2016 Lenten Program
Rest in Peace, Deacon Jimmie
Requiescat in pace – Rest in peace
Deacon Jimmie L. Boyd
August 22, 1940 – January 20, 2016
Jimmie L. Boyd, who had served the Blessed Trinity Parish Community as their Deacon since 2008, passed from death into eternal life on January 20, 2016 at the age of seventy-five. His Mass of Christian Burial and “homecoming” were celebrated in the church on Saturday, January 23, and he was laid to rest at Ridgelawn Cemetery in Cheektowaga, NY.
On Friday evening, January 22, members of the diocesan Deacon Community gathered at Blessed Trinity and led mourners in praying and singing the Church’s official Office of the Dead.
Deacon Boyd was ordained a Permanent Deacon of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Buffalo on September 20, 1992. Prior to the 2008 parish merger that brought him to Blessed Trinity, he had served as a deacon at the former St. Mary of Sorrows, St. James and St. Gerard parishes.
In addition to the services he provided as a deacon, Deacon Boyd was also a dedicated community volunteer. He devoted many years to the Men’s Fellowship of the Little Portion Friary, mentoring men in temporary residence there. He was also a long-time volunteer at the Helping Hands Food Pantry and a valued bingo worker at both Blessed Trinity and St. Gerard’s.
Deacon Jimmie was a Life Member of the NAACP, a sign of his commitment to the mission of the century-old civil rights organization. A Resolution from Buffalo Chapter President Frank B. Mesiah honoring Deacon Boyd was read as part of Saturday’s funeral service.
A former employee of the Ford Stamping Plant, Deacon Boyd was also a business owner of Boyd & Brown Construction.
Deacon Boyd is survived by his wife of fifty-three years, Maxine Grayson Boyd; his three children, Jimmie L., Jr. (Charlisa), Kim (Kenneth, Sr.) Harris and Kyle Boyd; four grandchildren; one great-grandchild; two brothers, Herman (Gloria) and Albert (Earline) Boyd; and two sisters Juliette Graves and Dr. Bess (Wilbert) Stewart.
Prayers for Deacon Boyd led by his brother deacons on Jan. 22, 2016.
Photo credit: Darvan Draper
3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time – Week of January 24, 2016
Requiescat in pace – Rest in peace
Deacon Jimmie L. Boyd
August 22, 1940 – January 20, 2016
January 24 – January 31, 2016
Weekly Activities
Sunday, January 24 following 10:00 a.m. Mass ~ Coffee Hour in St. Charles Hall, hosted by our Holy Name Society
Thursday, January 28 at 8:00 p.m. ~ Bingo will be played in St. Charles Hall*
Saturday, January 30 from 9:30 a.m. to 12 Noon ~ Helping Hands Food Pantry in St. Charles Hall
Saturday, January 30 at 8:00 p.m. ~ Bingo will be played in St. Charles Hall*
*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, January 24 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – Bridget Blesnuk (Requested by Duffy Sisters) and John Allen (Requested by Bud and Mickey Dick)
Monday, January 25 ~ Conversion of St. Paul the Apostle ~ Communion Service at 11:00 a.m. in Daily Mass Chapel
Tuesday, January 26 ~ St. Timothy and St. Titus ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Deceased Members of Blessed Trinity Parish (Blessed Trinity Parish)
Wednesday, January 27 ~ St. Angela Merici ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Deceased Members of the Ryan, Reilly, Reynolds, and Pfeiffer Families (Estate of Mary Reilly)
Thursday, January 28 ~ St. Thomas Aquinas ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Anna Snyder (Estate)
Friday, January 29 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Catherine M. Maher (Estate)
Saturday, January 30 ~ Vigil Mass at 4:30 p.m. – Winifred Enright (Estate)
Sunday, January 31 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – Norm Shoeing (Ed Marien) and Robert, Celia and Emmanuel Marien (Kathleen Marien)
Readings for the Week of January 17
Sunday: Is 62:1-5; Ps 96:1-2, 2-3, 7-8, 9-10; 1 Cor 12:4-11; Jn 2:1-11
Monday: Acts 22:3-16 or 9:1-22; Ps 117:1-2; Mk 16:15-18
Tuesday: 2 Tm 1:1-8 or Ti 1:1-5; Ps 96:1-3, 7-8, 10; Mk 3:31-35
Wednesday: 2 Sm 7:4-17; Ps 89:4-5, 27-30; Mk 4:1-20
Thursday: 2 Sm 7:18-19, 24-29; Ps 132:1-5, 11-14; Mk 4:21-25
Friday: 2 Sm 11:1-4a, 5-10a, 13-17; Ps 51:3-7, 10-11; Mk 4:26-34
Saturday: 2 Sm 12:1-7a, 10-17; Ps 51:12-17; Mk 4:35-41
Sunday, January 31: Jer 1:4-5, 17-19; Ps 71:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 15, 17; 1 Cor 12:31-13:13 or 13:4-13; Lk 4:21-30
News from our Parish Community
Deacon Jimmie L. Boyd ~ We at Blessed Trinity wish to thank all who came together this past week to mourn the loss of our Deacon, Jimmie L. Boyd, who passed from death into life on January 20, 2016. On behalf of the Boyd family, our parish family, and his many friends, we express gratitude for your comforting presence. We would also like to acknowledge the members of the deacon community for their prayerful remembrance of Jimmie at our church on Friday evening, and for all who helped to make the Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday such a meaningful “homecoming” and celebration of his life.
