Jan 18, 2014 | News & Photos
Photo by Derek Gee, The Buffalo News
PeacePrints Prison Project Acknowledgements ~ In response to the Christmas gift bags that were delivered to inmates of the Wende Correctional Facility (for men) and the Albion Correctional Facility (for women), we have received a number of thank you notes from project recipients. Here are some of their comments:
“I, and other prisoners here at the Mental Health Unit at Wende Correctional Facility, received beautifully drawn/decorated bags with multiple items inside as Christmas gifts…. On behalf of myself, and all the other prisoners, I humbly and sincerely thank you. May Christ our Lord and the Blessed Virgin Mary bless each of you and your families.”
“Blessed are those that can give without remembering and receive without forgetting.”
“Thankful and greatful [sic] for the time and thoughtfulness. That’s the true gift received. Sally.”
“Thanking you very much. Having no outside loved ones makes moments like this rewarding.”
“As a first time offender, I found the bag touching and thoughtful. Joseph M. drew a beautiful cross with an inspiring message. I thank you for thinking of the women at Albion and have a Merry Christmas.”
“Thank U Sooo much for thinking of us. I greatly appreciate it. God Bless U!! Candice L.”
“God blesses those that bring joy to others. God bless/thank you. Cynthia D.”
“Thank you for your generosity. It’s much appreciated. Much love. Beatrice G.”
“…I am writing to say thank you for the Gift. It meant a lot knowing that someone out there still cares. Yes I am from Buffalo, lived there all of my life, I didn’t know that your church exists. So with that can you put me on your prayer list and keep in prayer. I have six years left out of 20 ‘til I’m free.”
Thank you very much for the gift you sent to us. May God bless you abundantly. Ebony.”
“Thank you for your thoughtful gifts. God bless you. Iris P.”
“The best gift wasn’t the food in the bag, it was the message and the artwork on the bag that touched my heart. I would also like to thank the volunteers for thinking of us.”
“I would like to thank you for the gifts you sent us prisoners…! You really brightened our day. Many of us have no one special to send us things or words of encouragement. We especially love the pictures you drew on the bags. I will save that bag, and when I get out of prison, I am going to frame it. One day when I visit your church, I will give my testimony, and mention your gift. Thank you very much.”
“Thank you as always for remembering us. It always means so much!!!” “Thank you so, so much! Olga M.”
“Thank you for your thoughtful gifts that we received at Christmas. Albion BIS”
“This Christmas has been rough, as my dad passed away earlier this month. The dapper little snowman with the checked hat and the red ‘Joy’ Christmas candle drawn on the bag are no proudly displayed in my cubicle…. They really cheer up my personal space and are hugely appreciated.”
“Thank you so much. Marie S.” “Thank you. God Bless. Diane H.”
Jan 12, 2014 | This Week
Blessed Trinity’s baptismal font is located in front of the Sacred Heart side altar to the right of the Sanctuary. Among the symbols on the terra cotta font are four representing behaviors that should characterize “the person ‘born again of water and the Holy Spirit’ (Jn. 3:5-8): fortitude, justice, prudence, and temperance.” (Rev. Walter Kern’s “Guidebook to Blessed
Trinity R. C. Church,” page 28). The triangular symbol in this
photo by Steve Mangione represents justice.
January 12 – January 19, 2014
Weekly Activities
Tuesday, January 14 at 6:30 p.m. ~ Take-Down [the Christmas Decorations] Party in Church.
Tuesday, January 14 at 7:30 p.m. ~ Choir Rehearsal in St. Charles Hall.
Wednesday, January 18 at 7:00 p.m. ~ Parish Council Meeting in St. Charles Hall.
Thursday, January 16 at 8:00 p.m. ~ Bingo will be played in St. Charles Hall.
Saturday, January 18 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 Noon ~ Helping Hands Food Pantry in St. Charles Hall.
Saturday, January 18 at 8:00 p.m. ~ Bingo will be played in St. Charles Hall.
Sunday, January 19 following 10:00 a.m. Mass ~ Coffee Hour in St. Charles Hall, hosted by the Ladies Sodality.
We now have: Red, White & Blue; carry over Bonus Ball; and a progressive Share-the-Wealth! To check the carry over amounts and progressive numbers for this week, click HERE and visit our Facebook page.
Mass Intentions
Sunday, January 12 ~ The Baptism of the Lord ~ Mass at 10 a.m. – Kevin Cahill (Requested by Judy Casassa)
Monday, January 13 ~ St. Hilary ~ Communion Service at 11 a.m.
