33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time – Week of Nov. 15, 2015

Nov 16, 2015 | This Week

St. Elizabeth of Hungary, whose feast day we celebrate on November 17, is depicted in Joseph Mazur’s procession of saints in the church dome. The daughter of the King of Hungary, she wears a crown and appears as the second standing figure from the right. Photo credit: Gary Kelley

November 15 – 22, 2015

Weekly Activities

Sunday, November 15 at 9:00 a.m. ~ Choir Rehearsal in the Loft

Sunday, November 15 following 10:00 a.m. Mass ~ Coffee Hour in St. Charles Hall hosted by the Ladies Sodality

Wednesday, November 18 at 7:00 p.m. ~ Parish Council Meeting in St. Charles Hall

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

Saturday, November 21 from 9:30 a.m. to 12 Noon ~ Helping Hands Food Pantry in St. Charles Hall

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

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

*In response to requests from our players, we have instituted age restrictions for admission to Bingo. As of  Thursday, October 15, we no longer admit children under 8 years of age.

We now have a Bingo camera with TV monitors and electronic verification!
To check the Red, White & Blue and progressive Share-the-Wealth carry over amounts
and progressive numbers for this week, click HERE and visit our Facebook page.

Mass Intentions

Sunday, November 15 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – Hans and Katharine Birner (Requested by Family) and Georgia Riles (Requested by Jacquelyn Ingram)

Monday, November 16 ~ St. Margaret of Scotland; St. Gertrude ~ Communion Service at 11:00 a.m. in Daily Mass Chapel

Tuesday, November 17 ~ St. Elizabeth of Hungary ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Margaret Schimpf – 100th Birthday Remembrance – (Family)

Wednesday, November 18  ~ St. Rose Philipine Duchesne ~ Joseph Kohn (Family)

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

Friday, November  20 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Anna Snyder (Estate)

Saturday, November  21~ Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary ~ Vigil Mass at 4:30 p.m. – Winifred Enright (Estate)

Sunday, November 22 ~ Feast of Christ the King ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – Healing for Ogbuagu Ejimadu (Fidelia and Family) and Robert Dapp (Angela Jost)

Readings for the Week of November 1

Sunday: Dn 12:1-3; Heb 10:11-14, 18; Mk 13:24-32
Monday: 1 Mc 1:10-15, 41-43, 54-57, 62-63; Lk 18:35-43
Tuesday: 2 Mc 6:18-31; Lk 19:1-10
Wednesday: 2 Mc 7:1, 20-31; Lk 19:11-28
Thursday: 1 Mc 2:15-29; Lk 19:41-44
Friday: 1 Mc 4:36-37, 52-59; Lk 19:45-48
Saturday: 1 Mc 6:1-13; Lk 20:27-40
Sunday, November 22: Dn 7:13-14; Rv 1:5-8; Jn 18:33b-37

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

News from our Parish Community

Monthly Coffee Hour, scheduled for Sunday, November 15, will be hosted by the Ladies Sodality.

Parish Council will meet on Wednesday, November 18, at 7 p.m. in St. Charles Hall.

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 ~ Until Sunday, December 6, the Ladies Sodality will be collecting items for their annual Christmas gift bags to be delivered to our homebound parishioners and those in senior care facilities. The early completion date for the drive is necessary so that presents and plants are ready for delivery on the weekend of Dec. 12/13.  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; fruit or pudding cups; or “add water” mixes; e.g., soup cups, oatmeal packets, tea, cocoa or coffee are also acceptable for the homebound. If you prefer to donate money (checks payable to “Ladies Sodality”), please do so before Thanksgiving so that our volunteers have time to shop.  You may direct any questions to Mickey Dick by clicking HERE.

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

Our Trinity Concert Series continues on Sunday, December 6, at 3 PM when the Freudig Singers, featuring our own Elizabeth Sands and Luis Clay, offer audible as well as edible holiday confections. Highlighted will be Samuel Scheidt’s Magnificat, which inserts German carols between portions of the text, as well as a delightful assortment of holiday favorites, old and new. Their popular seasonal program concludes with the traditional post-concert pie reception, and we’re saving a piece just for you! Suggested donation: $10.00. 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.

Next week’s collection for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) needs your help.  CCHD was founded to end the cycle of poverty in the United States by funding organizations that help individuals help themselves. With the tradition of improving education, housing situations, and community economic development, CCHD continues to make a positive impact in communities nationwide. Your contribution will defend human dignity and reach out to those living on the margins. Please give generously to the CCHD Collection on November 21/22.

Thank you for your contributions to last week’s second collection for The Catholic University of America. Your gift will make great things possible by providing direct financial aid to more than 4,000 students from dioceses across the country.

The Ladies Sodality would like to thank all those who contributed watches for the Saint Vincent de Paul Society.  Through your efforts, 103 watches have been donated to the Society where they will be used to raise money for their charitable works.

Scholarship Opportunities ~ Please contact Sister Barbara Horan for information regarding these two scholarships. The filing deadline is just 2 weeks away:

• Martin Luther King Scholarship – to help an 8^th grade student attain a Catholic High School Education. Application deadline is Tuesday, December 1, 2015.
• Albert Lenhard Family Scholarship Fund – to assist applicants who want to continue their formal education beyond high school at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Application deadline is Tuesday, December 1, 2015.

