4th Sunday of Advent – Week of December 20, 2015

Dec 20, 2015 | This Week

December 20 – December 27, 2015

Weekly Activities

Monday, December 21 at 6:30 p.m. ~ Phase II of Decorating our Church (please use wheelchair ramp side door).

Tuesday, December 22 at 7:00 p.m. ~  Choir Rehearsal in St. Charles Hall

Wednesday, December 23 at 7:00 p.m. ~ Choir Rehearsal in Church

Thursday, December 24 at 8:00 p.m. ~ Christmas Eve: NO Bingo games

Saturday, December 26 ~ Helping Hands Food Pantry CLOSED

Saturday, December 26 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, December 20 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – For the Intentions of the Ejimadu Family in U.S.A. (Requested by Fidelia and Family) and Leonard Dinder (Requested by Richard Plunkett)

Monday, December 21 ~ St. Peter Canisius ~ Communion Service at 11:00 a.m. in Daily Mass Chapel

Tuesday, December 22 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Frances Pernick (Children)

Wednesday, December 23 ~ St. John of Kanty ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Catherine M. Maher (Estate)

Thursday, December 24 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – John J. Horan, Jr. (Family)

Christmas Eve Mass at 10:00 p.m. – Blessed Trinity Parish Community
Preceded by Choral Program at 9:30 p.m.

Friday, December 25 ~ The Nativity of the Lord

Christmas Morning Mass at 10:00 a.m. – Blessed Trinity Parish Community

Saturday, December 26 ~ Vigil Mass at 4:30 p.m. – Anna Snyder (Estate)

Sunday, December 27 ~ Feast of the Holy Family ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – Ethel Grabenstatter (Bud and Mickey Dick) and Elizabeth Harasimowicz (Mickey Dick)

Readings for the Week of December 20

Sunday: Mi 5:1-4a; Ps 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19; Heb 10:5-10; Lk 1:39-45
Monday: Song 2:8-14 or Zep 3:14-18a; Ps 33:2-3, 11-12, 20-21; Lk 1:39-45
Tuesday: 1 Sm 1:24-28; 1 Sm 2:1, 4-8; Lk 1:46-56
Wednesday: Mal 3:1-4, 23-24; Ps 25:4-5, 8-10, 14; Lk 1:57-66
Thursday: 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16; Ps 89:2-5, 27, 29; Lk 1:67-79
Thursday/Friday: Vigil: Is 62:1-5; Ps 89:4-5, 16-17, 27, 29; Acts 13:16-17, 22-25; Mt 1:1-25 or 1:18-25. Night: Is 9:1-6; Ps 96:1-3, 11-13; Ti 2:11-14; Lk 2:1-14. Dawn: Is 62:11-12; Ps 97:1, 6, 11-12; Ti 3:4-7; Lk 2:15-20. Day: Is 52:7-10; Ps 98:1-6; Heb 1:1-6; Jn 1:1-18 or 1:1-5, 9-14
Saturday: Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59; Ps 31:3-4, 6, 8, 16-17; Mt 10:17-22
Sunday, December 27: 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

Please remember, there will be NO BINGO games on Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve. Happy Holidays from our volunteers.

News from our Parish Community

Phase II of Decorating our Church will take place Monday, December 21 at 6:30 pm.  Sincere thanks to all who have helped with Phase I. As you can see, we have a good start, but there is more to do to finish the job. Please use the side entrance near the wheelchair ramp to enter the church. 

Change in Time of Christmas Eve Service ~ Please remember that our Christmas Eve Mass will be celebrated at 10 PM this year instead of the traditional Midnight, with a choral program beginning at 9:30 PM. Click HERE for a complete schedule of our services for the 2015-16 Christmas Season.

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. There will also be a limited number of copies available to borrow and return for someone else to read.

Sodality Members are reminded to reserve some time on Saturday, January 9, 2016 to help with the mailing of tickets for the Basket of Cheer raffle. The “work party” will take place at 1 PM in St. Charles Hall.

Religious Give Thanks ~ “We cannot begin to repay all who contribute,” writes a Catholic sister. “We pray to God, who is never outdone in generosity, to reward you.” Heartfelt thanks for your donation to last week’s collection for the Retirement Fund for Religious. May God bless you for your goodness!