Tuesday, January 14 ~ Mass at 11 a.m. – Anna Snyder (Estate)
Wednesday, January 15 ~ Mass at 11 a.m. – Bernard H. Fix and Ruth R. Fix (Estate)
Thursday, January 16 ~ Mass at 11 a.m. ~ Catherine M. Maher (Estate)
Friday, January 17 ~ St. Anthony, abbot ~Mass at 11 a.m. – William Condon (Estate of Mary Condon)
Saturday, January 18 ~ Vigil Mass at 4:30 p.m. – Deceased Members and Family Members of St. Gerard Parish
Sunday, January 19 ~ Mass at 10 a.m. – Deceased Members and Family Members of Blessed Trinity Parish
News from our Parish Community
Peter Gonciarz
Take-Down Party ~ Please join us for a quick ‘n easy Take-Down Party on Tuesday evening, January 14, beginning at 6: 30 p.m. With your help, the removal and storage of the church Christmas decorations will happen in record time. Please use the church entrance near the wheelchair ramp. Thank You!
Prayers and Best Wishes for Sister Barbara Horan as she celebrates her birthday on Thursday, January 16.
The Trinity Concert Series of “beautiful music in a beautiful space” continues on Sunday, January 26, at 3 p.m. with Peter Gonciarz and Friends. Click HERE to read more about our first concert of 2014.
Mass Honoring Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. ~ The Diocesan Celebration honoring Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. will take place Sunday, January 19, 2014 at Ss. Columba-Brigid at 2:00 p.m. Most Rev. Richard J. Malone will be the main celebrant; Rev. Chester P. Smith, SVD from the Diocese of Indiana will be the guest homilist. All are invited to participate. We have been requested to bring finger foods or desserts that can be shared during the reception after the Mass. There will be a collection during the Mass which will be directed to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Fund. We are also invited to contribute theme baskets for a raffle benefiting the Scholarship Fund. Please bring your contributions to the reception area before the Mass.
2014 Calendars ~ Every year we are fortunate to have a beautiful religious calendar for the New Year provided by Bud Dick. There are extra copies available in the ushers’ pew at the break in the middle of the church if you would like one to share with your family or a friend. Again, our thanks to Bud Dick of Vandercher & Dick Funeral Home.
PeacePrints Prison Project Acknowledgements ~ In response to the Christmas gift bags that were delivered to inmates of the Wende Correctional Facility (for men) and the Albion Correctional Facility (for women), we have received a number of thank you notes from project recipients. Here are some of their comments:
“I, and other prisoners here at the Mental Health Unit at Wende Correctional Facility, received beautifully drawn/decorated bags with multiple items inside as Christmas gifts…. On behalf of myself, and all the other prisoners, I humbly and sincerely thank you. May Christ our Lord and the Blessed Virgin Mary bless each of you and your families.”
“Blessed are those that can give without remembering and receive without forgetting.”
“Thankful and greatful [sic] for the time and thoughtfulness. That’s the true gift received. Sally.”
“Thanking you very much. Having no outside loved ones makes moments like this rewarding.”
“As a first time offender, I found the bag touching and thoughtful. Joseph M. drew a beautiful cross with an inspiring message. I thank you for thinking of the women at Albion and have a Merry Christmas.”
“Thank U Sooo much for thinking of us. I greatly appreciate it. God Bless U!! Candice L.”
“God blesses those that bring joy to others. God bless/thank you. Cynthia D.”
“Thank you for your generosity. It’s much appreciated. Much love. Beatrice G.”
“…I am writing to say thank you for the Gift. It meant a lot knowing that someone out there still cares. Yes I am from Buffalo, lived there all of my life, I didn’t know that your church exists. So with that can you put me on your prayer list and keep in prayer. I have six years left out of 20 ‘til I’m free.”
“Thank you very much for the gift you sent to us. May God bless you abundantly. Ebony.”
“Thank you for your thoughtful gifts. God bless you. Iris P.”
“The best gift wasn’t the food in the bag, it was the message and the artwork on the bag that touched my heart. I would also like to thank the volunteers for thinking of us.”
“I would like to thank you for the gifts you sent us prisoners…! You really brightened our day. Many of us have no one special to send us things or words of encouragement. We especially love the pictures you drew on the bags. I will save that bag, and when I get out of prison, I am going to frame it. One day when I visit your church, I will give my testimony, and mention your gift. Thank you very much.”
“Thank you as always for remembering us. It always means so much!!!”
“Thank you so, so much! Olga M.”
“Thank you for your thoughtful gifts that we received at Christmas. Albion BIS”
“This Christmas has been rough, as my dad passed away earlier this month. The dapper little snowman with the checked hat and the red ‘Joy’ Christmas candle drawn on the bag are no proudly displayed in my cubicle…. They really cheer up my personal space and are hugely appreciated.”
