SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA CO. (WOLF) — Divine Mercy Parish held its fourth annual Veterans Mass and recognition program Sunday, honoring veterans and remembering parish members who died during the past year.
The Mass began at 5 p.m. at Divine Mercy Church, 320 Davis St. Father Paul McDonnel, pastor of the parish, celebrated the service. Veterans in attendance received a blessing, and the congregation remembered veterans from the church who had died over the past year.
A reception and recognition program followed, featuring guest speaker Jacob Norotsky of the Wounded Warrior Project.
Norotsky served in the Army as a Black Hawk helicopter crew chief. During his second deployment to Iraq in 2007, he flew nearly 1,000 hours and experienced repeated combat. After returning home, he struggled with the physical and emotional effects of his service, including post-traumatic stress disorder and suicidal thoughts.
He said a five-day Wounded Warrior Project program helped him realize he was not alone. Norotsky now shares his story with audiences around the country, encouraging veterans to seek support and connect with others.
The event was organized by the Men of Divine Mercy Church. Local businesses and organizations supported the program and reception, including Jordan Buick GMC, Jordan Motors, Semian Funeral Home, Window World of Wyoming Valley, Bartolai Winery, Penn East Federal Credit Union and Colbert & Grebas Elder Law Firm. Refreshments were provided by Arcaro & Genell Restaurant and Gerrity’s Fresh Grocer.