Our Pastor

 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.



Welcome from Our Pastor

 My Friends,

 A very warm welcome to all of you who visit Saint Cyril and Methodius parish at the Church of Saint Joseph as part of our worshiping Community each weekend and by way of our web presence. We are grateful and proud of our faithful parishioners who faithfully gather each and every week to hear God's Word and celebrate his love in the Eucharist.

 Please know that our Parish Communities warmly welcomes our neighbors, guests and those who attribute their Catholic roots to Saint Joseph, Saint Ladislaus, Holy Trinity Slovak, and Saint Stanislaus parishes that have merged into the Faithful of Saint Cyril and Methodious Parish. May our worship of God always bring each of us closer to Him and to each other.

Sincerely yours in Christ,


Reverend Michael J. Piccola, V.F.
Pastor