“Thank you so much. Marie S.”
“Thank you. God Bless. Diane H.”
- News from our Vicariate Cluster and the Wider Community
- A Forum on Immigration Reform featuring Most Rev. Richard J. Malone, Bishop of Buffalo; Michael Marszalkowski, Immigrant Attorney; Colleen Seminara, Program Supervisor for Public Policy, Catholic Charities of Buffalo; Dennis Walczyk, CEO, Catholic Charities of Buffalo, Moderator. Forum will be held Tuesday, January 14 at 7:00 P.M. at Catholic Academy of West Buffalo, 1069 Delaware Ave. at Lexington (just north of West Utica St.) Parking is available behind the school; enter the school from the parking lot.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Service Day is being sponsored by the Diocesan Office of Cultural Diversity on Monday, January 20. Volunteers will be assigned to give some help to the following sites: SS. Columba Brigid Church, St. Lawrence Church, and the Bristol Home at 1500 Main Street. If you would like to volunteer your services, you may sign the Volunteer Forms on the altar railing near the Baptismal Font. Please do so today. Thank you.
Do You or Someone You Know need Help at Home? “Total Aging in Place” may be able to help. A Managed Long Term Care plan designed to help people 55 and older live safely and independently in the comfort of their own home, the agency provides and coordinates medical care. They give the participant the ability to socialize during the day at a Day Center and when not in the day center, the program provides care and support at home. You must be Medicaid eligible or you can privately pay. Please call 716-250-3119 or toll free 1-800-8822-8185.
Jan 10, 2014 | In Memoriam
Rita Conlin O’Donnell, ’40
Rita Conlin O’Donnell, ’40
January 26, 2013 at age 86
Robert F. Harrer, ’37
February 2, 2013 at age 89
James J. Loesch, ’55
February 25, 2013
Richard Klaus, ’54
1940 – March 13, 2013
John E. Lester, ’54
John E. “Jack” Lester, ’54
May 24, 2013 at age 72
Donald Sheridan, ’56
June 2013
Dorothy E. Joseph Hacker , ’47
September 12, 2013
Sister Mary Helen Hope, ’36
Sister Mary Helen (Teresea) Hope, ’36
December 18, 1921 – September 24, 2013
Edward Oscar Steinwachs, ’39
Edward Oscar Steinwachs, ’29
August 19, 1915 – October 27, 2013
David P. Zimolong, ’55
David P. Zimolong, ’55
November 20, 2013
William J. Dengler, ’40
William J. Dengler, ’40
December 30, 1926 – November 22, 2013
Margaret Foisset Schirmann, ’25
Margaret M. Foisset Schirmann, ’25
January 7, 1911 – December 18, 2013
Donald C. Nicklas, ’57
December 24, 2013 at age 69
Karen E. Sweeney, ’64
December 31, 2013
Jan 7, 2014 | This Week
January 5 – January 12, 2014
Weekly Activities
Sunday, January 5 following 10:00 a.m. Mass ~ Pastor’s Reception for Parish Volunteers in the Rectory.
Tuesday, January 7 ~ CHOIR REHEARSAL CANCELLED.
Thursday, January 9 at 8:00 p.m. ~ Bingo will be played in St. Charles Hall.
Saturday, January 9 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 Noon ~ Helping Hands Food Pantry in St. Charles Hall.
Saturday, January 9 at 8:00 p.m. ~ Bingo will be played in St. Charles Hall.
We now have: Red, White & Blue; carry over Bonus Ball; and a progressive Share-the-Wealth! To check the carry over amounts and progressive numbers for this week, click HERE and visit our Facebook page.
Mass Intentions
Sunday, January 5 ~ Epiphany of the Lord ~ Mass at 10 a.m. – John Duffy (Requested by Family)
Monday, January 6 ~ St. Andre Bessette ~ No Service.
Tuesday, January 7 ~ St. Raymond of Penafort ~ Mass at 11 a.m. – Anna Snyder (Estate)
Wednesday, January 8 ~ Mass at 11 a.m. – Bernard H. Fix and Ruth R. Fix (Estate)
Thursday, January 9 ~ Mass at 11 a.m. ~ Deceased Members of Blessed Trinity Parish
Friday, January 10 ~ Mass at 11 a.m. – Winifred Enright (Estate)
Saturday, January 11 ~ The Baptism of the Lord ~ Vigil Mass at 4:30 p.m. – Paul G. Horan (Family)
Sunday, January 12 ~ The Baptism of the Lord ~ Mass at 10 a.m. – Kevin Cahill (Judy Casassa)
Mass Honoring Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. ~ The Diocesan Celebration honoring Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. will take place Sunday, January 19, 2014 at Ss. Columba-Brigid at 2:00 p.m. Most Rev. Richard J. Malone will be the main celebrant; Rev. Chester P. Smith, SVD from the Diocese of Indiana will be the guest homilist. All are invited to participate. We have been requested to bring finger foods or desserts that can be shared during the reception after the Mass. There will be a collection during the Mass which will be directed to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Fund. We are also invited to contribute theme baskets for a raffle benefitting the Scholarship Fund. Please bring your contributions to the reception area before the Mass.