Report on Prisoner Project 2015: 2,100 Gifts Prepared & Delivered December 16. A big “Thank You” for your donations: 4,200+ packs of hot chocolate; your time decorating gift bags (170 bags); $127 to cover shortages, truck rental and gas expenses; 1,000 soft cover books which, with books received from Harlequin and Project Flight, allowed two books in each gift bag; and your efforts on Friday 12/11 when you joined volunteers from area churches, agencies, and friends of Sister Karen Klimczak to fill the gift bags and pack them into shipping boxes for delivery to Albion and Wende Correctional Facilities this past Wednesday. We acknowledge and thank Janice Burns for again successfully coordinating this project of Peaceprints of WNY aimed to give support and hope to prisoners. We also acknowledge and thank Amy Johnson, Judy Casassa, and Dan Korchowsky who worked tirelessly to coordinate the project here at Blessed Trinity.  Thank you.

Christmas Deliveries ~ The Sodality wishes to thank everyone who helped in the assembly and delivery of Christmas gift bags and poinsettias to our homebound parishioners and those in senior care facilities. If you have not already done so, please update Mickey Dick about the person you visited.

Open hearts follow Jesus’ lead.  Last year, through the generous support of donors throughout Western New York, Catholic Charities of Buffalo was able to positively impact the lives of children, families and seniors in our community with basic needs like food, clothing and shelter, as well as mental health counseling and educational services. Bishop Richard Malone has announced our goal of $11 million and St. Nicholas as the patron saint of the 2016 Appeal.  St. Nicholas provided for the poor and the sick, and was known for his secret gift-giving. When you support the Appeal, you’re “finding good within” and offering the gift of comfort and relief to people in need.  Find out more at www.ccwny.org or call 716-218-1400.

News from our Vicariate Cluster and the Wider Community

The St. Joseph Cathedral Choir will present a concert of Christmas Lessons & Carols on Monday, December 21 at 7:30 pm, under the direction Organist-Choir Director, Tim Socha.  Music will include compositions by Marc-Antoine Charpentier, Matthew Culloton, Ola Gjeilo, Philip Stopford, Louis Vierne, Bob Chilcott and others. The Cathedral Choir will be joined by memebers of the Nicholas Upper School Chorus and the Christ the King Seminary Schola. There will be a free-will offering. All are welcome. St. Joseph Cathedral is located at 50 Franklin Street, downtown Buffalo, between Church & Swan Streets. Call 716-854-5855 for more information.

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.

3rd Sunday of Advent – Week of December 13, 2015

Dec 13, 2015 | This Week

Because of his Boundless Love, Jesus became
what we are that he might make us what he is.
Irenaeus, 3rd Century

December 13 – December 20, 2015

Weekly Activities

Sunday, December 13 following 10:00 a.m. Mass ~ Pastor’s reception for parish volunteers in the rectory

Monday, December 14 at 6:30 p.m. ~ Phase I of Decorating our Church (please use wheelchair ramp side door).

Tuesday, December 15 at 6:30 p.m. ~ Decorating of Church continues

Tuesday, December 15 at 7:00 p.m. ~  Choir Rehearsal in St. Charles Hall

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

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

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

Saturday, December 19 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, December 13 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – Dan Stabler (Requested by Ed Marien) and Norine Hackney (Requested by the Dunnigan Family)

Monday, December 14 ~ St. John of the Cross ~ Communion Service at 11:00 a.m. in Daily Mass Chapel

Tuesday, December 15 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Mary Lou Riso (Angela Jost)

Wednesday, December 16 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Catherine M. Maher (Estate)

Thursday, December 17 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Anna Snyder (Estate)

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

Saturday, December 19 ~ Vigil Mass at 4:30 p.m. -Deceased Members of Ryan, Reilly, Reynolds and Pfeiffer Families (Estate of Mary Reilly)

Sunday, December 20 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – For the Intentions of the Ejimadu Family in U.S.A. (Fidelia and Family) and Leonard Dinder (Richard Plunkett)

