Fifth Sunday of Easter

May 18, 2014 | This Week

Please join us for worship at 10 a.m., May 18, and stay for a guided tour as part of the New York Landmarks Conservancy’s Sacred Sites Open House Weekend.

May 18 – May 25, 2014

Weekly Activities

Sunday, May 18 immediately following 10:00 a.m. Mass ~ Ladies Sodality Meeting  in rectory dining room.

Sunday, May 18 from 12:00 Noon – 2:00 p.m. ~ Sacred Sites Open House and Tours of the Church.

Tuesday, May 20 at 7:30 p.m. ~ Choir Rehearsal in Church.

Wednesday, May 21 at 7:00 p.m. ~ Parish Council Meeting in the 2nd floor Bingo Hall.

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

Saturday, May 24 ~ Helping Hands Food Pantry closed due to renovations to St. Charles Hall.

Saturday, May 24 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, May 18 ~ Mass at 10 a.m. – Margaret Schirmann (Requested by Mary and Thomas Stoddard) and Veronica Deck (Requested by Abbick Family)

Monday, May 19 ~ Communion Service at 11 a.m.

Tuesday, May 20 ~ St. Bernardine of Sienna ~ Mass at 11 a.m. – Winifred Enright (Estate)

Wednesday, May 21 ~ St. Christopher Magallanes and Companions ~ NO SERVICE.

Thursday, May 22 ~ St. Rita of Cascia ~ Mass at 11 a.m. – Catherine M. Maher (Estate)

Friday, May 23 ~ Mass at 11 a.m. – Anna Snyder (Estate)

Saturday, May 24 ~ Vigil Mass – Bernadette Dorsheimer (Family)

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

News from our Parish Community You’re Invited to an Open House ~ As you know, we will participate in the fourth annual NY Landmarks Conservancy’s Sacred Sites Open House Weekend with free guided tours of our church on Sunday, May 18, from 12:00 noon – 2:00 p.m. Docents will be on hand to describe the church’s architectural features, including its medieval style brickwork and extensive use of terra cotta, and interpret its artworks and selected iconography. There will be informational handouts, a historical display area, and a sales table. Visitors will also get to hear fascinating video-taped stories from long-time parishioners. So – invite your friends and neighbors to “come by our house” this Sunday to see our amazing building and meet our friendly folks. Sunday’s open house is scheduled after the 10 a.m. Mass, and visitors are also invited to join us for worship. Visitors are encouraged to bring binoculars and cameras. Click HERE for additional information.

The Ladies Sodality will hold a brief meeting this Sunday, May 18, immediately following Sunday Mass, to finalize plans for the June dinner. All women of the parish are welcome. We will meet in the rectory dining room.

Parish Council will meet this Wednesday, May 21 at 7:00 p.m. in St. Charles Hall in the second floor bingo hall.

Mother’s Day Breakfast ~ The women of the parish wish to thank the Holy Name Society for hosting the annual Mother’s Day Breakfast. Our breakfast buffet was delicious, and our gentlemen servers so gracious! Click HERE for photos from this event.

Collection for the Church in Latin America ~ on the weekend of May 17/18, we will take up the Collection for the Church in Latin America. Your gift to the Collection will fund catechesis, youth ministry programs, and seminarian education in Latin America and the Caribbean. One participant in catechetical training, Andrea, said that the experience was informative and enriching—the catechists were able to meet each other and share their diverse experiences. The support you give today will fund formation programs and provide opportunities for years to come. Please support the Church in Latin America and the Caribbean and be generous in this weekend’s collection.

UB volunteers, l. to r.: Catherine Chen, Elina Nova, Baylee Richards and Kailey Mahar.

UB Pride and Service Day was Friday, May 9, and Blessed Trinity welcomed a team of volunteers from the State University at Buffalo. Catherine Chen, Kailey Mahar, and Elina Nova, along with team leader, Baylee Richards, joined parishioners Judy Casassa, Mickey Dick, and Jerry Gallisdorfer in a much needed spring cleanup. They worked to remove all the telltale signs of winter in and around our gardens and on the Dewey side of the property and then “bagged” the wilted Easter lilies for adoption by green-thumbed members of the parish. An additional group of UB volunteers joined with neighbors and members of FLARE in cleaning up Leroy Avenue between Fillmore and Grider, and we thank them ALL for helping to beautify our little corner of Buffalo. And kudos to Judy, Mickey and Jerry who treated our volunteer work team and their bus driver to a tour of the church at the end of their work day.

