15th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Week of July 13, 2014

Jul 13, 2014 | This Week

St. Kateri Tekakwitha
July 14
Woodcarving, gift of the Southtowns Woodcarvers of WNY, on right (west) transept wall

July 13 – July 20, 2014

Weekly Activities

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

Saturday, July 19 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 Noon ~ Helping Hands Food Pantry in St. Charles Hall.

Saturday, July 19 at 8:00 p.m. ~ Bingo will be played in St. Charles Hall.

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, July 13 ~ Mass at 10 a.m. – Bridget Dick Blesnuk (Requested by Madonna Hartzell)

Monday, July 14 ~ St. Kateri Tekakwitha ~ Communion Service at 11 a.m.

Tuesday, July 15 ~ St. Bonaventure ~ Mass at 11 a.m. – Laura Mondello (Angela Jost)

Wednesday, July 16 ~ Our Lady of Mount Carmel ~ Mass at 11 a.m. – Anna Snyder (Estate)

Thursday, July 17 ~ Mass at 11 a.m. – Winifred Enright (Estate)

Friday, July 18 ~ St. Camillus de Lellis ~ Mass at 11 a.m. – Bernard H. Fix and Ruth R. Fix (Estate)

Saturday, July 19 ~ Vigil Mass at 4:30 p.m. – John Dial (Bud & Mickey Dick)

Sunday, July 20 ~ Mass at 10 a.m. – Bridget Dick Blesnuk (Angela Jost) and Judith B. Attea (Bob and Mary Kresse)

News from our Parish Community

Mission Cooperative 2014 ~ During the weekend of July 19-20, we will welcome Jason Bach, who will speak at our liturgies about the work of Franciscan Mission Service (“FMS”). A separate second collection will be taken up at our Masses next Saturday and Sunday for this appeal. Franciscan Mission Service prepares and supports Catholic lay women and men for two-year assignments in partnership with the poor and oppressed of Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Upon their return, they share their life-changing experiences in our North American Church and society. In addition, FMS offers domestic volunteer opportunities in their Washington, DC office and leads Short-Term Mission and Global Awareness Trips for groups to South Africa and Bolivia. Please be generous in your financial support of overseas endeavors in response to the Church’s call to worldwide mission. For more information, visit www.franciscanmissionservice.org.

A note of appreciation, as it appeared in our parish bulletin on July 12 and 13, 2014.

Summer Respite Program for Single Moms ~ Please note the posters displayed at our 3 entrances. If you are interested in this program given at Stella Niagara Campus near Lewiston from Wednesday, July 30 to Saturday, August 2, please contact Sister Barbara for the application forms.

Mark Your Calendars ~ On Sunday afternoon, August 10, the Catholic Churches of Central Buffalo will be celebrating “SUMMER IN THE CITY” at St. Lawrence Church, 1520 East Delavan, Buffalo. This year the CCCB event will be combined with the annual celebration of the Feast of St. Lawrence. Festivities will include dessert tents for each of the parishes, BBQ, games, open houses, dance party, jazz band and money raffle. More information will follow.

Sister Claire’s Farewell ~ “Thank You” to all who helped with our “Farewell to Sister Claire” on July 6.  A special THANK YOU to Jessie Wells who coordinated the event. We were pleased that other Sisters from the hospital were able to be here. Sister Claire appreciated the opportunity to be with so many Blessed Trinity parishioners. She will be missed.

Bingo Volunteers Needed ~ Bingo is the largest source of parish operating funds and an important form of stewardship.  Please consider a gift of time to your parish family. Fran Cahill will be happy to assist you in joining the team. You can leave your name and contact information for Fran by clicking HERE, or call the parish office (833-0301) and Fran will contact you.

Children’s First Scholarship for 2014-2015 ~ Scholarships are now available for Buffalo children transferring out of low-performing schools to an area private school, but the time to apply is short.  The scholarship is being funded in part by the John R. Oishei Foundation.  The Catholic Diocese of Buffalo and three other local foundations have made matching grants for the effort.  The program will be overseen by the Bison Children’s Scholarship Fund.  We have information and application forms for parents who are interested.  Please see or call Sister Barbara (833-0301) if you would like a packet.  Applications should be completed and submitted as soon as possible.

Catholic Charities ~ Thank you! We are so appreciative to our donors, volunteers and other supporters who contributed to the 2014 Appeal, pushing us to exceed our $10.8 goal. Because of your support, we will be “heart at work,” serving our neighbors in Jesus’ name. Learn more about what we have to offer by visiting http://www.ccwny.org or by calling 716-218-1400.

News from our Vicariate Cluster and the Wider Community

Family Vacation Bible School will be held at St. Martin de Porres Church from July 28-August 1 from 6:00 – 8:30 p.m.  The experience is for children ages 5-12, teens and adults and includes dinner each evening at 6:00 p.m. Registration fee is $15 per family.  Registration forms are available on table in front vestibule of our church.

St. Martha Parish, located at 10 French Road in Depew, announces its annual lawn fete the weekend of July 25–27.  The lawn fete features: a beer tent and live entertainment from 7-11:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 3-9 p.m. on  Sunday; Chiavetta’s Chicken Barbecue on Sunday from 12:30-5:30 p.m. (while supplies last), Adults $10 and Senior/Child $9; Cash Raffle with $10,000 Grand Prize; games; food; entertainment; all paved areas; rain or shine.  For more information visit www.stmarthadepew.org or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/olbs.fete. Event dates and times:  Friday, July 25, 5 p.m.-midnight; Saturday, July 26, 1 p.m.-midnight; Sunday, July 27, 1 p.m.-9 p.m.

Ladies of Charity, a volunteer organization that sponsors a variety of programs of assistance for those in need, has a growing need for household items provided through Fresh Start, which provides basic household goods for those who have experienced home displacement. Items including new and gently used blankets and comforters, dishes and cooking utensils, would be greatly appreciated. Donations are accepted weekdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 1122 Broadway, Buffalo. Call 716-895-4001 for more information or visit http://www.ccwny.org.

If you are a victim of Domestic Violence and are in need of access to safety planning, spiritual care, legal assistance, limited medical assistance, counseling, law enforcement, the Family Justice Center of Erie County, Inc. “Where Families Come First” is for you! ALL SERVICES ARE FREE and conversations strictly private. Information: 716-558-7233 or http://www.fjcsafe.org.

Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Week of July 6, 2014

Jul 4, 2014 | This Week

St. Benedict, whose feast the Church celebrates on July 11, is depicted in Joseph Mazur’s painting in the dome of our church. He is one of a group of 12 “Monks, Hermits and Religious,” shown here kneeling at the far right. Photo credit: Gary Kelley.

July 5 – July 13, 2014

Weekly Activities

Saturday, July 5 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 Noon ~ Helping Hands Food Pantry in St. Charles Hall.

Saturday, July 5 at 8:00 p.m. ~ Bingo will be played in St. Charles Hall.

Sunday, July 6 following 10:00 a.m. Mass ~ Reception honoring Sr. Claire Edwards in St. Charles Hall.

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

Saturday, July 12 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 Noon ~ Helping Hands Food Pantry in St. Charles Hall.

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

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

Saturday, July 5 ~ Vigil Mass at 4:30 p.m. – Joan West (Requested by the West Children)

Sunday, July 6 ~ Mass at 10 a.m. – Richard and Mary James (Dorothy Lein)

Monday, July 7 ~ Communion Service at 11 a.m.

Tuesday, July 8 ~ Mass at 11 a.m. – Deceased Members and Family Members of Blessed Trinity Parish (Blessed Trinity Parish)

Wednesday, July 9 ~ St. Augustine Zhao Rong and Campanions ~ Mass at 11 a.m. – Anna Snyder (Estate)

Thursday, July 10 ~ Mass at 11 a.m. – Anthony and Teresa Hafner (Estate)

Friday, July 11 ~ St. Benedict, Abbot ~ Mass at 11 a.m. – Cather M. Maher (Estate)

Saturday, July 12 ~ Vigil Mass at 4:30 p.m. – Pauline Viola (Joseph and Family)

Sunday, July 13 ~ Mass at 10 a.m. – Bridget Dick Blesnuk (Madonna Hartzell)

Sr. Claire Edwards, center, joined by parishioners at diocesan tribute to Daughters of Charity.

News from our Parish Community

Sister Claire, our prayers go with you ~ “In 1848, eight Sisters of Charity arrived in Buffalo to serve in education, social ministry and healthcare, establishing the city’s first hospital — Sisters of Charity Hospital — on Pearl Place. Over the next 165 years, the Sisters became the Daughters of Charity, growing their healthcare ministry on Main Street in Buffalo and helping to establish the Catholic Health System in 1998. ” This summer, the Daughters will leave Sisters Hospital to serve in other areas of the country where there are great needs and fewer resources. They include Sister Claire Edwards, who presently serves on our Parish Council, is a member of the choir, and the treasurer of our Ladies Sodality. Please join us in St. Charles Hall for a reception honoring Sr. Claire, immediately following Sunday Mass on July 6.

Bingo Volunteers Needed ~ Bingo is the largest source of parish operating funds and an important form of stewardship.  Please consider a gift of time to your parish family. Fran Cahill will be happy to assist you in joining the team. You can leave your name and contact information for Fran by clicking HERE, or call the parish office (833-0301) and Fran will contact you.

Children’s First Scholarship for 2014-2015 ~ Scholarships are now available for Buffalo children transferring out of low-performing schools to an area private school, but the time to apply is short.  The scholarship is being funded in part by the John R. Oishei Foundation.  The Catholic Diocese of Buffalo and three other local foundations have made matching grants for the effort.  The program will be overseen by the Bison Children’s Scholarship Fund.  We have information and application forms for parents who are interested.  Please see or call Sister Barbara (833-0301) if you would like a packet.  Applications should be completed and submitted as soon as possible.

Catholic Charities at Work ~ Millions of refugees are displaced around the world. Catholic Charities has a tradition of resettling refugees who have been displaced from their countries of birth, fleeing from regimes of insurgents that seek to torture, imprison or kill them. Our Diocese offers a safe haven through the Catholic Charities Immigration and Refugee Assistance Program. Here they find shelter, food, clothing and support. For more information on how you might help welcome the transition, call 716-842-0270 and ask for the volunteer coordinator.

News from our Vicariate Cluster and the Wider Community

Family Vacation Bible School will be held at St. Martin de Porres Church from July 28-August 1 from 6:00 – 8:30 p.m.  The experience is for children ages 5-12, teens and adults and includes dinner each evening at 6:00 p.m. Registration fee is $15 per family.  Registration forms are available on table in front vestibule of our church.

St. Martha Parish, located at 10 French Road in Depew, announces its annual lawn fete the weekend of July 25–27.  The lawn fete features: a beer tent and live entertainment from 7-11:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 3-9 p.m. on  Sunday; Chiavetta’s Chicken Barbecue on Sunday from 12:30-5:30 p.m. (while supplies last), Adults $10 and Senior/Child $9; Cash Raffle with $10,000 Grand Prize; games; food; entertainment; all paved areas; rain or shine.  For more information visit www.stmarthadepew.org or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/olbs.fete. Event dates and times:  Friday, July 25, 5 p.m.-midnight; Saturday, July 26, 1 p.m.-midnight; Sunday, July 27, 1 p.m.-9 p.m.

Solemnity of Corpus Christi ~ Week of June 22, 2014

Jun 23, 2014 | This Week

June 22 – June 29, 2014

Weekly Activities

Monday, June 23 from 1:00 – 8:00 p.m. ~ Wake for Bridget Dick Blesnuk in Church.

Monday, June 23 at 8:00 p.m. ~ Wake Service for Bridget Dick Blesnuk in Church.

Wednesday, June 25 at 6:30 p.m. ~ Ladies Sodality Dinner with Guest Speaker in St. Charles Hall.

Thursday, June 26 at 8:00 p.m. ~ Bingo will be played in St. Charles Hall.

Saturday, June 28 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 Noon ~ Helping Hands Food Pantry in St. Charles Hall.

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

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.

Bridget Dick Blesnuk
July 11, 1970 – June 20, 2014
Former Music Director
1991 – 2010

Mass Intentions

Sunday, June 22 ~ Mass at 10 a.m. – Jerome and Mary Margaret Maisano (Requested by Roger Duryea) and Christine D. Uba (Requested by Mary and Bob Kresse)

Sunday, June 22 ~ Baptism of Erik Robert Brodfuehrer at 1:30 p.m.