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

Don’t Miss Opera Sacra’s Final Performance ~ In honor of its fortieth and final season, Opera Sacra presents Authur Honegger’s Joan of Arc at the Stake with internationally renowned conductor, Doreen Rao. Performances are at 8 PM on Friday and Saturday, November 21 and 22, at St. Joseph University Church, 3269 Main Street, Buffalo. Colleen Marcello and Mike Randall will act the parts of Joan of Arc and Brother Dominic, with the largest singing role taken by a chorus. The cast also includes soloists Robert Zimmerman, Amy Grable, Rebecca Witty, and Laurie Tramuta. Suggested donation at the door is $20 ($15 for students and seniors). The performance is made possible with public funding from the New York State Council on the Arts.

32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time – Week of Nov. 8, 2015

Nov 8, 2015 | This Week

St. Martin of Tours (c. 315-397, whose feastday we celebrate on November 11, appears in the dome of our church in a painting by Buffalo-born artist Joseph Mazur. He is depicted wearing the bishop’s mitre and standing at the far left in this photo and is part of a group of 14 figures identified as “Confessors, Bishops, and Missionaries.” (Rev. Walter Kern’s “Guidebook to Blessed Trinity R. C. Church,” p. 39. Photo credit: Duane Held.

November 8 – 15, 2015

Weekly Activities

Sunday, November 8 at 9:00 a.m. ~ Choir Rehearsal in the Loft

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

Saturday, November 14 from 9:30 a.m. to 12 Noon ~ Helping Hands Food Pantry in St. Charles Hall

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

Sunday, November 15 at 9:00 a.m. ~ Choir Rehearsal in the Loft

Sunday, November 15 following 10:00 a.m. Mass ~ Coffee Hour in St. Charles Hall hosted by the Ladies Sodality

*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 8 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – Margaret F. Schirmann (Requested by Mary C. Stoddard) and Torrey Barnes (Requested by Family)

Monday, November 9 ~ Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome ~ Communion Service at 11:00 a.m. in Daily Mass Chapel

Tuesday, November 10 ~ St. Leo the Great ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. ~ Catherine M. Maher (Estate)

Wednesday, November 11  ~ St. Martin of Tours ~ NO SERVICE

Thursday, November  12 ~ St. Josaphat ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – John Abbick (Angela Jost)

Friday, November  13 ~ St. Frances Xavier Cabrini ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Deceased Members of Blessed Trinity Parish (Blessed Trinity Parish)

Saturday, November  14~ Vigil Mass at 4:30 p.m. – Deceased Members of the Ryan, Reilly, Reynolds and Pfeiffer Families (Estate of Mary Reilly)

Sunday, November 15 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – Hans and Katharine Birner (Family) and Georgia Riles (Jacquelyn Ingram)

Readings for the Week of November 1

Sunday: 1 Kgs 17:10-16; Heb 9:24-28; Mk 12:38-44 or 12:41-44
Monday: Ez 47:1-2, 8-9, 12; 1 Cor 3:9c-11, 16-17; Jn 2:13-22
Tuesday: Wis 2:23-3:9; Lk 17:7-10
Wednesday: Wis 6:1-11; Lk 17:11-19
Thursday: Wis 7:22b-8:1; Lk 17:20-25
Friday: Wis 13:1-9; Lk 17:26-37
Saturday: Wis 18:14-16; 19:6-9; Lk 18:1-8
Sunday, November 15: Dn 12:1-3; Heb 10:11-14, 18; Mk 13:24-32

Veterans Day
November 11
Remember and pray for our veterans.

News from our Parish Community

Gifts for our Shut-ins ~ Beginning this weekend, November 7/8 and continuing though December 6, the Ladies Sodality will be collecting items for their annual Christmas gift bags to be delivered to our homebound parishioners and those in senior care facilities. The early completion date for the drive is necessary so that presents and plants are ready for delivery on the weekend of Dec. 12/13.  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; fruit or pudding cups; or “add water” mixes; e.g., soup cups, oatmeal packets, tea, cocoa or coffee are also acceptable for the homebound. If you prefer to donate money (checks payable to “Ladies Sodality”), please do so before Thanksgiving so that our volunteers have time to shop.  You may direct any questions you may have to Mickey Dick by clicking HERE.

Monthly Coffee Hour, scheduled for Sunday, November 15, will be hosted by the Ladies Sodality.

Parish Council will meet next Wednesday, November 18, at 7 p.m. in St. Charles Hall.

Last Week For Watches ~ The Sodality’s drive to benefit the Society of St. Vincent de Paul concludes on Sunday, November 8. Please place your donation in the “No More Mister Nice Watch” container near the statue of St. Joseph.

Our collection for The Catholic University of America is Saturday, November 7 and Sunday, November 8. Located in Washington, D.C., the University provides an academically rigorous education guided by Catholic intellectual tradition to nearly 7,000 students every year. More than 4,000 students directly receive scholarship aid from this collection, including many from our diocese. Please be generous.

Sodality Christmas dinner party is Wednesday, December 9, at the Family Tree Restaurant, 4346 Bailey Ave., Amherst. Save the date and watch this space or the bulletin for details regarding dinner choices and reservations.

