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.

2nd Sunday of Lent – Week of February 21, 2016

Feb 21, 2016 | This Week

February 21 – February 28, 2016

Weekly Activities

Sunday, February 21 at 9:00 a.m. ~ Choir Rehearsal in the Loft

Monday, February 22 at 6:30 p.m. ~ CCCB Lenten Journey Mass at Ss. Columba-Brigid

Wednesday, February 24 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. ~ Parish Council Meeting in St. Charles Hall

Wednesday, February 24 from 7:00-8:30 p.m. ~ Prayer, meditation and discussion with Evelyn Brady in St. Charles Hall

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

Saturday, February 27 from 9:30 a.m. to 12 Noon ~ Helping Hands Food Pantry in St. Charles Hall

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

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

Monday, February 29 at 6:30 p.m. ~ CCCB Lenten Journey Mass at Blessed Trinity

*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 21 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – James Hartzell (Requested by Angela Jost) and Michael Murphy (Requested by Kathleen Marien)

Monday, February 22 ~ Chair of St. Peter the Apostle ~ Communion Service at 11:00 a.m. in Daily Mass Chapel

Tuesday, February 23 ~ St. Polycarp ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Deceased Members of Blessed Trinity Parish (Blessed Trinity Church)

Wednesday, February 24 ~ Deceased Members of Ryan, Reilly, Reynolds, and Pfeiffer Families (Estate of Mary Reilly)

Thursday, February 25 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Catherine M. Maher (Estate)

Friday, February 26 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Anna Snyder (Estate)

Saturday, February 27 ~ Vigil Mass at 4:30 p.m. – Winifred Enright (Estate)

Sunday, February 28 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – John Allen (Angela Jost)

Readings for the Week of February 14

Sunday: Gn 15:5-12, 17-18; Ps 27:1, 7-8, 8-9, 13-14; Phil 3:17-4:1 or 3:20-4:1; Lk 9:28b-36
Monday: : 1 Pt 5:1-4; Ps 23:1-6; Mt 16:13-19
Tuesday: Is 1:10, 16-20; Ps 50:8-9, 16-17, 21, 23; Mt 23:1-12
Wednesday: Jer 18:18-20; Ps 31:5-6, 14-16; Mt 20:17-28
Thursday: Jer 17:5-10; Ps 1:1-4, 6; Lk 16:19-31
Friday: Gn 37:3-4, 12-13a, 17b-28a; Ps 105:16-21; Mt 21:33-43, 45-46
Saturday: Mi 7:14-15, 18-20; Ps 103:1-4, 9-12; Lk 15:1-3, 11-32
Sunday, Feb. 28: 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

News from our Parish Community

Our Wednesday Evening Lenten Program continues on February 24 at 7 PM, with the evening devoted to prayer, meditation and discussion of Chapter 8 of Dr. Hugh Brady’s book, A Spirituality of Being Human. It is not necessary to have read the book to participate, but we hope you will take advantage of this opportunity for spiritual growth. Dessert and coffee will be served. We are grateful to everyone who contributed to the February 17 soup supper, but we are still looking for cookie bakers and – most importantly – a few folks to help with clean-up this week and on March 2 and March 9. If you can help, 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.

This week’s Lenten Journey Mass will take place at 6:30 PM on Monday, February 22 at Ss. Columba-Brigid Church located at Eagle and Hickory Streets.

Change in Parish Council Meeting ~ The Parish Council will meet this Wednesday, February 24, from 5:30-6:30 PM. The time of the meeting has been changed and sandwiches will be served so that Council members can participate in the Lenten Program at 7 PM.

Our Lenten Journey Mass ~ Blessed Trinity will host the Catholic Churches of Central Buffalo for the Lenten Journey Mass on Monday evening, February 29, at 6:30 PM. 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 sign up THIS WEEKEND. The sheet for the Journey Mass Reception will be found on the altar rail near the baptismal font.

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 women in the early Church. All women of the parish are invited to attend, and friends are invited. Please save the date.

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.

Ed Marien posed happily with his Basket of Cheer.

