More than 70 people filled the Dawson Hall chapel on the SCI/Benedictine campus Sunday, Feb. 10, for the first Sunday evening Mass geared for young adults in the Springfield area. Extra chairs were set up to accommodate the crowd.

"We are trying something new," Bishop George J. Lucas said, thanking those who came and asking them to use their personal talents in service of one another and the church.

A Sunday evening Mass for people between the ages of 18 and 35, roughly speaking, will continue to be held every week at 8 p.m. on the college campus. Seating will be rearranged to accommodate even more people.

After the Mass, more than 30 people signed up to participate in various liturgical ministries in the weeks to come. Father Steve Janoski, who teaches theology at Sacred Heart-Griffin High School, will be the priest-presider.

Bishop Lucas has allowed the collection taken at the Mass to go back into the ministry. At this moment there is no budget for the Sunday evening Masses, and small donations help get it started.  

A MySpace group has been established in connection with the Sunday evening Mass, and more information is available at www.springfieldyam.com .

Anyone wishing to make a donation may write a check to "Diocese of Springfield - YAM ministry," and send it to Kyle Holtgrave, Office for Young Adult and Youth Ministry, Diocese of Springfield in Illinois, P.O. Box 3187, Springfield, IL  62708-3187.