November 11 is Veterans Day. Remember and thank our veterans who served  this country and those who are serving today. Catholic Charities offers a broad range of support – from basic assistance, mental health and substance abuse programs to parenting skills and adult day care – to help not only veterans and their families, but everyone, deal with life’s difficulties. Call 716-856-4494 or visit http://www.ccwny.org.

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

Trinity Concert Series ~ We hope you were one of the almost 200 who enjoyed To Music, the opening concert of our 2015-16 Trinity Series featuring the Vocális Chamber Choir, under the direction of James Burritt. To view photos from the concert, click HERE. Next up: The Freudig Singers of Western New York and their Magnificant Pie, Sunday, December 6 at 3 PM. You’ll be hearing more about this event in the weeks to come, including the popular post-concert pie reception. You can pick up a schedule for the entire concert series in church or request one by clicking HERE and listing “Trinity Series” as the subject.

Please welcome Rayana “Ray” Ralabate, who began working as our part-time parish secretary/receptionist last month. A Kenmore resident, Rayana has a master’s degree from the University at Buffalo, and a bachelor’s degree from Bryant & Stratton College. She put her answering service experience to use immediately, adapting our voicemail system to make it more responsive to our callers’ needs. We’d like to know what you think of the new messages. With Rayana’s arrival, we have instituted new rectory office hours: Tuesday-Friday from 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM. Please stop by to introduce yourself and welcome the newest member of our parish family.

Scholarship Opportunities ~ We just received the information and application forms for two scholarships. Please see Sister Barbara Horan for application forms.

• Martin Luther King Scholarship – to help an 8^th grade student attain a Catholic High School Education. Application deadline is Tuesday, December 1, 2015.
• Albert Lenhard Family Scholarship Fund – to assist applicants who want to continue their formal education beyond high school at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Application deadline is Tuesday, December 1, 2015.

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.

Pope Francis says: “It is remarkable how weak international political responses have been. The failure of global summits on the environment make it plain that our politics are subject to technology and finance. There are too many special interests, and economic interests easily end up trumping the common good and manipulating information so that their own plans will not be affected.” Laudato Si: Care for our Common Home, paragraph 54. Action: Pray for world leaders to be open to change policies that pollute our common home. Pray for the success of the Global Summit on the Environment in Paris, November 30-December 11.

Bereavement Packet ~ St. Paul reminds us in his letter to the Romans of many comforting words. During times of loss, loneliness and grief, we may not feel or recognize God’s presence in our lives. Though we can’t imagine all the thoughts and feelings you are experiencing right now, we do understand a bit about grieving and that, first of all, it is a process. The Office of Family Life Ministries has a free bereavement packet of materials designed to provide support, especially during the initial stages of grief. For a bereavement packet, please call 716-847-2210 or email familylife [at] buffalo [dot] org.

National Donor Sabbath is observed annually on Friday – Sunday, two weekends before Thanksgiving (November 13-15, 2015). During this three-day observance, faith leaders donor families, transplant recipients, and donation and transplantation professionals join forces to increase awareness of the need for lifesaving organ, tissue, and eye donation. Show compassion and love to your brothers and sisters by joining the New York State Organ, Tissue, and Eye Registry. You can find out more about the lifesaving gifts passed to others through organ, tissue, and eye donation by visiting http://alliancefordonation.org.

News from our Vicariate Cluster and the Wider Community

Seventh Annual Friendship Dinner and Award Ceremony sponsored by the Peace Islands Institute and Turkish Cultural Center at Buffalo is November 11 at Daemen College, 4380 Main St., Amherst, beginning at 6 PM. The event will bring political, academic, religious, and other community leaders in the Greater Buffalo Area together to promote diversity, peace, and mutual understanding in our community through dialogue and education. The dinner theme will be “On Whose Shoulders? Violence and Extremism,” and the opening address will be delivered by Daemen College President Gary A. Olson. Kindly RSVP by Nov. 6 to rsvp [at] tccbuffalo [dot] org or by calling 716-575-5822. The cost is $25 per person, payable at the door.

A Treat for the Senses ~ The Niagara Frontier Orchid Society’s Fall Show is Saturday, November 14, from 10 AM to 5 PM and Sunday, November 15 from 10 AM to 3 PM at the Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Avenue, Buffalo 14218. Admission: $9 adults, $8 seniors & students, $5 kids 3-12.

All Saints’ Day – Week of Nov. 1, 2015

Nov 1, 2015 | This Week

“I believe in … the Communion of Saints….and life everlasting. Amen.”

The Feast of All Saints on November 1 and the Commemoration of All Souls on November 2 remind us of these tenants of our Faith, expressed in The Apostles Creed and depicted in symbols on the right side of the main doors to our church. In the words of Pope Paul VI: “We believe in the communion of all the faithful of Christ, those who are pilgrims on earth, the dead who are being purified and the blessed in heaven, all together forming one Church; and we believe that in this communion, the merciful love of God and his saints is always [attentive] to our prayers.”

November 1 – 8, 2015

Weekly Activities

Sunday, November 1 at 9:00 a.m. ~ Choir Rehearsal in the Loft

Sunday, November 1 following 10:00 a.m. Mass ~ Ladies Sodality Meeting and Service of Remembrance in St. Charles Hall

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

Saturday, November 7 from 9:30 a.m. to 12 Noon ~ Helping Hands Food Pantry in St. Charles Hall

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

Sunday, November 8 at 9:00 a.m. ~ Choir Rehearsal in the Loft

*In response to requests from our players, we have instituted age restrictions for admission to Bingo. As of  Thursday, October 15, we no longer admit children under 8 years of age.

