The Rev. Jim Bechtel, pastor of St. Jerome Church, Tamaqua, celebrated 10 a.m. Mass on Saturday, May 1, where 16 children received First Holy Communion. The children, students of St. Jerome Regional School and the Regional Religious Education Program, were taught by Debra Earley, second grade teacher; Sonia Pucklavage, Georgene Gallagher, and Nichelle Pucklavage of the Religious Education Program. The children included, first row, from left, Brooke Wargo, Nadiya Sieger, Madison Kohlmeir, Brynn Gigli, Ashley DeAngelo, and Nichole Gunderson. Second row, Morgan Houser, Mason Dolinsky, Justin Schmauch, Lucas Gregoire, Luke Mateyak, Michael Bonetsky, and Maria Cerimele. Third row, Debra Earley; Alexandra Williams, altar server; Tyler Shilko; Matthew Gazdick; Aaron McLaughlin; and Justin Gunderson, altar server. Fourth row, Jane Habel, DRE; Gary Schmauch, lector; the Rev. James Bechtel; Georgene Gallagher; Mary Ann Mansell, principal of St. Jerome Regional School.