A Catholic Central City Buffalo Thank You! ~ “Blessings of the New Year to All! As the 2013 year ends, I want to thank everyone for their participation in “Christmas in the City.” I heard many comments of how enjoyable the event was. So with all our different cultures and music you need to be congratulated! As Fr. Ron stressed so well as emcee, we not only celebrated the Feast of the Holy Family, we shared in the celebration of all our parishes as one family in Christ. With the adoption of the New Beginnings Choir, we expanded into an ecumenical celebration of God’s great gift of Love to us through his Son, Jesus. My deep appreciation to all the music directors, musicians, choirs, gesturers, those who set up, and those who took down, moved altars and equipment, brought cookies, washed dishes, planned the program and especially to our hosts at Ss. Columba-Brigid. My deep gratitude, Sr. Maureen Harris.”
The Trinity Concert Series of “beautiful music in a beautiful space” continues on Sunday, January 26, at 3 p.m. with Peter Gonciarz and Friends. Click HERE to read more about our first concert of 2014.
2014 Calendars ~ Every year we are fortunate to have a beautiful religious calendar for the New Year provided by Bud Dick. There are extra copies available in the ushers’ pew at the break in the middle of the church if you would like one to share with your family or a friend. Again, our thanks to Bud Dick of Vandercher & Dick Funeral Home.
- News from our Vicariate Cluster and the Wider Community
Martin Luther King, Jr. Service Day is being sponsored by the Diocesan Office of Cultural Diversity on Monday, January 20. Volunteers will be assigned to give some help to the following sites: SS. Columba Brigid Church, St. Lawrence Church, and the Bristol Home at 1500 Main Street. If you would like to volunteer your services, you may sign the Volunteer Forms on the altar railing near the Baptismal Font. Please do so today. Thank you.
Jan 7, 2014 | Upcoming Events
Sunday, January 26, 2014 at 3:00 p.m.
Peter Gonciarz and Friends
Peter Gonciarz
Our Trinity Series of “beautiful music in a beautiful space” continues on January 26 when Organist Peter Gonciarz, Music Director at Our Lady of Pompeii Church, returns to play our church’s newly refurbished 1927 Tellers-Kent organ in a program featuring both solo and chamber works. He’ll be joined by our Music Director, Nick DelBello, and Steve Budnack on trumpet and flutist Miranda DelBello. A free-will offering will be taken; suggested $10 donation.
Blessed Trinity is located at 317 Leroy Avenue, Buffalo.
Our venue is wheelchair accessible and has secured off-street parking,
with parking lot entrances on both Leroy and Dewey Avenues.
Dec 29, 2013 | This Week
Christmas Sanctuary, 2013. Photo credit: Luis Clay
December 29, 2013 – January 5, 2014
Click HERE for Schedule of Christmas Services through January 12, 2014.
Weekly Activities
Sunday, December 29 at 2:00 p.m. ~ Christmas in the City at Ss. Columba-Brigid Church.
Thursday, January 2 at 8:00 p.m. ~ Bingo will be played in St. Charles Hall.
Saturday, January 4 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 Noon ~ Helping Hands Food Pantry in St. Charles Hall.
Saturday, January 4 at 8:00 p.m. ~ Bingo will be played in St. Charles Hall.
We now have: Red, White & Blue; carry over Bonus Ball; and a progressive Share-the-Wealth! To check the carry over amounts and progressive numbers for this week, click HERE and visit our Facebook page.
Mass Intentions
Sunday, December 29 ~ Mass at 10 a.m. – Kevin Cahill (Requested by Bud and Mickey Dick) and John Tronolone
Monday, December 30 ~ Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. for Shakara H. Purks
Monday, December 30 ~ Mass of Christian Burial at 2 p.m. for Enza I. Petrino
Tuesday, December 31 ~ NO service.