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.

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.

Bible Study ~ Do you want to take a Bible study that is more challenging? Our restructured program may be just what you are looking for. It will begin in September. Contact our office for our new locations and convenient times. Catholic Biblical Studies Program ~ 716 871-9180 ~ info [at] cbstudies [dot] org  ~  www.cbstudies.org.

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. Interested persons should contact their pastor for approval by May 12.

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.

Fourth Sunday of Easter

May 12, 2014 | This Week

Mary and her mother, St. Anne, depicted in stained glass in the shrine area of the transept on the east side of the church.

May 11 – May 18, 2014

Weekly Activities

Sunday, May 11 immediately following 10:00 a.m. Mass ~ Mother’s Day Breakfast  in St. Charles Hall hosted by the Holy Name Society.

Tuesday, May 13 at 7:30 p.m. ~ Choir Rehearsal in Church.

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

Saturday, May 17 ~ Helping Hands Food Pantry closed due to renovations to St. Charles Hall.

Saturday, May 17 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. ~ Sacred Sites Open House and Tours of the Church.

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

Sunday, May 18 immediately following 10:00 a.m. Mass ~ Ladies Sodality Meeting  in rectory dining room.

Sunday, May 18 from 12:00 Noon – 2:00 p.m. ~ Sacred Sites Open House and Tours of the Church.

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 11 ~ Mass at 10 a.m. – Joan Fiffik (Requested by Bud and Mickey Dick) and Our Mothers (Requested by Bob and Mary Kinmartin)

Monday, May 12 ~ St. Nereus & St. Achilleus, St. Pancras ~ Communion Service at 11 a.m.

Tuesday, May 13 ~ Our Lady of Fatima ~ Mass at 11 a.m. – Bernard H. Fix and Ruth R. Fix (Estate)

Wednesday, May 14 ~ St. Matthias, apostle ~ Mass at 11 a.m. – Winifred Enright (Estate)

Thursday, May 15 ~ St. Isidore ~Mass at 11 a.m. – Deceased Members and Family Members of Blessed Trinity Church (Blessed Trinity Parish)

Friday, May 16 ~ Anthony and Teresa Hafner (Estate)

Saturday, May 17 ~ Vigil Mass – Anna Snyder (Estate)

Sunday, May 18 ~ Mass at 10 a.m. – Margaret Schirmann (Mary and Thomas Stoddard) and Veronica Deck (Abbick Family)

News from our Parish Community

Judy Casassa

Mother’s Day Breakfast ~ The Holy Name Society treated women of the parish and their guests at the annual Mother’s Day Breakfast, Sunday, May 11, following the 10:00 a.m. Mass. Click HERE for photos from this event.

Sodality Meeting Rescheduled ~ Since our normal May meeting date falls on the holiday weekend, the next general meeting has been rescheduled for Sunday, May 18 in the dining room of the rectory. This will be a brief business meeting to firm up arrangements for our June 11 dinner.

Congratulations to Judy Casassa, who received the Lay Award of St. Joseph the Worker in recognition of her devotion and unselfish labors on behalf of the Blessed Trinity Parish Community. The award was conferred by Bishop Malone during a Mass in St. Joseph Cathedral on Sunday, May 4.  Judy chairs our building heritage committee and is the lead contributor to our grant writing efforts. She has spearheaded the creation of our docent team, is a member of the choir and the music/concert committee, and a major presence in our volunteer gardening efforts. In the past, she has also served as secretary and president of the Parish Council.

You’re Invited to an Open House ~ As you know, we will participate in the fourth annual NYS Landmarks Conservancy’s Sacred Sites Open House Weekend with free guided tours of our church on Saturday, May 17 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m., and on Sunday, May 18, from 12:00 noon – 2:00 p.m. Docents will be on hand to describe the church’s architectural features, including its medieval style brickwork and extensive use of terra cotta, and interpret its artworks and selected iconography. There will be informational handouts, a historical display area, and a sales table. Visitors will also get to hear fascinating video-taped stories from long-time parishioners. So – invite your friends and neighbors to “come by our house” that weekend to see our amazing building and meet our friendly folks. Open house hours are scheduled before and after weekend services, which they are also invited to attend. Visitors are encouraged to bring binoculars and cameras. Click HERE for additional information.