Readings for the Week of December 13

Sunday: Zep 3:14-18a; Is 12:2-6; Phil 4:4-7; Lk 3:10-18
Monday: Nm 24:2-7, 15-17a; Ps 25:4-9; Mt 21:23-27
Tuesday: Zep 3:1-2, 9-13; Ps 34:2-3, 6-7, 17-19, 23; Mt 21:28-32
Wednesday: Is 45:6b-8, 18, 21b-25; Ps 85:9-14; Lk 7:18b-23
Thursday: Gn 49:2, 8-10; Ps 72:1-4, 7-8, 17; Mt 1:1-17
Friday: Jer 23:5-8; Ps 72:1-2, 12-13, 18-19; Mt 1:18-25
Saturday: Jgs 13:2-7, 24-25a; Ps 71:3-6, 16-17; Lk 1:5-25
Sunday, December 20: Mi 5:1-4a; Ps 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19; Heb 10:5-10; Lk 1:39-45

Photo credit: Bonnie Hodur Williams

News from our Parish Community

Father Reger invites dedicated parish volunteers to the Rectory for coffee and … after services on the weekend of December 12/13 so that he might thank you for your ministry to our church community during the past year. He looks forward to greeting readers, choir members, Eucharistic Ministers, ushers, Saturday sacristans, bereavement committee members, food pantry volunteers and coordinators for Family Promise and the Peaceprints Prison Project.

Phase I of Decorating our Church will take place Monday, December 14 and Tuesday, December 15 at 6:30 pm.  Please join us! There are many tasks to do; with willing hearts and hands along with Christmas Spirit, we should accomplish them easily. Thanks so much! Please use the side entrance near the wheelchair ramp to enter the church. 

The Parish Council will meet at 7:00 p.m. this Wednesday, December 16.

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. There will also be a limited number of copies available to borrow and return for someone else to read.

Change in Time of Christmas Eve Service ~ By now you should have received a letter from Father Reger announcing that this year our Christmas Eve Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 PM instead of the traditional Midnight, with choir preludes beginning at 9:30 PM. We don’t want to disappoint anyone planning to join us for worship on December 24, so please help spread the word about the time change to former parishioners, friends or family members who are not on our mailing list. Click HERE for a complete schedule of our services for the 2015-16 Christmas Season.

Retirement fund for Religious ~ In the United States today, there are more than 33,000 senior Catholic sisters, brothers, and religious order priests. These religious worked tirelessly in Catholic schools, hospitals, and agencies, usually for little to no pay. As a result, many religious communities lack adequate savings for retirement and elder-care. Your gift to the collection for the Retirement Fund for Religious on December 12/13 helps provide medications, nursing care, and more.  Please be generous.

The Holiday Prisoner Package Project ~ Those attending Mass this weekend couldn’t help but notice a mountain of boxes in the rear of the church. They contain 2,100 gift bags for inmates at the Albion and Wende Correctional Falcilities which were assembled in our church by volunteers on Friday, December 11 and and scheduled for delivery on Wednesday. Each bag was hand-decorated for the holidays, many with personal messages of hope. This work of mercy was begun by Sister Karen Klimczak and now is continued by Peaceprints Prison Ministries. We thank everyone who gave of their time and energy, especially Jan Burns who coordinates the project each year; and parishioners Amy Johnson who collected more than 4,000 paperback books; our Chief Cocoa Counter, Judy Casassa; and Dan Korchowsky.

Delivering Christmas Gift Bags ~ Many thanks to all who have contributed to the Sodality’s gift collection for our housebound parishioners and those in senior care facilities, especially the person or persons who donated items last weekend. Your generosity eliminated the need for last minute shopping and made it possible to include extra $$$ in each recipient’s small cash gift. The Sodality is very appreciative of the volunteers who will be delivering gift bags and poinsettias and visiting with parishioners in the coming days.

Congratulations to Matthew Woods who was confirmed on November 22!  Matthew participated in the Confirmation Program at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Harris Hill. May the Holy Spirit guide and strengthen you, Matthew, each day of your journey of faith.

Congratulations to Jonathan Sands, a Junior at Canisius High School who achieved First Honors during the first marking period.

News from our Vicariate Cluster and the Wider Community

Merry Christmas!  May the gift of the Christ child bless you and your family this season. In the spirit of Christmas, consider a donation 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, or maybe an old table and chairs to re-purpose? Consider donating to people in need in your own diocese.  Please call 716-842-0270.

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.

