Helping plan Sunday night Masses geared for young adults in Springfield are Father Steve Janoski, Sara Wojcicki, Sister Lori Kirchman, OP, Kevin Broeckling, Ed Wojcicki, Catie Sheehan and Kyle Holtgrave.

A Mass geared toward young adults in the Springfield area will be held on Sundays, at 8 p.m., starting Feb. 11, in the Dawson Hall Chapel on the SCI/Benedictine campus, 1500 N. Fifth St. Music, preaching and outreach at the Mass will have a target audience of people between the ages of 18 and 35, but anyone is welcome.

Bishop George J. Lucas will celebrate the first Mass for young adults, with Father Steve Janoski concelebrating. Father Janoski will be the regular presider at the young adult Mass, with other priests volunteered to be there when needed.

"I am happy to support this effort to include more young adult Catholics in the life of the church," Bishop George Lucas said. "Some people in the city came to me with the idea. I am grateful that people have stepped up to make it happen."

A core committee of young adults collaborated with community leaders to plan for the young adult Sunday night Masses.

"A few other people and I really like the idea of this Mass for young adults," said Nathan Mihelich, director of communications for the Springfield Dominicans. "We know that the talents of young adults can enrich the church and be a sign of God's presence in society. We are inviting young adults to participate and become part of a welcoming community for other young adults as well."

Kyle Holtgrave, the new associate director for youth and young adult ministry for the Springfield diocese, said one reason he was hired was to reach out to young adults. "My experience is that sometimes they feel neglected," Holtgrave said. "To have a Mass especially for them - I think they will like it and they will have many opportunities to be as involved as they want to if they come."

Holtgrave is the coordinator for what is being called the Springfield Area Young Adult Mass (YAM). He will also coordinate the music. Sister Lori Kirchman, OP, has volunteered to coordinate the liturgy for the Sunday night Mass. Others involved in organizing YAM include: Sara Wojcicki, Catie Sheehan, Mihelich, Kevin Broeckling, Sally and Ed Wojcicki, and Father Janoski.

For more information, go to www.springfieldyam.com or write to .