Wednesday, January 1 ~ Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God ~ Mass at 10:00 a.m. – Anne Horan O’Conner (Family)
Thursday, January 2 ~ Mass at 11 a.m. ~ Gladys Kibler (Estate)
Friday, January 3 ~ Mass at 11 a.m. – Catherine H. Maher (Estate)
Saturday, January 4 ~ Epiphany of the Lord ~ Vigil Mass at 4:30 p.m. – John J. Horan (Family)
Sunday, January 5 ~ Epiphany of the Lord ~ Mass at 10 a.m. – John Duffy (Family)
Christmas in the City ~ Just a reminder … Sunday, December 29, beginning at 2:00 p.m., is our “Christmas in the City” celebration at Ss. Columba-Brigid Church, 75 Hickory St. (one block S. of Clinton St.). Choirs from our five churches in Central Buffalo will perform and you’ll have an opportunity to join in the singing of favorite carols. You are invited to bring cookies or your favorite holiday finger food to share. Join us, and bring family and friends.
A Prayer for the New Year ~ “Peace to this our Earth! May the risen Jesus bring comfort to the victims of natural disasters and make us responsible guardians of creation.” Pope Francis
An Invitation ~ Attention Readers, Eucharist Ministers, Choir Members, Ushers, Saturday Sacristans, Collection Counters, Bereavement Committee, Food Pantry Helpers, Catechists, Coordinators for Family Promise and the Prison Project: Father Reger asks that you reserve a little time after Masses on the weekend of January 4-5 to meet him in the rectory.
2014 Calendars ~ Every year we are fortunate to have a beautiful religious calendar for the New Year provided by Bud Dick. You will receive your calendar at weekend Masses on December 28/29. There will be extra copies available in the ushers’ pew at the break in the middle of the church if you would like one to share with your family or a friend. Again, our thanks to Bud Dick of Vandercher & Dick Funeral Home.
- News from our Vicariate Cluster and the Wider Community
-
Christmas crèche at Blessed Trinity, 2013. Photo Credit: Luis Clay
-
- International Crèches on Display ~ Father Roy Herberger invites you to experience a display of almost 400 nativity sets from 55 countries. These international crèches will be shown at Ss. Columba-Brigid Church located at 75 Hickory & Eagle Sts. The hours are from 1 – 4 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday in December and on January 4 and 5. There is no charge and there is a special section for children.
Dec 22, 2013 | This Week
Feast of the Birth of Our Lord
Christmas Eve
Tuesday, December 24
11:30 p.m. ~ Choral Program
Blessed Trinity Choir
12:00 a.m. ~ Midnight Mass
Organ, Brass and Choir
Christmas Day
Wednesday, December 25
10:00 a.m. ~ Christmas Mass
Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
Saturday, December 28
4:30 p.m. ~ Vigil Mass
Sunday, December 29
10:00 a.m. ~ Mass
The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
10:00 a.m. ~ Mass
The Epiphany of the Lord
Saturday, January 4, 2014
4:30 p.m. ~ Vigil Mass
Sunday, January 5, 2014
10:00 a.m. ~ Mass
The Baptism of the Lord
Saturday, January 11, 2014
4:30 p.m. ~ Vigil Mass
Sunday, January 12, 2014
10:00 a.m. ~ Mass
Dec 22, 2013 | This Week
December 22 – December 29, 2013
Click HERE for Schedule of Christmas Services
Weekly Activities
Thursday, December 26 at 8:00 p.m. ~ Bingo will be played in St. Charles Hall.
Saturday, December 28 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 Noon ~ Helping Hands Food Pantry in St. Charles Hall.
Sunday, December 29 at 2:00 p.m. ~ Christmas in the City at Ss. Columba-Brigid Church.
We now have: Red, White & Blue; carry over Bonus Ball; and a progressive Share-the-Wealth! To check the carry over amounts and progressive numbers for this week, click HERE and visit our Facebook page.
Mass Intentions
Sunday, December 22 ~ Mass at 10 a.m. – Norine Hackney (Requested by Ed Marien) and Kevin Cahill (Requested by Angela Jost)
Monday, December 23 ~ NO service.
Tuesday, December 24 ~ Feast of the Nativity of the Lord ~ NO morning service.
Choral Preludes at 11:30 p.m. ~ Mass at 12:00 Midnight – Members of Blessed Trinity Parish
Wednesday, December 25 ~ Christmas Day Mass at 10:00 a.m. – Members of Blessed Trinity Parish
Thursday, December 26 ~ NO Service.
Friday, December 27 ~ Mass at 11 a.m. – Anthony and Teresa Hafner (Estate)
Saturday, December 28 ~ Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. for Margaret M. Schirmann
Saturday, December 28 ~ Vigil Mass at 4:30 p.m. – Mary Horan Roach and Marshall Roach (Family)
Sunday, December 29 ~ Mass at 10 a.m. – Kevin Cahill (Bud and Mickey Dick) and John Tronolone
Our Christmas Wish ~ Our wish for you as well as for us is that this child, who reconciled heaven and earth, will also bind us together in his love. May you all have a very blessed and joyful Christmas!
