Roger Bacon High School breaks ground on new chapel

Roger Bacon High School in Cincinnati is preparing to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2028 by beginning construction on a new atrium that will include a 160-seat chapel. The first dedicated chapel in Roger Bacon’s history, it will help reinforce the high school’s Catholic and Franciscan identity and serve as its center for spiritual life. 

As part of its “We are the Good Soil” campaign, the school broke ground on the atrium on March 28. A number of Franciscan friars were on hand for the groundbreaking ceremony, along with developers and community leaders, key supporters and representatives from the Roger Bacon family, including members of the class of 2028.  

Br. Gene Mayer, OFM, a longtime Roger Bacon staff member, offered the opening prayer, saying, “For what has been, we give thanks. For what will be in this next century, we look forward with joyful anticipation.”  

Provincial Councilor Br. Ed Tlucek, OFM, and Philip Anderson, who ministers in mission integration for the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe, take part in the groundbreaking ceremony. (Photo courtesy of Eileen Connelly, OSU)

During his remarks, Steve Schad, president of Roger Bacon, noted the many ways the school incorporates Franciscan values into its curriculum, including its Assisi Scholars honors program that has sent some 195 students on pilgrimage in the past 10 years to walk in the footsteps of St. Francis and St. Clare. He also pointed out the morals and values that guide the school in the Franciscan tradition, emphasizing the dignity and gifts of each individual, family spirit and fostering a desire to serve others.  

“We strive to be the good soil for our students while they’re at Roger Bacon and long after they’ve graduated,” he said.  

The Anne Nurre Heidt Atrium is named for an outstanding 1944 graduate of Our Lady of Angels High School, which merged with Roger Bacon in 1984.  

Br. John Boissy, OFM, a professional woodworker, will craft the chapel’s permanent altar. Stained glass windows from Our Lady of Angels will be incorporated into the design of the chapel’s back wall. Windows will reflect the school’s Franciscan heritage and include images of St. Francis at the cross, St. Clare, St. Anthony of Padua and Our Lady of Guadalupe. The atrium is expected to be ready for use by July 2026. 

To view the groundbreaking ceremony, visit Facebook. 

The first photo depicts a group of developers and community leaders, key supporters and members of the Roger Bacon family at the groundbreaking ceremony. (Photo courtesy of Eileen Connelly, OSU)