We now have a Bingo camera with TV monitors and electronic verification!
To check the Red, White & Blue and progressive Share-the-Wealth carry over amounts
and progressive numbers for this week, click HERE and visit our Facebook page.

Mass Intentions

Sunday, November 1 ~ All Saints Day ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – Phil Heubusch (Requested by Ed Marien) and Vivian Jones (Requested by Blessed Trinity Ladies Sodality)

Monday, November 2 ~ All Souls’ Day ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. in Daily Mass Chapel – Deceased Members of Blessed Trinity Parish (Blessed Trinity Parish Community)

Tuesday, November 3 ~ St. Martin de Porres ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. ~ Deceased Members of the Ryan, Reilly, Reynolds and Pfeiffer Families (The Estate of Mary Reilly)

Wednesday, November 4  ~ St. Charles Borromeo ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Catherine M. Maher

Thursday, November  5 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Anna Snyder (Estate)

Friday, November  6 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Mary Horan Roach (Family)

Saturday, November  7~ Vigil Mass at 4:30 p.m. – Winifred Enright (Estate)

Sunday, November 8 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – Margaret F. Schirmann (Mary C. Stoddard) and Torrey Barnes (Family)

Readings for the Week of November 1

Sunday: Rv 7:2-4, 9-14; 1 Jn 3:1-3; Mt 5:1-12a
Monday: Wis 3:1-9; Rom 5:5-11 or 6:3-9; Jn 6:37-40
Tuesday: Rom 12:5-16b; Lk 14:15-24
Wednesday: Rom 13:8-10; Lk 14:25-33
Thursday: Rom 14:7-12; Lk 15:1-10
Friday: Rom 15:14-21; Lk 16:1-8
Saturday: Rom 16:3-9, 16, 22-27; Lk 16:9-15
Sunday, November 8: 1 Kgs 17:10-16; Heb 9:24-28; Mk 12:38-44 or 12:41-44

St. Martin de Porres
November 3
Woodcarving of St. Martin de Porres
in the church’s left transept.
A gift of the Southtowns Woodcarvers.

News from our Parish Community

The Ladies Sodality Meeting is this Sunday, November 1, in St. Charles Hall, immediately following the 10 AM Mass. In honor of All Saints and All Souls Days, there will be a Service of Remembrance for deceased members Mary Reilly, Ithrene Cameron, Eula Mae Cooper, and Vivian Jones. All women of the parish are invited to attend.

Prison Project volunteers display decorated gift bags.

The 2015 Cocoa Challenge is underway! Blessed Trinity is again asked to donate instant hot cocoa to help fill 2,100 gift bags for inmates at the Albion and Wende Correctional Facilities. This Prison Package Project was begun by Sr. KIaren Klimczak and is now continued by Peaceprints Prison Ministries. Our goal is 4,200 packets by November 22! We can participate in this work of mercy and honor Sr. Karen’s memory when we: 1) donate instant hot chocolate packets, placing them in the back pew; 2) make a monetary donation to purchase needed items (Cash or checks payable to “Peaceprints of WNY” can be placed in an envelope marked “Prisoner Gifts” and dropped in the weekend collection basket); 3) decorate gift bags (Bags are available at Sunday Mass from Amy Johnson); and 4) help assemble the gift bags on Friday, December 11 at 6 PM here at Blessed Trinity. Put it on you “to do” list today!

Last Week For Watches ~ The Sodality’s drive to benefit the Society of St. Vincent de Paul concludes next Sunday, November 8. If you’ve been procrastinating, you have only a few more days to locate your non-working timepieces. When you do, why not place them in your car right away so you will have them when you come to church next weekend. Please place your donation in the “No More Mister Nice Watch” container near the statue of St. Joseph.

Gifts for our Shut-ins ~ Next weekend, November 7/8, and continuing until Sunday, December 6, the Ladies Sodality will be collecting items for their annual Christmas gift bags to be delivered to our homebound parishioners (7 women & 1 man) and those in senior care facilities (3 women & 1 man). The early completion date for the drive is necessary so that presents and plants are ready for delivery on the weekend of Dec. 12/13.  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. If you prefer to donate money, please do so before Thanksgiving so that our volunteers have time to shop; checks should be made payable to “Ladies Sodality.” You may direct any questions you may have to Mickey Dick by clicking HERE.

The Catholic University of America, located in Washington, D.C., is the national university of the Catholic Church in the United States. It provides an academically rigorous education guided by Catholic intellectual tradition to nearly 7,000 students every year. More than 4,000 students directly receive scholarship aid from this collection, including many from our diocese. The weekend of November 7/8 is the National Collection for the Catholic University of America. Please be generous.

The Vocalis Chamber Choir and director, James Burritt, in concert at Blessed Trinity on October 18, 2015.