2nd Sunday of Advent – Week of December 6, 2015

Dec 6, 2015 | This Week

Our Advent Sanctuary
Photo credit: Margaret Dick

December 6 – December 13, 2015

Weekly Activities

Sunday, December 6 at 3:00 p.m. ~ The Freudig Singers of WNY in concert in the church

Tuesday, December 8 at 7:00 p.m. ~  Choir Rehearsal in St. Charles Hall

Wednesday, December 9 at 6:15 p.m. ~ Sodality Christmas Dinner at Family Tree Restaurant

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

Friday, December 11 from 10 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. ~ Preparation for assembly of Holiday Prisoner Packages in church

Friday, December 11 beginning at 6:00 p.m. ~ Assembly of Holiday Prisoner Packages in church

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

Saturday, December 12 following the 4:30 p.m. Mass ~ Pastor’s reception for parish volunteers in the rectory

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

Sunday, December 13 following 10:00 a.m. Mass ~ Transfer of Christmas decorations from storage to church

Sunday, December 13 following 10:00 a.m. Mass ~ Pastor’s reception for parish volunteers in the rectory

*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.

Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception
December 8
Photo credit: Margaret Dick

Mass Intentions

Sunday, December 6 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – Margaret E. Schirmann (Requested by Mary C. Stoddard) and Leonard Dinder (Requested by the Gallisdorfers)

Monday, December 7 ~ St. Ambrose, Apostle ~ Communion Service at 11:00 a.m. in Daily Mass Chapel

Tuesday, December 8 ~ Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, a Holy Day of Obligation ~ Mass at 6:00 p.m. – Members of Blessed Trinity Parish

Wednesday, December 9 ~ St. Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Winifred Enright (Estate)

Thursday, December 10 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Anna Snyder (Estate)

Friday, December 11 ~ St. Damasus I ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Bridget Blesnuk (Parents)

Saturday, December 12 ~ Our Lady of Guadalupe ~ Vigil Mass at 4:30 p.m. -Joseph Kohn (Family)

Sunday, December 13 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – Dan Stabler (Ed Marien) and Norine Hackney (The Dunnigan Family)

Readings for the Week of December 6

Sunday: Bar 5:1-9; Ps 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 7; Phil 1:4-6, 8-11; Lk 3:1-6
Monday: Is 35:1-10; Ps 85:9-14; Lk 5: 17-26
Tuesday: Gn 3:9-15, 20; Ps 98:1-4; Eph 1:3-6, 11-12; Lk 1:26-38
Wednesday: Is 40:25-31; Ps 103:1-4, 8, 10; Mt 11:28-30
Thursday: Is 41:13-20; Ps 145:1, 9-13; Mt 11:11-15
Friday: Is 48:17-19; Ps 1:1-4, 6; Mt 11:16-19
Saturday: Zec 2:14-17; Jdt 13:18-19; Lk 1:26-28 or Lk 1:39-47
Sunday, December 13: Zep 3:14-18a; Is 12:2-3, 4, 5-6; Phil 4:4-7; Lk 3:10-18

The Freudig Singers in concert at Blessed Trinity, December 6 at 3 PM.

News from our Parish Community

We hope you “saved your fork,” because this is Christmas Pie Sunday! Be with us on December 6 at 3 PM when the Freudig Singers of WNY serve up their Magnificent Pie. There will be generous helpings of traditional and contemporary music for the holiday season including pieces as varied as Samuel Scheidt’s Magnificat and a medley of songs from How the Grinch Stole Christmas. The concert concludes with a pie reception in St. Charles Hall and an auction of signature pies prepared by the singers. Tickets are $10.

Tuesday, December 8, is a Holy Day of Obligation: the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of our Blessed Virgin Mary. Please join us as we observe this feast with Mass on Tuesday Evening at 6:00 PM.

We’ve Met Our 2015 Cocoa Challenge! Thank you for your generous donations. The Holiday Prisoner Package Project, a work of mercy and hope begun by sister Karen Klimczak and now continued by Peaceprints Prison Ministries, still needs your help. Volunteers are needed to fill 2,100 gift bags for inmates at the Albion and Wende Correctional Falcilities. Help assemble the gifts here at Blessed Trinity on Friday, December 11, in two shifts: 10 AM – 1 PM (unpacking, sorting, counting, prepping shipping boxes, bag decorating) and 6 PM to completion (gift assembly and packing the shipping boxes).