An Invitation ~ Attention Readers, Eucharist Ministers, Choir Members, Ushers, Saturday Sacristans, Collection Counters, Bereavement Committee, Food Pantry Helpers, Catechists, Coordinators for Family Promise and the Prison Project: Father Reger asks that you reserve a little time after Masses on the weekend of January 4-5 to meet him in the rectory.
Thanks to our 20 volunteers who worked together Wednesday evening, we were able to complete our first phase of decorating for Christmas. We appreciate everything you did to make the project move along so famously!
- News from our Vicariate Cluster and the Wider Community
Christmas in the City ~ We encourage you to invite family and friends to join us on Holy Family Sunday, December 29, 2013, beginning at 2:00 p.m. at Ss. Columba-Brigid Church 75 Hickory Street at Eagle (one block S. of Clinton) for Christmas in the City as the Catholic Churches of Central Buffalo’s families, musicians, and choirs celebrate our Christmas Faith. Bring your favorite finger foods or Christmas cookies to share.
- International Crèches on Display ~ Father Roy Herberger invites you to experience a display of almost 400 nativity sets from 55 countries. These international crèches will be shown at Ss. Columba-Brigid Church located at 75 Hickory & Eagle Sts. The hours are from 1 – 4 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday in December and on January 4 and 5. There is no charge and there is a special section for children.
-
Dec 14, 2013 | This Week
December 15 – December 22, 2013
Weekly Activities
Sunday December 15 ~ Gifts for shut-ins ready for pick up and delivery (in church).
Sunday, December 15 following 10:00 a.m. Mass ~ Coffee Hour in St. Charles Hall, hosted by Holy Name Society.
Tuesday, December 17 at 7:00 p.m. ~ Choir Practice in St. Charles Hall.
Wednesday, December 18 at 6:30 p.m. ~ Decorating our Church for Christmas.
Thursday, December 19 at 8:00 p.m. ~ Bingo will be played in St. Charles Hall.
Saturday, December 21 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 Noon ~ Helping Hands Food Pantry in St. Charles Hall.
We now have: Red, White & Blue; carry over Bonus Ball; and a progressive Share-the-Wealth! To check the carry over amounts and progressive numbers for this week, click HERE and visit our Facebook page.
Mass Intentions
Sunday, December 15 ~ Mass at 10 a.m. – Mildred Bleyle (Requested by Bud and Mickey Dick) and Lawrence J. Miano (Requested by Bob and Mary Kresse)
Monday, December 16 ~ Communion Service at 11 a.m.
Tuesday, December 17 ~ Mass at 11 a.m. – Deceased Members and Family Members of Blessed Trinity Parish
Wednesday, December 18 ~ Mass at 11 a.m. – Winifred Enright (Estate)
Thursday, December 19 ~ Mass at 11 a.m. – Deceased Members and Family Members of St. Gerard Parish
Friday, December 20 ~ Mass at 11 a.m. – William Condon (Estate)
Saturday, December 21 ~ Vigil Mass at 4:30 p.m. – Anna Snyder (Estate)
Sunday, December 22 ~ Mass at 10 a.m. – Norine Hackney (Ed Marien) and Kevin Cahill (Angela Jost)
News from our Parish Community
Coffee Hour ~ The Holy Name Society is hosting a coffee hour on Sunday, December 15, immediately following the 10 a.m. Mass. Don’t let the snow discourage you from joining us in St. Charles Hall.
Gifts for our Shut-ins ~ The Christmas presents are ready and waiting for delivery. Many thanks to everyone who contributed so generously; to the Sodality members who wrapped and personalized the gift bags; and to all St. Nick’s helpers who will be delivering and visiting with our shut-ins and parishioners in senior care facilities during this coming week. If you will not be at church this weekend, please make arrangements with the rectory for pick up early in the week. All gift bags should be delivered by Christmas.
- Decorating for Christmas ~ Help us create “the Christmas look” at B.T. on Wednesday, December 18, beginning at 6:30 p.m. and continuing until completion. There are all kind of tasks to do, and with willing hands and hearts and Christmas spirit, the work will be light for all! We’ve even cancelled Wednesday’s Parish Council meeting so that our Council members can lend their expertise.