Monday, June 23 ~ Communion Service at 11 a.m.

Tuesday, June 24 ~ Mass at 11 a.m. – Deceased Members and Family Members of Blessed Trinity Parish (Blessed Trinity Parish)

Wednesday, June 25 ~ Mass at 11 a.m. – Anthony and Teresa Hafner (Estate)

Thursday, June 26 ~ Mass at 11 a.m. – Catherine M. Maher (Estate)

Friday, June 27 ~ Mass at 11 a.m. – Anna Snyder (Estate)

Saturday, June 28 ~ Vigil Mass – Pauline Viola (Joseph and Family)

Sunday, June 29 ~ Mass at 10 a.m. – Reverend Anthony Gagliardo (Mark Stambach

Sunday, June 29 ~ Baptism of Chidi Christopher Iheke at 10 a.m. Mass

News from our Parish Community

Ladies Sodality Dinner ~ The Ladies Sodality will usher in their summer break with a June 25, 2014 dinner in St. Charles Hall, catered by parishioner David Folmar. Following the dinner, guests will enjoy a presentation by Dr. Bonnie Flickinger entitled “Flowers and Plants of the Bible” (more below) and we will be presenting Fr. Reger with a monetary gift for the parish. The evening’s menu will feature herbed marinated beef tenderloin, lemon-thyme chicken, oven roasted red jacket potatoes, grilled vegetable salad, mixed greens salad, coffee, tea and dessert. The dinner is open to all women of the parish, and guests are welcome. The events begins at 6:30 p.m.

Flowers and Plants of the Bible ~ All are invited to  Flowers and Plants of the Bible ~ Their Meaning and Their Symbolism. This slide lecture, presented by Dr. B.G. Flickinger, will take place on Wednesday, June 25 at 7:30 p.m. (following the Ladies Sodality Dinner) in St. Charles Hall.  Stop by after the Sodality dinner and enjoy some fascinating information on flowers.  Dr. Flickinger has four university degrees and is a journalist who has been on the lecture circuit for 20 years. The Sodality welcomes your presence for this intriguing discussion. For more information contact Marianne Pernick by clicking HERE.

A Giant “THANK YOU!!” to all the wonderful volunteers who helped with so many events over the past month: the Sacred Sites Open House in May, the Colored Musicians Club concert on June 1, the Path through History Weekend on June 7, and our end-of-Easter season de-decorating this past week. It’s been a very busy time, and we couldn’t have done it without you! You’re a great group – God bless you all!!

Bingo Volunteers Needed ~ Bingo is the largest source of parish operating funds and an important form of stewardship.  Please consider a gift of time to your parish family. Fran Cahill will be happy to assist you in joining the team. You can leave your name and contact information for Fran by clicking HERE, or call the parish office (833-0301) and Fran will contact you.

Summer Opportunities for Children ~ As we receive information about camps and programs for children, we will display it on the table in the front vestibule of church. 

Catholic Charities at Work ~ Millions of refugees are displaced around the world. Catholic Charities has a tradition of resettling refugees who have been displaced from their countries of birth, fleeing from regimes of insurgents that seek to torture, imprison or kill them. Our Diocese offers a safe haven through the Catholic Charities Immigration and Refugee Assistance Program. Here they find shelter, food, clothing and support. For more information on how you might help welcome the transition, call 716-842-0270 and ask for the volunteer coordinator.

News from our Vicariate Cluster and the Wider Community

Bereavement Camp for Children ~ Niagara Hospice will present its 14th Weekend Bereavement Camp for children June 27-30. Camp Hope is held at Camp Kenan in Barker and is FREE to children age 7-13 throughout Western New York – whether or not their family ever received hospice services. For one weekend, children who are grieving the loss of a loved one will have the opportunity to share and work through their grief with other children and trained professionals. Call (716) 280-0777 for more information and a camper application. Applications and more information can also be found online at www.NiagaraHospice.org.

Call for Artists and Crafters ~ The Parish Community of St. Aloysius Gonzaga invites crafters and artists to participate in our Summerfest Extravaganza on Sunday, June 29 from noon to 6 p.m.  This is a well established event and serves well over 500 BW BBQ dinners.  We also have hot dogs, sausage and beverages for sale, Basket Raffle, Car Show and much more. For more information call St. Aloysius Rectory at 833-1715 or Colleen at 834-1517.

Seeking Cooks & Registered Nurses for Camp Turner ~ Call John at 716-354-4555.  Download application from http://www.CampTurner.com.

Feast of the Most Holy Trinity ~ Week of June 15, 2014

Jun 15, 2014 | This Week

Sunday, June 15, is Trinity Sunday, our parish feast day. This symbol of the Trinity appears in our church’s Great Dome. Photo credit: Todd Treat.

June 8 – June 15, 2014

Weekly Activities

Tuesday, June 17 at 7:30 p.m. ~ Choir Rehearsal in St. Charles Hall.

Wednesday, June 18 at 7:00 p.m. ~ Parish Council Meeting in 2nd floor Bingo Hall, St. Charles Hall.

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

Saturday, June 21 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 Noon ~ Helping Hands Food Pantry in St. Charles Hall.

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

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, June 15 ~ Mass at 10 a.m. – Our Fathers (Requested by Mary and Bob Kinmartin) and Jimmie and Mildred Porter (Requested by Family)

Monday, June 16 ~ Communion Service at 11 a.m.

Tuesday, June 17 ~ Mass at 11 a.m. – Anna Snyder (Estate)

Wednesday, June 18 ~ NO SERVICE

Thursday, June 19 ~ St. Romuald, abbott ~ NO SERVICE

Friday, June 20 ~ Mass at 11 a.m. – Healing for Elizabeth – Donatello/Vito (Mark Stambach)

Saturday, June 21 ~ St. Aloysius Gonzaga ~ Vigil Mass – John F. Curtin (Family) and Joan West (West Children)

Sunday, June 22 ~ Mass at 10 a.m. – Jerome and Mary Margaret Maisano (Roger Duryea) and Christine D. Uba (Mary and Bob Kresse)

Sunday, June 22 ~ Baptism of Erik Robert Brodfuehrer at 1:30 p.m.

Depiction of the Blessed Trinity in our church’s baldachino.
Photo credit: Gary Kelley

News from our Parish Community

The Parish Council will meet this Wednesday, June 18, at 7:00 p.m. in the second floor Bingo Hall of St. Charles Hall.