Collection for the Church in Latin America ~ Catholics in Latin America and the Caribbean face many challenges, including violence and a lack of both clergy and lay leadership to witness to the gospel message. Your support shares the faith with those in need, including the youth of Holy Family Parish in San Miguel, El Salvador. These young people, at high risk for violence, often lack an education in values and critical-thinking skills. To address this need, the parish designed a youth enrichment program. Funded by the Collection, this program gives the youth an opportunity to share their faith and break the cycle of violence in their neighborhoods. Please give generously to  the Collection for the Church in Latin American on the weekend of May 17/18.

UB volunteers, l. to r.: Catherine Chen, Elina Nova, Baylee Richards and Kailey Mahar.

UB Pride and Service Day was Friday, May 9, and Blessed Trinity welcomed a team of volunteers from the State University at Buffalo. Catherine Chen, Kailey Mahar, and Elina Nova, along with team leader, Baylee Richards, joined parishioners Judy Casassa, Mickey Dick, and Jerry Gallisdorfer in a much needed spring cleanup. They worked to remove all the telltale signs of winter in and around our gardens and on the Dewey side of the property and then “bagged” the wilted Easter lilies for adoption by green-thumbed members of the parish. An additional group of UB volunteers joined with neighbors and members of FLARE in cleaning up Leroy Avenue between Fillmore and Grider, and we thank them ALL for helping to beautify our little corner of Buffalo. And kudos to Judy, Mickey and Jerry who treated our volunteer work team and their bus driver to a tour of the church at the end of their work day.

Saluting Our Bingo Workers ~ Over the past few months, our bingo workers have really proved their mettle. Despite the incredibly difficult winter, they have turned out week after week. (We had only one cancellation). On February 27 we introduced electronic verification – so popular with local players. We are indebted to Don Blesnuk, Fran Cahill, and Bud Dick for locating and arranging for installation of the necessary equipment and TV monitors. Computerized equipment requires new skills, and our bingo callers – Don, Shammy Dunnigan, Kathy Press, and Sr. Liz Savage – have met the challenge.  At the same time that our workers were adjusting to these changes, our Saturday night Bonus Ball Jackpot was attracting record numbers of players: more than 300 on five consecutive Saturdays, with lines forming 90 minutes before game time. In order to handle these large numbers it was necessary to also equip and staff the downstairs dining room. Some Thursday night volunteers doubled-up, working on both Thursday and Saturday, and everyone was required to start early. On March 29, one lucky player won the record Bonus Ball Jackpot of more than $5,400.00, and our amazing team of volunteers is enjoying a bit of a “breather.” With attendance at more normal levels, this would be an excellent time to train as a bingo worker. 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.

News from our Vicariate Cluster and the Wider Community

World Day of Prayer will be observed on Sunday, May 11, also known as “Good Shepherd Sunday.”  The purpose of this day is to publicly fulfill the Lord’s instruction to, “Pray the Lord of the harvest to send laborers into his harvest” (Mt 9:38; Lk 10:2).  Please pray that young men and women hear and respond generously to the Lord’s call to the priesthood, diaconate, religious life, societies of apostolic life or secular institutes. You can find many resources to promote a culture of vocations on the USCCB webpage at (www.usccb.org/vocations).

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. Interested persons should contact their pastor for approval by May 12.

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.

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.

Third Sunday of Easter

May 6, 2014 | This Week

May 4 – May 11, 2014

Weekly Activities

Sunday, May 4 immediately following 10:00 a.m. Mass ~ Coffee Hour in St. Charles Hall hosted by the Bingo Workers.

Tuesday, May 6 at 7:30 p.m. ~ Choir Rehearsal in St. Charles Hall.

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

Friday, May 9 from 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon ~ Blessed Trinity welcomes UB Pride & Service Day Volunteers.

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

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

Sunday, May 11 immediately following 10:00 a.m. Mass ~ Mother’s Day Breakfast  in St. Charles Hall hosted by the Holy Name Society.

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 4 ~ Mass at 10 a.m. – Enza Petrino (Requested by Mary Anne Dee) and Richard and Mary James (Requested by Dorothy Lein)

Monday, May 5 ~ Communion Service at 11 a.m.