The Sodality’s Christmas Dinner Party is this Wednesday, December 9, at 6:15 PM at the Family Tree Restaurant, 4346 N. Bailey Ave., Amherst. The restaurant needs to know entrée choices (baked fish, pot roast or pork roast) ahead of time, so if you made a reservation without specifying an entrée, please contact either Patty Gallisdorfer or Vera Andrew right away. Checks should be made payable to “Ladies Sodality”; the $25 cost includes tax and gratuity. Member Dianne Riordan will share the story of her all-too-brief relationship forged late in life with her birth mother. She has generously offered to make copies of her memoir, The Names of My Mothers, available to us at a discounted rate of $12, with proceeds of each sale ($4) going to the Ladies Sodality. If you would like to read her book before the dinner, please see Dianne at church this Sunday.

Delivering Christmas Gift Bags ~ Many thanks to all who have contributed to the Sodality’s gift collection for our homebound parishioners and those in senior care facilities. Gift bags are being assembled this week and will be available at church next weekend, December 12/13. Please contact Mickey Dick by clicking HERE if you are willing to deliver one and visit with its recipient.

Father Reger invites dedicated parish volunteers to the Rectory for coffee and … after services on the weekend of December 12/13 so that he might thank you for your ministry to our church community during the past year. He looks forward to greeting readers, choir members, Eucharistic Ministers, ushers, Saturday sacristans, bereavement committee members, food pantry volunteers and coordinators for Family Promise and the Peaceprints Prison Project.

Next weekend also marks the beginning of our decorating for Christmas. Following Mass on Sunday, December 13, we will need help in bringing decorations up from the church basement. It doesn’t take long, but it does require all the helping hands and feet that we can get (if you still “do stairs”).

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. There will also be a limited number of copies available to borrow and return for someone else to read.

Change in Time of Christmas Eve Service ~ This year our Christmas Eve Mass will be celebrated at 10 PM instead of the traditional Midnight, with choir preludes beginning at 9:30 PM. We don’t want to disappoint anyone planning to attend our Christmas Eve service, so please help us spread the word about the time change to former parishioners, friends or family members. Mass on Christmas morning will be at the usual time of 10 AM.

Retirement fund for Religious ~ Support elderly religious. A parishioner writes, “As a Catholic school student from grades K-12, I was formed to be the person I am by many religious brothers and sisters, and I am forever grateful.” Show your appreciation for the senior Catholic sisters, brothers, and religious order priests who made a positive difference in so many lives. Please give generously to the collection for the Retirement Fund for Religious on the weekend of December 12/13.

Summary of Nov. 18, 2015 Parish Council Meeting ~ The Finance Council meets weekly.  Insurance will cover most of the damage done to St. Charles Hall some weeks ago. The FLARE building will get a new boiler; estimated cost to the parish – $12,000. The Membership Committee is developing a two-part plan to identify ways to increase parish presence. Perhaps some people have a problem getting to Blessed Trinity.  Also, what can we do to attract new members?  The Community Life Committee has been in contact with our parish shut-ins. Rev. Joseph Rogliano has been appointed vicar for our vicariate: Northwest Central.  Evelyn Brady will facilitate parish discussion of her husband’s book, A Spirituality of Being Human, during Lent.  Watch the weekly bulletin during Advent for details.  Save the Date: Blessed Trinity will host “Christmas in the City” on Sunday, January 3, from 2 – 4 p.m.

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.

First Sunday of Advent – Week of Nov. 29, 2015

Nov 29, 2015 | This Week

Photo credit: Bonnie Hodur Williams

November 29 – December 6, 2015

Weekly Activities

Sunday, November 29 at 9:00 a.m. ~ Choir Rehearsal in the Loft

Tuesday, December 1 at 7:00 p.m. ~  Choir Rehearsal in St. Charles Hall

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

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

Saturday, December 5 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, November 29 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – Ann Eismann (Requested by Paul Eismann) and Frances Brown (Requested by Bud and Mickey Dick)

Monday, November 30 ~ St. Andrew, Apostle ~ Communion Service at 11:00 a.m. in Daily Mass Chapel

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

Wednesday, December 2 ~ Deceased Members of the Ryan, Reilly, Reynolds, and Pfeiffer Families (Estate of Mary Reilly)

Thursday, December 3 ~ St. Francis Xavier ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Catherine M. Maher (Estate)

Friday, December 4 ~ St. John Damascene ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Anna Snyder (Estate)

Saturday, December 5 ~ Vigil Mass at 4:30 p.m. – Mary C. Nelson (Family)

Sunday, December 6 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – Margaret E. Schirmann (Marcy C. Stoddard) and Leonard Dinder (The Gallisdorfers)

The Freudig Singers of WNY with another serving of Magnificent Pie.
Sunday, December 6, at 3 PM.