“A Celebration of Love,”
Sun., Feb. 14 at 3 PM
The Trinity Series of “beautiful music in a beautiful space…” continues with a Celebration of Love, Sunday February 14, at 3:00 p.m. Be with us on Valentine’s Day as Tenor Robert Zimmerman and Soprano Amy Grable, accompanied by pianist Dr. Lori Abbott, perform some of musical theater’s most cherished loved songs. Following this sweet treat for your heart and soul, you’ll be able to satisfy your sweet tooth AND meet our musical guests at a post-concert reception. A free-will offering will be taken, with a $10 suggested offering.
Coffee Hour ~ Our January Coffee Hour is Sunday, January 24, following the 10 AM Mass. It will be hosted by the Holy Name Society.
MLK Scholarships ~ If you would like to support the mission of the Martin Luther King Scholarship Fund – extending quality Catholic education to all – please use the “Thank You” envelope found in each pew and place your donation in the collection on January 23/24. You may direct any questions regarding the Fund or how to apply for a scholarship to parishioner Jessie Wells.
Are you ready to join the discussion? Our Lenten program is taking shape, with three of four Wednesday evenings – February 17 and 24 and March 2 – devoted to prayer, meditation and discussion led by Evelyn Brady. We encourage everyone to participate, whether or not you have read A Spirituality of Being Human by Dr. Hugh Brady. Copies of the book, which will be basis of the meditation and discussion, are still available after Sunday Mass from Dianne Riordan or during the week at the rectory. A portion of the $20 purchase price is being donated to the Little Portion Friary. Additional information about the Lenten program will be provided in the weeks to come.
Prayer Partners for Lent ~ During this Jubilee Year of Mercy, members of the Catholic Churches of Central Buffalo will once again join as Lenten prayer partners. If you would like to participate, please use the sign-up sheet found on the altar rail. You will receive a “partner” from one of the other parishes to pray for during the Lenten season and a special prayer that you can recite when remembering their needs. And someone in another parish will be praying for you. If you are willing to be contacted by your prayer partner, you may include your phone number when signing up, but this is not required. Homebound persons can sign-up by calling Sr. Maureen at 897-9948, ext. 114, or 882-3129.
The Catholic Relief Services Collection will take place in our parish next weekend, January 30 & 31. You can “help Jesus in disguise,” providing food to the hungry, support to displaced refugees, and Christ’s love and respect to all people. Please give generously to this collection which supports six Catholic agencies that touch more than 100 million lives around the world.
Basket of Cheer Raffle
Sunday, February 7 at Coffee Hour
Basket of Cheer Raffle ~ Please support the Ladies Sodality’s annual raffle, which will take place in two weeks on Sunday, February 7, at a special coffee hour. If you need additional chances, you will find the purple sheets on a table at the church divide. Thank you for returning your raffle tickets.
Reminder to Sodality Members ~ Please remember to pay your annual dues (still only $5) by the end of the month. Mickey Dick hopes to have the member directory and telephone tree updated before the March 6 general meeting, but she needs accurate information from all. Membership is open to all women of the parish, and forms are available on a table at the church divide. If you would like more information, please leave your inquiry for Membership VP Mickey Dick by Clicking HERE.
The Choir is now on its winter break. For the next 2 weeks, they’ll be individually backing up our sung praise. We thank Music Director Nick DelBello and all the choir members for their dedication over the past months and look forward to their return on the February 14, the First Sunday of Lent.
Find Good Within. Open hearts follow Jesus’ lead. The reach of Catholic Charities extends throughout the eight counties of Western New York. Thousands in our area struggle daily to provide food for their family, complete their education or start a new life away from abuse. Have you made a contribution reflecting your care and concern? Support our efforts to improve the lives of those in need. Please watch for your letter and card from Catholic Charities and promptly respond. Give hope to those in need. Please give to the 2016 Catholic Charities Appeal. Find out more at ccwny.org to call 716-218-1400.
Prisoner Gift Project ~ Peaceprints has received many thank you notes from the inmates of Wende and Albion Correctional Facilities for the Christmas gift bags assembled in our church. Here are a few of their comments: “Being here is hard but being here during the holidays is even harder. Your bag was uplifting…. Your gift each year truly warms my heart and soul…. You put a lot of smiles on the ladies of Albion…. It is nice to know that we are not forgotten – we were touched…. It was a surprise to me because I don’t have family to help me. I’ll wait until next year for that special bag…. It means a lot to those of us who have no family on the outside…. Your prayers will strengthen me in these hard times.”
Docent Mickey Dick offers visitors a primer
on medieval iconography.
“Explore Buffalo” invites “[v]isitors, residents, and students of all ages…to experience Buffalo’s unique architectural and historical legacy up-close with expert volunteers…dedicated to providing the city’s friendliest, most comprehensive, best informed tours.” On December 29 and 30, Explore Buffalo came to Blessed Trinity, and a total of 65 WNYers did just that as Judy Casassa, Mickey Dick, Sr. Liz Savage, Eleanor Ash and Nancy Yager welcomed them and provided facts and a few fables about the church building as well as parish and neighborhood history. Tour admissions resulted in proceeds of $985.00 for the Under This Roof Fund. Thanks to our dedicated docents and Explore Buffalo’s Brad Hahn for helping more folks discover Blessed Trinity.
