A Message from the Pastor:
Observing the Lord’s Day
God commanded us to “Keep holy the Lord’s Day.” Therefore, we are to use this day to praise God in community with one another. Going to Mass on Sunday is an essential part of being Catholic.
One reason we attend Mass on Sunday is because the practice goes back to the days of the Apostles. The Letter to the Hebrews reminds the faithful to “not neglect to meet together” on the Lord’s Day. Also, attending Sunday Mass gives us the opportunity to praise God through prayer, song, and the reading of Scripture, and to receive the Body and Blood of Christ with the whole community on the day of rest God set aside for us.
Please make every effort to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation.
+May God Bless each of you, and may He keep you and your families safe, healthy, happy, and free from all evil! +
Your Friend in Christ,
Father Gary Spencer
Pastor
____________________________________________________________________
TRINITY TIMES
Holy Trinity
National Catholic Church
3319 Lake Shore Road
Woodlawn, New York 14219
Tel: 716-931-9693
Today's Readings (July 24, 2022)
1st Reading – Genesis 18: 20-32............Lord, do not be angry if I speak.
2nd Reading – Colossians 2: 12-14.......He has made you alive with Christ for he has forgiven all our sins.
Gospel Reading – Luke 11: 1-13.............Ask, and it will be given to you.
The PNCC and its Symbol
The Polish National Catholic Church was formed in Scranton, Pennsylvania in 1897. It was organized by Father Francis Hodur (1866-1953) who became the first Bishop of the Church. The PNCC is Apostolic and all of its Sacraments are valid and accepted by both the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Churches. The symbol of the PNCC is a Book, the Sun, the Cross, and a Palm.
The Book signifies the Word of God. The Sun means religious freedom and fervor. The Cross signifies suffering and consecration for others. The Palm stands for peace. The mission of the PNCC is to help members remember that their purpose in life is to know and serve God and establish His Kingdom on Earth; to live life according to Christ’s principles of truth, righteousness and love for all people; and to grow Spiritually through faithful worship and participation in the Sacraments, and by fulfilling duties to family, nation and humankind.
A Little Reminder
Just a little reminder about the sanctity of the church: Please keep in mind that the church is a sanctuary for Our Lord Jesus. Jesus is present in the church whenever the sanctuary light is on (the light on the wall by the tabernacle). The light indicates that Jesus is with us, and is dwelling in the tabernacle. Therefore, we should show reverence to Our Lord and King by keeping a respectful attitude whenever we are present at church for Mass or Devotions.
Please remember to turn off cell phones, and if it is necessary to speak with someone, please do so in a low voice.
Parishioners also often pray before and after Mass, so it is important give them some quite time with Our God.
A Liturgical Reminder
The celebration of Holy Mass is a communal activity by which a congregation Worships God. The priest leads the congregation in the liturgy and the people respond by their words and actions.
Please remember to follow the rubrics of the Mass (found in the Mass book) regarding blessing yourself, striking your breast, and genuflecting throughout the Liturgy.
Also, with Easter rapidly approaching, please remember to kneel as the Monstrance (Starburst shaped vessel that holds the Blessed Sacrament) passes by you during the Easter procession.
Lectors Schedule
July 24 – Larry O’Toole
July 31 – Sharon Kysor
Extended Schedule
July 24, 2022 – 10:30 AM Holy Mass (17th Sunday in Ordinary Time)
July 26, 2022 – 7:30 AM Mass for the Health and Blessing of Ed Yungbluth. This Mass is offered by Father Gary and Mrs. Donna Spencer.
July 28, 2022 – 7:30 AM Mass with Memorial Prayers for Crystal Kelsey. This Mass is offered by Father Gary and Mrs. Donna Spencer.
July 31, 2022 – 10:30 AM Holy Mass (18th Sunday in Ordinary Time).
August 7, 2022 – 10:30 AM General Confession followed by Holy Mass. Father Gary’s retirement Mass. Fellowship/Coffee Hour following Mass
Readings for the week of July 24, 2022
Mon: Sirach 2: 1-6 / 2 Corinthians 4: 7-15 / Matthew 20: 20-28 (St. James the Greater)
Tues Jeremiah 14: 17-22 / Matthew 13: 35-43
Wed: Jeremiah 15: 10, 16-21 / Matthew13: 44-46
Thurs: Jeremiah 18: 1-6 / Matthew 13: 47-53
Fri: Jeremiah 26: 1-9 / Matthew 13: 54-58
Sat: Jeremiah 26: 11-16, 24 / Matthew 14: 1-12
Memorial Intention Prayers
Included in today’s Mass will be Memorial Intentions Prayers for the happy repose of the soul of Sonny Wilk.
This Mass is offered by Linda Wilk.
Special Blessings
Anniversaries:
July 15 – Jim and Sharon Pawlowski
Birthday:
July 19 – Dorothy Kopacz
July 28 - Mason Lavelle
July 29 - John Figiel
July 30 - Jessica Bates
How Do You Pray?
Has anyone ever asked you how you pray? Have you ever asked anyone? For most Catholics the general response is that they pray the Our Father, and the Hail Mary, and the Rosary, and the prayers they pray during Mass on Sunday.
Although a good number of Catholics have a daily prayer routine, or prayer life, there are still a good number of Catholics who do not have a daily interaction with God.
There are basically four kinds of prayer: prayers of Praise; prayers of Contrition (where we ask for forgiveness); prayers of Thanksgiving; and prayers of Petition (where we ask God to do something for us). That’s four different ways we can be in contact with God each and every day.
Please make time every day to pray. In the end praying to God is merely talking to God, so don’t be shy. Remember these words of Jesus, “Ask and you shall receive; seek and you shall find, knock and it shall be opened to you.”
Just a Reminder
Whenever there are guests or new faces in church for Mass, please don’t hesitate to help them with the Mass book (for example, tell them that they can follow along with the Mass starting on page 63), and always be friendly and welcoming. These are little things that make a big impression on visitors, and can help grow our parish.
A Thought to Ponder
“I used to believe that prayer changes things, but now I know that prayer changes us, and we change things.
St. Teresa of Calcutta
Choose to spend time with Our Lord each day
and your life will change for the better.
Spread the word of the Lord, bring a friend to church.
ALL are always welcome.