Readings for the Week of November 22

Sunday: Jer 33:14-16; Ps 25: 4-5, 8-10, 14; 1 Thes 3:12-4:2; Lk 21:25-28, 34-36
Monday: Rom 10:9-18; Ps 19:8-11; Mt 4:18-22
Tuesday: Is 11:1-10; Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17; Lk 10:21-24
Wednesday: Is 25:6-10a; Ps 23:1-6; Mt 15:29-37
Thursday: Is 26:1-6; Ps 118:1, 8-9, 19-21, 25-27; Mt 7:21, 24-27
Friday: Is 29:17-24; Ps 27:1, 4, 13-14; Mt 9:27-31
Saturday: Is 30:19-21, 23-26; Ps 147:1-6; Mt 9:35–10:1, 5a, 6-8
Sunday, December 6: Bar 5:1-9; Ps 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 7; Phil 1:4-6, 8-11; Lk 3:1-6

News from our Parish Community

Don’t Miss out on Christmas Pie, next Sunday, December 6, at 3 PM ~ The Freudig Singers of WNY have mixed a little something for everyone into their Magnificent Pie, the next concert in our Trinity Series.  Under the direction of Roland Martin and featuring our own Elizabeth Sands and Luis Clay, the chorus will perform traditional and contemporary music for the holiday season including pieces as varied as Samuel Scheidt’s Magnificat and a medley of songs from How the Grinch Stole Christmas. The concert concludes with a pie reception in St. Charles Hall and an auction of signature pies prepared by the singers. Tickets are $10 each in advance or at the door. Questions may be directed to Elizabeth at 551-6870.

Our 2015 Cocoa Challenge: 4,200 Packets by November 29 ~ Thank you for your generous donations! As of last Sunday we had 3,872 packets. With this weekend’s donations plus monetary contributions, we have reached our goal! Bag Decorators: Remember to return all your bags, decorated or not. Place them in the box in the back pew near the cocoa donations. Gift packing will be at Blessed Trinity on Friday, December 11, in two shifts: 10 AM and 6 PM. Thank you for continuing Sister Karen Klimczak’s legacy.

Sodality Christmas Dinner Party is Wednesday, December 9 at 6:15 PM at the Family Tree Restaurant, 4346 N. Bailey Ave., Amherst. All women of the parish are invited and guests are welcome. You may choose from 3 entrees: pot roast, baked fish, or roast pork. Greek potatoes, chef salad, rolls & butter, coffee, tea or soda and ice cream with chocolate sauce complete the menu – all for only $25. Entrée choices and payment (checks payable to “Ladies Sodality”) are due no later than Friday, December 4 and may be given to either Patty Gallisdorfer or Vera Andrew. To make a reservation on-line, click HERE and leave your name, dinner choice, and phone number. From her memoir, The Names of My Mothers, member Dianne Riordan will share the story of her all-too-brief relationship forged late in life with her birth mother. Dianne has generously offered to make copies of her book available to us at a discounted rate of $12, with proceeds of each sale ($4) going to the Ladies Sodality. If you would like to read it before the dinner, please see her at church this Sunday.

Next Sunday, December 6, is the last day to contribute items to be used in Christmas gift bags being assembled for delivery to our homebound parishioners and those in senior care facilities. Please bring your new, unwrapped items to church and leave them in the designated basket near the statue of St. Joseph. Suggested items include: socks, eye glass wipes, artificial tears (eye drops), large-print puzzle books, or cash for a hair cut or shampoo & set. (We’ve already received more than enough quality calendars). Ready-to-eat food items or “add water” mixes are also acceptable for the homebound. The gift bags and poinsettia plants will be ready on the weekend of Dec. 12-13, and Mickey Dick is still seeking volunteers to deliver them and visit with their recipients. Contact her by clicking HERE if you can help.

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.” Copies of the book will be available at church or from the rectory beginning this weekend, with a portion of the $20 purchase price being donated to the Little Portion Friary. There will also be a limited number of copies available to borrow and return for someone else to read. A group discussion of the book is planned for the Lenten season, which begins on February 10. Please see Dianne Riordan on Sunday to obtain a copy.