Blessed Trinity 2016 Calendars are still available in the Ushers’ Pew. Share one with a friend.
Robert Zimmerman and Amy Grable in concert
at Blessed Trinity on February 14, 2016
News from our Vicariate Cluster and the Wider Community
Mardi Gras Party and Wine Tasting & Pairing at Assumption Church, 425 Amherst St., Buffalo, on Friday, February 5, from 6-9 PM. Wines crafted by O-Neh-Da and Eagle Crest Vineyards. Refreshments available and also Games of Chance. Call 716-875-7626 for tickets and more information.
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.
2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time – Week of January 17, 2016
Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Observed
January 18
Photo credit: Phil Woods
January 17 – January 24, 2016
Weekly Activities
Wednesday, January 20 at 7:00 p.m. ~ Parish Council Meeting in St. Charles Hall
Thursday, January 21 at 8:00 p.m. ~ Bingo will be played in St. Charles Hall*
Saturday, January 23 from 9:30 a.m. to 12 Noon ~ Helping Hands Food Pantry in St. Charles Hall
Saturday, January 23 at 8:00 p.m. ~ Bingo will be played in St. Charles Hall*
Sunday, January 24 following 10:00 a.m. Mass ~ Coffee Hour in St. Charles Hall, hosted by our Holy Name Society
*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, January 17 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – Geraldine Waters (Requested by the Gallisdorfers) and James Hartzell (Requested by Judy Casassa)
Monday, January 18 ~ Communion Service at 11:00 a.m. in Daily Mass Chapel
Tuesday, January 19 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Anna Snyder (Estate)
Wednesday, January 20 ~ St. Fabian; St. Sebastian ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Winifred Enright (Estate)
Thursday, January 21 ~ St. Agnes ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. -Deceased Members of Blessed Trinity Parish (Blessed Trinity Parish)
Friday, January 22 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Catherine M. Maher (Estate)
Saturday, January 23 ~ Baptisms at 1:30 p.m. – Abigail Rose Arnold and Daniel Benjamin Sperandeo
Saturday, January 23 ~ St. Vincent; St. Marianne Cope ~ Vigil Mass at 4:30 p.m. – Deceased Members of the Ryan, Reilly, Reynolds, and Pfeiffer Families (Estate of Mary Reilly)
Sunday, January 24 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – Bridget Blesnuk (Duffy Sisters) and John Allen (Bud and Mickey Dick)
Readings for the Week of January 17
Sunday: Is 62:1-5; Ps 96:1-2, 2-3, 7-8, 9-10; 1 Cor 12:4-11; Jn 2:1-11
Monday: 1 Sm 15:16-23; Ps 50:8-9, 16-17, 21, 23; Mk 2:18-22
Tuesday: 1 Sm 16:1-13; Ps 89:20-22, 27-28; Mk 2:23-28
Wednesday: 1 Sm 17:32-33, 37, 40-51; Ps 144:1-2, 9-10; Mk 3:1-6
Thursday: 1 Sm 18:6-9; 19:1-7; Ps 56:2-3, 9-13; Mk 3:7-12
Friday: 1 Sm 24:3-21; Ps 57:2-4, 6, 11; Mk 3:13-19
Saturday: 2 Sm 1:1-4, 11-12, 19, 23-27; Ps 80:2-3, 5-7; Mk 3:20-21
Sunday, January 24: Neh 8:2-4a, 5-6, 8-10; Os 19:8, 9, 10, 15; 1 Cor 12:12-30 or 12:12-14, 27; Lk 1:1-4; 4; 14-21
News from our Parish Community
Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King ~ The Diocesan Mass celebration of the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is Sunday, January 17, at 10:30 AM at St. Martin de Porres Church, 555 Northampton St., Buffalo. The celebrant and homilist, Rev. Bishop Martin D. Holley from the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C., will expand on the theme of “Do You Know Mercy?” and the concept of love as the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend. The annual event is sponsored by the African American Commission of the Office of Cultural Diversity of our diocese. A reception featuring theme baskets will follow the Mass, with proceeds benefiting the MLK Scholarship Fund.
MLK Scholarships ~ At this Sunday’s Diocesan Mass celebrating the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., three young women – Mikaila Frazier, Mikeisha Frazier and Adalia Romero-Horta – will receive awards from the Martin Luther King Scholarship Fund, giving them the opportunity to continue their education in a Catholic High School of their choice. We join in congratulating them, and extend our sincere thanks to parishioner Jessie Wells, who has served on the scholarship committee for many years. You will find special “Thank You” envelopes in the pews this weekend for the Scholarship Fund, which will mark its 30th anniversary in 2017. Please be generous in supporting its mission of extending quality Catholic education to all. If you are not in a position to donate today, please keep the envelope and make your contribution next weekend.
The Parish Council meets Wednesday, January 20, at 7 PM in St. Charles Hall.
