The significance of the “Gospel of Judas” will be explored during the education hour at 10:45 a.m. Sunday, May 7, at Westminster Church, 17 William St. in Auburn. The ancient codex that made headlines in April and was featured in the National Geographic magazine and TV channel was lost and buried for nearly 1,700 years. Now recently restored and translated, the ancient text puts Judas in a new light. Pastor Phil Windsor will explore the “The Gospel of Judas” and what it and other ancient texts reveal about the early Christian church.

‹ Westminster is also offering unique gifts for Mother's Day and Father's Day or any special occasion. If you are looking for a unique gift for the mother who has everything, how about a warm blanket for a family left homeless by a hurricane in Florida? Or a fishing net for a village cooperative in Bolivia? For Mother's Day, Father's Day or to honor someone special, the Mission and Stewardship Committee of Westminster Presbyterian Church is offering a creative way to give a gift of love that helps those most in need. An alternative gift is a perfect way to put compassion into practice. The Church World Service Tools & Blankets program provides tools of hope for those in need around the world and in the United States. With a donation of $5 or more, you can support the program and receive an attractive gift card that can be sent to the person you wish to honor. A description of the program is also included in the card, and there is extra room for you to write, Happy Mother's Day or whatever personal message you wish to honor. “Alternative gifts” of tools and blankets can be purchased at Westminster Church, after worship on Sunday mornings or at the church office during office hours (9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday).

For information on both programs at the church, call 253-3331. Special thanks to Jill Fandrich for sharing the news from Westminster with us.

‹ St. Alphonsus is hosting a pizza party and get-together 11:30 a.m. Saturday, May 6, in the parish center at 85 E. Genesee St. This is for young men in high school and junior high who are curious about where God may be leading them and interested in hearing about one possible path, priesthood. Please RSVP to Father Bill Coffas by e-mailing fcoffas@dor.org or calling (607) 687-1068.

‹ In recent news from the St. Mary's/Sacred Heart Youth Group, Kevin Kiernan, Chris Graber, Mark Cool, Hugo Feutray, Mike Redmond and Ashley Persaile had a great time with the St. John of Rochester's Youth Group skiing the slopes of Stowe. The weather and skiing conditions were perfect. They will return again next year the weekend of March 23-25. For anyone who is interested, save the date.

‹ St. Mary's will hold an appreciation brunch for all parish volunteers on from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, May 7, at Highland Park Golf Club. What a nice way to recognize the efforts of so many parishioners who volunteer their time. As Father Lioi so kindly said, “It is the parishioners of St. Mary's Church that make St. Mary's Parish what it is.”

Speaking of St. Mary's volunteers, the last pasta supper for this season will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 9. This is the community's last chance before the summer! Pasta dinners will resume again in the fall.

Also, the Rosary/Scapular Society of St. Mary's will hold its Mother-Daughter Banquet 6:30 p.m. Friday, in Schrader Hall. God bless this group who has also sponsored a program to help keep “The Bells of St. Mary's” ringing! The Rosary/Scapular Society sold beautiful Easter decorations to help fix the church bells' mechanical system. If you would like to help, please support this mission, please contact Debbi Lovell at 253-6875.

Father Steve Lape was back for a visit to St. Mary's last night, for a Faith and Film night presentation of the movie “Good Night, and Good Luck.” The movie, directed by George Clooney, relives the classic TV showdown between newsman Edward R. Murrow (played by David Strathairn) and Sen. Joseph McCarthy, who chaired a senate committee on un-American activities in the 1950s. How great that Father Steve could come back to visit; I'm sure it was a fun time for all with some lively discussion of this film.

‹ The Senior Scene with Bishop Clark is a gathering of high school seniors throughout the diocese of Rochester, with Bishop Clark, to reflect on their next steps. It is an all-day event at Sacred Heart Cathedral on Friday, May 19. It is a day to provide the seniors with a memorable experience of the faith community they belong to and to give them some valuable tools to take with them as they move to the next steps of their lives. An amazing keynote speaker, Tony Melendez, will focus on the unique gifts God has given all of us. Melendez is a “highly talented composer and musician who has traveled across the United States and 27 foreign countries,” including at least five performances for Pope John Paul II. Born without arms as a consequence of thalidomide, he developed the use of his feet to overcome his handicap and has become an accomplished guitarist. It will be an awesome day filled with music, speakers, prayer and lunch with Bishop Clark. If you are a senior and interested, please contact Anna Comitz at 252-7271 by Friday.

Have a great week everyone, and please send me your good news. God loves you.

“It's amazing what can happen if you just put your arm around somebody. It's the truest and simplest thing that does the most good a lot of times.”

-- Julia Roberts

Denise Bennett is a parishioner at Holy Family Church in Auburn. She can be reached at deniseb132@yahoo.com