First communion The First Holy Communion class of St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tamaqua is shown following their first communion on Holy Thursday. Pictured, front from left, are Jackalyn Campomizzi, Emily Carter, Cordelia Titus, Kenna Focht, Nolan Runk, Greta Ulicny, Riley Rodriguez, Rev. Dillon Epler, church pastor; Brent Wetzel, Jace Dougherty, Joseph Dougherty and Grayson Smith. At back are Olivia Miller, Gabriella Martinez, Arabella Titus and Noah Rodriguez. Epler said the students studied every week during March. “There are 14 First Communion students, which in this day and age in a small coal town is a big deal. In many ways, this is the sign of a growing congregation with a lot of young people,” Epler said. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO