The Baptism of the Lord – Week of January 10, 2016

Jan 10, 2016 | This Week

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.

Epiphany of the Lord – Week of January 3, 2016

Jan 3, 2016 | This Week

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

Dec 27, 2015 | This Week

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.

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.