Change in Time of Christmas Eve Services ~ We’re giving you plenty of notice that the time of our Christmas Eve service has changed. Mass on Thursday, December 24, will be celebrated at 10:00 PM, rather than Midnight. The choir will begin singing at 9:30 PM. Please mark your calendars and be sure to tell friends and family members who customarily join us for worship on Christmas Eve.

Catholic Campaign for Human Development ~ Thank you for your contributions to the collection for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD). Your generous gifts will help CCHD end poverty in the United States through better education, improved housing, and economic development. Through CCHD and its beneficiaries, we demonstrate Catholic social teaching and carry out Jesus’ mission to “bring glad tidings to the poor… to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free” (Lk 4:18).

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. this weekend, 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.

34th Week in Ordinary Time – Week of Nov. 22, 2015

Nov 22, 2015 | This Week

The theme of the church’s skylight is Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. The central panel shows
Christ reigning as Lord of the kingdom that we pray will come. Photo credit: Jeanette Pikturna

November 22 – 29, 2015

Weekly Activities

Sunday, November 22 at 9:00 a.m. ~ Choir Rehearsal in the Loft

Thursday, November 26 at 8:00 p.m. ~ THANKSGIVING DAY OBSERVANCE – NO BINGO

Saturday, November 28 from 9:30 a.m. to 12 Noon ~ Helping Hands Food Pantry in St. Charles Hall

Saturday, November 28 at 8:00 p.m. ~ Bingo will be played in St. Charles Hall*

Sunday, November 29 at 9:00 a.m. ~ Choir Rehearsal in the Loft

Tuesday, December 1 at 7:00 p.m. ~  Choir Rehearsal 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, November 22 ~ Feast of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – Healing for Ogbuagu Ejimadu (Requested by Fidelia and Family) and Robert Dapp (Requested by Angela Jost)

Monday, November 23 ~ St. Clement I; St. Columban; Bl. Miguel Agustin Pro ~ Communion Service at 11:00 a.m. in Daily Mass Chapel

Tuesday, November 24 ~ St. Andrew Dung-Lac and Companions ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Deceased Members of Blessed Trinity Parish (Parishioners)

Wednesday, November 25  ~ St. Catherine of Alexandria ~ Deceased Members of the Ryan, Reilly, Reynolds, and Pfeiffer Families (Estate of Mary Reilly)

Thursday, November  26 ~ THANKSGIVING DAY ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – For All Who Are Needy and Lonely

Friday, November  27 ~ NO SERVICE

Saturday, November  28~ Vigil Mass at 4:30 p.m. – Bernadette Dorsheimer (Family)

Sunday, November 29 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – Ann Eismann (Paul Eismann) and Frances Brown (Bud and Mickey Dick)

Readings for the Week of November 22

Sunday: Dn 7:13-14; Rv 1:5-8; Jn 18:33b-37
Monday: Dn 1:1-6, 8-20; Lk 21:1-4
Tuesday: Dn 2:31-45; Lk 21:5-11
Wednesday: Dn 5:1-6, 13-14, 16-17, 23-28; Lk 21:12-19
Thursday: Dn 6:12-28; Lk 21:20-28
Friday: Dn 7:2-14; Lk 21:29-33
Saturday: Dn 7:15-27; Lk 21:34-36
Sunday, November 29: Jer 33:14-16; 1 Thes 3:12-4:2; Lk 21:25-28, 34-36

There’s plenty of room remaining for
your donation of cocoa for Sr. Karen Klimczak’s Christmas Prison Project.

News from our Parish Community

Our 2015 Cocoa Challenge: 4,200 Packets by November 29 ~ Thank you! We are almost half way to our goal. The next bit of good news is that our drive deadline has been extended one week, to Sunday, November 29. Please remember to add hot chocolate to your Thanksgiving shopping list. Not shopping? You can make a donation by cash or check (to “Peaceprints of WNY”), in an envelope marked “Prisoner Gifts” and placed in the collection basket. Bag Decorators: Remember to return all your bags, decorated or not. Place them in the box in the back pew near the cocoa donations. Gift packing will be at Blessed Trinity on Friday, December 11, in two shifts: 10 AM and 6 PM. Thank you for continuing Sister Karen Klimczak’s legacy.