Ladies Sodality Dinner ~ The Ladies Sodality will usher in their summer break with a June 25, 2014 dinner in St. Charles Hall, catered by parishioner David Folmar. Following the dinner, guests will enjoy a presentation by Dr. Bonnie Flickinger entitled “Flowers and Plants of the Bible” (more below) and we will be presenting Fr. Reger with a monetary gift for the parish. The evening’s menu will feature herbed marinated beef tenderloin, lemon-thyme chicken, oven roasted red jacket potatoes, grilled vegetable salad, mixed greens salad, coffee, tea and dessert. The dinner is open to all women of the parish, and guests are welcome. The events begins at 6:30 p.m. The cost is $15 per person, with checks payable to: Ladies Sodality of Blessed Trinity.  Reservations are required no later than Sunday, June 22. Click HERE to make yours. Pre-payments are being accepted by Patty Gallisdorfer, Marianne Pernick, and Vera Andrew.

Flowers and Plants of the Bible ~ All are invited to  Flowers and Plants of the Bible ~ Their Meaning and Their Symbolism. This slide lecture, presented by Dr. B.G. Flickinger, will take place on Wednesday, June 25 at 7:30 p.m. (following the Ladies Sodality Dinner) in St. Charles Hall.  Stop by after the Sodality dinner and enjoy some fascinating information on flowers.  Dr. Flickinger has four university degrees and is a journalist who has been on the lecture circuit for 20 years. The Sodality welcomes your presence for this intriguing discussion. For more information contact Marianne Pernick by clicking HERE.

A Giant “THANK YOU!!” to all the wonderful volunteers who helped with so many events over the past month: the Sacred Sites Open House in May, the Colored Musicians Club concert on June 1, the Path through History Weekend on June 7, and our end-of-Easter season de-decorating this past week. It’s been a very busy time, and we couldn’t have done it without you! You’re a great group – God bless you all!!

Our Parish Congratulates former Pastoral Associate, Sister Flavia Dampf, on the Seventieth Anniversary of her profession of vows as a Sister of Social Service. If you would like to send her a personal note of congratulations, you may address it to Sr. Flavia Dampf, Sisters of St. Joseph Residence, 4975 Strickler Road, Clarence, New York 14031.

Honoring our Daughters of Charity, Sister Ann Paul Chenard and Sister Claire Edwards ~ We join the Diocese in honoring the Legacy of the Daughters of Charity in Buffalo, celebrated at a June 8 Mass at St. Louis Church and a brunch reception at the Hyatt Regency Buffalo. “In 1848, eight Sisters of Charity arrived in Buffalo to serve in education, social ministry and healthcare, establishing the city’s first hospital — Sisters of Charity Hospital — on Pearl Place. Over the next 165 years, the Sisters became the Daughters of Charity, growing their healthcare ministry on Main Street in Buffalo and helping to establish the Catholic Health System in 1998. This summer, the Daughters will leave Sisters Hospital to serve in other areas where there is great need and fewer resources, entrusting their rich legacy to the doctors, nurses, and support staff, who will carry on their healing work.” Among the Daughters being honored are parishioners Sr. Ann Paul Chenard and Sr. Claire Edwards. Sr. Claire presently serves on our Parish Council, is a member of the choir, and the treasurer of our Ladies Sodality. To read more about Buffalo’s Daughters of Charity, click HERE.

Collection for the Catholic Communication Campaign ~ Thank you for your generosity in last week’s Collection for the Catholic Communication Campaign. Because of your support, millions of faithful will have the opportunity to deepen their faith through resources on the Internet, television, radio, and print media. Remember, half of your donations are staying in our diocese to support our communication needs. To learn more about the important work supported by the Collection for CCC, please visit www.usccb.org (Search “Catholic Communication Campaign”).

Bingo Volunteers Needed ~ Bingo is the largest source of parish operating funds and an important form of stewardship.  Please consider a gift of time to your parish family. Fran Cahill will be happy to assist you in joining the team. You can leave your name and contact information for Fran by clicking HERE, or call the parish office (833-0301) and Fran will contact you.

Summer Opportunities for Children ~ As we receive information about camps and programs for children, we will display it on the table in the front vestibule of church. 

Catholic Charities at Work ~ Millions of refugees are displaced around the world. Catholic Charities has a tradition of resettling refugees who have been displaced from their countries of birth, fleeing from regimes of insurgents that seek to torture, imprison or kill them. Our Diocese offers a safe haven through the Catholic Charities Immigration and Refugee Assistance Program. Here they find shelter, food, clothing and support. For more information on how you might help welcome the transition, call 716-842-0270 and ask for the volunteer coordinator.

St. Aloysius Gonzaga
June 21
An artist’s impression of St. Aloysius Gonzaga appears in stained glass in the Shrine Area in the church’s right (west) transept. He is one of four saints depicted in the two Shrine Areas, each representing a period of life. St. Aloysius who lived from 1568-1591 is the young adult saint and patron of youthful chastity. (Rev. Walter Kern’s Guidebook to Blessed Trinity R.C. Church, page 27).

News from our Vicariate Cluster and the Wider Community

Chicken BBQ ~ Blessed Sacrament Church will hold a chicken BBQ by BW Barbecue on Sunday, June 22, from 12:00 – 3:00 p.m. at Catholic Academy of West Buffalo Gym, 1069 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo. All dinners include: garden salad, 2 sides, beverages, and dessert. Adult ½ chicken dinners are $10, child ¼ chicken dinners are $5.

Bereavement Camp for Children ~ Niagara Hospice will present its 14th Weekend Bereavement Camp for children June 27-30. Camp Hope is held at Camp Kenan in Barker and is FREE to children age 7-13 throughout Western New York – whether or not their family ever received hospice services. For one weekend, children who are grieving the loss of a loved one will have the opportunity to share and work through their grief with other children and trained professionals. Call (716) 280-0777 for more information and a camper application. Applications and more information can also be found online at www.NiagaraHospice.org.

Call for Artists and Crafters ~ The Parish Community of St. Aloysius Gonzaga invites crafters and artists to participate in our Summerfest Extravaganza on Sunday, June 29 from noon to 6 p.m.  This is a well established event and serves well over 500 BW BBQ dinners.  We also have hot dogs, sausage and beverages for sale, Basket Raffle, Car Show and much more. For more information call St. Aloysius Rectory at 833-1715 or Colleen at 834-1517.

