A Father’s Journey

REV.ANDREW KUROVSKY,M.Div., M.S.

Pastor, Sacred Heart of Jesus Church Peckville, PA • Diocese of Scranton

WW hat contributed to your desire to become a

priest? I suppose that I, like most young boys in a Catholic parish elementary school, thought about the priesthood at a very early age. However, those thoughts dissipated during my high school years. During my freshman year at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh a priest approached me for the very first time and asked if I ever thought about or considered priesthood. I think that was a pivotal and defining moment in my discernment process.

How would you describe your childhood?

I have great memories of my childhood. My only sibling, my sister Mia and

I were very close. We are only

“The round church-where there’s room for everyone.”

about 18 months apart in age and we are both adopted. I believe that bond made our relationship stronger. (For the record: we are not biological siblings; rather, our relational bloodline is one of love and common respect). We had many mutual friends and as we got older, we actually grew closer throughout our high school and college years. As a child my mother had a particularly loving relationship with her siblings, therefore so many

of my cousins became like brothers and sisters. My dad also had a very close relationship with his only sister. Growing up with her five children who were all relatively close to my age, is something that I will always treasure. Consequently, as we grow older, we tend to go separate ways but the times that we spent together, and the memories of those childhood years are something that I’ll always hold close to my heart.

How did each of your parents influence you?

Although both of my parents were very supportive of my decision to enter the seminary and study for the priesthood, I do not remember their immediate reaction as being one that I would call “overwhelming joy.” My mother was always afraid that I'd be lonely for the rest of my life. I think that my dad wanted his son to become a successful lawyer. Education was very important to my father. He was brilliant but did not have the opportunity to go to college. I also remember my dad as being a person who was accepting, and who befriended people, regardless of age, economic background, color, sexual orientation, or preference, etc. He would have a hard time understanding a lot of the division that exists in our society today. He died in 1997.

My mother was involved in just about every church ministry and organization at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Wilkes-Barre, PA. She was also involved in a plethora of charitable and civic organizations. She was extremely outgoing and the epitome of an extrovert, the exact opposite of my father. Her love of her faith and her vision for the future of the Catholic Church, is very much a part of who I am as a priest today.

With your particular focus on counseling, addiction and Human

Services, what do you think is most needed in society today in terms of human relationships?

I was very fortunate that the Diocese of Scranton afforded me the opportunity in Graduate School to study theology in depth. They also supported my efforts to receive my Master’s degree in education. Both degrees bode well for my preparation to serve as a pastor and educator. But my experiences in residential rehabilitation centers for alcoholism, my involve-

ment in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), and my work toward obtaining a certificate in addiction counseling, have given me a whole new perspective in human dynamics and the huge problems we are facing today regarding addiction. We are part of a “plugged in” generation. We supposedly have more opportunities to communicate with one another than ever before in the history of humankind. Our thoughts are immediately transcribed and can be shared with the entire universe in a blink of an eye. And yet studies show that suicide rates have increased, loneliness among young people is at epidemic proportions and counselors, as well as pharmaceutical companies, look for new and increasing ways to deal with depression. I believe that so much of this parallels the decreased involvement in organized religion, a faith in God as the ultimate power who is greater than ourselves, and the breakdown of personal one-on-one human relationships – in person, eye ball to eye ball, hand in hand. Nothing replaces a truly intimate relationship with God or another human being in which God manifests Himself.

What did spending time outside of the region teach you most?

From 2012 to 2015 I was on a leave of absence from the Diocese of Scranton. I worked on my sobriety and ministered at facilities and parishes in South Jersey. Upon returning to the diocese, I came to the realization that the greatest gift about living in NEPA can found in the resiliency of its people. Our environment, our landscape, has certainly changed over the years, just drive up and down the I-81 corridor. But the people pretty much stay the same.

This can be a blessing and a curse. Change can promote growth. But there is such a gift to embracing the faith of our parents and ancestors. It is a blessing to have second and third generations in the same area or town. Hard work and the help extended by family and friends when someone is in need can never be underestimated. I am grateful to have grown up in NEPA where God, family, neighbor and yes, even country, still matter.

What are some of the current challenges of the Diocese of Scranton and how are they being handled?

I see two major challenges. There are more, but two jump out almost immediately. Without a doubt the priest scandal regarding child sexual abuse will always be remembered as one of the darkest moments in the history of the Catholic Church. It is abhorrent. However, the Church has taken great strides to make amends and to make every attempt possible to ensure such horror is eradicated and prevented from happening again.