The Ladies Sodality extends sincere thanks to everyone who supported the February 7th raffle, which raised more than $900. Ed Marien won the Basket of Cheer, and Jim Duffy and Florentina Dozer were able to do their last-minute Super Bowl shopping with $50 gift cards from Wegmans and Dash’s. We are especially grateful to Bill Warren and Hertel Parker Liquor for donating the “cheer” for Ed’s basket.

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.

Blessed Trinity 2016 Calendars are still available in the Ushers’ 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

BISON Children’s Scholarship Fund ~ This fund believes that all children, whether rich or poor, should have access to the widest array of educational opportunities as possible. By offering partial scholarship assistance to economically disadvantaged families, BISON is empowering parents, often for the first time, with the ability to choose the school which best meets their child’s needs. Visit the website at www.bisonfund.com and complete an electronic Scholarship Pre-Application for the 2016-17 school year. Please note the scholarship amounts very depending on the family’s income, household size and the school’s tuition cost. The highest scholarship amount for 2016-17 will be $1,800. Families will be expected to contribute partial tuition towards their child’s education. Time of the essence! Our first deadline is February 29, 2016. All pre-applications will be entered into a lottery drawing in early March. If your name is drawn in the lottery, you will received notification with instructions on how to proceed with the application. If you have questions or need further information, call the BISON Fund office at 716-854-0869.

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.

First Sunday of Lent – Week of February 14, 2016

Feb 14, 2016 | This Week

February 14 – February 21, 2016

Weekly Activities

Sunday, February 14 at 9:00 a.m. ~ Choir Rehearsal in the Loft

Sunday, February 14 at 3:00 p.m. ~ Trinity Series Concert, Celebration of Love, in church

Monday, February 15 at 6:30 p.m. ~ CCCB Lenten Journey Mass at St. Lawrence

Wednesday, February 17 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. ~ Soup Supper in St. Charles Hall

Wednesday, February 17 from 7:00-8:30 p.m. ~ Prayer, meditation and discussion with Evelyn Brady in St. Charles Hall

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

Saturday, February 20 from 9:30 a.m. to 12 Noon ~ Helping Hands Food Pantry in St. Charles Hall

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

Sunday, February 21 at 9:00 a.m. ~ Choir Rehearsal in the Loft

*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 14 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – Bridget Blesnuk (Requested by Ed Marien) and Robert Dapp (Requested by The Gallisdorfers)

Monday, February 15 ~ Communion Service at 11:00 a.m. in Daily Mass Chapel

Tuesday, February 16 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Anna Snyder (Estate)

Wednesday, February 17 ~ Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order ~ NO SERVICE

Thursday, February 18 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Winifred Enright (Estate)

Friday, February 19 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Catherine M. Maher (Estate)

Saturday, February 20 ~ Vigil Mass at 4:30 p.m. – Rita E. Curtin (Family)

Sunday, February 21 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – James Hartzell (Angela Jost) and Michael Murphy (Kathleen Marien)

Readings for the Week of February 14

Sunday: Dt 26:4-10; Ps 91:1-2, 10-11, 12-13, 14-15; Rom 10:8-13; Lk 4:1-13
Monday: : Lv 19:1-2, 11-18; Ps 19:8-10, 15; Mt 25:31-46
Tuesday: Is 55:10-11; Ps 34:4-7, 16-19; Mt 6:7-15
Wednesday: Jon 3:1-10; Ps 51:3-4, 12-13, 18-19; Lk 11:29-32
Thursday: Est C:12, 14-16, 23-25; Ps 138:1-3, 7-8; Mt 7:7-12
Friday: Ez 18:21-28; Ps 130:1-8; Mt 5:20-26
Saturday: Dt 26:16-19; Ps 119:1-2, 4-5, 7-8; Mt 5:43-48
Sunday, February 21:  Gn 15:5-12, 17-18; Ps 27:1, 7-8, 8-9, 13-14; Phil 3:17-4:1 or 3:20-4:1; Lk 9:28b-36

News from our Parish Community

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.

A Vocal Valentine ~ On Sunday, February 14, at 3:00 PM, treat yourself to a Celebration of Love as the Trinity Concert Series brings you soprano Amy Grable and tenor Robert Zimmerman in this popular music program including some of the most cherished love songs from Broadway and the movies. We’ll follow this musical treat with a post-concert reception, giving you and your guests an opportunity to meet the performers and satisfy your sweet tooth. A free-will offering ($10 suggested) will be taken.

