Mission & History
OUR MISSION
We're a Christ-centered community dedicated to the growth and development of each student for the good of the Church and society.
Catholic Liturgy
Faith Formation
Hospitality & Community
Service & Justice
AT CCM, WE VALUE
Our Story
Est. 1946
In 1946, with the help of Fr. William Rochford from St. Agnes Church (which is currently St Agnes Cathedral), a group of SMSU students established the first Springfield Chapter of the Newman Club. Drury University students formed their own chapter one year later. With a combined group of 50, they formed the beginning of a vibrant ministry serving the students of the two campuses.
1946
The ministry has evolved through many different locations, beginning in a house near St. Agnes Church in 1946. Newman Club then moved to “Newman Hall” at 821 S. Kings and 648-662 S. Florence. In 1966, The Ecumenical Center was built on the SMSU campus (680 S Florence Ave), which was where the ministry held Mass.
In 1979, the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau invited the Claretian Missionaries to join the ministry. The first Claretian at CCM was Fr. Dan Drinan, followed by Fr. Len Brown, Fr. Ron Stua, Fr. Eddie De Leon (who led the construction of the current building), Fr. Tom McGann, Fr. Javier Reyes and Fr Bibin Mathew. Other Claretians have come for shorter ministerial terms.
In 1989, CCM moved to the Nancy McGregor House (847 S. Holland), where it remained until 2001. Due to the growth CCM experienced, in 2000-2001, The O’Reilly Catholic Student Center was built.
In 2024, the Claretians departed from the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau. The diocese appointed Fr. Andrew Williams as the chaplain and director of CCM.
In 79 years CCM has gone from bi-monthly discussions, picnics, and dances to an Awakening Retreat in the fall, Men's and Women's Retreats in the spring, formal dances each semester, small groups, mission trips, daily Mass and 2 Sunday Masses, adoration and more.
Who We've Been Serving
Throughout our history, we've been serving students at Missouri State University, Drury University, and Ozark Technical Community College. Now, we believe that God is calling us to expand our mission to serve all college-aged young adults in the Springfield area.