About Holy Annunciation Parish/St. Gabriel · Hazelton, Pennsylvania
Annunciation Parish, centered at the majestic Saint Gabriel Church in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, is a historic Roman Catholic community in the Diocese of Scranton. Founded from the faith of Irish immigrants who built the coal-region city, the parish has long served as a spiritual anchor on Hazleton’s South Side. Today it is a bilingual, multicultural home where English- and Spanish-speaking Catholics worship, raised by generations of Irish, Hispanic, and Latino families. The parish is especially known for its grand pink-granite church, modeled after St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and its ongoing “Restore His House” campaign to preserve this beloved landmark.
- Established
- 1855
- Patron
- Saint Gabriel the Archangel
- Rector
- Reverend Anthony J. Generose
- Diocese
- Diocese of Scranton
Why belong here
Annunciation Parish offers a rare blend of deep Coal Region Catholic heritage and vibrant bilingual worship, anchored by one of the most beautiful churches in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Parishioners find reverent liturgy in English and Spanish, a warm welcome across generations and cultures, and a close-knit community committed to restoring its historic home.
Mass times at Holy Annunciation Parish/St. Gabriel
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Tuesday 11:30am – 12:00pm
- Wednesday 11:30am – 12:00pm
- Thursday 11:30am – 12:00pm
- Friday 11:30am – 12:00pm
- Saturday 11:30am – 12:00pm
History and Heritage
From a wooden mission church founded by St. John Neumann in 1855 to the grand 1925 edifice modeled after St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Saint Gabriel Church has stood at the center of Hazleton’s Catholic life for nearly 170 years. It reflects the faith, sacrifice, and determination of Irish immigrants who built the Coal Region.
- 1855 – St. John Neumann approves building the first St. Gabriel church.
- 1869 – Larger second church completed.
- 1874 – First parochial school in southern Luzerne County opened.
- 1925 – Present pink-granite church completed.
- 2025 – Consolidated with Holy Name of Jesus to form Saint Pius of Pietrelcina Parish.
Architecture
Saint Gabriel Church is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful churches in Hazleton. Designed by Peter Sheridan, it features twin copper spires, a rose window, steel-frame construction, rock-faced pink granite, and Indiana limestone trim.
- Modeled after St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City
- Pink granite exterior with Indiana limestone detailing
- National Register of Historic Places listing
Community and Culture
Annunciation Parish has long mirrored Hazleton’s immigrant story. Initially an Irish parish, it has become a bilingual, multicultural community embracing Hispanic and Latino Catholic traditions alongside its historic Irish heritage.
- English and Spanish Masses
- Strong Irish immigrant roots on Hazleton’s South Side
- Welcoming Hispanic and Latino families
Restore His House Campaign
Launched in 2018 to save Saint Gabriel Church from closure due to age and deterioration, the Restore His House campaign is working toward a roughly $1 million restoration. Support has come from current parishioners, alumni of St. Gabriel School, and community members.
- Launched late 2018
- Goal: approximately $1 million
- Supported by parishioners, former students, and local residents