Our 2016 Lenten Program begins Wednesday evening, February 17, with our traditional Soup Supper from 5:30-6:30 PM, followed by the first of three Wednesday evenings devoted to prayer, meditation and discussion of Dr. Hugh Brady’s book, A Spirituality of Being Human. It is not necessary to have read the book to participate, but do take advantage of this opportunity for spiritual growth. We are grateful to those who have already agreed to make soup for this week, but we are still looking for cookie bakers and – most importantly – a few folks to help with clean-up each Wednesday evening through 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.

Change in Parish Council Meeting ~ Because of the Wednesday evening Lenten Program, the date and time of the February Parish Council meeting has been changed. The Council will meet in St. Charles Hall from 5:30-6:30 PM on Wednesday, February 24. Sandwiches will be provided so that Council members will be able to stay for the 7 PM program.

Lenten Journey Masses begin Monday, February 15, with 6:30 PM Mass at St. Lawrence, 1520 E. Delavan. The Catholic Churches of Central Buffalo (CCCB) take turns hosting Monday evening Masses during Lent, each of which is followed by an opportunity for fellowship. Blessed Trinity will host on Monday, February 29.

Prayer Partners ~ Sister Barbara has the names of our Lenten Prayer Partners. If you haven’t received yours, please check with her during the week.

Summary of Parish Council Meeting – January 19, 2016

• The Finance Council continues to meet. Minor repairs on church buildings will be handled.
• Efforts to build parish membership include contacting parishioners not able to be in church, having programs for concerts, tours, etc. Include our Mass days/times, inviting Bingo players to join us in worship.
• The vicariate will discuss continuing “Christmas in the City.”
• Blessed Trinity was well represented at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Mass. Judy Casassa, Sue Trabert, Helen Roddy Gray, and Vera Andrew sang in the choir; Althea Porter introduced Bishop Holly.
• The concert committee is beginning to plan the 2016/2017 series.
• Amy Johnson and Naoma Allen continue to work with Family Promise.
• Lenten program was reviewed. Details will be in bulletin.

Lenten Handouts ~ Last weekend we distributed three special publications that we hope will enrich your Lenten experience. There are extra copies on the usher’s bench. We encourage you to take copies for family members and friends.

Ed Marien posed happily with his Basket of Cheer.

The Ladies Sodality extends sincere thanks to everyone who supported last week’s raffle, which raised more than $900. Ed Marien won the Basket of Cheer, and Jim Duffy and Florentina Dozer were able to do their last-minute Super Bowl shopping with $50 gift cards from Wegmans and Dash’s. We are especially grateful to Bill Warren and Hertel Parker Liquor for donating the “cheer” for Ed’s basket.

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.

The First Sunday of Lent marks the Choir’s return to the loft.We welcome them back from their winter break.

Sunday TV Mass ~ Do you know someone who misses going to Mass because of an illness or injury? The Diocese provides a televised Mass from the Our Lady Chapel at St. Joseph Cathedral each Sunday at 7:30 AM on the WUTV-Fox Channel.

Blessed Trinity 2016 Calendars are still available in the Ushers’ Pew. Share one with a friend.

Our Choir returns on Sunday, February 14.

News from our Vicariate Cluster and the Wider Community

BISON Children’s Scholarship Fund ~ This fund believes that all children, whether rich or poor, should have access to the widest array of educational opportunities as possible. By offering partial scholarship assistance to economically disadvantaged families, BISON is empowering parents, often for the first time, with the ability to choose the school which best meets their child’s needs. Visit the website at www.bisonfund.com and complete an electronic Scholarship Pre-Application for the 2016-17 school year. Please note the scholarship amounts very depending on the family’s income, household size and the school’s tuition cost. The highest scholarship amount for 2016-17 will be $1,800. Families will be expected to contribute partial tuition towards their child’s education. Time of the essence! Our first deadline is February 29, 2016. All pre-applications will be entered into a lottery drawing in early March. If your name is drawn in the lottery, you will received notification with instructions on how to proceed with the application. If you have questions or need further information, call the BISON Fund office at 716-854-0869.

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.