Mass has been at 8 p.m. since the inception of YAM in 2008. The YAM board decided to change the Mass time after surveying young adults.
"We found young adults enjoy the nighttime Mass, but for many, 8 p.m. was too late," Brad Baker, YAM board president said. "The survey results showed us young adults and their friends are more likely to attend Mass and, therefore, participate in the liturgy and YAM's ministry, if the Mass time were earlier."
The Young Adult Mass targets young adults, ages 18 to 35, although all are welcome. The mission of YAM is to help bridge the gap between high school and parish life or starting a family. The YAM community primarily consists of college students and adults in early-career life.
"Many young adults use their weekends as an opportunity to travel and visit friends," Baker said. "Others have work schedules making morning Mass difficult to attend. Others still designate their weekends as an opportunity to catch up on sleep. We encourage young adults in these groups among others to come check us out. The new Mass time of 6:30 p.m. will allow them to fulfill their daytime obligations, attend Mass, and get home to prepare for their week."
Baker says it's not just the Mass that helps YAM achieve its core goal of helping young adult Catholics grow in their faith. YAM provides the Theology on Tap series, monthly social activities, faith formation groups, and volunteer projects for young adult Catholics.
"We hope and pray more young adults, who have been away from their Catholic faith, come back to the church," Baker said. "YAM can provide them with an atmosphere they may be searching for to help them re-grow their faith."
Many of the current YAM attendees are also looking forward to an earlier Mass time.
"The earlier Mass time will provide greater fellowship opportunities for before and after Mass," Liz Kroner, a YAM board member said.
"I have friends who have wanted to come to YAM for years, but are busy Sunday nights or have to be in bed early," Kris Yoon, another YAM board member said. "With the new Mass time, they are excited they will be able come and grow in their faith."
The last 8 p.m. Mass will take place June 9; the first 6:30 p.m. Mass will take place June 16.