“My ‘go to’ place”

There are school systems and public institutions who have collaborated with, and have asked our Church officials for help, so that they too can use our model in establishing preventative measures. The pandemic has also been a tremendous challenge to the life of the Catholic Church, as it has been for everyone. For many churches attendance and participation is off. Collections have gone down and programs have been forced to stop. I can only speak for my own parish, however. We have been blessed with a marked increase in membership. Our collections have remained stable and have at times grown. I believe that the commitment and dedication of our parish staff and ministers, as well as their willingness to embrace change, has been key in all of this. We almost immediately implemented changes to reach out to our congregation and beyond, through the use of social media, a practice we hope to continue after the pandemic. Communication is key. And if we cannot communicate the “good news” at an in-person celebration on a Sunday morning, it is imperative that we make every attempt, to find new ways to be able to do just that. I have always told my congregation that “we cannot feed them if we don’t get them to the table.” The people with whom I work have been instrumental in assisting me in shepherding the flock, which is Sacred Heart of Jesus Church. The people themselves are extremely welcoming, and each one in his or her own way serves as an evangelist. We must be open to the reality of the fact that there are many ways to get them to the table and once they are there, we have a responsibility to use every gift that God has given us, including technology, to feed them.

What is your favorite scripture passage and why?

1 John 4:19— “We love because God first loved us!”

We must never lose sight of the fact that it was God who made the first move. We do not have to do anything to get God’s love. He freely gives us His love. He loves us no matter what. Therefore, our love for God is made manifest through our love for our neighbor. It is simply a response to a gift that has freely been given to us. If I repeatedly tell you that I love you and continue to act in loving ways by how I treat you, your response will naturally be a loving one in return. I truly believe that most of us cannot even comprehend the depth of God's love for us. This is what keeps me going. This is the life-source of my ministry.

Our God is madly, head over heels, in love with us!

For you personally, when are you in a state of well-being? What circumstances are present in your life for you to honestly say, “I am well.”

This is easy. I know that I am well when I find serenity with myself and my ministry. This is where the 12 steps of AA have been so important for me. I find serenity, or as you call it “well-being,” when I surrender to a “higher power.” When I realize that God is present, that He is walking beside me, and that He can do all the things that I cannot do, I find peace. God is made real to me by the people he has placed in my life. My well-being, my serenity, is so closely tied to the presence of God in my life. He has made that presence known to me in so many ways, but paramount among them, is the presence I see every day in the people who support my ministry, who love me and who I love in return.

What is your favorite hymn?

I have so many of them. I often joke with our music ministers that at my funeral they will have to start playing the music at least one hour before the service so as to be able to share all of my favorite songs. If I was to choose one however, it probably would be “Lord, When You Came to the Seashore,” which refers to when Jesus called His first disciples by the Sea of Galilee. The ocean, the sea, is my “go to” place. I feel very much one with God at the water's edge and I believe Jesus is still calling me, and all of us, to follow Him today.

Which are the two states that you haven't visited?

I have never been to Alaska and Maine. The pandemic has put limitations on travel. I believe however that I will get to Maine in the very near future. Alaska is another story, however. Sometimes I feel as if I don't want to visit there simply because there are many people who can say that they have traveled to all 50 states, but very few leave this world saying that they only hit “49.” I mean, why wouldn’t you make every attempt possible to complete the entire “roll call” of states by traveling to #50? It's a philosophical thing. I believe that in all our lives there is something missing. Total fulfillment and completeness can only be established by our ultimate oneness with God for all eternity. Missing one state is a reminder of that.

“60th Birthday at the beach”

What has the pandemic taught the Church in particular?

The pandemic is a constant reminder of the fact that we are not totally in charge. God has the final say. There are so many lessons which the pandemic has taught our world. But in reference to the Church, I think the greatest lesson that I have learned is that people want “Church.” They want to belong. They want to hear the “good news of Jesus Christ.” For those in the Catholic Christian faith, we believe that our lives are incomplete without Eucharist. I think the pandemic has helped us to realize something which we've always taught about community. Church exists beyond the walls of a building. Reaching out to the greater community is part of our mission. Our parish motto “The round church…where there’s room for everyone,” is symbolic of the fact that we embrace peoples inside the walls of our Church, and that embrace is extended far beyond. I also believe that social media has made a huge impact upon the universality of the church. has brought into my life. I minister with some of the kindest, most loving people that I have ever met. I see Christ daily in my parish staff, and most especially in the congregation that gathers to worship. My inspiration comes from the resiliency of people who are battling cancer and other chronic and terminal illnesses, who light candles and ask for prayers. My inspiration comes from the individuals who put one foot in front of the other on a day-to-day basis, despite broken “God’s miracles prevail during the pandemic.” Is there anything else you'd like hearts caused by separation, loneliness and our readers to know about you? failed relationships. My inspiration comes Are you kidding? I feel as if the only question from individuals who have buried their you haven't asked me is my shoe size... spouses, their lovers, their children, their which by the way is 10½! LOL! friends, and they continue to believe and to worship and praise God. My inspiration From whom do you draw inspiration comes from the constant cry of a baby durand how do you hope to be an ing a worship service or the joy on a parent’s inspiration to others? face when they bring their child to the Of course, my inspiration comes first and waters of baptism. My inspiration comes foremost from Jesus Christ. However, I see from God, and the People of God who Christ most present in the people that he cross my path on a day to day basis. H