Trinity Concert Series ~ We hope you were one of the almost 200 who enjoyed To Music, the opening concert of our 2015-16 Trinity Series featuring the Vocális Chamber Choir, under the direction of James Burritt. To view photos from the concert, click HERE. Next up: The Freudig Singers of Western New York and their Magnificant Pie, Sunday, December 6 at 3 PM. You’ll be hearing more about this event in the weeks to come, including the popular post-concert pie reception. You can pick up a schedule for the entire concert series in church or request one by clicking HERE and listing “Trinity Series” as the subject.

Veterans’ Day is November 11. Remember and thank our veterans who served and those who are presently serving our country on Wednesday, November 11. Catholic Charities offers a broad range of support — from basic assistance, mental health and substance abuse programs to parenting skills and adult day care — to help not only veterans and their families, but everyone deal with life’s difficulties. Call 716-856-4494 or visit http://www.ccwny.org.

Please welcome Rayana “Ray” Ralabate, who began working as our part-time parish secretary/ receptionist last week. A Kenmore resident, Rayana has a master’s degree from the University at Buffalo, and a bachelor’s degree from Bryant & Stratton College. She is already putting her answering service experience to good use and adapting our voicemail system to make it more responsive to our callers’ needs. With Rayana’s arrival, we have instituted new rectory office hours: Tuesday-Friday from 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM. Please stop by to introduce yourself and welcome the newest member of our parish family.

Scholarship Opportunities ~ We just received the information and application forms for two scholarships. Please see Sister Barbara Horan for application forms.

• Martin Luther King Scholarship – to help an 8^th grade student attain a Catholic High School Education. Application deadline is Tuesday, December 1, 2015.
• Albert Lenhard Family Scholarship Fund – to assist applicants who want to continue their formal education beyond high school at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Application deadline is Tuesday, December 1, 2015.

Updating Our Records ~ Thanks to all of you who completed the contact information form that appeared in the bulletin for several weekends. If you forgot, you can 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.

National Donor Sabbath is observed annually on Friday – Sunday, two weekends before Thanksgiving (November 13-15, 2015). During this three-day observance, faith leaders donor families, transplant recipients, and donation and transplantation professionals join forces to increase awareness of the need for lifesaving organ, tissue, and eye donation. Show compassion and love to your brothers and sisters by joining the New York State Organ, Tissue, and Eye Registry. You can find out more about the lifesaving gifts passed to others through organ, tissue, and eye donation by visiting http://alliancefordonation.org.

Remember and pray for our veterans.

News from our Vicariate Cluster and the Wider Community

Seventh Annual Friendship Dinner and Award Ceremony sponsored by the Peace Islands Institute and Turkish Cultural Center at Buffalo is November 11 at Daemen College, 4380 Main St., Amherst, beginning at 6 PM. The event will bring political, academic, religious, and other community leaders in the Greater Buffalo Area together to promote diversity, peace, and mutual understanding in our community through dialogue and education. The dinner theme will be “On Whose Shoulders? Violence and Extremism,” and the opening address will be delivered by Daemen College President Gary A. Olson. Kindly RSVP by Nov. 6 to rsvp [at] tccbuffalo [dot] org or by calling 716-575-5822. The cost is $25 per person, payable at the door.

30th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Week of October 25, 2015

Oct 26, 2015 | This Week

“I believe in … the Communion of Saints….”
The Feast of All Saints on November 1 and the Commemoration of All Souls on November 2 remind of this tenant of our Faith, expressed in The Apostles Creed and depicted by this symbol on the right side of the main doors to our church. In the words of Pope Paul VI: “We believe in the communion of all the faithful of Christ, those who are pilgrims on earth, the dead who are being purified and the blessed in heaven, all together forming one Church; and we believe that in this communion, the merciful love of God and his saints is always [attentive] to our prayers.”

October 25 – November 1, 2015

Weekly Activities

Sunday, October 25 at 9:00 a.m. ~ Choir Rehearsal in the Loft

Thursday, October 29 at 8:00 p.m. ~ Bingo will be played in St. Charles Hall*

Saturday, October 31 from 9:30 a.m. to 12 Noon ~ Helping Hands Food Pantry in St. Charles Hall

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

Sunday, November 1 at 9:00 a.m. ~ Choir Rehearsal in the Loft

Sunday, November 1 following 10:00 a.m. Mass ~ Ladies Sodality Meeting and Service of Remembrance 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, October 25 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – For the Intentions of the Ejimadu Family (Requested by Fidelia and Family) and Gregory Bobo (Requested by Pauline Rollek)

Monday, October 26 ~ Communion Service at 11:00 a.m.

Tuesday, October 27 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. ~ Catherine M. Maher

Wednesday, October 28 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Anna Snyder (Estate)

Thursday, October 29 ~ Ss. Simon and Jude, Apostles ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Winifred Enright (Estate)

Friday, October 30 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Deceased Members of Blessed Trinity Parish (Blessed Trinity Parish)

Saturday, October 31 ~ Vigil Mass at 4:30 p.m. – Ithrene Cameron (The Gallisdorfers)

Sunday, November 1 ~ All Saints Day ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – Phil Heubusch (Ed Marien) and Vivian Jones (Blessed Trinity Ladies Sodality)

News from our Parish Community

Please welcome Rayana “Ray” Ralabate, who began working as our part-time parish secretary/ receptionist last week. A Kenmore resident, Rayana has a master’s degree from the University at Buffalo, and a bachelor’s degree from Bryant & Stratton College. She is already putting her answering service experience to good use and adapting our voicemail system to make it more responsive to our callers’ needs. With Rayana’s arrival, we have instituted new rectory office hours: Tuesday-Friday from 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM. Please stop by to introduce yourself and welcome the newest member of our parish family.

