3 Modestans among bishop's 'Bright Lights'

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Sister Regina Alonzo, one of the cloistered nuns at Sisters of the Cross, and Charles and the late Hedy Harding of Modesto's Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church are among the five "Bright Lights" award winners in the Stockton Diocese. They will be honored at the eighth annual Bishop's Awards dinner Oct. 17 in Stockton.

The awards "celebrate the humanitarian work being done every day by Catholics in our diocese," said Bishop Stephen Blaire. "Their lives embody the concepts of charity and social justice and are shining examples of faith, courage and service to God and community."

Alonzo has been a nun for more than 48 years and has been in Modesto since the convent opened. She is being honored for "Life of Religious Service."

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The Hardings were charter members of Our Lady of Fatima and were married for more than 68 years before the death of Hedy in April. They have worked with youth, served at Doctors Medical Center, served at seniors lunches and volunteered in the parish kitchen, among other activities, and are receiving the "Life of Service to the Poor" award.

Other winners are from Stockton: C. Joseph Crane of St. Bernadette for "Life of Community Service"; the Rev. Bill Brennan, Church of the Presentation, for "Life of Religious Service"; and Antoinette "Toni" Moran, Church of the Presentation, for "Life of Youth Service."

Proceeds from the dinner will benefit Catholic Charities and student scholarships. The event, at Church of the Presentation, 6715 Leesburg Place, Stockton, is open to all faiths. It begins with cocktails at 6:30 p.m., dinner at 7:30 p.m. and the recognition program to follow. Tickets are $150 each. Call 472-1008, ext. 14.

Other faith-based events include:

ARTS AND MUSIC

"SECRETS OF JONATHAN SPERRY" — Today through Thursday, Brenden Theatres, downtown Modesto. Christian movie stars Gavin MacLeod and Robert Guillaume and deals with friendships, bullies and forgiveness. Today: 11:50 a.m. and 2:20, 4:50, 7:20 and 9:50 p.m. Monday through Thursday, check theater listings at www.brendentheatres.com.

MICHAEL HARRIS — 5 p.m. Oct. 10, Church of the Brethren, 2301 Woodland Ave., Modesto. Christian singer shares story of overcoming addictions and performs in concert. Free. 526-2501.

"ALWAYS THE WOMEN" — 7 p.m. Oct. 11, Gallo Center for the Arts, Modesto. Performance features local actress Nina Thiel, who takes on the roles of many women who interact with Jesus. Proceeds benefit International Justice Mission, an international group that helps women and children forced into slavery and prostitution. $25 adults, $15 students. 527-4110.

GOSPEL CONCERT — 6 p.m. Oct. 11, First Christian Church, 180 S. Denair, Turlock. Features All 4 Free, the Richland Trio and In One Accord. Offering. 537-8931.

DAVID CROWDER BAND — 7 p.m. Oct. 12, Calvary Temple Worship Center, 1601 Coffee Road, Modesto. Nationally known Christian rock band with hits such as "He is My God" and "Oh, Praise Him" will perform. Tickets: $27.50 and $33.50 from Beardsley's Book & Bible or itickets.com.

CLASSES

REFORMATION SERIES — 6 p.m. Sundays, beginning today, Grace Orthodox Presbyterian Church, 1448 Standiford Ave., Modesto. Four-week series of lectures to celebrate Protestant Reformation. This year's theme: "English Puritans." Refreshments follow lecture. Free. 522-5922.

MEDITATION WORKSHOP — 1 to 3:30 p.m. today, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Stanislaus County, 2172 Kiernan Road, Modesto. Workshop on differences in meditation styles and brief exercises. $25. 667-7486.