Sounds (and tastes) of the Season ~ A special thank you to the wonderful Freudig Singers of WNY whose Christmas Pie Concert last Sunday delighted more than 150 holiday guests. And the pies were sooooo yummy! The joys of the season to ear and heart and tummy!-
- Gifts for La Casa Deadline ~ We invite you again this year to be a part of bringing Christmas to the refugees – men, women and children – who reside at Vive La Casa on Wyoming Avenue. For many years this was a favorite tradition for Sister Flavia. This year we will be collecting hats, scarves, mittens/gloves for children and adults, and toys. If you would like to participate in this effort, please bring your unwrapped gifts and place them in our La Casa box by Sunday, December 15. Thank You!
Prisoner Gifts ~ A sincere “thank you” to all who contributed goods, time and effort to continue this special project of Sr. Karen Klimczak, SSJ. Blessed Trinity exceeded its goal and collected 4,300 hot chocolate packs! Special thanks to parishioners Judy Casassa, Mickey and Bud Dick, Sharon and Esquisite Dunnigan, Amy Johnson, Dan and Jackie Korchowsky, Kathleen Marien, Althea Porter and Sr. Liz Savage who helped assemble packages on Friday, Dec. 6 and then cleaned the church for Sunday’s concert. A total of 2,100 gift bags were assembled for 1,000 men at Wende Correctional Facility and 1,100 women at Albion Correctional. And thanks to Father Reger and Sister Barbara Horan who helped Jan Burns this past Tuesday evening to assemble a number of “fill-in” bags that were needed. Jan Burns again coordinated this project, working with PeacePrints Prison Ministry. Evelyn Brady assisted Jan and arranged for the donation and bagging of all the candy and also secured white socks for the Albion women. The men’s gifts were delivered this past week and the women’s will be delivered next week.
Religious give thanks ~ “Thank you for accompanying us as we care for our elder sisters,” writes a religious superior. Your gift to the Retirement Fund for Religious helps support nearly 34,000 sisters, brothers, and religious order priests past age 70. May God bless you abundantly for your goodness.
Catholic Relief Services Aids Philippines ~ “This is the worst storm ever to hit the Philippines,” says CRS Philippines Country Representative Joe Curry. There is total devastation in a 30 mile-wide swath cut by Haiyan. That corridor includes 3.6 million people, and about 10 million have been affected. Catholic Relief Services staff, who began preparing a response as the storm neared, are working with Caritas Philippines, the Philippine government and other humanitarian organizations. In the wake of the storm, CRS staff is flying in from around the world, some reaching their destinations by boat. CRS is distributing thousands of temporary A-frame shelters, which can house a family of five. Thirty-two thousand of these shelters, along with thousands of hygiene and sanitation kits, will arrive near the zone of destruction this week. As one of the world’s leading humanitarian relief and development agencies, CRS provides lifesaving emergency relief in the wake of natural and man-made disasters. We are committed to staying with the people of the Philippines for as long as needed to bring relief-and recovery. Please help those affected by Typhoon Haiyan by donating to CRS. Click HERE to donate online.
- News from our Vicariate Cluster and the Wider Community
International Crèches on Display ~ Father Roy Herberger invites you to experience a display of almost 400 nativity sets from 55 countries. These international crèches will be shown at Ss. Columba-Brigid Church located at 75 Hickory & Eagle Sts. (one block south of Clinton). The hours are from 1 – 4 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday in December and on January 4 and 5. There is no charge and there is a special section for children.-
Dec 9, 2013 | This Week
Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception
December 9
Following the merger of St. Gerard, St. James and Blessed Trinity Parishes in 2008, arrangements were made to relocate this beautiful statue of The Immaculate Conception from the St. Gerard campus to Blessed Trinity. It was rededicated in August, 2009 and is found on the west side of the church.
December 8 – December 15, 2013
Weekly Activities
Sunday, December 8 at 3:00 p.m. ~ Freudig Singers of WNY perform “A Christmas Pie” in church; post-concert pie reception in St. Charles Hall.
Tuesday, December 10 at 7:00 p.m. ~ Choir Practice in St. Charles Hall.
Thursday, December 12 at 8:00 p.m. ~ Bingo will be played in St. Charles Hall.
Saturday, December 14 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 Noon ~ Helping Hands Food Pantry in St. Charles Hall.
Saturday, December 14/Sunday December 15 ~ Gifts for shut-ins ready for pick up and delivery (in church).
Sunday, December 15 following 10:00 a.m. Mass ~ Coffee Hour in St. Charles Hall, hosted by Holy Name Society.
We now have: Red, White & Blue; carry over Bonus Ball; and a progressive Share-the-Wealth! To check the carry over amounts and progressive numbers for this week, click HERE and visit our Facebook page.
