Fourth Sunday of Easter – Week of April 17, 2016

Apr 17, 2016 | This Week

April 17 – April 24, 2016

Weekly Activities

Sunday, April 17 ~ HAPPY BIRTHDAY, FATHER GEORGE!

Sunday, April 17 at 9:00 a.m. ~ Choir rehearsal in the loft

Sunday, April 17 following 10:00 a.m. Mass ~ Coffee Hour in St. Charles Hall

Wednesday, April 20 at 7:00 p.m. ~ Parish Council Meeting in St. Charles Hall

Thursday, April 21 at 8:00 p.m. ~ Bingo will be played in St. Charles Hall*

Friday, April 22 at 7:30 p.m. ~ Trinity Series Concert in church ~ The Buffalo Brass Choir performs American Originals

Saturday, April 23 from 9:30 a.m. to 12 Noon ~ Helping Hands Food Pantry in St. Charles Hall

Saturday, April 23 at 8:00 p.m. ~ Bingo will be played in St. Charles Hall*

Photo credit: Bridget Blesnuk

Mass Intentions

Sunday, April 17 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – Eugene Prystawski, Dennis E. Prystawski, James J. Galas, and Bridget Blesnuk (Requested by Prystawski Family)

Monday, April 18 ~ Communion Service at 11:00 a.m.

Tuesday, April 19 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Anna Snyder (Estate)

Wednesday, April 20  ~NO SERVICE SCHEDULED

Thursday, April 21  ~ St. Anselm ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. -Deceased Members of Blessed Trinity Parish (Blessed Trinity Parish)

Friday, April 22 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Deceased Members of the Ryan, Reilly, Reynolds and Pfeiffer Families (Estate of Mary Reilly)

Friday, April 22 ~ Wedding of Daniel Commarato and Ashley Benzel at 4:00 p.m.

Saturday, April 23 ~ St. George; St. Adalbert ~ Vigil Mass at 4:30 p.m. – Bernadette A. Dorsheimer (Family)

Sunday, April 24 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – James M. Lojacano and Anderson Patrick Kresse (Mary and Bob Kresse) and Deacon Jimmie Boyd (Judy Casassa)

Readings for the Week of April 10

Sunday: Acts 13:14, 43-52; Ps 100:1-3, 5; Rv 7:9, 14b-17; Jn 10:27-30
Monday: Acts 11:1-18; Ps 42:2-3; 43:3-4; Jn 10:1-10
Tuesday: Acts Acts 11:19-26; Ps 87:1-7; Jn 10:22-30
Wednesday: Acts 12:24-13:5a; Ps 67:2-3, 5-6, 8; Jn 12:44-50
Thursday: Acts 13:13-25; Ps 89:2-3, 21-22, 25, 27; Jn 13:16-20
Friday: Acts 13:26-33; Ps 2:6-11; Jn 14:1-6
Saturday: Acts 13:44-52; Ps 98:1-4; Jn 14:7-14
Sunday, April 24: Acts 14:21-27; Ps 145:8-13; Rv 21:1-5a; Jn 13:31-33a,

The Buffalo Brass Choir in concert at Blessed Trinity
Friday, April 22 at 7:30 PM

News from our Parish Community

Happy Birthday Father George ~ Today and throughout every season, may God’s grace give you every possible reason to smile, to enjoy and to celebrate.

Sister Flavia Dampf

Sunday’s Visit with Sr. Flavia ~ You are invited to visit with our former pastoral associate, Sister Flavia Dampf, at a special coffee hour in St. Charles Hall following Sunday Mass on April 17. This will be a wonderful opportunity to reminisce with Sr. Flavia and share memories of the many ways in which she ministered to our parish family and the wider community. We thank Darvan and Vontrese Draper for hosting April’s coffee hour and Shammy Dunnigan for bringing Sister Flavia from her present home with the Sisters of St. Joseph in Clarence.

The Parish Council will meet on Wednesday, April  20, at 7 PM in St. Charles Hall. Members who are unable to attend are reminded to notify the rectory.

Trinity Series Finale ~ Our final concert in the 2015-16 Trinity Series is less than a week away. On Friday, April 22, at 7:30 PM, Music Director Nick DelBello will direct our ensemble-in-residence, the Buffalo Brass Choir, in a performance of “American Originals.” The program of all-American works originally composed for brass ensemble includes “Fanfaria” by local composer Rob Deemer, and a solo performance by Timothy Smith, second trombone with the BPO. The concert ends with Brian Balmages’s rousing Symphony for Brass and Precussion. No tickets are necessary, but a free-will offering with a suggested $10 donation will be taken.

The Catholic Home Missions Appeal will take place April 23/24. One way that this appeal works to support home mission dioceses in the U.S. is by supporting seminarian formation. The blessing of seminarians places a financial burden on poor dioceses because the annual cost of education per seminarian is $35-40,000. Your support is needed for these young men so that they might go back and serve their parishes. Please strengthen the Church at home by making a generous gift next weekend.

Arun Gandhi to speak at Commemoration of Sister Karen Klimczak. Arun Gandhi, grandson of the great peacemaker Mahatma Gandhi, will speak on “Legacies of Nonviolence: from Gandhi to Sister Karen” at the annual fundraiser for the SSJ Sister Karen Klimczak Center for Nonviolence on Sunday, April 24 at 3 PM at Immaculata Academy, 5138 South Park Avenue, Hamburg. This year is the 10th anniversary of Sister Karen Klimczak’s passing, and the event will include a special commemoration of her life and ministry. The Center for Nonviolence, founded in her memory, shares a mission with Arun Gandhi to eliminate violence in our world. For tickets, contact 716-362-9688 or email info [at] sisterkarencenter [dot] org. You may also purchase online at http://www.sisterkarencenter.org (scholarships are available).

Pray for Vocations ~ On this Good Shepherd Sunday, we celebrate the World Day of Prayer for Vocations. Pray for an increase in vocations to the priesthood, diaconate and religious life, especially for our diocese. May God raise up good shepherds in our midst. If God is calling you to a Church vocation, contact Fr. Andrew Lauricella at 716-847-5535. He invites you to visit www.buffalovocations.org and read the “Priest of the Month” stories.

Canisius College Community Day ~ Our parish family gives prayerful thanks for Canisius College Community Day volunteers who made our church the focus of their time and energies on Saturday, April 9. Anna Gleason, Sydney Adams, James Pokornowski, Gianna Remanelli, and Maxine Osetinsky — all members of the Canisius Pep Band — mopped our tile floors and washed pews while learning a little bit about the history and architecture of our Landmark edifice.

Canisius volunteers, l. to r.: Anna Gleason, Sydney Adams, James Pokornowski, Gianna Remanelli, and Maxine Osetinsky

News from our Vicariate Cluster and the Wider Community

Anointing of the Sick Healing Mass in honor of St. Peregrine, the patron saint of cancer sufferers, will take place on Monday, April 18, at 7 PM at Ss. Columba/Brigid Church, 75 Hickory Street. Father David A. Bellittiere and the Friends of St. Peregrine cordially invite those afflicted with cancer, in need special healing, or wishing to receive the Anointing of the Sick to attend. For more information, call 716-283-0011.

“Music and Memories,” A Service to Remember Those We Love, will be held on Thursday, April 28 at 6:30 PM at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Kenmore and again on Saturday, April 30 at 1:00 PM at Holy Cross Cemetery in Lackawanna.  The service will feature songs that will inspire and uplift you as we remember those we have loved.  Poems and pieces will be interspersed throughout the program along with the reading of your loved one’s name. Call by April 18 to have your loved one’s name listed in the program book. For the service at Mount Olivet, call 716-873-6500; for Holy Cross service, call 716-823-1197. This program is presented as part of the bereavement support programs of the Catholic Cemeteries of the Diocese of Buffalo.