“Loving our older, wiser people.”

On Site Services Including Financial Assistance and Emotional Support

Notable Oncologists

Lisa C. Thomas, M.D.

Lisa C. Thomas, M.D. is a graduate of The Medical College of Pennsylvania and completed her fellowship in Hematology and Oncology at the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute. She is board certified in Hematology, Medical Oncology and Internal Medicine. Dr. Thomas sees patients in the office and holds privileges at Regional Hospital of Scranton and Moses Taylor Hospital. She is the Regional Assistant Dean, North Campus as well as an Associate Professor of Medicine at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine. She is also a member of the American College of Physicians, the Pennsylvania Medical Society, the American Medical Association, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the American Society of Hematology and the Lackawanna County Medical Society where she served as past president. She serves on the board of directors for St. Francis of Assisi. She also serves on the Alumni Board at The University of Scranton as well as the Parents‘ Executive Council.

Carl Barsigian, M.D.

Carl Barsigian, M.D. is a graduate of Jefferson Medical College. He completed his fellowship in Hematology and Medical Oncology at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia. He also holds his Ph.D. in Pharmacology from Hahnemann University, Philadelphia and was a former Assistant Professor of Medicine and Pharmacology at Thomas Jefferson University. He is board certified in Hematology, Medical Oncology and Internal Medicine and has published numerous scholarly articles in the field of blood coagulation. Dr. Barsigian sees patients in the office and holds privileges at Moses Taylor Hospital and Regional Hospital of Scranton. Dr. Barsigian is an Associate Professor at The Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine. He has done medical missionary work in Kenya, Africa and Haiti. Dr. Barsigian is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, American College of Physicians and the American Medical Association.

Kristin M. Liptock, D.O.

Kristin M. Liptock, D.O. is a graduate of the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her fellowship in Hematology and Oncology at Baystate Medical Center in Massachusetts. She is a graduate of the Scranton Temple Residency Program, now the Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education. Dr. Liptock is board certified in Hematology, Medical Oncology and Internal Medicine. Dr. Liptock sees patients in the office and holds privileges at Moses Taylor Hospital and Regional Hospital of Scranton. She is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the Pennsylvania Medical Society and the Lackawanna Medical Society.

Kishori G. Veerabhadrappa, M.D.

Kishori G. Veerabhadrappa, M.D. is a graduate of JJM Medical College. She completed her fellowship in Hematology and Medical Oncology at the Brooklyn Hospital Center in Brooklyn, NY. She is board certified in Hematology and Medical Oncology. In addition to seeing patients in the office, Dr. Veerabhadrappa holds privileges at Moses Taylor Hospital and Regional Hospital of Scranton. Dr. Veerabhadrappa is a member of the American Medical Association and the American Society of Clinical Oncology.

Padmaja R. Bojanapally, M.D.

Padmaja R. Bojanapally, M.D. completed her fellowship in Hematology and Medical Oncology at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, New York. She is a graduate of Gandhi Medical College where she earned a Bachelor Degree of Medicine and Surgery. She is Board Certified in Hematology, Medical Oncology and Internal Medicine. Dr. Bojanapally sees patients in the office and holds privileges at Moses Taylor Hospital and Regional Hospital of Scranton. She is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the American Society of Hematology. Dr Bojanapally currently resides in Clarks Summit with her husband and three children.

Amber L. Sobuto, D.O.

Amber L. Sobuto. D.O. is a graduate of the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed her fellowship in Hematology and Oncology as well as her residency in Internal Medicine at Lankenau Medical Center in Wynnewood, PA. Dr. Sobuto is board certified in Hematology, Oncology and Internal Medicine. Dr. Sobuto sees patients in the office and holds privileges at Regional Hospital of Scranton and Moses Taylor Hospital. She is a member of The American Society of Hematology. American Society of Clinical Oncology and The Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine Alumni Society. Dr. Sobuto was born and raised in Old Forge, and currently resides in Waverly with her husband and their four children.