Summary of the December 16, 2015 Parish Council Meeting: The Finance Council meets weekly. Repair to St. Charles Hall is completed and the FLARE Building has a new boiler. Insurance covered both, after our deductible ($1,000 each). Parishioners are urged to get a copy of A Spirituality of Being Human in preparation for discussion during Lent. The plan to increase parish membership is in process. Thanks to all who contributed hot chocolate for the Prison Ministries project. Special thanks to Judy Casassa, Amy Johnson and Dan Korchowsky for their extensive work on the project. Council members include: Vera Andrew, Thomas Brodfuehrer, Bud Dick, Mickey Dick (V. Pres.), Darvan Draper, S. Peggy Gallagher, (Pres.), Helen Roddy Gray, Madonna Hartzell, Robert Heicklen, S. Barbara Horan, Daniel Korchowsky, Father Reger, Dianne Riordan, S. Elizabeth Savage (Secty.), Jessie Wells, and Palma Zanghi.
The Choir is now on its winter break. For the next 3 weeks, they’ll be individually backing up our sung praise. We thank Music Director Nick DelBello and all the choir members for their dedication over the past months and look forward to their return on the February 14, the First Sunday of Lent.
Coffee Hour ~ Our January Coffee Hour is Sunday, January 24, following the 10 AM Mass. It will be hosted by the Holy Name Society.
A Prayer of Thanksgiving for all who braved the snow squall on Tuesday evening, January 12, and helped remove and store our Christmas decorations for another year: Tom, Drew and Nik Brodfuehrer; Judy Casassa, Darvan and Vontrese Draper, Bud and Mickey Dick, Sister Barbe, Dan Korchowsky, Dorothy Manuppelli, Kathleen Marien, Kathy Press, Father George, Sister Liz Savage, Suzanne and Gary Tocke, and Sue Trabert.
Basket of Cheer Raffle ~ By now you should have received chances in the mail for the Ladies Sodality’s annual raffle, which will take place on Sunday, February 7. If you did not or would like additional sheets, you will find them on a table at the church divide. Thank you for supporting our parish fundraiser.
Reminder to Sodality Members ~ Membership in the Ladies Sodality runs with the calendar year, and annual dues of $5.00 for 2016 are now due. Please return the request form you received in the mail along with your dues and contact information by the end of January so that Mickey Dick can update the member directory and telephone tree. Membership is open to all women of the parish, and this is the best time to join. If you would like more information, please leave your inquiry for Membership VP Mickey Dick by Clicking HERE. The next general meeting is March 6, following Sunday Mass.
Prisoner Gift Project ~ Peaceprints has received many thank you notes from the inmates of Wende and Albion Correctional Facilities for the Christmas gift bags assembled in our church. Here are a few of their comments: “Being here is hard but being here during the holidays is even harder. Your bag was uplifting…. Your gift each year truly warms my heart and soul…. You put a lot of smiles on the ladies of Albion…. It is nice to know that we are not forgotten – we were touched…. It was a surprise to me because I don’t have family to help me. I’ll wait until next year for that special bag…. It means a lot to those of us who have no family on the outside…. Your prayers will strengthen me in these hard times.”
Docent Mickey Dick offers visitors a primer
on medieval iconography.
“Explore Buffalo” invites “[v]isitors, residents, and students of all ages…to experience Buffalo’s unique architectural and historical legacy up-close with expert volunteers…dedicated to providing the city’s friendliest, most comprehensive, best informed tours.” On December 29 and 30, Explore Buffalo came to Blessed Trinity, and a total of 65 WNYers did just that as Judy Casassa, Mickey Dick, Sr. Liz Savage, Eleanor Ash and Nancy Yager welcomed them and provided facts and a few fables about the church building as well as parish and neighborhood history. Tour admissions resulted in proceeds of $985.00 for the Under This Roof Fund. Thanks to our dedicated docents and Explore Buffalo’s Brad Hahn for helping more folks discover Blessed Trinity.
The Trinity Series continues ~ Our next concert is February 14 at 3 PM when soprano Amy Grable and tenor Robert Zimmerman bring us their Celebration of Love. The husband and wife duo who opened our 2014-15 Series are back by popular demand singing some of musical theater’s most cherished love songs – and just in time for Valentine’s Day. Mark you calendars, and plan to be with us on February 14.
Blessed Trinity 2016 Calendars are still available in the Ushers’ Pew. Share one with a friend.
Many thanks to all of the parishioners from Blessed Trinity Church who came to the Catholic Central Helping Hands Food Pantry (CCHHFP) to lend their support. During the year 2015 these included the following: Luis Clay, Cathy Cummings, Darvan Draper, Marquis Draper, Vontrese Draper, Sharon “Shammy” Dunnigan, Nashelle Gittens, Lorena James, Miles James, Dan Korchowsky, Dianne Riordan, Elizabeth Bailey Sands and Palma Zanghi. I am especially grateful for those who gave their support during the months of May to September on many Saturdays. Due to the lack of participating school programs during this time period, we relied on parishioners plus regular volunteers who come weekly to carry us through the summer. Sincerely, Richard Plunkett.
Robert Zimmerman and Amy Grable in concert
at Blessed Trinity on February 14, 2016
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.
“Christmas in the City” – January 3, 2016
Children from Ss. Columba-Brigid tell the story of the Little Drummer Boy in word and song.