The Church Musicians Guild’s 2015 Choral Music Festival is Sunday, October 25, at 5 PM. Members of our choir will participate as part of the Festival Choir and Nick DelBello will be there with his brass quintet. Please join them at St. Joseph University Church, 3269 Main Street. There are no tickets, but a free will offering will be taken.

The Ladies Sodality Meeting is next Sunday, November 1, in St. Charles Hall, immediately following the 10 AM Mass. In honor of All Saints and All Souls Days, there will be a Service of Remembrance for deceased members Mary Reilly, Ithrene Cameron, Eula Mae Cooper, and Vivian Jones. The November program will also include a brief business meeting and light refreshments. All women of the parish are invited to attend.

Watches for St. Vincent de Paul ~ The Sodality wishes to thank everyone who has donated used watches in support of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. The drive continues through Sunday, November 8, which means there are only two weekends left to bring in your non-working timepieces. They will be repaired or used for parts and sold in the Society’s thrift stores with proceeds used to further the organization’s charitable work. Place your donation in the “No More Mister Nice Watch” container near the statue of St. Joseph.

World Mission Sunday ~ Thank you for your generous response to the Society for the Propagation of the Faith last weekend on World Mission Sunday. Some people are called to go to serve in other countries to develop the Church and serve its people, but all of us can pray and support the Missions from right here in the parish.

Please join us for a day of faith, prayer and remembrance by visiting one of our most sacred places, a Catholic Cemetery.  All Souls Day Masses will be held on Saturday, October 31, at 10:00 AM at Mt. Olivet in Kenmore, Holy Cross in Lackawanna, Holy Sepuchre in Cheektowaga and Gate of Heaven in Lewiston.  “…It is the pious traditon during these days for the faithful to go visit the graves of their dear ones and to prayer for them.”  Pope John Paul II.

The Vocalis Chamber Choir and director, James Burritt, in concert at Blessed Trinity on October 18, 2015.

Trinity Concert Series ~ We hope you were one of the almost 200 who enjoyed To Music, the opening concert of our 2015-16 Trinity Series featuring the Vocális Chamber Choir, under the direction of James Burritt. To view photos from the concert, click HERE. Next up: The Freudig Singers of Western New York and their Magnificant Pie, Sunday, December 6 at 3 PM. You’ll be hearing more about this event in the weeks to come, including the popular post-concert pie reception. You can pick up a schedule for the entire concert series in church or request one by clicking HERE and listing “Trinity Series” as the subject.

Updating Our Records ~ Thanks to all of you who completed the contact information form that appeared in the bulletin for several weekends. If you forgot, you can 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.

School Alumni Gift ~ In 2006, the year of the Parish Centennial, alumni of Blessed Trinity School began what would become an annual tradition of reuniting for worship at our church. This year’s gathering took place on Sunday, September 27. In conjunction with this reunion the Alumni Committee also conducts a fundraiser, with graduates being encouraged to purchase tickets for a split club raffle held at a reception following the Mass. Our parish has benefited directly from the raffle, as the Alumni have generously donated a portion of the “split” to our Under This Roof Fund. This year’s gift totaled $1,425.00. The Alumni Committee’s solicitation also resulted in an additional $740.00 in individual member donations to the dedicated fund, which will be the primary source of funding for the three areas of major repair and restoration under the terms of our State grant. Since 2009, School Alumni have contributed a total of $9,205.00 in raffle returns and individual gifts and, in a October 13 letter to the Alumni Committee, Father Reger has expressed the appreciation of our entire Parish Community for their dedication and generosity.

Scholarship Opportunities ~ We just received the information and application forms for two scholarships. Please see Sister Barbara Horan for application forms.

• Martin Luther King Scholarship – to help an 8^th grade student attain a Catholic High School Education. Application deadline is Tuesday, December 1, 2015.
• Albert Lenhard Family Scholarship Fund – to assist applicants who want to continue their formal education beyond high school at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Application deadline is Tuesday, December 1, 2015.

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

Saint Simon and Saint Jude, Apostles
October 28
Symbols representing the apostles appear in the roofline corbels across the entire front of the church and in the capitals and the bases of the columns surrounding the angels on either side of The Main Portico. According to former pastor Rev. Walter Kern, “[t]he common way of representing [the apostles] is with the symbol of their martyrdom.” (Guidebook to Blessed Trinity R. C. Church, page 15).
St. Simon is symbolized by this saw;
St. Jude is symbolized by a knotted club.

African All Saints Day Celebration ~ Auxiliary Bishop Fernand J. Cheri will be our guest Presider at St. Martin De Porres on Sunday, November 1, at 9:30 A.M. for a Mass celebrating All Saints. It will be jointly sponsored by Saint Martin De Porres and the African and African American Commission of the Diocese of Buffalo to give special recognition to our African and African American Saints. Please join us as we welcome Bishop Cheri and congratulate him on being named Auxiliary Bishop of New Orleans this past January.

OLP Homemade Spaghetti Dinner ~ Sunday, November 1 (12 noon – 4 PM) in Our Lady of Pompeii Ministry Center, 129 Laverack Ave, Lancaster, NY 14086.  For tickets and information, call 683-6522.

