The Springfield area Young Adult Mass (YAM), will celebrate its fifth anniversary on Sunday, Feb. 10. Bishop Thomas John Paprocki will be the celebrant for the 8 p.m. service in St. Viator Chapel, located in the Catholic Pastoral Center, 1615 W. Washington St. in Springfield.

"We are very honored to have not only support of Bishop Paprocki for our ministry, but his integral role in our fifth-year anniversary celebration," said Brad Baker, the YAM board president. "Feb. 10 will be a reason to commemorate the successes YAM has achieved in our effort to engage young Catholics in the greater Springfield area."

The first Young Adult Mass was held in the Dawson Hall Chapel on the Benedictine Campus on Feb. 10, 2008. Young Catholics gathered for the inaugural Mass celebrated by Bishop George J. Lucas, now archbishop of Omaha. Within a few weeks, YAM moved south into the old Ursuline Chapel on campus to accommodate the consistently large number of attendees. They remained in the Ursuline Chapel until Nov. 22, 2009. They now call St. Viator Chapel, within the Catholic Pastoral Center in Springfield, their home.

"YAM has been so rewarding for me," Kelly Moline, a YAM regular said. "Being able to share my beliefs with other young adults has not only helped me grow in my Catholic faith but has also allowed me to get involved in the Mass by joining the choir, helping the community, and establishing lasting friendships."

YAM is supported by several area priests within the diocese. Father Kevin Laughery, Dominican Father Peter Witchousky and Msgr. John Ossola each celebrate YAM once a month.

"Without the tremendous support from our priests, our ministry wouldn't be where it is today," Baker said.

Baker says YAM helps bridge the gap between those who are in high school, college or in the early part of their career and parish life. But it's not just the Mass that helps YAM achieve its core goal of helping young adult Catholics grow in their faith, Baker says. YAM provides the Theology on Tap series, monthly social activities, faith formation groups, and volunteer events for young adult Catholics.

"The opportunities YAM provides have been so important in my life," Richard Schmidt, a long-time YAM attendee said. "The Mass combined with Bible studies, volunteering at the St. John's Breadline and Mission Outreach Center, and raising money for local charities has helped me grow in my faith, socialize with people who share my values, and be a better person."

Over the past five years, YAM has grown in numbers and helped the community with various projects. YAM attendees have given back by volunteering at St. Patrick Catholic School in Springfield, the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, SHG Works, and the Right to Life Rally. The group has raised more than $2,500 for local charities through its annual miniature golf tournament. Their slogan is "More than a Mass," and participants say it fits well with what opportunities YAM provides.

"Looking back over five years, we are proud of what we have contributed to our community, but also realize, there is more we can do," Baker said. "We will continue helping any way we can. Young adults have big hearts, passion and a lot of energy. We are happy YAM can provide them with an avenue to combine their faith with their passions."

On March 2, YAM and the Little Flower Men's Club will co-host a Trivia Night, benefiting both groups. It will start at 7 p.m. at the Little Flower Gym and will cost $10 a person. Teams can have a maximum of 10 players. For more information about the event and Springfield YAM, visit YAM online at www.springfieldyam.com.