1-2; Ps 132:6-7, 9-10, 13- 14; 1 Cor 15:54b-57; Lk 11:27-28
Day: Rv 11:19a, 12:1-6a, 10ab; Ps 45:10-12, 16; 1 Cor 15:20-27; Lk 1:39-56
Tuesday: Ez 28:1-10; Dt 32:26-28, 30, 35-36; Mt 19:23-30
Wednesday: Ez 34:1-11; Ps 23:1-6; Mt 20:1-16
Thursday: Ez 36:23-28; Ps 51:12-15, 18-19; Mt 22:1-14
Friday: Ez 37:1-14; Ps 107:2-9; Mt 22:34-40
Saturday: Ez 43:1-7a; Ps 85:9-14; Mt 23:1-12
Sunday, August 21: Is 66:18-21; Ps 117:1-2; Heb 12:5-7, 11-13; Lk 13: 22-30

Altar of the Blessed Virgin in the church’s Lady Chapel
Photo credit: Ron Storfer

News from our Parish Community

The Assumption of Our Lady Mary Into Heaven ~ Because this year the Feast of the Assumption falls on a Monday, it is not celebrated as a Holy Day of Obligation. However, we will be celebrating a Mass on Monday, August 15, at 11:00 a.m. in the Daily Mass (Sacristy Chapel). Please join us in honoring Mary on this day.  

The dogma of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary was proclaimed in 1950, but this observance has been celebrated on this day from the middle of the fifth century. On this solemnity, we profess our belief that Mary has gone before us, body and soul, into heaven. For her, the resurrection of the dead has taken place already. And thus the Assumption is technically an “Easter feast.” God invites us to eternal life, to enjoy the glorious new creation of his Son in body, soul, and spirit. Our final hope is the resurrection of our own bodies at the end of time to exist forever in this new order of creation. The Solemnity of the Assumption is our great celebration of this final hope. Mary is a pioneer for us in faith. She was the first among us to accept Jesus Christ into her life. In her bodily assumption, she is also the first fully to enjoy eternal life at the side of her risen son in the glory of heaven. Where she has gone, we hope to follow. We rejoice in the fulfillment of God’s promise in her, as we turn to her to guide us to the side of her risen son who reigns in heaven.

Full-time Position Available ~ We are still hoping to bring on a new custodian before Jerry Gallisdorfer leaves in September so that he can show the new person around and train him/her in the basic tasks of the job. If you know of someone qualified for the job, please have him/her submit a resume to the rectory as soon as possible.
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 is a full-time position, with salary commensurate with education and experience. For detailed questions about the job, contact Bud Dick (832-2540). More information about the position is available at http://www.buffalodiocese.org/job-opportunities. Look under under “Parishes/Other.”

Who Doesn’t Like a Picnic! ~ On Tuesday, August 2^nd, we proved that we all do. But even something as “relaxed” as a picnic requires a lot of planning and hard work, and Blessed Trinity was up to the task. And so we send heartfelt thanks to everyone who played a part in making National Night Out and the CCCB’s “Summer in the City” such an enjoyable evening. We won’t name names, but you know who you are: the folks who arranged for donations; gathered the grill and tents and shopped for essentials; made sure there was ample ice to keep all the drinks cold; hauled tables and chairs; set up games and erected canopies; prepared side dishes and desserts; provided entertainment for the children; endured the fire and smoke to grill our hot dogs and hamburgers; made numerous trips up and down stairs with food and utensils – and then did it all in reverse at the end of the night as we put everything back in its place. Whew! In between, we hope you all enjoyed meeting and dining with neighbors and dancing to the music of J.J. Williams. Thanks again to a wonderful team of BT volunteers. Click HERE for a photo gallery from our National Night Out celebration.

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? Part 1 of A Well-Formed Conscience is so important in regard to forming moral consciences that I feel I am not doing justice to it and encourage you to read the document for yourself. (Available at www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/faithfulcitizenship/upload). The section on “Making Moral Choices” contains articles #31 – 39.

• #31 – This exercise of conscience begins with outright opposition to laws and other polices that violate human life or weaken its protection.
• #36 – “When all candidates hold a position that promotes an intrinsically evil act, the conscientious voter faces a dilemma. The voter may decide to take the extraordinary step of not voting for any candidate or, after careful deliberation, may decide to vote for the candidate deemed less likely to advance such a morally flawed position and more likely to pursue other authentic human goods.”
• #38 has a beautiful quote from Pope Benedict XVI, in his reflection on the Eucharist. It is “The sacrament of charity,” challenged all of us to adopt what he calls “a Eucharistic form of life.” This means the redeeming love we encounter in the Eucharist should shape our thoughts, our words, and our decisions, including those that pertain to the social order.
  From “A Call to Political Responsibility” from the Catholic Bishops of the United States – “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship.”

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.

Are You Parishioners in your 20s and 30s Looking to Make a Meaningful Difference in Our Community? Meet other young people, have fun, and put your faith into practice? Then we have the perfect event for you – “Give Back!” Give Back is a day of community service open to young adults ages 18-39. On September 10 volunteers will spend the morning serving at various non-profits around Buffalo to help positively impact our community. Afterwards, there will be a celebration at Canalside with a free food truck lunch, music and more. Volunteers must register in advance so sign up at www.HaveFaithBuffalo.com today!

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.

We welcomed parishioners and friends from Our Mother of Good Counsel
in Blasdell, NY for a guided tour of the church on July 19, 2016.

News from our Vicariate Cluster and the Wider Community

Burgers, Brews & Blues ~ The Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities will host their inaugural “Burgers, Brews & Blues” on Tuesday, August 16 from 5-9:30 PM at St. Mary of the Angels, 201 Reist Street, Williamsville. A performance by Janice Mitchell and the Jim Beishline Trio will highlight the event. The evening will include a social hour, dinner and live music. For additional information, call 716-632-2155 x687 or email cmunschauer [at] sosf [dot] org.

Free Dinner Program on Relieving Chronic Shoulder Pain ~ Catholic Health is sponsoring a free dinner program, “Why Live with Chronic Shoulder Pain?” on Tuesday, August 16 from 5:30-7:30 pm in the Community Room at Kenmore Mercy Hospital, 2950 Elmwood Ave. Kenmore. Joint local shoulder and joint experts, Ryan Wilkins, MD and Joe Lorenzetti, DPT as they answer your questions on the causes of shoulder pain, home remedies, when it’s time to see a doctor, and surgical and non-surgical options. Space is limited. Reservations are required by calling Catholic Health’s HealthConnection at 44-6205 or by registering online at www.chsbuffalo.org/events.

Infant of Prague Lawn Fete, 921 Cleveland Drive, Cheektowaga, will be having their lawn fete on August 26-27 – rides and games, carnival food, games of chance, a beer tent, entertainment, a basket extravaganza and much more. On Friday the rides, midway and beer garden open at 5 pm; basket raffle extravaganza from 5-10 pm; “Party of Nine” in the beer garden from 7-11:30 pm. On Saturday the rides and midway open at 12 noon; basket raffle extravaganza from 12-10 pm; “Kids Zone” featuring Party Animals Petting Zoo, face painting and games from 1-6 pm; Krolick’s BBQ dinner from 4-6 pm (or sold out): “Hit ‘N Run” in the beer garden from 7-11:30 pm.

Artisan Fair & Farmers’ Market ~ Father Baker Manor, 6400 Powers Road, Orchard Park, will be sponsoring its Second Annual Artisan Fair & Farmer’s Market on Saturday, August 27, from 10 am – 4 pm. The event is open to the public and will be held rain or shine. The community is invited to enjoy local artisans, crafters, and market vendors. There will also be a Lucky Draw Raffle for a number of prizes. All proceeds to support special projects at Father Baker Manor, a Catholic Health Skilled Nursing Facility. For more information visit www.chsbuffalo.org/FBMfair or contact Jill Hirczak at jhirczak [at] chsbuffalo [dot] org or by calling 716-209-0744.

Summer Celebration Features Big Band Dance Under the Stars! Sunday, August 28 from 7-9 PM, St. Joseph University Church will host an outdoor Big Band Concert and Dance featuring the Jim Tudini Band with Bobby Militello. Join us for a great summer evening of music and dance under the stars! The Jim Tudini Band is an 11 piece contemporary big band perfect for dancing. Tudini has played with such notables as the Tommy Dorsey Band, Doc Severinson and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. The band specializes in traditional big band music as well as songs from the 70s through the 90s. Donation for the dance is $10 per person at the door. Beverages and light snacks will be available for purchase. For information contact 833-0298.

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.  Tickets purchased before August 22 will be eligible for a $50 cash drawing! Please call the SMDP office at 883-PRAY for further information.

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.

“Griefshare” Support Group to meet at Our Lady of Pompeii Catholic Church ~ If you’ve experienced the death of a loved one, or know someone who has, please consider joining us on September 21 at 6:30 PM in our Ministry Center, 129 Laverack Avenue, Lancaster, NY. A different DVD will be shown on two Wednesdays of each month on how to cope with grief and loss. Coffee and an informal discussion will follow. Call Sister Joyce to register at 716-683-6522 x103.