Seventh Annual Friendship Dinner and Award Ceremony sponsored by the Peace Islands Institute and Turkish Cultural Center at Buffalo is November 11 at Daemen College, 4380 Main St., Amherst, beginning at 6 PM. The event will bring political, academic, religious, and other community leaders in the Greater Buffalo Area together to promote diversity, peace, and mutual understanding in our community through dialogue and education. The dinner theme will be “On Whose Shoulders? Violence and Extremism,” and the opening address will be delivered by Daemen College President Gary A. Olson. Kindly RSVP by Nov. 6 to rsvp [at] tccbuffalo [dot] org or by calling 716-575-5822. The cost is $25 per person, payable at the door.

29th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Week of Oct. 18, 2015

Oct 18, 2015 | This Week

Our Altar of Sacrifice (foreground) contains a relic of St. Isaac Jogues and is dedicated to the Jesuit martyr and missionary to NY State
and his companions. The Church commemorates their lives in a single celebration on October 19. Photo credit: Duane Held.

October 18 – October 25, 2015

Weekly Activities

Sunday, October 18 at 9:00 a.m. ~ Choir Rehearsal in the Loft

Sunday, October 18, following 10:00 a.m. Mass ~ Coffee Hour in St. Charles Hall, hosted by the Parish Council

Sunday, October 18 at 4:00 p.m. ~ The Vocális Chamber Choir performs To Music in Church

Wednesday, October 21 at 7:00 p.m. ~ Parish Council Meeting in St. Charles Hall

Thursday, October 22 at 8:00 p.m. ~ Bingo will be played in St. Charles Hall*

Saturday, October 24 from 9:30 a.m. to 12 Noon ~ Helping Hands Food Pantry in St. Charles Hall

Saturday, October 24 at 8:00 p.m. ~ Bingo will be played in St. Charles Hall*

Sunday, October 25 at 9:00 a.m. ~ Choir Rehearsal in the Loft

*In response to requests from our players, we have instituted age restrictions for admission to Bingo. As of Thursday, October 15, we no longer admit children under 8 years of age.

We now have a Bingo camera with TV monitors and electronic verification!
To check the Red, White & Blue and progressive Share-the-Wealth carry over amounts
and progressive numbers for this week, click HERE and visit our Facebook page.

Mass Intentions

Sunday, October 18 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – William Blesnuk (Requested by Family) and David Karnyski (Requested by Pauline Rollek)

Monday, October 19 ~ St. John de Brebeuf; St. Isaac Jogues & Companions ~ Communion Service at 11:00 a.m.

Tuesday, October 20 ~ St. Paul of the Cross ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. ~ Anna Snyder (Estate)

Wednesday, October 21 ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Winifred Enright (Estate)

Thursday, October 22 ~ St. John Paul II ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Deceased Members of Blessed Trinity Parish (Blessed Trinity Parish)

Friday, October 23 ~ St. John of Capistrano ~ Mass at 11:00 a.m. – Bridget Blesnuk (Parents)

Saturday, October 24 ~ St. Anthony of Claret ~ Vigil Mass at 4:30 p.m. – Deceased Members of the Ryan, Reilly, Reynolds and Pfeiffer Families (Estate of Mary Reilly)

Sunday, October 25 ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – For the Intentions of the Ejimadu Family (Fidelia and Family) and Gregory Bobo (Pauline Rollek)

The Vocalis Chamber Choir in concert at Blessed Trinity on Sun., October 18, at 4 PM

News from our Parish Community

♫ ♯ ♫ ♯ ♫ ♯ ♫ ♯ ♫ ♯ ♫ ♯ ♫ ♯  MUSICAL NOTES  ♫ ♯ ♫ ♯ ♫ ♯ ♫ ♯ ♫ ♯ ♫ ♯ ♫

To Music, the opening concert of our Trinity Series, is this Sunday, October 18 at 4 PM. The Vocális Chamber Choir, under the direction of James Burritt, presents texts in tribute of music – its beauty, power, meaning, and emotion. Please join us for a celebration of the greatest of all art forms and help guarantee a successful 2015-16 concert season! Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students.

Our Choir has “road game” at 5 PM next Sunday, October 25, and they are counting on support from you, their fan base. Together with Nick DelBello and his brass quintet, organist Peter Gonziarz, and the St. Joseph University Choir, choristers from Blessed Trinity and other church choirs will be performing at the Diocesan Choral Festival under the direction of Ron Martin. The gala at neighboring St. Joseph University Church, 3269 Main Street, is sponsored by the Church Musicians Guild of Buffalo. There are no tickets, but a free will offering will be taken.

♫ ♯ ♫ ♯ ♫ ♯ ♫ ♯ ♫ ♯ ♫ ♯ ♫ ♯ ♫ ♯ ♫ ♯ ♫ ♯ ♫ ♯ ♫ ♯ ♫ ♯ ♫ ♯ ♫ ♯ ♫ ♯ ♫ ♯ ♫ ♯ ♫ ♯ ♫ ♯ ♫

The Parish Council is our host for Coffee Hour following Mass this Sunday, October 18. 

The Parish Council will meet on Wednesday, October 21, at 7 PM in St. Charles Hall.