On Sunday, January 3, Blessed Trinity served as host as the Catholic Churches of Central Buffalo celebrated our Christmas faith. The annual musical event took place on Epiphany Sunday and featured adult and children’s choirs from Blessed Trinity, Ss. Columba-Brigid, St. Lawrence and St. Martin de Porres, and was followed by a social in St. Charles Hall. Click HERE for additional photos from “Christmas in the City.”
Next Trinity Series Concert, February 14, 2016
Sunday, February 14, 2016 at 3:00 p.m.
Celebration of Love
Vocalists Robert Zimmerman and Amy Grable
Amy Grable and Robert Zimmerman
Back by popular demand! The husband and wife duo of tenor Robert Zimmerman and soprano Amy Grable were such show stoppers when they opened our series last fall that we’ve asked them to return, this time for Valentine’s Day. Their Celebration of Love offerings of some of musical theater’s most cherished love songs and duets are sure to provide a sweet treat for your heart and soul. A post-concert reception will take care of your taste buds. Free Will Offering – Suggested Donation: $10.
Our Landmark church, located at 317 Leroy Avenue in Buffalo, is
wheelchair accessible with secured off-street parking.
The Baptism of the Lord – Week of January 10, 2016
The doors displayed in our Sacred Heart Shrine symbolize the opening of the Door in Rome for the Jubilee Year declared by Pope Francis.
Photo Credit: Margaret Dick
January 10 – January 17, 2016
Weekly Activities
Tuesday, January 12, 2016 at 6:30 p.m. ~ Take-Down [Christmas Decorations] Party in Church
Thursday, January 14, 2016 at 8:00 p.m. ~ Bingo will be played in St. Charles Hall*
Saturday, January 16, 2016 ~ from 9:30 a.m. to 12 Noon ~ Helping Hands Food Pantry in St. Charles Hall
Saturday, January 16, 2016 at 8:00 p.m. ~ Bingo will be played in St. Charles Hall*
*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, January 10 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – Joseph Kohn (Requested by Family) and John Duffy (Requested by Duffy Family)
Monday, January 11 ~ Communion Service at 11:00 a.m. in Daily Mass Chapel
Tuesday, January 12 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Beatrice Hamsik (Angela Jost)
Wednesday, January 13 ~ St. Hilary ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Anna Snyder (Estate)
Thursday, January 14 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. -Catherine M. Maher (Estate)
Friday, January 15 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Winifred Enright (Estate)
Saturday, January 16 ~ Vigil Mass at 4:30 p.m. – Deceased Members of Blessed Trinity Parish (Blessed Trinity Parish)
Sunday, January 17 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – Geraldine Waters (The Gallisdorfers) and James Hartzell (Judy Casassa)
Readings for the Week of January 10
Sunday: Is 42:1-4, 6-7 or Is 40:1-5, 9-11; Acts 10:34-38 or Titus 2:11-14, 3:4-7; Lk 3:15-16, 21-22
Monday: 1 Sm 1:1-8; Ps 116:12-19; Mk 1:14-20
Tuesday: 1 Sm 1:9-20; 1 Sm 2:1, 4-8; Mk 1:21-28
Wednesday: 1 Sm 3:1-10, 19-20; Ps 40:2, 5, 7-10; Mk 1:29-39
Thursday: 1 Sm 4:1-11; Ps 44:10-11, 14-15, 24-25; Mk 1:40-45
Friday: 1 Sm 8:4-7, 10-22a; Ps 89:16-19; Mk 2:1-12
Saturday: 1 Sm 9:1-4, 17-19; 10:1a; Ps 21:2-7; Mk 2:13-17
Sunday, January 17: Is 62:1-5; Ps 96:1-2, 2-3, 7-8, 9-10; 1 Cor 12:4-11; Jn 2:1-11
News from our Parish Community
Take-Down Party ~ “What does up, must come down.” Please join us in church for a quick ‘n easy Take-Down Party on Tuesday, January 12, beginning at 6:30 p.m. With your help, we will be able to remove our beautiful Christmas decorations and safely stow them away for another year. Please use the side entrance near the wheelchair ramp and THANK YOU.
Photo credit: Phil Woods
Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King ~ The Diocesan Mass celebration of the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is Sunday, January 17, at 10:30 AM at St. Martin de Porres Church, 555 Northampton St., Buffalo. The celebrant and homilist, Rev. Bishop Martin D. Holley from the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C., will expand on the theme of “Do You Know Mercy?” and the concept of love as the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend. The annual event is sponsored by the African American Commission of the Office of Cultural Diversity of our diocese. A reception featuring theme baskets will follow the Mass, with proceeds benefiting the MLK Scholarship Fund.
Coffee Hour ~ Because a number of parishioners will be involved in the Diocesan Martin Luther King celebration at St. Martin de Porres, our coffee hour scheduled for Sunday, January 17 has been rescheduled for Sunday, January 24. The Holy Name Society will host.
Basket of Cheer Raffle ~ In the coming week, you should receive chances in the mail for the Ladies Sodality’s annual raffle, which will take place on Sunday, February 7. This is expected to be the organization’s only fundraiser this year, and all proceeds are returned to the parish. Please be generous in your support of their efforts.