Seeking Cooks & Registered Nurses for Camp Turner ~ Call John at 716-354-4555.  Download application from http://www.CampTurner.com.

Pentecost Sunday ~ Week of June 8, 2014

Jun 8, 2014 | This Week

“Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful and kindle in them the fire of Your love. Send forth Your Spirit, and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth.” Photo credit: Maria Capilupi

June 8 – June 15, 2014

Weekly Activities

Tuesday, June 10 at 7:30 p.m. ~ Choir Rehearsal in St. Charles Hall.

Wednesday, June 11 6:30 p.m. ~ Removal of Easter decorations from Church.

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

Saturday, June 14 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 Noon ~ Helping Hands Food Pantry in St. Charles Hall.

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

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, June 8 ~ Mass at 10 a.m. – Richard and Mary James (Requested by Dorothy Lein) and Gwendolyn Moore (Requested by Christopher Young and David Folmar)

Monday, June 9 ~ St. Ephrem ~ Communion Service at 11 a.m.

Tuesday, June 10 ~ Mass at 11 a.m. – Anna Snyder (Estate)

Wednesday, June 11 ~ St. Barnabas, apostle ~ Mass at 11 a.m. – Healing for Judith Riga (Mark Stambach)

Thursday, June 12 ~ Mass at 11 p.m. – Healing for Elizabeth-Donatello/Vito (Mark R. Stambach)

Friday, June 13 ~ St. Anthony of Padua ~ Mass at 11 a.m. – Winifred Enright (Estate)

Saturday, June 14 ~ Vigil Mass – Bernadette Dorsheimer (Lorna and Ithrene Cameron)

Sunday, June 15 ~ Mass at 10 a.m. – Our Fathers (Mary and Bob Kinmartin) and Jimmie and Mildred Porter (Family)

News from our Parish Community

Farewell to the Easter Season ~ On Wednesday evening, June 11, at 6:30 p.m., we’ll be removing our Easter decorations and packing them away. No decorating ability is needed, so … there’s nothing to stop you from joining us. As a show of your appreciation for our Easter splendor and all the volunteers who created and maintained it, please join us this coming Wednesday evening as we “de-decorate” and prepare for our parish feast day, Trinity Sunday. The door on the ramp side of the church will be open. Thank you.

Ladies Sodality Dinner ~ The Ladies Sodality will usher in their summer break with a June 25, 2014 dinner in St. Charles Hall, catered by parishioner David Folmar. Following the dinner, guests will enjoy a presentation by Dr. Bonnie Flickinger entitled “Flowers of the Bible,” and we will be presenting Fr. Reger with a monetary gift for the parish. The evening’s menu will feature herbed marinated beef tenderloin, lemon-thyme chicken, oven roasted red jacket potatoes, grilled vegetable salad, mixed greens salad, coffee, tea and dessert. The dinner is open to all women of the parish, and guests are welcome. The events begins at 6:30 p.m. The cost is $15 per person, with checks payable to: Ladies Sodality of Blessed Trinity.  Reservations are required no later than Sunday, June 22. Click HERE to make yours. Pre-payments are being accepted by Patty Gallisdorfer, Marianne Pernick, and Vera Andrew.

Our Parish Congratulates former Pastoral Associate, Sister Flavia Dampf, on the Seventieth Anniversary of her profession of vows as a Sister of Social Service. If you would like to send her a personal note of congratulations, you may address it to Sr. Flavia Dampf, Sisters of St. Joseph Residence, 4975 Strickler Road, Clarence, New York 14031.

Honoring our Daughters of Charity, Sister Ann Paul Chenard and Sister Claire Edwards ~ We join the Diocese in honoring the Legacy of the Daughters of Charity in Buffalo, celebrated at a June 8 Mass at St. Louis Church and a brunch reception at the Hyatt Regency Buffalo. “In 1848, eight Sisters of Charity arrived in Buffalo to serve in education, social ministry and healthcare, establishing the city’s first hospital — Sisters of Charity Hospital — on Pearl Place. Over the next 165 years, the Sisters became the Daughters of Charity, growing their healthcare ministry on Main Street in Buffalo and helping to establish the Catholic Health System in 1998. This summer, the Daughters will leave Sisters Hospital to serve in other areas where there is great need and fewer resources, entrusting their rich legacy to the doctors, nurses, and support staff, who will carry on their healing work.” Among the Daughters being honored today are parishioners Sr. Ann Paul Chenard and Sr. Claire Edwards. Sr. Claire presently serves on our Parish Council, is a member of the choir, and the treasurer of our Ladies Sodality. To read more about Buffalo’s Daughters of Charity, click HERE.

Collection for the Catholic Communication Campaign ~ On June 7/8, our parish will take up the Collection for the Catholic Communication Campaign (CCC). This Collection equips us to share our experience of faith, worship, and witness with the world through Internet, television, radio, and print media. Half of all proceeds remain in our diocese and support local needs, so please be generous in this collection.

Bingo Volunteers Needed ~ Bingo is the largest source of parish operating funds and an important form of stewardship.  Please consider a gift of time to your parish family. Fran Cahill will be happy to assist you in joining the team. You can leave your name and contact information for Fran by clicking HERE, or call the parish office (833-0301) and Fran will contact you.

Summer Opportunities for Children ~ As we receive information about camps and programs for children, we will display it on the table in the front vestibule of church. 

Rhododendron in church’s east side garden.
Photo credit: Margaret Dick

News from our Vicariate Cluster and the Wider Community

Chicken BBQ ~ Blessed Sacrament Church will hold a chicken BBQ by BW Barbecue on Sunday, June 22, from 12:00 – 3:00 p.m. at Catholic Academy of West Buffalo Gym, 1069 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo. All dinners include: garden salad, 2 sides, beverages, and dessert. Adult ½ chicken dinners are $10, child ¼ chicken dinners are $5.

Bereavement Camp for Children ~ Niagara Hospice will present its 14th Weekend Bereavement Camp for children June 27-30. Camp Hope is held at Camp Kenan in Barker and is FREE to children age 7-13 throughout Western New York – whether or not their family ever received hospice services. For one weekend, children who are grieving the loss of a loved one will have the opportunity to share and work through their grief with other children and trained professionals. Call (716) 280-0777 for more information and a camper application. Applications and more information can also be found online at www.NiagaraHospice.org.