Tuesday, May 6 ~ Mass at 11 a.m. – Agnes Witherspoon (Family)

Wednesday, May 7 ~ Mass at 11 a.m. – Deceased Members and Family Members of Blessed Trinity Church (Blessed Trinity Parish)

Thursday, May 8 ~ Mass at 11 a.m. – Anthony and Teresa Hafner (Estate)

Friday, May 9 ~ Catherine M. Maher (Estate)

Saturday, May 10 ~ St. Damien de Veuster ~ Vigil Mass – Anna Snyder (Estate)

Sunday, May 11 ~ Mass at 10 a.m. – Joan Fiffik (Bud and Mickey Dick) and Our Mothers (Bob and Mary Kinmartin)

News from our Parish Community

Judy Casassa

Congratulations to Judy Casassa, who will receive the Lay Award of St. Joseph the Worker in recognition of her devotion and unselfish labors on behalf of the Blessed Trinity Parish Community. The award will be conferred by Bishop Malone during a Mass in St. Joseph Cathedral on Sunday, May 4.  Judy chairs our building heritage committee and is the lead contributor to our grant writing efforts. She has spearheaded the creation of our docent team, is a member of the choir and the music/concert committee, and a major presence in our volunteer gardening efforts. In the past, she has also served as secretary and president of the Parish Council.

For Prayer Partners: In this season of new life, we have celebrated the gift of Jesus’ risen life. Jesus promises us the same risen life. Alleluia! As we continue to pray for our prayer partners in this Easter season, remember to mark your calendars for the pot luck dinner this Thursday, May 8, 5:30 at Ss. Columba-Brigid. This will be a chance to meet your prayer partner and share a meal. If you did not sign-up at church but plan to attend, please RSVP by calling Sr. Maureen at 897-9948, ext. 114.

Mother’s Day Breakfast ~ Women of the Parish are invited, as guests of the Holy Name Society, to our traditional Mother’s Day Breakfast, to be held on Sunday, May 11, following the 10:00 a.m. Mass. Reservations for the breakfast are necessary and may be made by calling the Rectory Office (833-0301). Non-parishioner adult guests, such as daughters, mothers, sisters, similar-in-laws, etc. are welcome. No children please. Cost for the guests is $5.00 per person, payable at the door.

Saluting Our Bingo Workers ~ Over the past few months, our bingo workers have really proved their mettle. Despite the incredibly difficult winter, they have turned out week after week. (We had only one cancellation). On February 27 we introduced electronic verification – so popular with local players. We are indebted to Don Blesnuk, Fran Cahill, and Bud Dick for locating and arranging for installation of the necessary equipment and TV monitors. Computerized equipment requires new skills, and our bingo callers – Don, Shammy Dunnigan, Kathy Press, and Sr. Liz Savage – have met the challenge.  At the same time that our workers were adjusting to these changes, our Saturday night Bonus Ball Jackpot was attracting record numbers of players: more than 300 on five consecutive Saturdays, with lines forming 90 minutes before game time. In order to handle these large numbers it was necessary to also equip and staff the downstairs dining room. Some Thursday night volunteers doubled-up, working on both Thursday and Saturday, and everyone was required to start early. On March 29, one lucky player won the record Bonus Ball Jackpot of more than $5,400.00, and our amazing team of volunteers is enjoying a bit of a “breather.” With attendance at more normal levels, this would be an excellent time to train as a bingo worker. 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.

Blessed Trinity Hospitality ~ On the weekend of May 17-18, 2014, Blessed Trinity will participate in the New York Landmarks Conservancy’s Fourth Annual Sacred Sites Open House weekend. We will join dozens of houses of worship all over the state showcasing their landmark buildings. It’s an opportunity to highlight BT as a perfect example of art preserved by faith and faith preserved in art. WE NEED VOLUNTEERS!! The Open House will take place on Saturday, May 17 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. (before 4:30 Mass), and on Sunday, May 18 from 12:00 noon (after 10:00 Mass) to 2:00 p.m. We will need docents, greeters, sales associates, and general hosts. If you have worked any of our Open Houses in the past, you know everything you need to do. If you are new to Open House tours, we will happily train you. If you can help on either of these two days, please fill out one of the forms on the Communion rail indicating what type of role you are willing to play and which date/time you are available. Place the completed form in the basket. Judy Casassa will contact you with confirmation of your assignment. Please sign up to participate by Sunday, May 4. Thank you!! Click HERE for additional information.

Sodality Meeting Rescheduled ~ Since our normal May meeting date falls on the holiday weekend, the next general meeting has been rescheduled for Sunday, May 18. This will be a brief business meeting to firm up arrangements for our June 11 dinner.

