Our community should be so proud of all the good things that are happening at the Chapel House homeless shelter.

None of this would be possible without the outpouring of love and support from the Auburn community. I wish everyone could see firsthand the lives and hearts, of both the overnight guests and the workers, that are changed by this caring ministry.

It's truly a privilege to serve there. When dinner is served at night, it is a joy to see how everyone gathers at the same table to share a meal and stories, as any family would.

We all need that human connection to someone who cares, especially at life's most fragile moments.

I would like to share with you just a few examples of those who come through our doors each night. There is the older gentleman who has no legs.

And the young woman who is due to have a baby any day now. And the gentleman whose wife passed away. And the mother with four young children. And the young man recently recovered and released from drug rehabilitation. And the two buddies who attend AA meetings together and vow to keep each other sober. And the young man with the beautiful 6-year-old boy who goes to school each day. And the guys who have wake up calls at 5:30 a.m. because they have jobs to go to each morning.

Chapel House once again needs the support of this caring community. We are in need of sheets, blankets, towels, washcloths and pillows. If you can spare some, you may leave them in the large green drop box next to the Holy Family School building at 85 North St. (next to the Holiday Inn); just include a note that they are for Chapel House.

We are also in need of more volunteers, for whatever hours you can spare between the hours of 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. There are not enough words to describe what a rewarding experience it is.

If you can help, just for a couple hours a week or a month, please call Sandi at 246-5392. Training is provided and the work is easy.

Thanks again to all the volunteers, everyone who made donations, to Holy Family parish for the use of the gym and to Sandi Mettler who works tirelessly to keep the shelter open and to individually help each person who comes through our doors.

In other news:

#&149; The Knights of Columbus on Market Street in Auburn is hosting an Italian dinner from 5 to 8 tonight to benefit Hospice of the Finger Lakes. The cost is $10 per person and dinner includes garlic bread, salad, zita, meatballs, sausage and ice cream. Take-outs are available.

#&149; Saint Nicholas Church, on the corner of Cottage and Cross streets, will have a pork chop dinner from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7.50 for children 12 and younger. Thanks to Bill Stanley for sharing this news.

#&149; The Federated Church of Port Byron will host its annual Election Day Hot Roast Beef Sandwich Supper from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 4. Dinner will be served with salad, vegetable, dessert and a beverage. The cost is $7 for adults and $4 for children. Take-outs are available. For more information, call 776-5006.

#&149; A turkey and shrimp raffle night will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7, at the St. Alphonsus Parish Center, 89 E. Genesee St., Auburn. Admission is free and complimentary refreshments will include homemade chili, meatballs, baked goods, soda, beer and more. Turkeys, shrimp and door prizes will be raffled every 10 minutes. There will also be a 50/50 drawing and raffle baskets to take chances on. Please call 252-7261 for more information. This event is sponsored by the St. Alphonsus Parish Life Committee.

Have a great week and enjoy the beautiful fall colors. Remember, God loves you so much.

“Nothing but heaven itself

is better than a friend who is really a friend.”

- Plautus

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