Parishioners in the Springfield Diocese mark the month of October with school walk-a-thons, confirmations, special training sessions, and pierogi — lots of pierogi!

Miss Applebee leads preschoolers at the St. Joan of Arc School Walk-a-Thon held recently at Ray Ash Park, Chicopee.

St. Joan of Arc School junior high teacher Chris Jenkins and fifth-grade students celebrate their last lap at the recent Walk-a-Thon. Students were invited to show their school spirit by wearing crazy hats.

Students had the chance to play at the Ray Ash Park playground after the St. Joan of Arc School Walk-a-Thon. The Walk-a-Thon benefited the school.

Pastoral ministers from seven parishes invited listeners to hear about Dispatch Health, which brings urgent care into homes. The session, held at the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel parish center, Springfield, will be repeated Nov. 20 at 6 p.m.

Confirmation students pose with Springfield Bishop Mitchell Rozanski at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish, Springfield.

Michael Broer (right), an Office of Worship staff member, participates in Active Shooter training at St. Michael's Cathedral in Springfield.

The kitchen crew at St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr Basilica Parish begins work on the 15-20,000 pierogi that will be sold at the parish's bazaar on Oct. 19 and 20.