A Catholic church in Girard usually spends time together in prayer and studies, but on Sunday, they decided to take part in the first Chili Cook-Off they've had in years.

St. Rose Church's Rosetta Hall was home to the "Fire in the Hall" event, which challenged competitors to see if they had what it takes to beat Father John's chili.

Father John Kozlowski says that his own chili recipe is "quite wonderful."

"Proceeds of this event are to benefit the church, but ultimately, an enthusiastic parishioner came to me and suggested that we should have a chili cook-off," Kozlowski, pastor of the church, said. "We're running with the idea, and it's been a great opportunity, really just to bring the parish community together and the wider community."

The event also offered a bake sale and a chance to win a $150 Giant Eagle giftcard.

There were 15 chilis in the battle of the beans, with plenty of cookies and treats to help bring down the heat.

"We pray together, and our school community comes together in our school and our classroom, but this gets us out of the classroom, out of the church, and relating to one another more as human beings," Kozlowski said.

Kozlowski mentioned how, even though it has been some years since the last cook-off for the church, he could see a future when they become more of a regular happening at the Girard church.

St. Rose Catholic Church is located at 48 Main Street in Girard.