News from our Vicariate Cluster and the Wider Community

World Day of Prayer will be observed on Sunday, May 11, also known as “Good Shepherd Sunday.”  The purpose of this day is to publicly fulfill the Lord’s instruction to, “Pray the Lord of the harvest to send laborers into his harvest” (Mt 9:38; Lk 10:2).  Please pray that young men and women hear and respond generously to the Lord’s call to the priesthood, diaconate, religious life, societies of apostolic life or secular institutes. You can find many resources to promote a culture of vocations on the USCCB webpage at (www.usccb.org/vocations).

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. Interested persons should contact their pastor for approval by May 12.

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.

Second Sunday of Easter (Sunday of Divine Mercy)

Apr 27, 2014 | This Week

Photo credit: Bonnie Hodur Williams

 April 27 – May 4, 2014

Weekly Activities

Sunday, April 27 immediately following 10:00 a.m. Mass ~ Ladies Sodality Meeting in St. Charles Hall.

Tuesday, April 29 ~ NO Choir Rehearsal.

Thursday, May 1 at 8:00 p.m. ~ Bingo will be played in St. Charles Hall.

Saturday, May 3 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 Noon ~ Helping Hands Food Pantry in St. Charles Hall.

Saturday, May 3 at 8:00 p.m. ~ Bingo will be played in St. Charles Hall.

Sunday, May 4 immediately following 10:00 a.m. Mass ~ Coffee Hour in St. Charles Hall hosted by the Bingo Workers.

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

Easter Sunday, April 27 ~ Mass at 10 a.m. – Margaret Schirmann (Requested by Thomas and Mary Stoddard) and Veronica Deck (Requested by Abbick Family)

Monday, April 28 ~ St. Peter Chanel, St. Louis Grignion de Montfort ~ Communion Service at 11 a.m.

Tuesday, April 29 ~ St. Catherine of Siena ~ Mass at 11 a.m. – Catherine M. Maher (Estate)

Wednesday, April 30 ~ St. Pius V ~ Mass at 11 a.m. – Agnes Witherspoon (Family)

Thursday, May 1 ~ St. Joseph the Worker ~ Mass at 11 a.m. – Bernard H. Fix and Ruth R. Fix (Estate)

Friday, May 2 ~ St. Athanasius ~ Winifred Enright (Estate)

Saturday, May 3 ~ St. Philip & St. James, apostles ~ Vigil Mass – Anna Snyder (Estate)

Sunday, May 4 ~ Mass at 10 a.m. – Enza Petrino (Mary Anne Dee) and Richard and Mary James (Dorothy Lein)

News from our Parish Community

The Ladies Sodality will meet in St. Charles Hall on Sunday, April 27, immediately following Mass. Among other things, we will be discussing plans for a June dinner.

The Catholic  Home Missions Appeal is taking place on April 26 and 27. Many dioceses right here in the United States do not have enough priests and trained lay ministers to serve their parishes. These dioceses are known as home missions, and by contributing to this special collection we are helping to fund essential ministries, including seminary education and lay ministry training. Please be generous in this Appeal and share your resources to strengthen the Church at home.

Saluting Our Bingo Workers ~ Over the past few months, our bingo workers have really proved their mettle. Despite the incredibly difficult winter, they have turned out week after week. (We had only one cancellation). On February 27 we introduced electronic verification – so popular with local players. We are indebted to Don Blesnuk, Fran Cahill, and Bud Dick for locating and arranging for installation of the necessary equipment and TV monitors. Computerized equipment requires new skills, and our bingo callers – Don, Shammy Dunnigan, Kathy Press, and Sr. Liz Savage – have met the challenge.  At the same time that our workers were adjusting to these changes, our Saturday night Bonus Ball Jackpot was attracting record numbers of players: more than 300 on five consecutive Saturdays, with lines forming 90 minutes before game time. In order to handle these large numbers it was necessary to also equip and staff the downstairs dining room. Some Thursday night volunteers doubled-up, working on both Thursday and Saturday, and everyone was required to start early. On March 29, one lucky player won the record Bonus Ball Jackpot of more than $5,400.00, and our amazing team of volunteers is enjoying a bit of a “breather.” With attendance at more normal levels, this would be an excellent time to train as a bingo worker. 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.