Call for Artists and Crafters ~ The Parish Community of St. Aloysius Gonzaga invites crafters and artists to participate in our Summerfest Extravaganza on Sunday, June 29 from noon to 6 p.m.  This is a well established event and serves well over 500 BW BBQ dinners.  We also have hot dogs, sausage and beverages for sale, Basket Raffle, Car Show and much more. For more information call St. Aloysius Rectory at 833-1715 or Colleen at 834-1517.

Seeking Cooks & Registered Nurses for Camp Turner ~ Call John at 716-354-4555.  Download application from http://www.CampTurner.com.

St. Vincent de Paul Society News ~ We are in need of furniture, appliances and household items for new families that are settling into our area. Our furniture truck schedules pick up in the Buffalo and suburbs on a daily basis. If you wish to donate, please call 882-3360 for a date and approximate time. Please consult our website www.svdpwny.org for information as to what we will accept and what we cannot accept. Thank you for your support and God Bless you in the name of St. Vincent de Paul and Blessed Frederic.

Family Justice Center ~ If you are a victim of Domestic Violence in need of access to safety planning, spiritual care, legal assistance, limited medical assistance counseling, or law enforcement, the Family Justice Center of Erie County, Inc. — “Where Families Come First” — is for you! All services are free. All conversations are strictly private. Further information: 716-558-7233 or http://www.fjcsafe.org.

Seventh Sunday of Easter

Jun 1, 2014 | This Week

St. Norbert (French, c. 1080-1134), Bishop of Magdebourg, whose feast the Church celebrates on June 6, is depicted in a in a group of twelve figures identified as “Monks, Hermits, and Religious” in the dome of our church. In this photo, he is the kneeling figure in white, wearing a mitre. Legend has it a porter refused to let Norbert into his new residence, assuming he was a beggar. When the crowd pointed out to the flustered porter that this was the new bishop Norbert told the porter, “You were right the first time.” Photo credit: Gary Kelley.

June 1 – June 8, 2014

Weekly Activities

Sunday, June 1 at 3:00 ~ Trinity Series Concert: Swingin’ n the Aisles – Charles Reedy and Friends Band.

Tuesday, June 3 at 7:30 p.m. ~ Choir Rehearsal in St. Charles Hall.

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

Saturday, June 7 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 Noon ~ Helping Hands Food Pantry in St. Charles Hall.

Saturday, June 7 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. ~ New York Path Through History Open House and guided tours of our church.

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

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, June 1 ~ Mass at 10 a.m. – Eugene Prystawski (Requested by Wife and Family) and James Galas (Requested by Galas and Prystawski Families)

Monday, June 2 ~ Ss. Marcellinus and Peter ~ NO SERVICE

Tuesday, June 3 ~ St. Charles Lwanga and Companions ~ Mass at 11 a.m. – Winifred Enright (Estate)

Wednesday, June 4 ~ Mass at 11 a.m. – Healing for Judith Riga (Mark Stambach)

Thursday, June 5 ~ St. Boniface ~ Mass at 11 p.m. – Anthony and Teresa Hafner

Friday, June 6 ~ St. Norbert ~ Mass at 11 a.m. – Catherine M. Maher (Estate)

Saturday, June 7 ~ Vigil Mass – Rita E. Curtin (Family) and Gabrielle Drapanas Vaillancourt (Gayle and Jim Eagan)

Sunday, June 8 ~ Mass at 10 a.m. – Richard and Mary James (Dorothy Lein) and Gwendolyn Moore (Christopher Young and David Folmar)

News from our Parish Community

Coffee Hour on Sunday, June 1, sponsored by the Holy Name Society.

Trinity Series Finale this Sunday ~ Blessed Trinity will close out its 2013-14 concert series on Sunday, June 1 at 3:00 p.m. with the Charles Reedy and Friends Band, affiliated with the Colored Musicians Club of Buffalo. The band brings an exciting mix of jazz, blues, gospel and swing tunes to have you “Swingin’ in the Aisles.” Musicians include: Darrin Bland, Stanley Day, Robert Garrett, Dement Orman, Larry Salters and of course band leader Reedy. Vocalists Joyce Carolyn and Sandra Gilliam will add their own special touches to the “cool” sounds of this special group of performers. Everyone’s invited to join in the festivities next Sunday – come and bring a friend or neighbor!! We have some extra flyers as well, if you know a good spot to hang them for people to see. There is a suggested donation of $10 and the proceeds will be used to fund restoration efforts at both Blessed Trinity Church and the Colored Musicians Club, part of the Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor.

Blessed Trinity Welcomes “Travelers” Next Saturday ~ Blessed Trinity will participate in New York’s statewide Path Through History Weekends program. On Saturday, June 7, from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m., the church will be open for tours, and docents will highlight features of both the exterior and interior of our house of worship. Throughout the afternoon, visitors will also be able to view a video of craftsmen and materials involved in maintaining and restoring several of the church’s impressive architectural features. The event is free and open to the public, so invite your friends and neighbors to stop by and see what goes into making BT the unique Buffalo Landmark it is. This event is part of the New York State Path through History Weekends highlighting arts and culture in communities in Western New York. For more about our open house, click HERE. Visit: http://www.paththroughhistoryweekends.com/Events.aspx to identify other area sites participating in the Path Through History Weekends.

Attention Women of the Parish ~ The Sodality’s annual June Dinner will take place on Wednesday, June 25 at 6:30 p.m. The organization will be hosting a catered dinner in St. Charles Hall. Our after dinner speaker, Dr. Bonnie Flickinger, will introduce us to “Flowers of the Bible.” Watch this space for menu and reservation information. We welcome all women of the parish and their guests.

Collection for the Catholic Communication Campaign ~ On June 7/8, our parish will take up the Collection for the Catholic Communication Campaign (CCC). This Collection equips us to share our experience of faith, worship, and witness with the world through Internet, television, radio, and print media. Half of all proceeds remain in our diocese and support local needs, so please be generous in this collection.

Bingo Volunteers Needed ~ Bingo is the largest source of parish operating funds and an important form of stewardship.  Please consider a gift of time to your parish family. Fran Cahill will be happy to assist you in joining the team. You can leave your name and contact information for Fran by clicking HERE, or call the parish office (833-0301) and Fran will contact you.

