As the Springfield Diocese prepares to welcome two new priests on June 30, three other priests marking their 25th anniversaries of ordination celebrated a June 5 Mass at the Holy Spirit Chapel in Springfield. And in local parishes, first Communicants lined up, parishioners persevered in volunteer activities, and young choir members convened for a year-end event. These and more photos are here!

Msgr. Christopher Connelly, diocesan vicar general and rector of St. Michael's Cathedral, enjoys an ice cream treat at the celebration of his 25th anniversary of ordination. The reception was held at the Bishop Marshall Center adjacent to the cathedral.

Msgr. Connelly poses with his administrative assistant Mary Ashe during St. Michael's Cathedral Parish celebration of the 25th anniversary of his priesthood ordination.

Msgr Christopher Connelly is congratulated by Springfield Bishop Mitchell Rozanski during a Mass at St. Michael's Cathedral.

Msgr. Christopher Connelly (center) celebrates daily Mass at the Holy Spirit Chapel at St. Michael's Cathedral along with Fathers Christopher Malatesta (left) and John Sheaffer. All three priests are celebrating the 25th anniversary of their ordinations this year.

Lad Pfeifer (right), St. Michael's Cathedral organist and music director, presents awards for music theory, leadership, stepping up from one level to the next and other achievements to members of the cathedral's Choir of Boys and Adults at the choir's year-end event.

Members of the Cathedral Choir of Boys and Adults pose with organist and music director Lad Pfeifer (front center) during the choir's year-end event held at the Bishop Marshall Center adjacent to St. Michael's Cathedral in Springfield.

The Mailing Team at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish in Springfield prepares 650 Mt. Carmel Parish Summer Newsletters for the post office bulk mail.

Women's Guild members at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish in Springfield prepare a shopping list for their June supper supply for the Open Pantry in Springfield. Forty-two members donated funds to purchase, prepare and serve the meal to Springfield's needy individuals and families.

Conventual Franciscan Father Albert Scherer (right), along with Fathers Andrzej Brzezinski and Stanley Sobiech, concelebrates the Memorial Day Mass at Mater Dolorosa Cemetery in South Hadley.

Members of Our Lady of the Cross Parish in Holyoke attend the Memorial Day Mass at Mater Dolorosa Cemetery in South Hadley.

A statue of St. Francis of Assisi presides over his namesake garden on the friary grounds at Our Lady of the Cross Parish in Holyoke.