Coffee Hour, hosted by our Bingo workers, will be held on Sunday, May 4, following the 10:00 Mass.

Mother’s Day Breakfast ~ Women of the Parish are invited, as guests of the Holy Name Society, to our traditional Mother’s Day Breakfast, to be held on Sunday, May 11, following the 10:00 a.m. Mass. Reservations for the breakfast are necessary and may be made by calling the Rectory Office (833-0301). Non-parishioner adult guests, such as daughters, mothers, sisters, similar-in-laws, etc. are welcome. No children please. Cost for the guests is $5.00 per person, payable at the door.

Judy Casassa

Congratulations to Judy Casassa, who will receive the Lay Award of St. Joseph the Worker in recognition of her stewardship at Blessed Trinity. The award will be presented by Bishop Malone on Sunday, May 4, at St. Joseph’s Cathedral.

The Buffalo Brass Choir, under the direction of our own Nick DelBello, will present Viva Italia on Friday, May 2, at Baker Memorial United Methodist Church, 345 Main St., East Aurora, at 7:30 p.m. The musical performance will repeat on Sunday, May 4, at 3:00 p.m. at St. Joseph University Church, 3269 Main Street. The concert will feature Antiphonal works by Gabrieli, Capuzzi’s Andante and Allegro with BPO tubist Don Harry, and Respighi’s Pines of Rome.

For Prayer Partners: In this season of new life, we have celebrated the gift of Jesus’ risen life. Jesus promises us the same risen life. Alleluia! As we continue to pray for our prayer partners in this Easter season, remember to mark your calendars for the pot luck dinner on Thursday, May 8, 5:30 at Ss. Columba-Brigid. This will be a chance to meet your prayer partner and share a meal. There is a sign-up sheet on our communion rail; please fill in your name if you are coming and indicate the dish you wish to bring. The day is fast approaching, so please sign-up no later than Sunday, May 4. You may also RSVP by calling Sr. Maureen at 897-9948, ext. 114.

Blessed Trinity Hospitality ~ On the weekend of May 17-18, 2014, Blessed Trinity will participate in the New York Landmarks Conservancy’s Fourth Annual Sacred Sites Open House weekend. We will join dozens of houses of worship all over the state showcasing their landmark buildings. It’s an opportunity to highlight BT as a perfect example of art preserved by faith and faith preserved in art. WE NEED VOLUNTEERS!! The Open House will take place on Saturday, May 17 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. (before 4:30 Mass), and on Sunday, May 18 from 12:00 noon (after 10:00 Mass) to 2:00 p.m. We will need docents, greeters, sales associates, and general hosts. If you have worked any of our Open Houses in the past, you know everything you need to do. If you are new to Open House tours, we will happily train you. If you can help on either of these two days, please fill out one of the forms on the Communion rail indicating what type of role you are willing to play and which date/time you are available. Place the completed form in the basket. Judy Casassa will contact you with confirmation of your assignment. Please sign up to participate by Sunday, May 4. Thank you!! Click HERE for additional information.

Soup Suppers 2014 – The parish is grateful to everyone who assisted in hosting our Lenten Soup Suppers. Thanks to those who made a delicious variety of soups: Judy Casassa, Elsieta Chapman, Luis Clay, Amy Johnson, Bob Kinmartin, Dan Korchowsky, Althea Porter, Dianne Riordan, Helen Roddy-Gray, and Sr. Liz Savage — or provided cookies and breads: Naoma Allen, Yvonne Andrew, Ithrene Cameron, Patty Gallisdorfer, Mary Kinmartin, Althea Porter, and Lorraine Riles – or helped set-up: Naoma Allen, Vera Andrew, Elsieta Chapman. And a very special “thank you” to Amy Johnson who graciously coordinated these events.

“When the raindrop quenches the thirst
And raises the cursed and the grieving,
When the old somber ways are destroyed
And what stays is the joy that is human,
This is the meaning of hallelujah, hallelujah!
Rise, come forth and sing hallelujah!”

(From Roland E. Martin’s A Song of Resurrection,
sung by the choir at Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday Masses).

Easter Week 2014

Apr 21, 2014 | This Week

Photo credit: Bonnie Hodur Williams

April 20 – April 27, 2014

Weekly Activities

Tuesday, April 22 at 7:00 p.m. ~ NO Choir Rehearsal.

Thursday, April 24 at 8:00 p.m. ~ Bingo games resume in St. Charles Hall.