Summer Opportunities for Children ~ As we receive information about camps and programs for children, we will display it on the table in the front vestibule of church. 

Rhododendron in church’s east side garden.
Photo credit: Margaret Dick

News from our Vicariate Cluster and the Wider Community

Ss. Columba-Brigid Church is holding its annual Chiavetta’s Chicken Dinners on Sunday, June 1 from 12 noon until “sold out.” There will also be 100 theme baskets and 3 Entertainment Explosion Baskets (with gift certificates for restaurants, stores, movie theatres, etc) that people can win. They’re at 75 Hickory St. in downtown Buffalo – one block south of Clinton St. Dinners are $9 and can also be taken out.

Spring Festival ~ The Columban Sisters will hold their 58^th annual Spring Festival on Sunday, June 1, from noon till 6:00 pm on the grounds of St. Columban’s on the Lake Retirement Home, 2546 Lake Road (Route 5) in Silver Creek, (716)-934-4515. Highlights of the Festival include: Chiavetta’s Chicken Barbecue, a variety of raffles including a $5,000 cash give-away, an Amish quilt and beautiful wine baskets; entertainment throughout the day including a mission presentation, Irish dancers, Polish dancers, Classic Car Cruise, pony rides, dunk tank, bounce houses and music. Proceeds benefit the Columban Sisters’ worldwide missions here at home and in our mission countries where “together we are changing lives.”

A Compassion Ministry has been developed to assist our Catholic Churches of Central Buffalo (CCCB ) faith communities with the pastoral care of persons in need and to assist the pastoral care staff with visits to the sick and home bound. The Compassion Ministry committee has created an eight-week training session to support people as they visit with someone who is ill. This includes: The Role of the Christian Minister; Developing Supportive Relationships; Reviewing Settings of Visitation – Hospital, Nursing Home, or Home; Discussing Grief and Loss Issues; Eucharistic Training for those in ministry to the sick; Hospice, Dying and Palliative Care; Dealing with Transitions/Change; and Record Keeping, On-going Support; Care Giver Support. The eight week training experience begins on Thursday, June 5, 6:30 – 8:30 pm at St. Lawrence.

Spaghetti Dinner ~ St. Lawrence Youth Ministry will hold a spaghetti dinner on Friday, June 6 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. in St. Lawrence Parish Hall located at 1520 E. Delavan Avenue. Spaghetti, sausage or meatballs, salad, roll, ice cream & a drink, all for a $5 donation in advance and $6 at the door! Extras a la carte. Tickets after all weekend Masses, weekdays at the rectory & clinic, or at www.CatholicChurchesOfCentralBuffalo.com. Proceeds to benefit Youth and Mission activities. This year’s Mission Trip to Appalachia is co-sponsored by the CCCB and the Pontifical Mission Office. Have a good meal for a good cause.

Chicken BBQ ~ Blessed Sacrament Church will hold a chicken BBQ by BW Barbecue on Sunday, June 22, from 12:00 – 3:00 p.m. at Catholic Academy of West Buffalo Gym, 1069 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo. All dinners include: garden salad, 2 sides, beverages, and dessert. Adult ½ chicken dinners are $10, child ¼ chicken dinners are $5.

Bereavement Camp for Children ~ Niagara Hospice will present its 14th Weekend Bereavement Camp for children June 27-30. Camp Hope is held at Camp Kenan in Barker and is FREE to children age 7-13 throughout Western New York – whether or not their family ever received hospice services. For one weekend, children who are grieving the loss of a loved one will have the opportunity to share and work through their grief with other children and trained professionals. Call (716) 280-0777 for more information and a camper application. Applications and more information can also be found online at www.NiagaraHospice.org.

Call for Artists and Crafters ~ The Parish Community of St. Aloysius Gonzaga invites crafters and artists to participate in our Summerfest Extravaganza on Sunday, June 29 from noon to 6 p.m.  This is a well established event and serves well over 500 BW BBQ dinners.  We also have hot dogs, sausage and beverages for sale, Basket Raffle, Car Show and much more. For more information call St. Aloysius Rectory at 833-1715 or Colleen at 834-1517.

Seeking Cooks & Registered Nurses for Camp Turner ~ Call John at 716-354-4555.  Download application from http://www.CampTurner.com.

St. Vincent de Paul Society News ~ We are in need of furniture, appliances and household items for new families that are settling into our area. Our furniture truck schedules pick up in the Buffalo and suburbs on a daily basis. If you wish to donate, please call 882-3360 for a date and approximate time. Please consult our website www.svdpwny.org for information as to what we will accept and what we cannot accept. Thank you for your support and God Bless you in the name of St. Vincent de Paul and Blessed Frederic.

Family Justice Center ~ If you are a victim of Domestic Violence in need of access to safety planning, spiritual care, legal assistance, limited medical assistance counseling, or law enforcement, the Family Justice Center of Erie County, Inc. — “Where Families Come First” — is for you! All services are free. All conversations are strictly private. Further information: 716-558-7233 or http://www.fjcsafe.org.

Sixth Sunday of Easter

May 25, 2014 | This Week

May 25 – June 1, 2014

Weekly Activities

Monday, May 26 ~ Memorial Day Observed

Tuesday, May 27 at 7:30 p.m. ~ Choir Rehearsal in St. Charles Hall.

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

Friday, May 30 ~ Memorial Day

Saturday, May 31 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 Noon ~ Helping Hands Food Pantry in St. Charles Hall.

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

Sunday, June 1, following 10:00 a.m. Mass ~ Coffee Hour in St. Charles Hall, hosted by the Holy Name Society.

Sunday, June 1 at 3:00 ~ Trinity Series Concert: Swingin’ n the Aisles – Charles Reedy and Friends Band.

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, May 25 ~ Mass at 10 a.m. – Shakara Purks (Requested by The Gallisdorfers)

Monday, May 26 ~ St. Philip Neri ~ NO SERVICE

Tuesday, May 27 ~ St. Augustine of Canterbury ~ NO SERVICE

Wednesday, May 28 ~ Mass at 11 a.m. – Healing for Judith Riga (Mark Stambach)

Thursday, May 29 ~ The Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord ~ Mass at 6 p.m. – Deceased Members of Blessed Trinity Parish

Friday, May 30 ~ Mass at 11 a.m. – Bernard H. Fix and Ruth R. Fix (Estate)

Saturday, May 31 ~ Vigil Mass – Joan West (John Curtin)

Sunday, June 1 ~ Mass at 10 a.m. – Eugene Prystawski (Wife and Family) and James Galas (Galas and Prystawski Families)

News from our Parish Community

Ascension Thursday, May 29, is a Holy Day of Obligation. Our Mass of the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord will be celebrated at 6:00 p.m.