S t e v e n A rch a mb a ul t , D . O .

The Wright Center for Community Health

SSteven Archambault, D.O., had nearly completed college with a degree in psychology when he realized his true calling wasn’t to only solve matters of the mind, but to go beyond the brain.

“I wanted to take care of the whole person,” he said, “and that included the psychology as well as the individual’s physical health.” He began the years-long pursuit of becoming a family physician, ultimately serving his medical residency with a program perfectly suited to his interests in holistic healthcare: The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education.

Dr. Archambault, 30, who completed his training earlier this summer, is notable for becoming the first graduate of The Wright Center’s modern-day Regional Family Medicine Residency to join the organization as a practicing physician and faculty member. Beginning in September, he will see patients at The Wright Center’s Scranton Practice.

He builds on the tradition established by multiple alumni from The Wright Center’s Internal Medicine Residency –a long-established program that traces its roots back to 1976 – who have chosen to remain with the health center after their training was completed and provide care for Northeast Pennsylvania residents. Those alumni include Jignesh Sheth, M.D., Chief Medical Officer; Jumee Barooah, M.D., Designated Institutional Official; and about a half-dozen others, all of whom have advanced to leadership positions.

A New England transplant now living in West Pittston, Dr. Archambault is the first member of his immediate family to attend college. He grew up in the former farming community of Hollis, New Hampshire. After finishing his undergraduate work at the University of New Hampshire, he fine-tuned his career trajectory and attended medical school at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, in Erie, PA. He then entered residency at The Wright Center, seizing on opportunities to make the most of his graduate medical education right here in NEPA. “I decided to go for it,” said Dr. Archambault. “As residents, we had a lot of opportunities to work with different specialists –orthopedic doctors, sports medicine doctors – all of whom do very different things than we do as primary care physicians.” Dr. Archambault picked up insights in the operating room and other settings that allow him to be a more well-rounded, empathetic doctor. If he encounters a patient, for instance, who has “small scars” from a recent gallbladder surgery, he will know “what they went through and what actually happened inside them.” “You get a better understanding,” he said, “of how significant the ‘small things’ are.” Dr. Archambault credits The Wright Center, and faculty such as William Dempsey, M.D., Deputy Chief Medical Officer, for fostering his natural inclination to independently pursue additional knowledge and career-enhancing experiences. He chose the Scranton-based Wright Center for the next step in his career journey in part because it satisfied his desire to work in a learning environment, energized by the academic pursuits of its medical students, residents and fellows. He also is a fan of the integrated care available at The Wright Center for Community Health’s practices, which offer patients the convenience of going to a single site to access medical, dental, behavioral health, addiction recovery and supportive services. “It clicked with me during my residency, ‘Oh, this is what I was looking for,’” said Dr. Archambault. “I’m with a healthcare provider that focuses on the whole person.” Dr. Archambault is accepting patients of all ages. Schedule an appointment by calling 570-9410630 or visit www.TheWrightCenter.org.H

Lakeside Vision DR. AMY M. NEAL

Lakeside Vision was

founded in Hawley, PA, in 2002. Two optometrists, Dr. Amy M. Neal and her husband Dr. Mike Neal along with a talented team, are committed to providing red-carpet service to all patients.

Native town: Dupont, PA Current residence: Lake Wallenpaupack

What prompted you to select Wilkes University for your undergrad

degree? Wilkes University had a well-known optometric tract. I am a summa cum laude graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree. I was a biology major with a biochemistry minor.

Apart from optometry, what were the biggest lessons you learned during your study at PA College of Optometry?

When I entered optometry school, I knew I wanted to help people see better. What I didn’t realize is how close the relationship the eye has with the brain. The eye is an outpouching of the brain, and the linings of the brain are the same as in the eye, making optometry and neurology closely linked.

What do you wish more readers knew about eye

health in general? The only way to look at live blood vessels in any part of the body without surgery or an invasive procedure is by looking into the eye. The

“The eyes are the windows of the soul, and we can tell a lot about a person’s overall health by looking into them.”

eyes are the windows of the soul, and we can tell a lot about a person’s overall health by looking into them. I am very proud that our office has invested in world class technology that provides a significant impact in catching systemic and eye disease early. Preventative medicine improves the health of every patient.

Apart from diabetes or stroke, which other illnesses or diseases can negatively

affect eye health? High blood pressure if left untreated can lead to heart attacks, strokes and more. Glaucoma is one of the biggest eye conditions that can be caused by high blood pressure. Other conditions that can be detected in an eye exam are high cholesterol, cancer, multiple sclerosis, thyroid disease, lupus, Lyme disease, rheumatoid arthritis and brain tumors. There are too many to list here, but these are the ones we see the most in our office.