Saturday, April 26 at 8:00 p.m. ~ Bingo games resume 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

Easter Sunday, April 20 ~ Mass at 10 a.m. – Blessed Trinity Parish Community

Monday, April 21 ~ NO Communion Service at 11 a.m.

Tuesday, April 22 ~ Mass at 11 a.m. – Bernard H. Fix and Ruth R. Fix (Estate)

Wednesday, April 23 ~ Mass at 11 a.m. – Winifred Enright (Estate)

Thursday, April 24 ~ Mass at 11 a.m. – Deceased Members and Family Members of Blessed Trinity Church (The Parish)

Friday, April 25 ~ Anthony and Teresa Hafner (Estate)

Saturday, April 26 ~ Wedding Mass at 1 p.m. – Deanne Stengel and Mark Scibilia

Saturday, April 26 ~ Vigil Mass – Gladys Kibler (Estate)

Sunday, April 27 ~ Mass at 10 a.m. – Margaret Schirmann (Thomas and Mary Stoddard) and Veronica Deck (Abbick Family)

News from our Parish Community

Happy Easter to All ~ A very special “Thank You” to ALL who made our celebration of Lent and Easter a time of enrichment, growth and blessing.

Saluting Our Bingo Workers ~ Over the past few months, our bingo workers have really proved their mettle. Despite the incredibly difficult winter, they have turned out week after week. (We had only one cancellation). On February 27 we introduced electronic verification – so popular with local players. We are indebted to Don Blesnuk, Fran Cahill, and Bud Dick for locating and arranging for installation of the necessary equipment and TV monitors. Computerized equipment requires new skills, and our bingo callers – Don, Shammy Dunnigan, Kathy Press, and Sr. Liz Savage – have met the challenge.  At the same time that our workers were adjusting to these changes, our Saturday night Bonus Ball Jackpot was attracting record numbers of players: more than 300 on five consecutive Saturdays, with lines forming 90 minutes before game time. In order to handle these large numbers it was necessary to also equip and staff the downstairs dining room. Some Thursday night volunteers doubled-up, working on both Thursday and Saturday, and everyone was required to start early. On March 29, one lucky player won the record Bonus Ball Jackpot of more than $5,400.00, and our amazing team of volunteers is enjoying a bit of a “breather.” With attendance at more normal levels, this would be an excellent time to train as a bingo worker. 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.

Mark Your Calendar for Friday, May 2, when The Buffalo Brass Choir, under the direction of our own Nick DelBello, will present Viva Italia at Baker Memorial United Methodist Church, 345 Main St., East Aurora, at 7:30 p.m. The musical performance will repeat on Sunday, May 4, at 3:00 p.m. at St. Joseph University Church, 3269 Main Street. The concert will feature Antiphonal works by Gabrieli, Capuzzi’s Andante and Allegro with BPO tubist Don Harry, and Respighi’s Pines of Rome.

Coming Soon to Blessed Trinity ~ The New York Landmarks Conservancy’s Fourth Annual Sacred Sites Open House Weekend, May 17 and 18. Click HERE for additional information.

Photo credit: Bonnie Hodur Williams

“When the raindrop quenches the thirst
And raises the cursed and the grieving,
When the old somber ways are destroyed
And what stays is the joy that is human,
This is the meaning of hallelujah, hallelujah!
Rise, come forth and sing hallelujah!”

(From Roland E. Martin’s A Song of Resurrection,
sung by the choir at Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday Masses).

Holy Week

Apr 13, 2014 | This Week

April 13 – April 20, 2014

 Click HERE to view our complete schedule of Holy Week Services

Weekly Activities

Bingo will not be played on Thursday or Saturday of Holy Week.

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

Wednesday, April 16 at 7:00 p.m. ~ Choir Rehearsal in Church.

Thursday, April 17 following 7:00 p.m. Mass of the Lord’s Supper ~ Supper of Friends in St. Charles Hall.

Friday, April 18 at 6:30 p.m. ~ Decorating the Church for Easter.

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

Mass Intentions

Blessing of Palms at Blessed Trinity,
Sunday, April 13, 2014.

Sunday, April 13 ~ Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord ~ Mass at 10 a.m. Shakara Purks (Requested by The Gallisdorfers) and Richard and Mary James (Requested by Dorothy Lien)

Monday of Holy Week, April 14 ~ Communion Service at 11 a.m.