Third Sunday of Easter – Week of April 10, 2016

Apr 10, 2016 | This Week

HOLY YEAR OF MERCY
“It is a favorable time to heal wounds, a time to offer everyone the way of forgiveness and reconciliation.” Pope Francis

April 10 – April 17, 2016

Weekly Activities

Sunday, April 10 at 9:00 a.m. ~ Choir rehearsal in the loft

Thursday, April 14 at 8:00 p.m. ~ Bingo will be played in St. Charles Hall*

Saturday, April 16 from 9:30 a.m. to 12 Noon ~ Helping Hands Food Pantry in St. Charles Hall

Saturday, April 16 at 8:00 p.m. ~ Bingo will be played in St. Charles Hall*

Sunday, April 17 at 9:00 a.m. ~ Choir rehearsal in the loft

Sunday, April 17 following 10:00 a.m. Mass ~ Coffee Hour in St. Charles Hall

Mass Intentions

Sunday, April 10 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – Joseph Kohn (Requested by Family) and Jacqueline Walsh (Requested by Friends)

Baptism of Jeffrey Allan Gray, Jr.

Monday, April 11 ~ St. Stanislaus ~ NO SERVICE SCHEDULED

Tuesday, April 12 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Deceased Members of Blessed Trinity Parish (Blessed Trinity Parish)

Wednesday, April 13  ~ St. Martin I ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Deceased Members of the Ryan, Reilly, Reynolds and Pfeiffer Families (Estate of Mary Reilly)

Thursday, April 14  ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Catherine M. Maher (Estate)

Friday, April 15 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Ithrene Cameron (Nancy DeBoy)

Saturday, April 16 ~ Vigil Mass at 4:30 p.m. – Anna Snyder (Estate)

Sunday, April 17 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – Eugene Prystawski, Dennis E. Prystawski, James J. Galas, and Bridget Blesnuk (Prystawski Family)

Readings for the Week of April 10

Sunday: Acts 5:27-32, 40-41; Ps 30:2, 4-6, 11-13; Rv 5:11-14; Jn 21:1-19 or 21:1-14
Monday: Acts 6:8-15; Ps 119:23-24, 26-27, 29-30; Jn 6:22-29
Tuesday: Acts 7:51–8:1a; Ps 31:3-4, 6-8, 17, 21; Jn 6:30-35
Wednesday: Acts 8:1b-8; Ps 66:1-7; Jn 6:35-40
Thursday: Acts 8:26-40; Ps 66:8-9, 16-17, 20; Jn 6:44-51
Friday: Acts 9:1-20; Ps 117:1-2; Jn 6:52-59
Saturday: Acts 9:31-42; Ps 116:12-17; Jn 6:60-69
Sunday, April 17: Acts 13:14, 43-52; Ps 100:1-3, 5; Rv 7:9, 14b-17; Jn 10:27-30

The Buffalo Brass Choir in concert at Blessed Trinity
Friday, April 22 at 7:30 PM

News from our Parish Community

A Visit with Sr. Flavia ~ You are invited to visit with our former pastoral associate, Sister Flavia Dampf, at a special coffee hour following Sunday Mass on April 17. This will be a wonderful opportunity to reminisce with Sr. Flavia and share memories of the many ways in which she ministered to our parish family and the wider community. We thank Darvan and Vontrese Draper for hosting April’s coffee hour and Shammy Dunnigan for bringing Sister Flavia from her present home with the Sisters of St. Joseph in Clarence.

Canisius volunteers, l. to r.: Anna Gleason, Sydney Adams, James Pokornowski, Gianna Remanelli, and Maxine Osetinsky

Praise God with a blast of trumpet” ~ Our final concert in the 2015-16 Trinity Series is less than two weeks away. On Friday, April 22, at 7:30 PM, our own Nick DelBello will direct the Buffalo Brass Choir in a performance of “American Originals.” The program of all-American works originally composed for brass ensemble includes “Fanfaria” by local composer Rob Deemer, and a solo performance by Timothy Smith, second trombone with the BPO. No tickets are necessary, but a free-will offering with a suggested $10 donation will be taken.

Canisius College Community Day ~ Our parish family gives prayerful thanks for Canisius College Community Day volunteers who made our church the focus of their time and energies on Saturday, April 9. Anna Gleason, Sydney Adams, James Pokornowski, Gianna Remanelli, and Maxine Osetinsky — all members of the Canisius Pep Band — mopped our tile floors and washed pews while learning a little bit about the history and architecture of our Landmark edifice.

The Parish Council will meet on Wednesday, April  20, at 7 PM in St. Charles Hall. Members who are unable to attend are reminded to notify the rectory.

Arun Gandhi to speak at Commemoration of Sister Karen Klimczak. Arun Gandhi, grandson of the great peacemaker Mahatma Gandhi, will speak on “Legacies of Nonviolence: from Gandhi to Sister Karen” at the annual fundraiser for the SSJ Sister Karen Klimczak Center for Nonviolence on Sunday, April 24 at 3 PM at Immaculata Academy, 5138 South Park Avenue, Hamburg. This year is the 10th anniversary of Sister Karen Klimczak’s passing, and the event will include a special commemoration of her life and ministry. The Center for Nonviolence, founded in her memory, shares a mission with Arun Gandhi to eliminate violence in our world. For tickets, contact 716-362-9688 or email info [at] sisterkarencenter [dot] org. You may also purchase online at http://www.sisterkarencenter.org (scholarships are available).

News from our Vicariate Cluster and the Wider Community

Anointing of the Sick Healing Mass in honor of St. Peregrine, the patron saint of cancer sufferers, will take place on Monday, April 18, at 7 PM at Ss. Columba/Brigid Church, 75 Hickory Street. Father David A. Bellittiere and the Friends of St. Peregrine cordially invite those afflicted with cancer, in need special healing, or wishing to receive the Anointing of the Sick to attend. For more information, call 716-283-0011.

“Music and Memories,” A Service to Remember Those We Love, will be held on Thursday, April 28 at 6:30 PM at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Kenmore and again on Saturday, April 30 at 1:00 PM at Holy Cross Cemetery in Lackawanna.  The service will feature songs that will inspire and uplift you as we remember those we have loved.  Poems and pieces will be interspersed throughout the program along with the reading of your loved one’s name. Call by April 18 to have your loved one’s name listed in the program book. For the service at Mount Olivet, call 716-873-6500; for Holy Cross service, call 716-823-1197. This program is presented as part of the bereavement support programs of the Catholic Cemeteries of the Diocese of Buffalo.

Second Sunday of Easter – Week of April 3, 2016

Apr 3, 2016 | This Week

You are the visible face of the invisible Father, of the God who manifests his power above all by forgiveness and mercy: let the Church be your visible face in the world, its Lord risen and glorified.

April 3 – April 10, 2016

Weekly Activities

Sunday, April 3 at 9:00 a.m. ~ Choir rehearsal in the loft

Sunday, April 3 following 10:00 a.m. Mass ~ Ladies Sodality Meeting in St. Charles Hall

Thursday, April 7 at 8:00 p.m. ~ Bingo will be played in St. Charles Hall*

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

Saturday, April 9 at 8:00 p.m. ~ Bingo will be played in St. Charles Hall*

Sunday, April 10 at 9:00 a.m. ~ Choir rehearsal in the loft

Mass Intentions

Sunday, April 3 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – August and Clara Marien (Requested by Ed Marien) and Carl, Evelyn & Carol Schmelzer (Requested by Mary and Bob Karlis)

Monday, April 4 ~ Annunciation of the Lord ~ Communion Service at 11:00 a.m.