Coffee Hour on Sunday, June 1, sponsored by the Holy Name Society.

Trinity Series Finale ~ Blessed Trinity will close out its 2013-14 concert series on Sunday, June 1 at 3:00 p.m. with the Charles Reedy and Friends Band, affiliated with the Colored Musicians Club of Buffalo. The band brings an exciting mix of jazz, blues, gospel and swing tunes to have you “Swingin’ in the Aisles.” Musicians include: Darrin Bland, Stanley Day, Robert Garrett, Dement Orman, Larry Salters and of course band leader Reedy. Vocalists Joyce Carolyn and Sandra Gilliam will add their own special touches to the “cool” sounds of this special group of performers. Everyone’s invited to join in the festivities next Sunday – come and bring a friend or neighbor!! We have some extra flyers as well, if you know a good spot to hang them for people to see. There is a suggested donation of $10 and the proceeds will be used to fund restoration efforts at both Blessed Trinity Church and the Colored Musicians Club, part of the Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor.

Attention Women of the Parish ~ The date of the Sodality’s annual June Dinner has been changed to Wednesday, June 25 at 6:30 p.m. The organization will be hosting a catered dinner here, in St. Charles Hall. Further information will follow.

Collection for the Church in Latin America ~ Thank you for your generous donation to the Collection for the Church in Latin America. Your gift will ensure that present and future generations will have the opportunity to deepen and share their faith. Your support helps ensure adequate catechesis and lay leadership programs, along with strong formation for seminarians and religious. Thank you for taking this opportunity to share your faith. To learn more about how your donations are making a difference, please visit www.usccb.org (search “National Collections”).

Bingo Volunteers Needed ~ Bingo is the largest source of parish operating funds and an important form of stewardship.  Please consider a gift of time to your parish family. Fran Cahill will be happy to assist you in joining the team. You can leave your name and contact information for Fran by clicking HERE, or call the parish office (833-0301) and Fran will contact you.

Summer Opportunities for Children ~ As we receive information about camps and programs for children, we will display it on the table in the front vestibule of church. 

News from our Vicariate Cluster and the Wider Community

Ss. Columba-Brigid Church is holding its annual Chiavetta’s Chicken Dinners on Sunday, June 1 from 12 noon until “sold out.” There will also be 100 theme baskets and 3 Entertainment Explosion Baskets (with gift certificates for restaurants, stores, movie theatres, etc) that people can win. They’re at 75 Hickory St. in downtown Buffalo – one block south of Clinton St. Dinners are $9 and can also be taken out.

Spring Festival ~ The Columban Sisters will hold their 58^th annual Spring Festival on Sunday, June 1, from noon till 6:00 pm on the grounds of St. Columban’s on the Lake Retirement Home, 2546 Lake Road (Route 5) in Silver Creek, (716)-934-4515. Highlights of the Festival include: Chiavetta’s Chicken Barbecue, a variety of raffles including a $5,000 cash give-away, an Amish quilt and beautiful wine baskets; entertainment throughout the day including a mission presentation, Irish dancers, Polish dancers, Classic Car Cruise, pony rides, dunk tank, bounce houses and music. Proceeds benefit the Columban Sisters’ worldwide missions here at home and in our mission countries where “together we are changing lives.”

A Compassion Ministry has been developed to assist our Catholic Churches of Central Buffalo (CCCB ) faith communities with the pastoral care of persons in need and to assist the pastoral care staff with visits to the sick and home bound. The Compassion Ministry committee has created an eight-week training session to support people as they visit with someone who is ill. This includes: The Role of the Christian Minister; Developing Supportive Relationships; Reviewing Settings of Visitation – Hospital, Nursing Home, or Home; Discussing Grief and Loss Issues; Eucharistic Training for those in ministry to the sick; Hospice, Dying and Palliative Care; Dealing with Transitions/Change; and Record Keeping, On-going Support; Care Giver Support. The eight week training experience begins on Thursday, June 5, 6:30 – 8:30 pm at St. Lawrence.

Spaghetti Dinner ~ St. Lawrence Youth Ministry will hold a spaghetti dinner on Friday, June 6 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. in St. Lawrence Parish Hall located at 1520 E. Delavan Avenue. Spaghetti, sausage or meatballs, salad, roll, ice cream & a drink, all for a $5 donation in advance and $6 at the door! Extras a la carte. Tickets after all weekend Masses, weekdays at the rectory & clinic, or at www.CatholicChurchesOfCentralBuffalo.com. Proceeds to benefit Youth and Mission activities. This year’s Mission Trip to Appalachia is co-sponsored by the CCCB and the Pontifical Mission Office. Have a good meal for a good cause.

Chicken BBQ ~ Blessed Sacrament Church will hold a chicken BBQ by BW Barbecue on Sunday, June 22, from 12:00 – 3:00 p.m. at Catholic Academy of West Buffalo Gym, 1069 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo. All dinners include: garden salad, 2 sides, beverages, and dessert. Adult ½ chicken dinners are $10, child ¼ chicken dinners are $5.

Seeking Cooks & Registered Nurses for Camp Turner ~ Call John at 716-354-4555.  Download application from http://www.CampTurner.com.

St. Vincent de Paul Society News ~ We are in need of furniture, appliances and household items for new families that are settling into our area. Our furniture truck schedules pick up in the Buffalo and suburbs on a daily basis. If you wish to donate, please call 882-3360 for a date and approximate time. Please consult our website www.svdpwny.org for information as to what we will accept and what we cannot accept. Thank you for your support and God Bless you in the name of St. Vincent de Paul and Blessed Frederic.

Family Justice Center ~ If you are a victim of Domestic Violence in need of access to safety planning, spiritual care, legal assistance, limited medical assistance counseling, or law enforcement, the Family Justice Center of Erie County, Inc. — “Where Families Come First” — is for you! All services are free. All conversations are strictly private. Further information: 716-558-7233 or http://www.fjcsafe.org.