About Queen of the Apostles · Avoca, Pennsylvania
Queen of the Apostles Parish is a Roman Catholic faith community centered at Saint Mary Church in Avoca, Pennsylvania, serving the greater Pittston area within the Diocese of Scranton. Founded in 2011, the parish gathers parishioners around the Eucharist, traditional devotions, and pro-life witness under the patronage of Mary, Queen of the Apostles. The parish shares pastoral leadership and ministry life with Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Dupont. Visitors and longtime residents alike find a welcoming congregation rooted in sacramental life and local Catholic heritage.
- Established
- 2011
- Patron
- Mary, Queen of the Apostles
- Rector
- Reverend Thomas J. Petro, J.C.L.
- Diocese
- Diocese of Scranton
Why belong here
A close-knit, sacramentally grounded parish with regular weekday and weekend Mass, shared devotions, and active pro-life and community outreach in the Avoca–Dupont area.
Mass times at Queen of the Apostles
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Saturday – upon request
Worship & Sacraments
The parish celebrates the Eucharist weekly at Saint Mary Church, with a Saturday evening vigil and Sunday morning Mass. Weekday Mass is offered Tuesday and Thursday mornings, and Holy Day Masses are observed at 5:30 PM.
- Saturday Vigil Mass at 5:30 PM
- Sunday Mass at 8:00 AM
- Tuesday Mass at 9:00 AM
- Thursday Mass at 9:00 AM
- Holy Day Mass at 5:30 PM
- Reconciliation available Saturday upon request
Clergy & Leadership
The parish is led by Reverend Thomas J. Petro, J.C.L., appointed pastor effective July 1, 2025. Reverend Phillip J. Sladicka continues in residence as Pastor Emeritus after many years of service.
- Reverend Thomas J. Petro, J.C.L. – Pastor
- Reverend Phillip J. Sladicka – Pastor Emeritus
Ministries & Community Life
Queen of the Apostles supports a range of parish groups that serve liturgical, charitable, and social needs, including an active Altar & Rosary Society and Knights of Columbus presence.
- Altar & Rosary Society
- Knights of Columbus
- Altar Servers
- Youth Group
- Worship Committee
- Social Concerns Committee
- Finance Council
- Building and Grounds Committee
Pro-Life & Devotional Life
The parish has a strong pro-life commitment, hosting the Diocese of Scranton Silver Rose Prayer Service honoring Our Lady of Guadalupe. It also celebrates its parish feast day in honor of Mary, Queen of the Apostles.
- Silver Rose Pro-Life Prayer Service
- Our Lady of Guadalupe Holy Hour
- Parish feast day picnic and outdoor rosary