Thanksgiving at Blessed Trinity ~ Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, November 26, at 10 AM. Please join us to begin the celebration around the Table of the Lord. “In grateful thanksgiving, we raise our hands in prayer for all we have, that God might also bless others through us, and that with each memory of God’s goodness, our hearts might overflow with JOY!” As a response to the message of the Gospel to feed the hungry and care for the poor, we invite you to bring non-perishable food items for Blessed Trinity’s Helping Hands Food Pantry.

Attention Lectors ~ Please pick up your new edition of 2016 Workbook For Lectors, which is available in the Priest’s Sacristy. We will begin using this edition for the First Sunday of Advent, November 29.  Thank you.

Gifts for our Shut-ins ~ Only TWO weeks remain to bring in your donations for the Christmas gift bags to be delivered to our homebound parishioners and those in senior care facilities. The early December 6 completion date for the drive is necessary so that presents and plants are ready for delivery on the weekend of December 12-13.  The Ladies Sodality is collecting items for their annual gifts. If you would like to contribute, please bring your new, unwrapped items to church and leave them in the designated basket near the statue of St. Joseph. Suggested items include: socks, eye glass wipes, artificial tears (eye drops), calendars, large-print puzzle books, or cash for a hair cut or shampoo & set. Ready-to-eat food items such as jam, jelly, toaster pastries; gelatin, fruit or pudding cups; or “add water” mixes; e.g., soup cups, single-serving oatmeal packets, tea, cocoa or coffee are also acceptable for the homebound. If you prefer to donate money, please do so before Thanksgiving so that our volunteers have time to shop. Thirteen volunteers are needed to deliver the gift bags and visit with their recipients before Christmas. Contact Mickey Dick by clicking HERE if you can help.

The Freudig Singers of WNY return to Blessed Trinity on December 6 with another serving of Christmas Pie.

Our Next Trinity Series Concert is Sunday, December 6, at 3 PM, and the Freudig Singers of WNY have mixed a little something for everyone into their Magnificent Pie. Under the direction of Roland Martin and featuring our own Elizabeth Sands and Luis Clay, the chorus will perform traditional and contemporary music for the holiday season including pieces as varied as Samuel Scheidt’s Magnificat and a medley of songs from How the Grinch Stole Christmas. The concert concludes with a pie reception and an auction of signature pies prepared by the singers. Tickets are $10 each in advance or at the door. Questions may be directed to Elizabeth at 551-6870. Schedules for the entire concert series are available in church, or you may request one by clicking HERE and listing “Trinity Series” as the subject.

The Ladies Sodality Christmas dinner party is Wednesday, December 9 at 6:15 p.m., at the Family Tree Restaurant, 4346 Bailey Ave., Amherst. From her memoir, The Names of My Mothers, member Dianne Riordan will share the story of her all-too-brief relationship forged late in life with her birth mother. All women of the parish are invited and guests are welcome. You may choose from 3 dinner entrees: pot roast, baked fish, or roast pork. The cost, which includes tax and gratuity, is $25. Reservations are being accepted now through December 2 by Patty Gallisdorfer and Vera Andrew. To make a reservation on-line, click HERE and leave your name, dinner choice, and phone number.

Change in Time of Christmas Eve Services ~ Please take note that we have changed the time of our Christmas Eve service. Mass on Thursday, December 24, will be celebrated at 10:00 PM, rather than Midnight. The choir will begin singing at 9:30 PM. Please mark your calendars and be sure to tell friends and family members who customarily join us for worship on Christmas Eve.

Updating Our Records ~ We will soon be initiating a new group email for those who have indicated a willingness to receive time-sensitive parish announcements by email. If you have not completed a form but would like to be added to the group, call Rayana at 716-833-0301 or use the form at the bottom of the back page of the weekly bulletin to provide the following information: your name and preferred phone number; your email address; and, if applicable, your new mailing address. Alternatively, you may email the information to blessedtrinitychurch [at] gmail [dot] com specifying “Contact Information” in the subject line, or click HERE and use our handy template. Just remember to reference “Contact Information” when submitting information on-line.

New or gently used paperback books are also need for the Christmas Prison Project.

News from our Vicariate Cluster and the Wider Community

Scholarship Opportunities ~ Please contact Sister Barbara Horan for information regarding these two scholarships. The application deadline for each is Tuesday, December 1, 2015:

• Martin Luther King Scholarship – to help an 8^th grade student attain a Catholic High School Education.
• Albert Lenhard Family Scholarship Fund – to assist applicants who want to continue their formal education beyond high school at the undergraduate and graduate levels.