Thirty-nine children at St. Luke Parish in Mint Hill received their First Holy Communion during two Masses celebrated May 14 by Father Paul Gary, pastor. (Photos provided by Kathy McKinney)

Thirty-nine children at St. Luke Parish in Mint Hill received their First Holy Communion during two Masses celebrated May 14 by Father Paul Gary, pastor. (Photos provided by Kathy McKinney)

Children at St. Elizabeth Church in Boone received their First Holy Communion May 14. They are pictured with their pastor, Father Brendan Buckler.(Amber Mellon | Catholic News Herald)

Children at Immaculate Heart of Mary Mission in Hayesville received their First Holy Communion during Mass May 15 offered by Father Alex Ayala, pastor. (Photo provided by Ruth Charlesworth and Craig Allen)

Father Thomas J. Kessler, pastor, celebrated the sacrament of First Holy Communion at St. Philip the Apostle Church in Statesville. Immediately after Mass the 14 recipients participated in the crowning of a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The ceremony

Children at St. John the Evangelist Church in Waynesville received their First Holy Communion May 14. They are pictured with Father Paul McNulty, pastor.(Photo provided by Nicki Conroy)

Young people at St. Philip the Apostle Church in Statesville received the sacrament of confirmation May 11 during a Mass offered by Abbot Placid Solari of Belmont Abbey and Father Thomas J. Kessler, pastor. (Photo provided by Connie Ries)