Tuesday, April 5 ~ St. Vincent Ferrer ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Deceased Members of Blessed Trinity Parish (Blessed Trinity Parish)

Wednesday, April 6  ~ NO SERVICE SCHEDULED

Thursday, April 7  ~ St. John Baptist de la Salle ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Anna Snyder (Estate)

Friday, April 8 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Winifred Enright (Estate)

Saturday, April 9 ~ Vigil Mass at 4:30 p.m. – Mary C. Nelson (Family)

Sunday, April 10 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – August and Clara Marien (Ed Marien) and Carl, Evelyn & Carol Schmelzer (Mary and Bob Karlis)

Readings for the Week of April 3

Sunday: Acts 5:12-16; Ps 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24; Rv 1:9-11a, 12-13, 17-19; Jn 20:19-31
Monday: Is 7:10-14; 8:10; Ps 40:7-11; Heb 10:4-10; Lk 1:26-38
Tuesday: Acts 4:32-37; Ps 93:1-2, 5; Jn 3:7b-15
Wednesday: Acts 5:17-26; Ps 34:2-9; Jn 3:16-21
Thursday: Acts 5:27-33; Ps 34:2, 9, 17-20; Jn 3:31-36
Friday: Acts 5:34-42; Ps 27:1, 4, 13-14; Jn 6:1-15
Saturday: Acts 6:1-7; Ps 33:1-2, 4-5, 18-19; Jn 6:16-21
Sunday, April 10: Acts 5:27-32, 40-41; Ps 30:2, 4-6, 11-13; Rv 5:11-14; Jn 21:1-19 or 21:1-14.

News from our Parish Community

The Ladies Sodality will meet THIS Sunday, April 3, immediately following the 10 AM Mass. There will be a brief business meeting focusing on programs for May and June. All women of the parish are invited to attend.

The Buffalo Brass Choir in concert at Blessed Trinity
Friday, April 22 at 7:30 PM

“Praise God with a blast of trumpet” ~ Our 2015-16 Trinity Concert Series concludes on a new day and time: Friday, April 22, at 7:30 PM. Directed by our own Nick DelBello, the Buffalo Brass Choir will perform “American Originals,” a program of all-American works originally composed for brass ensemble, including “Fanfaria” by local composer Rob Deemer, and a solo performance by Timothy Smith, second trombone with the BPO. No tickets are necessary, but a free-will offering with a suggested $10 donation will be taken.

Parish Council Seeking Feedback ~ Our 2016 Lenten Program included three evenings of prayer, meditation and discussion centering on A Spirituality of Being Human by Dr. Hugh Brady and a fourth that ended in church with us Praying the Stations of Mercy with Pope Francis. Our Parish Council is requesting your help in evaluating the Wednesday evening offerings. In particular, they would like to know: How many did you attend? What was the primary reason you decided to participate? If not, what kept you from attending? Is there anything else you wish had been included? You can click HERE and respond on-line or talk with Sr. Peg Gallagher, Sr. Liz Savage, or Mickey Dick.

Keeping in Touch ~ In January, members of the Parish Council attempted to call all parishioners to inform them of the death of Deacon Jimmie. They used the phone numbers contained in our parish records. In the process, they discovered a high percentage of non-working numbers. Please think about the last time you updated your contact information with the parish. Have you abandoned your land line in favor of a cell phone? Moved and acquired a new number? Please use the form on the back of our bulletin to bring our information up to date, or send your new information to blessedtrinitychurch [at] gmail [dot] com. Thank you.

The Heart and Soul of Catholic Health ~ Thousands of Catholic Health nurses, doctors, technicians and support staff consistently deliver on our mission to reveal the healing love of Jesus to those in need. They make a positive, meaningful and lasting impact on the community in which we live and work, not only by caring for you and your family, friends and neighbors, but by providing tens of millions of dollars in charity care and other services that benefit those who are poor and disadvantaged. Our associates are the heart and soul of Catholic Health, and for that we not only thank them, we support them as well. For more information on Catholic Health, or to share your own story of healing, visit www.chsbuffalo.org/littlevictories.

Are you or is someone you know an out of work job seeker? Facing the challenge of being unemployed and working through this tough economy is hard enough. You don’t have to go it alone. Contact the Office of Family Life Ministries for your free packet containing practical resources, prayers, scripture support, and programs designed to support you on your journey. Just call us at 716-847-2210 or email familylife [at] buffalodiocese [dot] org.

News from our Vicariate Cluster and the Wider Community

Conversation with St. Ignatius about his Spiritual Exercises presented by Fr. Peter Murray, SJ, D.Min. and Jan Sheridan, MA on Saturday, April 9, from 9:30-11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Center for Spirituality, 4975 Strickler Road, Clarence. Fr. Peter and Ms. Sheridan will dramatize a portion of the book “Just Call Me Lopez” in order to elucidate invaluable Ignatian themes and values as expressed in the Spiritual Exercises. We will then discuss how these relate to our own spirituality. For reservations, call 716-759-6893, ext. 175.

St. Ann’s Annual German Mass will take place at historic St. Louis Church, 780 Main Street at Edward in downtown Buffalo, on Sunday, April 10 at 12:30 PM. Scripture readings are in English. All are welcome to join the celebration.

“Music and Memories,” A Service to Remember Those We Love, will be held on Thursday, April 28 at 6:30 PM at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Kenmore and again on Saturday, April 30 at 1:00 PM at Holy Cross Cemetery in Lackawanna.  The service will feature songs that will inspire and uplift you as we remember those we have loved.  Poems and pieces will be interspersed throughout the program along with the reading of your loved one’s name. Call by April 18 to have your loved one’s name listed in the program book. For the service at Mount Olivet, call 716-873-6500; for Holy Cross service, call 716-823-1197. This program is presented as part of the bereavement support programs of the Catholic Cemeteries of the Diocese of Buffalo.

Easter Week – Week of March 27, 2016

Mar 27, 2016 | This Week

We are EASTER PEOPLE and “Alleluia” is our song. Let us sing “Alleluia” here and now in this life,
so that we may sing it one day in the world to come when we are set free!
St. Augustine

March 27 – April 3, 2016

Weekly Activities

Thursday, March 31 at 8:00 p.m. ~ Bingo will be played in St. Charles Hall*

Saturday, April 2 from 9:30 a.m. to 12 Noon ~ Helping Hands Food Pantry in St. Charles Hall

Saturday, April 2 at 8:00 p.m. ~ Bingo will be played in St. Charles Hall*

Sunday, April 3 at 9:00 a.m. ~ Choir rehearsal in the loft

Sunday, April 3 following 10:00 a.m. Mass ~ Ladies Sodality Meeting in St. Charles Hall

Mass Intentions

Easter Sunday – March 27
10:00 a.m. – Easter Sunday Mass with Choir and Brass
Intention: Blessed Trinity Parish Community

Monday, March 28 ~ NO SERVICE SCHEDULED

Tuesday, March 29 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Catherine M. Maher (Estate)

Wednesday, March 30 ~ NO SERVICE SCHEDULED

Thursday, March 31 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Anna Snyder (Estate)

Friday, April 1 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Winifred Enright (Estate)

Saturday, April 2 ~ Vigil Mass at 4:30 p.m. – Mary C. Nelson (Family)

Sunday, April 3 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – August and Clara Marien (Ed Marien) and Carl, Evelyn & Carol Schmelzer (Mary and Bob Karlis)

Readings for the Week of March 27

Sunday: Acts 10:34a, 37-43; Ps 118; Col 3:1-4 or 1 Cor 5:6b-8; Jn 20:1-9 or Lk 24:1-12
Monday: Acts 2:14, 22-33; Ps 16:1-2, 5, 7-11; Mt 28:8-15
Tuesday: Acts 2:36-41; Ps 33:4-5, 18-20, 22; Jn 20:11-18
Wednesday: Acts 3:1-10; Ps 105:1-4, 6-9; Lk 24:13-35
Thursday: Acts 3:11-26; Ps 8:2, 5-9; Lk 24:35-48
Friday: Acts 4:1-12; Ps 118:1-2, 4, 22-27; Jn 21:1-14
Saturday: Acts 4:13-21; Ps 118:1, 14-21; Mk 16:9-15
Sunday, April 3: Acts 5:12-16; Ps 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24; Rv 1:9-11, 12-13, 17-19; Jn 20:19-31

News from our Parish Community

The Ladies Sodality will meet on Sunday, April 3, immediately following the 10 AM Mass. There will be a brief business meeting focusing on programs for May and June. All women of the parish are invited to attend.

Trinity Concert Series ~ Our 2015-16 concert season concludes on Friday, April 22, with The Buffalo Brass Choir, performing “American Originals.“ Directed by our own Nick DelBello, the musicians present a program of all-American works originally composed for brass ensemble, including “Fanfaria” by local composer Rob Deemer and a solo performance by Timothy Smith, second trombone with the BPO. Please note that this is a Friday evening performance, beginning at 7:30 PM.

Blessed Trinity’s Altar of Repose before 2016 Holy Thursday services.

Seven Churches Visitation ~ Visita Iglesia, the ancient Roman Catholic custom of visiting seven churches on the evening of Holy Thursday, is alive and well in Buffalo. Ushers Jerry Gallisdorfer and Ed Marien estimated the number of visitors to Blessed Trinity at more than 200. Following the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, the Blessed Sacrament is reserved on an “altar of repose” in each church, and the faithful visit several churches (usually seven) to pray before the Blessed Sacrament.

Parish Council Seeking Feedback ~ Our 2016 Lenten Program included three evenings of prayer, meditation and discussion centering on A Spirituality of Being Human by Dr. Hugh Brady and a fourth that ended in church with us Praying the Stations of Mercy with Pope Francis. Our Parish Council is requesting your help in evaluating the Wednesday evening offerings. In particular, they would like to know: How many did you attend? What was the primary reason you decided to participate? If not, what kept you from attending? Is there anything else you wish had been included? You can click HERE and respond on-line or talk with Sr. Peg Gallagher, Sr. Liz Savage, or Mickey Dick.

Charities Appeal 2016 ~ At Catholic Charities, we rejoice with you today in the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! We also want to thank you for following the example of Appeal Patron St. Nicholas and “finding good within” to be a beacon of hope for those we serve.  By giving generously to the 2016 Appeal in support of Catholic Charities, you demonstrate that you are a part of a generous community that is always there for our neighbors in need, just as St. Nicholas was for the poor and sick.  If you have not already made your contribution to this annual appeal, our Parish Chairman, Bob Heicklen, will be happy to accept your donation or provide you with a pledge form. Parish societies are also reminded to support the appeal with a donation. Learn more about the many local programs funded by Catholic Charities at www.ccwny.org or call 716-218-1400.

Children in the Church ~ On March 10, we welcomed a group of 5th & 6th grade students from St. Joseph University School who are part of an ongoing program with Explore Buffalo and the Darwin Martin House that introduces students to “Buffalo’s incredible architecture, history, and culture.” After a presentation by Judy Casassa and Mickey Dick on the church’s design and unique architectural features, the students, teachers and parents enjoyed a scavenger hunt for “Children in the church,” as depicted in paintings, stained glass and terra cotta sculpture. Both Explore Buffalo and St. Joseph University School shared our photos on their Facebook pages, and here’s what Explore Buffalo had to say: “Thank you for the wonderful tour of Blessed Trinity for the students from St. Joseph’s University School! The tour was just the perfect mix of information and interactive – they loved the scavenger hunt! Thanks again for a great tour!” For more photos, click HERE.

Keeping in Touch ~ In January, members of the Parish Council attempted to call all parishioners to inform them of the death of Deacon Jimmie. They used the phone numbers contained in our parish records. In the process, they discovered a high percentage of non-working numbers. Please think about the last time you updated your contact information with the parish. Have you abandoned your land line in favor of a cell phone? Moved and acquired a new number? Please use the form on the back of our bulletin to bring our information up to date, or send your new information to blessedtrinitychurch [at] gmail [dot] com. Thank you.

Fifth and sixth-grade students from St. Joseph University School visited Blessed Trinity Church on March 10 to learn more about local architecture. They even brought along “Flat [Pope] Francis.”

News from our Vicariate Cluster and the Wider Community

Documentary:  Building a Basilica ~ WKBW-TV will air Building a Basilica, the documentary about how Father Baker built Our Lady of Victory Basilica, on Easter Sunday, March 27, from 5:00 -6:00 PM.

Earth is the water planet. In light of Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Si: Care of Our Common Home, in solidarity with the people of Flint, Michigan and all those who suffer with polluted water, the Franciscan Religious Communities of WNY invite you to pray, learn and enjoy the gift of our Sister Water. These events are co-sponsored by the Diocesan Care of Creation Committee: Saturday, April 9 at 2:00 PM at Penn Dixie, 4050 North Street, Blasdell, sponsored by Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph, Felician Sisters, and Sister of St Francis of the Neumann Communities; Saturday April 23 at 11:00 AM at Franchot Park by the Allegany River, sponsored by Franciscan Sisters of Allegany; Friday, April 29 at 10:00 AM at the Stella Niagara Preserve, Lower River Road, Town of Lewiston, sponsored by Sisters of St. Francis of Penance & Christian Charity, Stella Niagara (bad weather date of May 2).  These events are ecumenical and open to all.

“Music and Memories,” A Service to Remember Those We Love, will be held on Thursday, April 28 at 6:30 PM at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Kenmore and again on Saturday, April 30 at 1:00 PM at Holy Cross Cemetery in Lackawanna.  The service will feature songs that will inspire and uplift you as we remember those we have loved.  Poems and pieces will be interspersed throughout the program along with the reading of your loved one’s name. Call by April 18 to have your loved one’s name listed in the program book. For the service at Mount Olivet, call 716-873-6500; for Holy Cross service, call 716-823-1197. This program is presented as part of the bereavement support programs of the Catholic Cemeteries of the Diocese of Buffalo.

Holy Week – Week of March 20, 2016

Mar 20, 2016 | This Week

March 20 – March 27, 2016

Weekly Activities

Sunday, March 20 following Palm Sunday Service ~ Coffee Hour in St. Charles Hall

Monday, March 21 at 6:30 p.m. ~ CCCB Lenten Penance Service at St. Martin dePorres, 555 Northampton Street

Tuesday, March 22 from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. ~ Choir rehearsal in St. Charles Hall

Wednesday, March 23 from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. ~ Choir rehearsal in St. Charles Hall

Thursday, March 24 following Holy Thursday Service ~ Supper of Friends in St. Charles Hall

There will be NO BINGO on Holy Thursday, March 24

Friday, March 25 at 6:30 p.m. ~ Decorating the Church for Easter

Saturday, March 26 ~ Helping Hands Food Pantry CLOSED

Saturday, March 26 following Easter Vigil Service ~ Pastor’s Reception in St. Charles Hall

There will be NO BINGO on Holy Saturday, March 26

Mass Intentions

Sunday, March 20 ~ Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – Sara Dick and Elizabeth Dick (Requested by Family) and Bob Kinmartin (Requested by Amy Johnson)

Monday, March 21 ~ NO SERVICE SCHEDULED

Tuesday, March 22 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Anna Snyder (Estate)

Wednesday, March 23 ~  Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Winifred Enright (Estate)

Thursday, March 24 ~ Mass of the Lord’s Supper 7:00 p.m. – The Poor, the Unemployed, the Unwanted

Friday, March 25 ~ Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion ~ Solemn Service at 3:00 p.m.