Generally, who does dry eye syndrome affect and what are possible treat-

ments? Dry eye syndrome (DES) affects all ages, both male and female, but worsens over the age of 50. We have seen an increase in our DES patients over the past year and a half due to an increase in technology screens being used as a result of COVID-19. Staring at a screen for a few hours can make DES worse.

Patients who have an autoimmune disease, have had eye surgery, or wear contact lenses will be more prone to DES. There are many treatments available including over the counter and prescription eye drops and ointments, punctal occlusion and amniotic membranes.

Discuss your role as a clinical director of the Special Olympics Opening Eyes Program:

I am a member of Lions Clubs International and had the honor many years ago to be invited as one of 15 optometrists in the U.S. to become a clinical director of the Special Olympics Opening Eyes Program. I participate in intense classroom training, plus hands-on training to

learn how to properly examine special populations.

Since many medical appointments have been postponed because of the pandemic, what should readers know about scheduling eye health

checkups? Don’t wait any longer. It is easy to forget about appointments that have been missed, postponed or cancelled, but take a few minutes to schedule your overdue appointment. We have increased our staffing to allow additional appointments to be scheduled for patients who have missed their appointments.

What should parents know about children’s eye health?

Up to 80% of learning in school is through vision, so every child should get a comprehensive eye exam before starting school. 1 in 10 children has a vision problem significant enough to impact learning. Typical vision screenings can miss at least 50% of vision problems. If a child is struggling with reading, math or spelling, a visual condition may exist.

What do you enjoy most about living in Northeastern Pennsylvania?

I grew up here so I am thankful to be around family and friends that I have known my whole life.

How do you hope to make a lasting impression on the region?

By deeply caring for my patients, saving someone’s vision and occasionally saving someone’s life hopefully leaves a lasting impression. Personal: I enjoy spending time with our two boys. They keep me busy, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. H

Did you know that 80% of learning in the classroom is visual?

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74 Welwood Ave STE 102, Hawley, PA • 570.226.1300 • lakesidevision.com

YMCAs of NEPA

The Y is a cause-

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responsibility. Believing that positive, lasting personal and social change can only come about when everyone works together to invest in the kids, health and neighbors of the community is at the core of its operation.

The Y takes immense pride in working to strengthen communities to help each member to be its best. The

Y provides a place to play, to learn, to be healthy, to eat well and to give back.

Parents can find childcare, young adults-job training, seniors-a way to connect and childrena safe place to go. Everything the Y does is in service of making sure people and communities thrive based on the belief that absolutely everyone deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential. By bringing together people from different backgrounds, perspectives and generations, the Y ensures that everyone has access to the opportunities, relationships and resources necessary to learn, grow and thrive. Today, the Y engages more than 10,000 neighborhoods across the U.S. as the nation’s leading nonprofit committed to helping people and communities. The Y’s contributions are both far-reaching and intimate—from influencing the nation’s culture during times of profound social change to the individual support provided to people in need. The Greater Wyoming

the Wilkes-Barre Family YMCA, Greater Pittston YMCA, Greater Scranton YMCA, Greater Carbondale YMCA and Wayne County YMCA) offer something for everyone. From summer day and overnight camp to chronic disease prevention and from youth sports and enrichment programs and group exercise classes to early childhood education and programs designed to combat the achievement

gap, the Northeastern Pennsylvania YMCAs make a profound impact on the lives of the individuals and families served. Collectively, the Y’s serve thousands of individuals and families from across the region through memberships, programs and events. The Y is a charity turning no one away for an inability to pay. The Y believes all families deserve the chance to

grow stronger together through a family membership; all children deserve the chance to attend an early childhood education program, allowing them to enter kindergarten ready to succeed; all adults suffering from chronic health conditions deserve the chance to participate in a chronic disease prevention and management program; and all youth deserve the chance to experience summer camp. The Y is more than a gym. It’s a cause. Join in! H

Locations

Wilkes-Barre Family YMCA

40 W. Northampton Street Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701 (570) 823-2191 www.wvymca.org

Greater Pittston YMCA

10 N. Main Street Pittston, PA 18640 (570) 655-2255 www.wvymca.org

Greater Scranton YMCA

706 N. Blakely Street Dunmore, PA 18512 (570) 342-8115 www.greaterscrantonymca.org

Greater Carbondale YMCA

82 N. Main Street Carbondale, PA 18407 (570) 282-2210 www.greatercarbondaleymca.org

Wayne County YMCA

105 Park Street Honesdale, PA 18431 (570) 253-2083 www.wcymca.com

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