Tuesday of Holy Week, April 15 ~ Mass at 11 a.m. – Catherine M. Maher (Estate)

Wednesday of Holy Week, April 16 ~ Mass at 11 a.m. – Anna Snyder (Estate)

Holy Thursday, April 17 ~ Mass of the Lord’s Supper at 7 a.m. –  The Poor, The Unemployed, The Unwanted

Good Friday, April 18 ~ Stations of the Cross at 12 noon

Good Friday, April 18 ~ Solemn Service at 3 p.m.

Holy Saturday, April 19 ~ Easter Vigil Mass at 7 p.m. – Living and Deceased Members of Blessed Trinity Parish

Easter Sunday, April 20 ~ Mass at 10 a.m. – Blessed Trinity Parish Community

News from our Parish Community

Penance Service ~ The Catholic Churches of Central Buffalo provide an opportunity to participate in a Communal Sacrament of Reconciliation at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, April 14, at St. Katharine Drexel Church, 135 N. Ogden Street, Buffalo.

Supper of Friends ~ This simple meal including prayer and reflection in a peaceful, quiet setting will follow the Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday, April 17. The gathering will end in church with an opportunity for private prayer at the Repository, beginning at 10:00 p.m.

Decorating for Easter ~ Easter presents a very special challenge. No decorating can be done until the end of Good Friday Services, and it must be finished for the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday. Our goal is to complete the task Friday evening, and we invite YOU to help us reach this goal. A great deal of care goes into preparing our church for the most important liturgical celebration of the year. There are all kinds of tasks to be done — something for everyone. We hope you can help us on Friday evening, April 18, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Please enter church using the door near the wheelchair ramp. Thank You.

Volunteers from Canisius College who helped to
prepare our church for Holy Week.

We give prayerful thanks for the Canisius College Students, including members of the Canisius Accounting Society, who gave of their time and youthful energy on Saturday, April 12, in helping parish volunteers clean our church for Holy Week. Parishioners included Judy Casassa, Alice Davis, Bud & Mickey Dick, Ellen Duffy, Madonna Hartzell, Barbara Ivy, Dorothy Manuppelli, Kathy Press, Sr. Liz Savage and Palma Zanghi. The students, Jonathan Corona, Joe Fahey, Julia Gaiser, Danielle Giancarlo, Keon Hall, Wesley Ireland, Trey Loomis, Mackenzie McGinnity, Brian Ngwyen, Chris O’Donnell, Laura Pullano, Ben Schaver, and Christian Westermeier, were participating in Canisius College Community Day.

Good Friday Collection – Christians around the world are united in a special way during Lent, Holy Week and Easter as our hearts, minds and prayers are drawn to the Holy Land. Once a year, on Good Friday, our parish is called upon to support Christians in the Holy Land. Many of them depend on the collection for their lives. As a pontifical collection requested by Pope Francis, the annual Good Friday Collection offers a direct link for parishioners to be witnesses of peace and to help protect holy places. When you donate on Good Friday, you are supporting these Christians. Franciscans and others in the Holy Land are housing and feeding the poor, providing religious formation and education, maintaining shrines and parishes, and conducting pastoral ministry. For more information, visit http://www.myfranciscan.org/. Please be as generous as your abundance allows.

Catholic Charities: Heart at work: The 2014 appeal officially ends on April 13. Please help to ensure that the appeal reaches its goal of $10.8 million by responding with your contribution or pledge today. Your donation helps educate, counsel and train parents; provide basic assistance to families; and the hope of a brighter future to youth through our workforce and education programs. If you haven’t already contributed, please support the annual appeal with a generous gift. Our parish Chair, Bob Heicklen, or Father Reger will gratefully accept your donation. Find out more at http://www.ccwny.org or call 716-218-1400.

Mark Your Calendar for Friday, May 2, when The Buffalo Brass Choir, under the direction of our own Nick DelBello, will present Viva Italia at Baker Memorial United Methodist Church, 345 Main St., East Aurora, at 7:30 p.m. The musical performance will repeat on Sunday, May 4, at 3:00 p.m. at St. Joseph University Church, 3269 Main Street. The concert will feature Antiphonal works by

News from our Vicariate Cluster and the Wider Community

 

Camp Turner Brochures for 2014 Summer Session can be found on the table in the front entrance vestibule. Information regarding registration is noted on the brochure, or you can visit their web site by clicking HERE.