Saturday, March 26 ~ Easter Vigil ~ Easter Eve Mass at 7:00 p.m. – Living and Deceased Members of Blessed Trinity Parish

Sunday, March 27 ~ Easter Sunday ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – Blessed Trinity Parish Community

Readings for the Week of March 20

Sunday: Is 50:4-7; Ps 22:8-9, 17-20, 23-34; Phil 2:6-11; Lk 22:14–23:56 or 23:1-49
Monday: Is 42:1-7; Ps 27:1-3, 13-14; Jn 12:1-11
Tuesday: Is 49:1-6; Ps 71:1-6, 15, 17; Jn 13:21-33, 36-38
Wednesday: Is 50:4-9a; Ps 69:8-10, 21-22, 31, 33-34; Mt 26:14-25
Thursday: Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper – Ex 12:1-8, 11-14; Ps 116:12-13, 15-18; 1 Cor 11:23-26; Jn 13:1-15
Friday: Is 52:13-53:12; Ps 31:2, 6, 12-13, 15-17, 25; Heb 4:14-16; 5:7-9; Jn 18:1– 19:42
Saturday: Vigil – Gn 1:1-2:2 or 1:1, 26-31a; Gn 22:1-18 or 22:1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15- 18; Ex 14:15-15:1; Is 54:5-14; Is 55:1-11; Bar 3:9-15, 32-4:4; Ez 36:16-17a, 18-28; Ps 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23; Rom 6:3-11; Lk 24:1-12
Sunday, March 27: Acts 10:34a, 37-43; Ps 118; Col 3:1-4 or 1 Cor 5:6b-8; Jn 20:1-9 or Lk 24:1-12

Fifth and sixth-grade students from St. Joseph University School visited Blessed Trinity Church on March 10 to learn more about local architecture. They even brought along “Flat [Pope] Francis.”

Coffee Hour ~ There will be a coffee hour on Palm Sunday, March 20, following the 10 AM Mass. Thanks to Dan Korchowsky for offering to host our monthly gathering in St. Charles Hall.

Supper of Friends ~ This weekend, March 20/21, is the final opportunity to make reservations for the Supper of Friends following our Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper.  There are RSVP Forms on the altar railing near the Baptismal part.  SIGN UP TODAY! 

Penance Service ~ This week’s Lenten Journey Mass will be replaced by a Penance Service on Monday evening, March 21, at St. Martin dePorres Church, 555 Northampton.  Please join parishioners from the Catholic Churches of Central Buffalo for the 6:30 service — your last opportunity for a communal penance service before Easter. Refreshments will be served following the service.

Parish Council Seeking Feedback ~ Our 2016 Lenten Program included three evenings of prayer, meditation and discussion centering on A Spirituality of Being Human by Dr. Hugh Brady and a fourth that ended in church with us Praying the Stations of Mercy with Pope Francis. Our Parish Council is requesting your help in evaluating the Wednesday evening offerings. In particular, they would like to know: How many did you attend? What was the primary reason you decided to participate? If not, what kept you from attending? Is there anything else you wish had been included? You can click HERE and respond on-line or talk with Sr. Peg Gallagher, Sr. Liz Savage, or Mickey Dick.

Charities Appeal 2016 ~ This is the second weekend of 2016 Appeal!  It is a perfect time to give if you haven’t already done so. Our Parish Chairman, Bob Heicklen, will be happy to accept your donation or provide you with a pledge form. To all societies and other parish organizations – don’t forget to support Catholic Charities with your contribution as well. All day every day, whenever someone is in need, Catholic Charities is “finding good within,” helping to protect, strengthen and empower our neighbors across Western New York. Learn more about the many local programs funded by Catholic Charities at www.ccwny.org or call 716-218-1400.

Ladies Sodality ~ The Sodality’s next general meeting is Sunday, April 3, following the 10:00 a.m. Mass. All women of the parish are welcome.

Children in the Church ~ On March 10, we welcomed a group of 5th & 6th grade students from St. Joseph University School who are part of an ongoing program with Explore Buffalo and the Darwin Martin House that introduces students to “Buffalo’s incredible architecture, history, and culture.” After a presentation by Judy Casassa and Mickey Dick on the church’s design and unique architectural features, the students, teachers and parents enjoyed a scavenger hunt for “Children in the church,” as depicted in paintings, stained glass and terra cotta sculpture. Both Explore Buffalo and St. Joseph University School shared our photos on their Facebook pages, and here’s what Explore Buffalo had to say: “Thank you for the wonderful tour of Blessed Trinity for the students from St. Joseph’s University School! The tour was just the perfect mix of information and interactive – they loved the scavenger hunt! Thanks again for a great tour!” For more photos, click HERE.

Keeping in Touch ~ In January, members of the Parish Council attempted to call all parishioners to inform them of the death of Deacon Jimmie. They used the phone numbers contained in our parish records. In the process, they discovered a high percentage of non-working numbers. Please think about the last time you updated your contact information with the parish. Have you abandoned your land line in favor of a cell phone? Moved and acquired a new number? Please use the form on the back of our bulletin to bring our information up to date, or send your new information to blessedtrinitychurch [at] gmail [dot] com. Thank you.

News from our Vicariate Cluster and the Wider Community

Documentary:  Building a Basilica ~ WKBW-TV will air Building a Basilica, the documentary about how Father Baker built Our Lady of Victory Basilica, on Easter Sunday, March 27, from 5:00 -6:00 PM.

5th Sunday of Lent – Week of March 13, 2016

Mar 12, 2016 | This Week

St. Patrick of Ireland (died 492), whose feast day we celebrate on March 17, appears in the dome
of our church in a painting by Buffalo-born artist Joseph Mazur. He is depicted as the fourth standing figure from the left in this photo and is part of a group of 14 figures identified as “Confessors, Bishops, and Missionaries.” (Rev. Walter Kern’s “Guidebook to Blessed Trinity R. C. Church,” p. 39. Photo credit: Duane Held.

March 13 – March 20, 2016

Weekly Activities

Monday, March 14 at 6:30 p.m. ~ CCCB Lenten Journey Mass at Sister’s Hospital, 2157 Main Street

Tuesday, March 15 from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. ~ Choir rehearsal in St. Charles Hall

Wednesday, March 16 at 7:00 p.m. ~ Parish Council Meeting  in St. Charles Hall

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

There will be NO BINGO on Holy Thursday, March 24

Saturday, March 19 from 9:30 a.m. to 12 Noon ~ Helping Hands Food Pantry in St. Charles Hall

Saturday, March 19 at 8:00 p.m. ~ Bingo will be played in St. Charles Hall*

There will be NO BINGO on Holy Saturday, March 26

Sunday, March 20 following 10:00 a.m. Mass ~ Coffee Hour in St. Charles Hall

Monday, March 21 at 6:30 p.m. ~ CCCB Lenten Penance Service at St. Martin de Porres, 555 Northampton

*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, March 13 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – Bridget Blesnuk (Requested by Kathleen Marien) and Jimmie Porter, Jr. (Requested by Family)

Monday, March 14 ~ Communion Service at 11:00 a.m.

Tuesday, March 15 ~ NO SERVICE SCHEDULED

Wednesday, March 16 ~ Deceased Members of Blessed Trinity Parish (Blessed Trinity Parish)

Thursday, March 17 ~ St. Patrick ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Gwendolyn Moore (David Folmar)

Friday, March 18 ~ St. Cyril of Jerusalem ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Deceased Members of Ryan, Reilly, Reynolds and Pfeiffer Families (Estate of Mary Reilly)

Saturday, March 19 ~ St. Joseph ~ Vigil Mass at 4:30 p.m. – Bob Kinmartin (Judy Casassa)

Sunday, March 20 ~ Palm Sunday ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – Sara Dick and Elizabeth Dick (Family) and Bob Kinmartin (Amy Johnson)

Readings for the Week of March 13

Sunday: Is 43:16-23; Ps 126:1-6; Phil 3:8-14; Jn 8:1-11
Monday: Dn 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62 or 13:41c-62; Ps 23:1-6;  Jn 8:12-20
Tuesday: Nm 21:4-9; Ps 102:2-3, 16-21; Jn 8:21-30
Wednesday: Dn 3:14-20, 91-92, 95; Dn 3:52-56; Jn 8:31-42
Thursday: Gn 17:3-9; Ps 105:4-9; Jn 8:51-59
Friday: Jer 20:10-13; Ps 18:2-7; Jn 10:31-42
Saturday: 2 Sm 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16; Ps 89:2-5, 27, 29; Rom 4:13, 16-18, 22; Mt 1:16, 18-21, 24a or Lk 2:41-51a
Sunday, March 20: Is 50:4-7; Ps 22:8-9, 17-20, 23-34; Phil 2:6-11; Lk 22:14–23:56 or 23:1-49

Fifth and sixth-grade students from St. Joseph University School visited Blessed Trinity Church on March 10 to learn more about local architecture. They even brought along “Flat [Pope] Francis.”

This Week’s Lenten Journey Mass is Monday evening, March 14 at Sisters Hospital, 2157 Main Street.  Please join parishioners from the Catholic Churches of Central Buffalo for the 6:30 PM Mass in the hospital’s second floor Chapel. You may park in the main parking lot; tickets will be provided to cover the cost. A social with refreshments will follow the Mass.

The Parish Council meets this Wednesday, March 16, at 7 PM in St. Charles Hall.

Freudig Singers & Buffalo Brass Choir Collaborate – Gloriously! The Freudig Singers of Western New York will combine talents with our resident ensemble, the Buffalo Brass Choir in a concert titled Gloria! that enthusiastically heralds the approach of Spring. Freudig’s music director Roland Martin has collaborated with Nicholas DelBello, leader of the Buffalo Brass Choir, to present a program that includes the Gloria from Franz Liszt’s Missa Choralis; John Rutter’s Gloria for chorus, brass, percussion, and organ; Morten Lauridsen’s O Magnum Mysterium; J.S. Bach’s Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring; and Martin’s arrangements of Jean Sibelius’ Finlandia and Felix Mendelssohn’s Festgesang. The concert will be presented at St. Joseph University Church, 3269 Main Street, Buffalo, at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 12 and at Orchard Park Presbyterian Church, 4369 South Buffalo Street, Orchard Park, at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 13. Tickets are $10.00 each in advance and at the door. For individual tickets, group sales and further information, please call Elizabeth Bailey Sands at 716-551-6870.

Prayerful Thanks for everyone who participated in our four-week Lenten program. We are especially grateful for the individuals who made it happen: our soup makers, “simple supper” chefs, cookie bakers, dishwashers, and those who planned and presented the evenings of prayer and discussion.

Parish Council Seeking Feedback ~ The 2016 Lenten Program included three evenings of prayer, meditation and discussion centering on A Spirituality of Being Human by Dr. Hugh Brady and a fourth that ended in church with us Praying the Stations of Mercy with Pope Francis. Our Parish Council is requesting your help in evaluating the Wednesday evening offerings. In particular, they would like to know: How many did you attend? What was the primary reason you decided to participate? If not, what kept you from attending? Is there anything else you wish had been included? You can click HERE and respond on-line or talk with Sr. Peg Gallagher, Sr. Liz Savage, or Mickey Dick.

Coffee Hour ~ There will be a coffee hour on Palm Sunday, March 20, following the 10 AM Mass. Thanks to Dan Korchowsky for offering to host our monthly gathering in St. Charles Hall.

Catholic Charities Appeal 2016 is now underway.  Our Parish Chairman, Bob Heicklen, will be happy to accept your donation or provide you with a pledge form. Please open your heart and follow Jesus’ lead. Be as generous as you can and help to ensure that this year’s goal of $11 million is met. Learn more about the many local programs funded by Catholic Charities at www.ccwny.org or call 716-218-1400.

School Children Tour the Church ~ On Thursday, March 10, Blessed Trinity welcomed Explore Buffalo and a group of 5th and 6th grade students from St. Joseph University School who are part of an ongoing program with Explore Buffalo and the Darwin Martin House that introduces students to “Buffalo’s incredible architecture, history, and culture.” After a presentation by church docents on the church’s design and unique architectural features, the students, teachers and parents enjoyed a scavenger hunt for “Children in the church,” as depicted in paintings, stained glass and terra cotta sculpture. For more photos, click HERE.

Keeping in Touch ~ In January, members of the Parish Council attempted to call all parishioners to inform them of the death of Deacon Jimmie. They used the phone numbers contained in our parish records. In the process, they discovered a high percentage of non-working numbers. Please think about the last time you updated your contact information with the parish. Have you abandoned your land line in favor of a cell phone? Moved and acquired a new number? Please use the form on the back of our bulletin to bring our information up to date, or send your new information to blessedtrinitychurch [at] gmail [dot] com. Thank you.

Care for Creation ~ Pope Francis says in Laudato Si: Care for Our Common Home, “The current global situation engenders a feeling of instability and uncertainty, which in turn becomes ‘a seedbed for collective selfishness.’ When people become self-centered and self-enclosed, their greed increases. The emptier a person’s heart is, the more he or she needs things to buy, own, and consume. It becomes almost impossible to accept the limits imposed by reality. In this horizon, a genuine sense of the common good also disappears. As these attitudes become more widespread, social norms are respected only to the extent that they do not clash with personal needs. So our concern cannot be limited merely to the threat of extreme weather events, but must also extend to the catastrophic consequences of social unrest.” Action: Pope Francis warns us about a consumerist lifestyle. During this season of Lent, ponder deeply the idea of reducing our need for “stuff” and increasing our need to care for one another. Go to the Catholic Relief services website – www.crs.org – and learn how our brothers and sisters in other countries are affected by climate change and poverty.

Good News Gets Around ~ The Western New York Catholic features articles for the young church. Look for “The Scene” which reports on young people’s faith in action and the “Sound Board” where youths share their opinions on important topics and issues. Articles like these are featured in the latest issue of The Western New York Catholic, or visit their website at www.wnycatholic.org. The Western New York Catholic is funded in part by your generous donations to the Catholic Communication Campaign (CCC).

St. Joseph
March 19
Photo is of the Shrine to St. Joseph to the left of the Sanctuary. The niche surrounding the statue “is one of the exquisite ceramic creations in the church.” (Rev. Walter Kern’s “Guide to Blessed Trinity R. C. Church,” page 45). Photo credit: Margaret Dick

News from our Vicariate Cluster and the Wider Community

The Canisius College Chorale, under the direction of Frank Scinta, will present a program in collaboration with the Camerata di Sant’ Antonio Chamber Orchestra, Christopher Weber, director, on Sunday, March 13 at 7:30 PM in Canisus College’s Montante Cultural Center, 2001 Main Street in Buffalo.  For more information, contact the Canisus College Music Office at 716-888-2536.

Documentary:  Building a Basilica ~ WKBW-TV will air Building a Basilica, the documentary about how Father Baker built Our Lady of Victory Basilica, on Easter Sunday, March 27, from 5:00 -6:00 PM.

4th Sunday of Lent – Week of March 6, 2016

Mar 6, 2016 | This Week

Iconography in church facade symbolizing the Four Last Things: Death (skull), Judgment (scale, book of life, sword), Heaven (crown, palm, stars), and Hell (not visible in photo). Photo credit: Chris Byrd

March 6 – March 13, 2016

Weekly Activities

Sunday, March 6 at 9:00 a.m. ~ Choir Rehearsal in the Loft

Sunday, March 6 following 10:00 a.m. Mass ~ Ladies Sodality Program in St. Charles Hall

Monday, March 7 at 6:30 p.m. ~ CCCB Lenten Journey Mass at Nativity/Miguel – St. Monica Campus at St. Lawrence

Tuesday, March 8 from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. ~ Choir rehearsal in St. Charles Hall

Wednesday, March 9 from 5:30 – 6:30 ~ Simple Supper  in St. Charles Hall, followed by The Way of the Cross at 7:00 p.m. in church.

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

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

Saturday, March 12 at 8:00 p.m. ~ Bingo will be played in St. Charles Hall*

Monday, March 14 at 6:30 p.m. ~ CCCB Lenten Journey Mass at Sister’s Hospital, 2157 Main Street

*In response to requests from our players, we have instituted age restrictions for admission to Bingo. As of  Thursday, October 15, 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, March 6 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – Ithrene Cameron (Requested by Ed Marien) and Jim Hartzell (Requested by Madonna Hartzell)

Monday, March 7 ~ Ss. Perpetua and Felicity ~ Communion Service at 11:00 a.m.

Tuesday, March 8 ~ St. John of God ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Winifred Enright (Estate)

Wednesday, March 9 ~ St. Francis of Rome ~ Deceased Members of Blessed Trinity Parish (Blessed Trinity Parish)

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

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

Saturday, March 12 ~ Vigil Mass at 4:30 p.m. – John J. (“Bud”) Horan, Jr. (Family)

Sunday, March 13 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – Bridget Blesnuk (Kathleen Marien) and Jimmie Porter, Jr. (Family)

“Celebrating Women Witnesses”
Sunday, March 6 following Mass
St. Charles Hall

Readings for the Week of March 6

Sunday: Jos 5:9a, 10-12; Ps. 34:2-7; 2 Cor 5:17-21; Lk 15: 1-3, 11-32
Monday: Is 65:17-21; Ps 30:2, 4-6, 11-13; Jn 4:43-54
Tuesday: Ez 47:1-9, 12; Ps 46:2-3, 5-6, 8-9; Jn 5:1-16
Wednesday: Is 49:8-15; Ps 145:8-9, 13-14, 17-18; Jn 5:17-30
Thursday: Ex 32:7-14; Ps 106:19-23; Jn 5:31-47
Friday: Wis 2:1a, 12-22; Ps 34:17-21, 23; Jn 7:1-2, 10, 25-30
Saturday: Jer 11:18-20; Ps 7:2-3, 9-12; Jn 7:40-53
Sunday, March 13: Is 43:16-23; Ps 126:1-6; Phil 3:8-14; Jn 8:1-11

News from our Parish Community

The Ladies Sodality will present its second “Celebrating Women Witnesses” program on Sunday, March 6, in St. Charles Hall following the 10 AM Mass. Dr. Althea Porter will facilitate a discussion about the life of Prisca, a first century woman missionary who St. Paul recognized as a co-worker in Christ Jesus “who risked death to save my life.” All women of the parish are invited to attend, and friends are welcome.

This Week’s Lenten Journey Mass is Monday evening, March 7 at the St. Monica Campus of the Nativity/Miguel School. The school is located at St. Lawrence Parish, 1520 E. Delevan Avenue. Please join parishioners from the Catholic Churches of Central Buffalo for the 6:30 PM Mass. A social with refreshments will follow the Mass.

Our four-week Lenten Program concludes on Wednesday, March 9. We hope you will plan to join us for a simple supper served from 5:30-6:30 PM in St. Charles Hall and continue at 7 PM in church Praying the Stations of Mercy with Pope Francis. We are grateful to Evelyn Brady for drawing us together these past three weeks and leading us in prayer, meditation and discussion based on A Spirituality of Being Human by Dr. Hugh Brady.

Opportunities for Confession this week include a Penance Service at St. Joseph University Church, 3269 Main Street, on Tuesday evening, March 8, at 7 PM and private confession at our own church on Saturday afternoon, March 12, at 4 PM.

Catholic Charities Appeal Week 2016 starts on the weekend of March 5/6.  Please help ensure that this year’s goal of $11 million is met by responding with your contribution or pledge today. Your donation helps educate, counsel, and train parents; provide basic assistance to families and the hope of a brighter future to youth through workforce and education programs.  Find Good Within.  Open hearts follow Jesus’ lead.  Please support the 2016 Catholic Charities Appeal.  Find out more at www.ccwny.org or call 716-218-1400.

Keeping in Touch ~ Last month, members of the Parish Council attempted to call all parishioners to inform them of the death of Deacon Jimmie. They used the phone numbers contained in our parish records. In the process, they discovered a high percentage of non-working numbers. Surprisingly, many of them were people who attend church regularly. Please think about the last time you updated your contact information with the parish. Did you abandon your land line in favor of a cell phone? Switch to an unlisted number? Please use the form on the back of our bulletin to help us bring our information up to date, or send your new information to blessedtrinitychurch [at] gmail [dot] com. Thank you.

Lenten Reflections Dedicated to Deacon Jimmie ~ The African American Commission of the Office of Cultural Diversity, Diocese of Buffalo, has dedicated its second annual weekly Lenten reflections booklet to the memory of Deacon Jimmie L. Boyd. Entitled Merciful Like My Father: A Lenten Scripture Study of the Past, Present, and Future, the booklet features reflections together with testimonies of African American Catholics. One testimony featured is from parishioner Jessie Wells. A few booklets are still available in the sacristy.

Soprano Amy Grable, tenor Robert Zimmerman, and pianist Dr. Lori Abbott following their Valentine’s Day performance. Click HERE for additional photos from the concert.

News from our Vicariate Cluster and the Wider Community

Community Meeting ~ On Tues. March 8 at 5:30 PM, U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas Perez will join with VOICE-Buffalo and the Niagara Organizing Alliance for Hope (NOAH) for a public meeting to seek solutions to address racial economic disparities across the Buffalo Niagara region through innovative workforce training and placement programs. Congressman Brian Higgins, Mayor Byron Brown and Niagara Falls Mayor Paul Dyster are also scheduled to attend the meeting at Bennett High School, 2885 Main St. The faith-based sponsoring organizations are attempting to bring together 1,500 concerned citizens from across the region in support of this issue of economic and social justice, and we encourage your attendance.

Walking the Way of the Cross: Biblical Reflections on the Land ~ Presenter: Sister Laurie Brink, OP on Saturday, March 12 from 8:30 a.m.– 3:00 p.m. at the Millennium Hotel, 2040 Walden Ave, Cheektowaga, NY 14225. The Catholic Biblical Studies Program proudly announces the 24th Annual Lenten Day of Reflection. This will be a virtual Holy Land Retreat, drawing on familiar images and places mentioned in the Gospels. As you enter into the final days of Jesus’ life, you will imagine the journey of Jesus and the disciples as they ‘set their faces toward Jerusalem,’ journeying from Capernaum through Jericho to the Holy City and finally to the cross… and beyond to the empty tomb. Sister Laurie is a Dominican Sister, associate professor at the Catholic Theological Union, Chicago, and associate editor of The Bible Today. Her study and research has taken her into the ancient social, religious and cultural world out of which Christianity emerged. Please contact the Catholic Biblical Studies Program (716) 871-9180, info [at] cbstudies [dot] org, or www.cbstudies.org, for registration information.

3rd Sunday of Lent – Week of February 28, 2016

Feb 28, 2016 | This Week

February 28 – March 6, 2016

Weekly Activities

Sunday, February 28 at 9:00 a.m. ~ Choir Rehearsal in the Loft

Monday, February 29 at 7:30 p.m. ~ CCCB Lenten Journey Mass Social in St. Charles Hall

Tuesday, March 1 from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. ~ Choir rehearsal CANCELLED.

Wednesday, March 2 from 7:00-8:30 p.m. ~ Prayer, meditation and discussion with Evelyn Brady in St. Charles Hall

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

Saturday, March 5 from 9:30 a.m. to 12 Noon ~ Helping Hands Food Pantry in St. Charles Hall

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

Sunday, March 6 at 9:00 a.m. ~ Choir Rehearsal in the Loft

Sunday, March 6 following 10:00 a.m. Mass ~ Ladies Sodality Program in St. Charles Hall

Monday, March 7 at 6:30 p.m. ~ CCCB Lenten Journey Mass at Nativity/Miguel – St. Monica Campus at St. Lawrence

*In response to requests from our players, we have instituted age restrictions for admission to Bingo. As of  Thursday, October 15, 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, February 28 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – John Allen ( Requested by Angela Jost) and Robert and Beverly Brodfuehrer (Requested by Thomas Brodfuehrer)

Jeanne R. Heubusch
June 9, 1931 – February 24, 2016

Monday, February 29 ~ Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. – Jeanne R. Heubusch

Monday, February 29 ~ CCCB Journey Mass at 6:30 p.m. in church

Tuesday, March 1 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Deceased Members of Blessed Trinity Church (Blessed Trinity Church)

Wednesday, March 2 ~ Deceased Members of Blessed Trinity Parish (Blessed Trinity Parish)

Thursday, March 3 ~ St. Katharine Drexel ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Catherine M. Maher (Estate)

Friday, March 4 ~ St. Casimir ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Anna Snyder (Estate)

Saturday, March 5 ~ Vigil Mass at 4:30 p.m. – Bob Kinmartin (Angela Jost)

Sunday, March 6 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – Ithrene Cameron (Ed Marien) and Jim Hartzell (Madonna Hartzell)

“Celebrating Women Witnesses”
Sunday, March 6, 2016
following 10 AM Mass.

Readings for the Week of February 28

Sunday: Ex 3:1-8a, 13-15; Ps 103: 1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8, 11; 1 Cor 10:1-6, 10-12; Lk 13:1-9
Monday: 2 Kgs 5:1-15ab; Ps 42:2-3; 43:3-4; Lk 4:24-30
Tuesday: Dn 3:25, 34-43; Ps 25:4-9; Mt 18:21-35
Wednesday: Dt 4:1, 5-9; Ps 147:12-13, 15-16, 19-20; Mt 5:17-19
Thursday: Jer 7:23-28; Ps 95:1-2, 6-9; Lk 11:14-23
Friday: Hos 14:2-10; Ps 81:6-11, 14, 17; Mk 12:28-34
Saturday: Hos 6:1-6; Ps 51:3-4, 18-21; Lk 18:9-14
Sunday, March 6: Jos 5:9a, 10-12; Ps. 34:2-7; 2 Cor 5:17-21; Lk 15: 1-3, 11-32

News from our Parish Community

Blessed Trinity will host the Lenten Journey Mass on Monday evening, February 29. Please join in welcoming parishioners from the Catholic Churches of Central Buffalo for the special 6:30 PM Mass. It is also our turn to provide finger foods and desserts for the social following the Mass. If you can help in this regard, please drop your food item off at St. Charles Hall by 6 PM.

Our 2016 Lenten Program continues this Wednesday, March 2, at 7 PM.  We will again meet in St. Charles Hall for an evening of prayer, meditation and a discussion based on A Spirituality of Being Human by Dr. Hugh Brady. Our conversation will focus on Chapters 10, 11 and 16. Even if you have not read the book, you will still benefit from this opportunity for spiritual transformation. Dessert and coffee will be served. Next Wed., March 9, we will conclude our Lenten Program with a simple supper in St. Charles Hall from 5:30-6:30 PM, followed by The Way of the Cross in church at 7 PM. We are grateful to everyone who has helped thus far. If you can lend a hand with clean-up on March 2 or March 9, please add your name to the sign-up boards on the table near the rectory-side door. Click HERE for additional information about the 4-week program and CCCB Lenten Journey Masses.

The Ladies Sodality will present its second “Celebrating Women Witnesses” program on Sunday, March 6, following the 10 AM Mass. Dr. Althea Porter will facilitate the discussion, this time focusing on Prisca, a first century missionary who St. Paul recognized as a co-worker in Christ Jesus “who risked death to save my life.” All women of the parish are invited to attend, and friends are invited. A handout about Prisca will be available at church on the weekend of February 27/28. Please take one home and familiarize yourself with her story, and then join the conversation on March 6.

Keeping in Touch ~ Last month, members of the Parish Council attempted to call all parishioners to inform them of the death of Deacon Jimmie. They used the phone numbers contained in our parish records. In the process, they discovered a high percentage of non-working numbers. Surprisingly, many of them were people who attend church regularly. Please think about the last time you updated your contact information with the parish. Did you abandon your land line in favor of a cell phone? Switch to an unlisted number? Please use the form on the back of our bulletin to help us bring our information up to date, or send your new information to blessedtrinitychurch [at] gmail [dot] com. Thank you.

Lenten Reflections Dedicated to Deacon Jimmie ~ The African American Commission of the Office of Cultural Diversity, Diocese of Buffalo, has dedicated its second annual weekly Lenten reflections booklet to the memory of Deacon Jimmie L. Boyd. Entitled Merciful Like My Father: A Lenten Scripture Study of the Past, Present, and Future, the booklet features reflections together with testimonies of African American Catholics. One testimony featured is from parishioner Jessie Wells. A few booklets are still available in the sacristy.

Lenten Handouts ~ There are extra copies of three special publications that the parish has provided in the hope of enriching your Lenten experience.  We encourage you to take copies from the usher’s bench for family members and friends.

Catholic Charities Appeal ~ Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent and commemorates the start of a period of preparation for Jesus’ Resurrection on Easter Sunday. As you start your own Lenten Journey this week, remember the selfless sacrifice of Jesus. What can you sacrifice that will allow you to donate just $3.12? That’s the cost of feeding a family of four one meal through one of Catholic Charities’ eight food pantries. Remember the love you have for your neighbors in need, and give as generously as you can to the Catholic Charities 2016 Appeal, benefitting tens of thousands in Western New York. Find Good Within. Open hearts to follow Jesus’ lead.  Find out more at www.ccwny.org or call 716-218-1400.

Lenten Handouts ~ There are extra copies of three special publications that the parish has provided in the hope of enriching your Lenten experience.  We encourage you to take copies from the usher’s pew for family members and friends. There are also a few copies of Blessed Trinity 2016 Calendars remaining. They are also found in the usher’s Pew. Share one with a friend.

Soprano Amy Grable, tenor Robert Zimmerman, and pianist Dr. Lori Abbott following their Valentine’s Day performance. Click HERE for additional photos from the concert.

News from our Vicariate Cluster and the Wider Community

Blessed Sacrament Church’s Fish Fry Dinner will be held on Friday, March 4, from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. in the Catholic Academy of West Buffalo Gymnasium, 1069 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo. Adult Dinners $12; Child (10 & Under) Dinners $6. Takeout will be available. All Dinners include: potato salad, coleslaw, rye bread, beverage, and dessert. Tickets can be purchased after all Masses, visiting the rectory during normal business hours, calling (716) 884-0053, or emailing bettyh [at] blsacbflo [dot] org. Pre-order of tickets requested. A limited number of tickets will be available at the door.

Respite Weekend for Women with Cancer ~ March 4–6, 2016 at Stella Niagara. Application deadline is Thursday, February 18. If you know someone, applications are available by calling Sr. Maureen at 897-9948, x114.

Walking the Way of the Cross: Biblical Reflections on the Land ~ Presenter: Sister Laurie Brink, OP on Saturday, March 12 from 8:30 a.m.– 3:00 p.m. at the Millennium Hotel, 2040 Walden Ave, Cheektowaga, NY 14225. The Catholic Biblical Studies Program proudly announces the 24th Annual Lenten Day of Reflection. This will be a virtual Holy Land Retreat, drawing on familiar images and places mentioned in the Gospels. As you enter into the final days of Jesus’ life, you will imagine the journey of Jesus and the disciples as they ‘set their faces toward Jerusalem,’ journeying from Capernaum through Jericho to the Holy City and finally to the cross… and beyond to the empty tomb. Sister Laurie is a Dominican Sister, associate professor at the Catholic Theological Union, Chicago, and associate editor of The Bible Today. Her study and research has taken her into the ancient social, religious and cultural world out of which Christianity emerged. Please contact the Catholic Biblical Studies Program (716) 871-9180, info [at] cbstudies [dot] org, or www.cbstudies.org, for registration information.