Reminder to Sodality Members ~ Membership in the Ladies Sodality runs with the calendar year, and annual dues of $5.00 for 2016 are now due. Please return the request form you will receive in the mail along with your dues and contact information by the end of January so that Mickey Dick can update the member directory and telephone tree. Those who have reached the age of 80 are NOT required to pay dues, but please be sure to let us know if you have changed your address or phone number. Membership is open to all women of the parish; for more information about this organization and how to join, Click HERE.
The Christ Child accepted human nature. Have you? Our Parish Council invites you to join your fellow parishioners in reading A Spirituality of Being Human by local author Hugh Brady, D. Min. In Dr. Brady’s own words, “a spirituality of being human…is loving and accepting human nature in its brokenness and in its state of grace. It is awareness of the deeply transformative experience of being human.” A group discussion of the book is planned for the Lenten season, which begins on February 10. Copies of the book are available after Sunday Mass from Dianne Riordan, or you can pick one up at the rectory. The purchase price is $20, with a portion being donated to the Little Portion Friary. Some of our “loaner copies” have already been read and returned and are once again available to borrow.
A CCCB Family Thank you! Blessings of the New Year 2016 to All. As this year begins, I want to thank everyone for their participation in “Christmas in the City.” I heard many comments of how enjoyable the occasion was. With all of our different cultures and gifts of music, everyone needs to be congratulated! As Fr. George stressed in his opening prayer, we celebrated the Epiphany but also “Christ born in us” this day. We also celebrated the witnessing of all our parishes as one family in Christ. My deep appreciation to all the music directors, musicians, youth and adult choirs, those who set up the sound system, brought cookies, washed dishes, planned the program and especially to our hosts at Blessed Trinity Church. My deep gratitude, Sr. Maureen Harris.
Blessed Trinity 2016 Calendars are still available in the Ushers Pew. Share one with a friend.
Give the gift of food. Just as the three kings brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh, you can give gifts to those in need. There are containers in each of the church’s side vestibules where you can place non-perishable food items for our own Helping Hands Food Pantry. If you find it easier to make a monetary donation, please use a separate envelope clearly marked “HELPING HANDS,” and place it in the collection basket.
Many thanks to all of the parishioners from Blessed Trinity Church who came to the Catholic Central Helping Hands Food Pantry (CCHHFP) to lend their support. During the year 2015 these included the following: Luis Clay, Cathy Cummings, Darvan Draper, Marquis Draper, Vontrese Draper, Sharon “Shammy” Dunnigan, Nashelle Gittens, Lorena James, Miles James, Dan Korchowsky, Dianne Riordan, Elizabeth Bailey Sands and Palma Zanghi. I am especially grateful for those who gave their support during the months of May to September on many Saturdays. Due to the lack of participating school programs during this time period, we relied on parishioners plus regular volunteers who come weekly to carry us through the summer. Sincerely, Richard Plunkett.
Ss. Columba-Brigid Quartet performs
at “Christmas in the City”
Photo credit: Margaret Dick
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.
In Memoriam, 2016
Clayton A. Steinwachs, ’30
Clayton A. “Clate” Steinwachs, ’30
September 3, 1916 – January 1, 2016
Mary F. Gampp, ’66
Mary F. Gampp, ’66
January 5, 2016
Maureen Sheehan Cook ’74
Maureen M. Sheehan Cook, ’74
March 11, 2016
Joan M. Dengler Linde, ’48
March 30, 2016
Jeanne O’Connor Lupke, ’64
Jeanne O’Connor Lupke, ’64
June 16, 1950 – April 4, 2016
Dorothy B. Moll Sheehan, ’38
May 5, 2016
Anne Marie Gampp LaPorta, ’64
Anne Marie Gampp LaPorta, ’64
June 13, 2016
Sr. Thomas Aquinas Lennon, SSJ
Sister Thomas Aquinas Lennon, SSJ
August 4, 2016
Faculty, 1951-1960
Sr. Patricia Reen, SSJ, ’45
Sister Patricia Reen, SSJ, ’45
August 29, 2016
Mildred Krolczyk Muranyi, ’59
November 13, 2016
Epiphany of the Lord – Week of January 3, 2016
January 3 – January 10, 2016
Weekly Activities
Sunday, January 3 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. ~ CCCB Christmas in the City in church
Thursday, January 7, 2016 at 8:00 p.m. ~ Bingo will be played in St. Charles Hall*
Saturday, January 9, 2016 ~ from 9:30 a.m. to 12 Noon ~ Helping Hands Food Pantry in St. Charles Hall
Saturday, January 9, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. ~ Sodality Meeting in St. Charles Hall
Saturday, January 9, 2016 at 8:00 p.m. ~ Bingo will be played in St. Charles Hall*
*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, January 3 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – Norine Hackney (Requested by Ed Marien) and Arthur Kopra – Birthday Remembrance (Requested by Bud & Mickey Dick)
Monday, January 4 ~ Communion Service at 11:00 a.m. in Daily Mass Chapel
Tuesday, January 5 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Beatrice Hamsik (Angela Jost)
Wednesday, January 6 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Anna Snyder (Estate)
Thursday, January 7 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Winifred Enright (Estate)
Friday, January 8 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Deceased Members of Blessed Trinity Parish (Blessed Trinity Parish)
Saturday, January 9 ~ Vigil Mass at 4:30 p.m. – Deceased Members of the Ryan, Reilly, Reynolds and Pfeiffer Families (Estate of Mary Reilly)
Sunday, January 10 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – Joseph Kohn (Family) and John Duffy (Duffy Family)
Readings for the Week of January 3
Sunday: Is 60:1-6; Eph 3:2-3a; Mt 2:1-12
Monday: 1 Jn 3:22-4:6; Ps 2:7-8, 10-12; Mt 4:12-17, 23-25
Tuesday: 1 Jn 4:7-10; Ps 72:1-4, 7-8; Mk 6:34-44
Wednesday: 1 Jn 4:11-18; Ps 72:1-2, 10, 12-13; Mk 6:45-52
Thursday: 1 Jn 4:19-5:4; Ps 72:1-2, 14-15, 17; Lk 4:14-22a
Friday: 1 Jn 5:5-13; Ps 147:12-15, 19-20; Lk 5:12-16
Saturday: 1 Jn 5:14-21; Ps 149:1-6, 9; Jn 3:22-30
Sunday, January 10: Is 42:1-4, 6-7 or Is 40:1-5, 9-11; Acts 10:34-38 or Titus 2:11-14, 3:4-7; Lk 3:15-16, 21-22
St. Martin de Porres Children’s Choir performs at “Christmas in the City.”