October 18 is World Mission Sunday!  In Scripture, we read that St. Paul asked the Gentile Churches to take up a collection to support the Church in Jerusalem.  Now we are asked to reach out and support the young churches throughout our world. Your prayers and generous gifts to the Society for Propagation of the Faith in the collection to day will help missionaries offer the poor of these areas practical help as they share the mercy of God.  It will ensure the development of local dioceses, and support the work of priests, religious and lay leaders who serve those on the margins and in most need.  Go out to the whole world through your gift in this weekend’s collection!

Watches for St. Vincent de Paul ~ The Sodality is continuing to collect used watches through Sunday, November 8. These watches do not have to be in working order. They will be repaired or used for parts and sold in the Society’s thrift stores with proceeds used to further the organization’s charitable work. Place your donation in the “No More Mister Nice Watch” container near the statue of St. Joseph.

School Alumni Gift ~ In 2006, the year of the Parish Centennial, alumni of Blessed Trinity School began what would become an annual tradition of reuniting for worship at our church. This year’s gathering took place on Sunday, September 27. In conjunction with this reunion the Alumni Committee also conducts a fundraiser, with graduates being encouraged to purchase tickets for a split club raffle held at a reception following the Mass. Our parish has benefited directly from the raffle, as the Alumni have generously donated a portion of the “split” to our Under This Roof Fund. This year’s gift totaled $1,425.00. The Alumni Committee’s solicitation also resulted in an additional $740.00 in individual member donations to the dedicated fund, which will be the primary source of funding for the three areas of major repair and restoration under the terms of our State grant. Since 2009, School Alumni have contributed a total of $9,205.00 in raffle returns and individual gifts and, in a October 13 letter to the Alumni Committee, Father Reger has expressed the appreciation of our entire Parish Community for their dedication and generosity.

The Sisters of Social Service will hold their Annual Dinner on Thursday, October 22, 2015 at 6:30 PM at the Millennium Hotel Buffalo, 2040 Walden Ave. in Cheektowaga. The featured speaker is Sr. Denise Roche, GNSH, Ph.D., President of D’Youville College. In accord with the 2015-16 Year of Consecrated Life, her topic will be “Building God’s Kingdom: the Legacy of Women Religious.” For information and reservations, call 836-0685. Our former Pastoral Associate, Sister Flavia Dampf, is a member of the Sisters of Social Service.

Scholarship Opportunities ~ We just received the information and application forms for two scholarships. Please see Sister Barbara Horan for application forms.

• Martin Luther King Scholarship – to help an 8^th grade student attain a Catholic High School Education. Application deadline is Tuesday, December 1, 2015.
• Albert Lenhard Family Scholarship Fund – to assist applicants who want to continue their formal education beyond high school at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Application deadline is Tuesday, December 1, 2015.

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

Help Stop Hunger. Catholic Charities’ eight food pantries in Buffalo, Franklinville, Getzville, Lackawanna, and Wellsville provide for individuals across Western New York in an emergency or when the food budget just doesn’t stretch far enough. Volunteers to help sort, stock, and prepare food for distribution are always welcome. If you are available for as little as four hours a week and are interested in helping our food pantries, please contact Catholic Charities Parish Outreach at 716-218-1400 ext. 2005.

Updating Our Records ~ Thanks to all of you who completed the contact information form that appeared in the bulletin for several weekends. If you forgot, you can 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.

Our Altar of Sacrifice also contains a relic of St. Elizabeth Seton (1774-1821), the first U.S. born saint to be canonized. This woodcarving hangs on the left (east) transept wall of the church. It is a gift of the Southtowns Wood Carvers of WNY.

News from our Vicariate Cluster and the Wider Community

A Lecture on the 2016 Jubilee Year of Mercy will be held on Tuesday, October 20, at 7 PM in the main dining room of Christ the King Seminary, 711 Knox Rd., E. Aurora. Rev. Robert Schreiter will speak on “Discovering the Face of Mercy: Prospects for the American Church during the 2016 Jubilee Year of Mercy.” Father Schreiter, a leading author and international speaker, is a professor of Theology at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. The talk is part of the “Father Thomas Dailey Lecture Series in Christian Ethics and Spirituality.” No registration is necessary. Free-will offering welcome.

Marriage and Annulment in the Catholic Church Seminar on Thursday, October 22 at 7 PM at St. Martha Parish, 10 French Road, Depew. The marriage of a man and a woman is revered by the Catholic Church as a vocation ordained by God. It is both a reflection of God’s love and a manifestation of God’s love in the world. But our hearts go out to the many good people who have suffered the tragic breakup of their marriage. Anyone who finds themselves in this type of situation should not fear the Church’s procedures. Rev. Robert Zilliox, JCL, from the Tribunal Office of the Diocese of Buffalo will speak about the Essence of Canon Law and the Sacrament of Marriage and he will explain the new procedures for annulments recently announced by Pope Francis. Many Catholics across the United States have welcomed Pope Francis’ annulment reforms, the most far-reaching in almost three centuries. All are welcome!

OLP Homemade Spaghetti Dinner ~ Sunday, November 1 (12 noon – 4 PM) in Our Lady of Pompeii Ministry Center, 129 Laverack Ave, Lancaster, NY 14086.  For tickets and information, call 683-6522.