St. William Parish celebrated a Mass on Sunday for veterans.
Frank DeFranco, commander of the Michael J. Crescenz Medal of Honor Rising Sun VFW Post 2819, thanked St. William for its participation in Operation Sock it to the Troops. The parish collected 648 pairs of socks for needy veterans.
Accepting the plaque was the Rev. Al Concha, pastor of St. William and a retired U.S. Navy chaplain commander.
DeFranco also gave a plaque to the St. William confirmation class of 2021 for spearheading the socks initiative. The class made its confirmation on Sept. 11, with a Mass celebrated by Archbishop Nelson Perez, a former St. William pastor.
Also receiving a plaque was Kathy McDonough, for overseeing the efforts of the confirmation class. Over the years, McDonough has guided more than 700 students in taking part in the VFW’s Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen essay contests, with chances to win scholarship money.
At the end of Mass, students in the Parish Religious Education Program (PREP, formerly CCD) presented veterans with handmade cards of appreciation and notes of gratitude that included a star from an American flag. ••