News from our Parish Community
Christmas in the City ~ This Sunday, January 3, our parish will host the Catholic Churches of Central Buffalo (“CCCB”) as we celebrate our Christmas faith. The annual joint celebration will begin in church at 2 PM with a musical program featuring adult and children’s choirs from Blessed Trinity, Ss. Columba-Brigid, St. Lawrence and St. Martin de Porres, and conclude with a social in St. Charles Hall. Please join us in welcoming our visitors from the CCCB.
Epiphany Blessing ~ There is a traditional method of blessing homes this day using chalk (an image reminding us of the dust of the earth from which we were made) and “Jordan water.” The chalk is used to mark: 20 + C + M + B + 16 over our doorways. The initials remind us of the traditional names of the magi – Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar – and also stand for the Latin motto: “Christus, mansionem benedicat” (“May Christ bless this house”). Bless chalk is available on the altar railing near our creche.
Sodality Members will meet this coming Saturday, January 9, to help with the mailing of tickets for the February 7th Basket of Cheer raffle. Please join the “work party” at 1 PM in St. Charles Hall. Our next scheduled meeting is Sunday, March 6.
Many thanks to all of the parishioners from Blessed Trinity Church who came to the Catholic Central Helping Hands Food Pantry (CCHHFP) to lend their support. During the year 2015 these included the following: Luis Clay, Cathy Cummings, Darvan Draper, Marquis Draper, Vontrese Draper, Sharon “Shammy” Dunnigan, Nashelle Gittens, Lorena James, Miles James, Dan Korchowsky, Dianne Riordan, Elizabeth Bailey Sands and Palma Zanghi. I am especially grateful for those who gave their support during the months of May to September on many Saturdays. Due to the lack of participating school programs during this time period, we relied on parishioners plus regular volunteers who come weekly to carry us through the summer. Sincerely, Richard Plunkett.
The Christ Child accepted human nature. Have you? Our Parish Council invites you to join your fellow parishioners in reading A Spirituality of Being Human by local author Hugh Brady, D. Min. In Dr. Brady’s own words, “a spirituality of being human…is loving and accepting human nature in its brokenness and in its state of grace. It is awareness of the deeply transformative experience of being human.” A group discussion of the book is planned for the Lenten season, which begins on February 10. Copies of the book are available after Sunday Mass from Dianne Riordan, or you can pick one up at the rectory. The purchase price is $20, with a portion being donated to the Little Portion Friary. Some of our “loaner copies” have already been read and returned and are once again available to borrow.
Give the gift of food. Just as the three kings brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh, you can give gifts to those in need. There are containers in each of the church’s side vestibules where you can place non-perishable food items for our own Helping Hands Food Pantry. If you find it easier to make a monetary donation, please use a separate envelope clearly marked “HELPING HANDS,” and place it in the collection basket.
Merry Christmas from Catholic Charities ~ May the gift of the Christ child bless you and your family this season. You can also give in the spirit of Christmas to the Catholic Charities Immigrant and Refugee Assistance Program. The program helps hundreds of refugees start life anew in the form of housing, furniture, and even gift cards. Have a gift card to spare? An old table and chairs to re-purpose? Consider donating to people in need in our own diocese. Please call 716-842-0270 for information or to offer assistance. Visit ccwny.org for more information on our programs.
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.