Mass Intentions
Sunday, December 8 ~ Mass at 10 a.m. – Philomena M. Vaillancourt (Requested by Gayle and James Eagan) and
Marie Theresa Slubecky (Requested by Pastor and Parishioners)
Monday, December 9 ~ Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of Our Lady ~ Mass at 12:00 Noon
Tuesday, December 10 ~ Mass at 11 a.m. – Anthony and Teresa Hafner (Estate)
Wednesday, December 11 ~ Pope St. Damasus I ~ Mass at 11 a.m. – Catherine M. Maher (Estate)
Thursday, December 12 ~ Our Lady of Guadalupe ~ Mass at 11 a.m. – Bernard H. Fix and Ruth R. Fix (Estate)
Friday, December 13 ~ St. Lucy ~ Mass at 11 a.m. – Deceased Members and Family Members of Blessed Trinity Parish
Saturday, December 14 ~ St. John of the Cross ~ Vigil Mass at 4:30 p.m. – John and Ester Horan (Family)
Sunday, December 15 ~ Mass at 10 a.m. – Mildred Bleyle (Bud and Mickey Dick) and Lawrence J. Miano (Bob and Mary Kresse)
News from our Parish Community
Gifts for our Shut-ins ~ Christmas gift bags for elderly parishioners will be ready on December 14. If you have volunteered to deliver one of these presents, please pick up the gift bag and poinsettia plant when you attend Mass on December 14 or 15. It will have both your name and the name and address of the person you are visiting. If you will not be at church this weekend, please make arrangements with the rectory for pick up early in the week. All gift bags should be delivered by Christmas.
- “Beautiful Music in a beautiful space…” The Trinity Concert Series continues with The Freudig Singers of WNY serving us “A Christmas Pie” on Sunday, December 8, 2013 at 3 p.m. The Freudig choristers, under the direction of Roland Martin, bring their special brand of joyfulness to the holiday season with your favorite carols, double-bassist Sydney King and a post-concert pie reception guaranteed to put you in the Christmas spirit. We’ll be wrapping up a very busy week at Blessed Trinity, so mark your calendar now and treat yourself to a little Christmas pie.
-
- Gifts for La Casa Deadline ~ We invite you again this year to be a part of bringing Christmas to the refugees – men, women and children – who reside at Vive La Casa on Wyoming Avenue. For many years this was a favorite tradition for Sister Flavia. This year we will be collecting hats, scarves, mittens/gloves for children and adults, and toys. If you would like to participate in this effort, please bring your unwrapped gifts and place them in our La Casa box by Sunday, December 15. Thank You!
Retirement Fund for Religious ~ Senior Catholic sisters, brothers, and religious order priests spent years working in Catholic schools, hospitals, and social service agencies, often for little, if any, pay. Their sacrifices now leave their religious communities without adequate savings for retirement and elder care. “Each year the need to provide for our elderly [members] becomes more pressing, and we are ever more grateful tor these providential funds,” writes a religious sister about the financial assistance received from the Retirement Fund for Religious. Your gift helps provide prescription medications, nursing care, and more for thousands of elderly religious. Please give to those who have given a lifetime.
Catholic Relief Services Aids Philippines ~ “This is the worst storm ever to hit the Philippines,” says CRS Philippines Country Representative Joe Curry. There is total devastation in a 30 mile-wide swath cut by Haiyan. That corridor includes 3.6 million people, and about 10 million have been affected. Catholic Relief Services staff, who began preparing a response as the storm neared, are working with Caritas Philippines, the Philippine government and other humanitarian organizations. In the wake of the storm, CRS staff is flying in from around the world, some reaching their destinations by boat. CRS is distributing thousands of temporary A-frame shelters, which can house a family of five. Thirty-two thousand of these shelters, along with thousands of hygiene and sanitation kits, will arrive near the zone of destruction this week. As one of the world’s leading humanitarian relief and development agencies, CRS provides lifesaving emergency relief in the wake of natural and man-made disasters. We are committed to staying with the people of the Philippines for as long as needed to bring relief-and recovery. Please help those affected by Typhoon Haiyan by donating to CRS. Click HERE to donate online.
St. Timothy RC Church, 565 East Park Drive, Tonawanda, will conduct its Advent Taize Prayer Service on Thursday, December 12 at 7 p.m. Taize is an all ages, ecumenical service which praises God through scripture, prayer, meditation and beautiful music. Take time from your hectic holiday preparations to join in prayer with our fellow Christians. Bring your prayer intentions as we light our candles and pray for peace in our world, in our homes and in our hearts. After the Service there will be time for fellowship and refreshment. Contact Sandy Levinthal, 875-9430, for more information.
