As the anticipation of summer vacation builds for the students, St. Joseph's School on East Genesee Street in Auburn has several year-end celebrations to share with the community.

Sunday, June 10, is the ninth annual St. Joseph's School Benefit Golf Tournament, which will be held at Dutch Hollow Golf Course on Benson Road in Owasco.

Registration begins at noon, with a shotgun start at 1 p.m. The format for this tournament is a four-person captain and crew.

The cost is $65 per person, which includes greens fee, cart and a steak dinner. For more information or to register, contact Sue Flurschutz at 253-0182.

Within this week, the school will graduate its young pupils. The foundation each student has received at this blessed school is something you will always cherish, and will serve you well for a lifetime. God bless each one of you.

Also, don't forget the 16th annual Book Bonanza to benefit St. Joseph School will be held on Saturday and Sunday, July 14 and 15, at the Fingerlakes Mall, off Routes 5 and 20 in Aurelius.

This is one of the largest used book sales in central New York. If you've never gone, you'll have to see it to believe it.

The books are all organized by category, and the prices and service are fantastic.

Donations may be dropped off at the book drop, located near the main mall entrance near Sears, daily during mall hours. To learn more, call 224-3941 or e-mail bookbonanzafingerlakesmall@yahoo.com.

Thanks so much to Laura Christiantelli for sharing the news with us from St. Joseph's School.

In other news:

€ A big congratulations goes out to Kate Latanyshyn, valedictorian of the Tyburn Academy class of 2007, who earned a four-year academic scholarship of $74,000 to Le Moyne College.

Kate is the daughter of John and Mary (Casper) Latanyshyn of Silver Street Road in Auburn. We are so proud of Kate for all your hard work and accomplishments. Congratulations!

€ There is also plenty of good summertime news to share from Mid-Lakes United Methodist Church in New Hope.

Today at 6 p.m., its Homecoming Celebration Dinner will be held. Meat and desserts will be provided. Please bring your family and a dish to share.

Entertainment will be provided by the Millard Fillmore Elementary School Select Choir under the direction of Denise Abbattista.

Sunday, June 10, marks the last day of Sunday School until September. Wishing a safe and fun-filled summer vacation to all the students.

From Sunday, June 24, through Thursday, June 28, Mid-Lakes United Methodist Church in New Hope will be offering Vacation Bible School from 6 to 8:30 p.m. The theme is “Lift Off, Soaring to New Heights with God.”

This is for children age 3 to sixth grade. Some of the activities planned are crafts, music, snack/recreation and Bible storytelling.

What a great way to start the summer. Don't miss this terrific opportunity for your child.

Mark your calendar for Saturday, July 28, when Mid-Lakes United Methodist will hold a garage and bake sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

These kind of community activities make a summer day that much more fun.

Many thanks to Jane Jayne for sharing the news with us from Mid-Lakes United Methodist Church in New Hope.

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

“You can't help feeling the fascination of a soul that knows what it wants, and lives by faith.”

- Pope John XXIII

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