The Reverend Michael J. Piccola is originally from Hazleton, Pennsylvania and a graduate of Hazleton High School. After completing his high school education, he entered Saint Pius X Seminary in Dalton, Pennsylvania and the University of Scranton to begin his preparation for the priesthood. Upon receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Social Studies, Father entered Mount Saint Mary's Seminary in Emmitsburg, Maryland to complete his theological studies for ordination. He graduated with a Master's Degree in Theology and a Master's Degree in Divinity from Mount Saint Mary's. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1978 by the late Bishop J. Carroll McCormick, Bishop of Scranton, at Saint Peter's Cathedral in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Father Piccola also holds a Master's Degree in School Administration and a Master's Degree in Religious Education both completed at Marywood University in Scranton, Pennsylvania.

His previous assignments included Assistant Pastor and Moderator of Saint Agnes School in Towanda, Pa (1978 - 1982). Director of Religious Education at Sacred Heart High School in Carbondale, Pa (1982-1985). Principal of Bishop O'Rielly High School in Kingston, Pa (1985-1991). Pastor of Good Shepherd Church in Drums, Pa (1991-1999). Pastor of Immaculate Conception Church, West Pittston, Pa. and the Church of the Holy Redeemer in Harding, Pa (1999-2010). Father briefly served as Administrator of Saint Francis of Assissi Church in West Hazleton, Pa. Father Piccola was assigned as Pastor of Saint Cyril and Methodius and Saint Stanislaus Parishes in Hazleton in July of 2010. He was also appointed Dean of the Southern Luzerne County Deanery by Bishop Joseph C. Bambera

Deacon-candidate Thomas A. Kostic, 67, serves the Diocese of Scranton as principal of Holy Family Academy elementary school in Hazleton.

Members of Saints Cyril & Methodius Parish, Hazleton, he and his wife of 35 years, Patricia, reside in Hazleton and have one child.

Kostic graduated from Bishop Hafey High School in 1973, after which he earned his bachelor's degree in social work, with a minor in criminal justice, from King's College, Wilkes-Barre.

For the following five years, the future deacon attended Officer Training School for the United States Air Force, attaining the rank of captain. During that time he also received his master's degree in public administration from Troy State University in Alabama.

Kostic has pursued further graduate studies in philosophy and theology at Catholic University and the Washington Theological Union, both in Washington, D.C., and in theology at Marywood University, Scranton.