Holy Family of Jesus, Mary & Joseph – Week of Dec. 27, 2015
Photo credit: Sean Brodfuehrer
December 27, 2015 – January 3, 2016
Weekly Activities
Thursday, December 31, 2015 ~ New Year’s Eve: NO Bingo games
Saturday, January 2, 2016 ~ from 9:30 a.m. to 12 Noon ~ Helping Hands Food Pantry in St. Charles Hall
Saturday, January 2, 2016 at 8:00 p.m. ~ Bingo will be played in St. Charles Hall*
Sunday, January 3 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. ~ CCCB Christmas in the City in church
*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, December 27 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – Ethel Grabenstatter (Requested by Bud and Mickey Dick) and Elizabeth Harasimowicz (Requested by Mickey Dick)
Monday, December 28 ~ The Holy Innocents ~ Communion Service at 11:00 a.m. in Daily Mass Chapel
Tuesday, December 29 ~ St. Thomas Becket ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Winifred Enright (Estate)
Wednesday, December 30 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Deceased Members of Blessed Trinity Parish (Blessed Trinity Parish)
Thursday, December 31 ~ St. Sylvester I ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Deceased Members of the Ryan, Reilly, Reynolds and Pfeiffer Families (Estate of Mary Reilly)
Friday, January 1, 2016 ~ The Solemnity of Mary ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – Elizabeth Dick – Anniversary (Family)
Saturday, January 2 ~ Vigil Mass at 4:30 p.m. – Catherine M. Maher (Estate)
Sunday, January 3 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – Norine Hackney (Ed Marien) and Arthur Kopra – Birthday Remembrance (Bud & Mickey Dick)
Readings for the Week of December 27
Sunday: Sir 3:2-6, 12-14 or 1 Sam 1:20-22, 24-28; Col 3:12-21 or 3:12-17 or 1 John 3:1-2, 21-24; Luke 2:41-52
Monday: 1 Jn 1:5–2:2; Ps 124:2-5, 7-8; Mt 2:13-18
Tuesday: 1 Jn 2:3-11; Ps 96:1-3, 5-6; Lk 2:22-35
Wednesday: 1 Jn 2:12-17; Ps 96:7-10; Lk 2:36-40
Thursday: 1 Jn 2:18-21; Ps 96:1-2, 11-13; Jn 1:1-18 2:1-14
Friday: Nm 6:22-27; Ps 67:2-3, 5-6, 8; Gal 4:4-7; Lk 2:16-21
Saturday: 1 Jn 2:22-28; Ps 98:1-4; Jn 1:19-28
Sunday, January 3: Is 60:1-6; Eph 3:2-3a; Mt 2:1-12
Please remember, there will be NO BINGO games on New Year’s Eve. Happy Holidays from our volunteers.
News from our Parish Community
Solemnity of Mary
January 1
Friday, January 1, is the Solemnity of Mary, a Holy Day of Obligation. Our Mass will be at 10 AM.
Christmas in the City ~ Sunday, January 3: 2:00 – 4:00 PM ~ Next Sunday, our parish will host the Catholic Churches of Central Buffalo as we celebrate our Christmas faith. The annual joint celebration will begin in church with a musical program featuring adult and children’s choirs from Blessed Trinity, Ss. Columba-Brigid, St. Lawrence and St. Martin de Porres, and conclude with a social in St. Charles Hall. The Parish Council is very appreciative of those who have already signed up to assist, but we’re counting on all of you to be part of our welcoming committee.
Praise and thanksgiving for all of you who contributed your time and energies over the past two weeks to decorate our church and Sanctuary for Christmas. It is an amazing testament of faith as it all comes together!
Our Spiritual Journey from Advent to Lent ~ During the Advent season, our Parish Council invites you to join your fellow parishioners in reading A Spirituality of Being Human by local author Hugh Brady, D. Min. In Dr. Brady’s own words, “a spirituality of being human…is loving and accepting human nature in its brokenness and in its state of grace. It is awareness of the deeply transformative experience of being human.” A group discussion of the book is planned for the Lenten season, which begins on February 10. Copies of the book are available after Sunday Mass from Dianne Riordan, or you can pick one up at the rectory. The purchase price is $20, with a portion being donated to the Little Portion Friary. Some of our “loaner copies” have already been read and returned and are once again available to borrow.
Sodality Members will meet on Saturday, January 9, to help with the mailing of tickets for the February 7th Basket of Cheer raffle. Please join the “work party” at 1 PM in St. Charles Hall.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give your rest” (Matthew 11:28). Everyday there are things that remind us of our experiences of loss. Grief never takes a holiday. A free 2016 packet “Coping with Seasons of Loss” filled with resources, insights, prayers and scripture support is available upon request one from the Office of Family Life Ministries. Email http://familylife [at] buffalodiocese [dot] org or call 716-847-2210.
Merry Christmas from Catholic Charities ~ May the gift of the Christ child bless you and your family this season. You can also give in the spirit of Christmas to the Catholic Charities Immigrant and Refugee Assistance Program. The program helps hundreds of refugees start life anew in the form of housing, furniture, and even gift cards. Have a gift card to spare? An old table and chairs to re-purpose? Consider donating to people in need in our own diocese. Please call 716-842-0270 for information or to offer assistance. Visit ccwny.org for more information on our programs.
Photo Credit: Thomas Dinder
News from our Vicariate Cluster and the Wider Community
Christmas Crèches on Display ~ Fr. Roy Herberger invites you to experience a display of 560 nativity sets from 59 countries. These international crèches will be shown at Ss. Columba-Brigid Church located at 75 Hickory and Eagle St. (one block south of Clinton). The building is handicapped accessible. The hours are 1 – 4 p.m. every weekend in December (EXCEPT December 26 and 27) and on January 2 and 3. There is no charge, and there is a special section for children.
Catholic Charities needs your help in collecting gently worn unwanted shoes during the months of December and January. For information drop-off points for your donation, call Cassandra Carleton at 716-218-1400. All types of shoes accepted. Drop them off in bags, boxes or totes. All shoes collected will be donated to poverty stricken communities across the world.