An Invitation for Hope, Healing and Peace
Our Jesuit Parish Family continues its call to be transformed in the Body of Christ—bearing hope and healing to our world. As Easter ends and ordinary time begins, we remember Jesus’ words “Peace be with you…as the Father sent me, I am sending you” (Jn 20:21). Emboldened by the Holy Spirit, rooted in our faith, and following His example, we are called to give, to evangelize, and to serve.
As the United States commemorates the 250th anniversary of our nation in 2026, we invite you to join our parish family in a special effort to bring hope, healing and peace to our community. With that spirit, our parish plans to complete more than 250 Good Works between Memorial Day (May 25) and Independence Day (July 4).
Here is a list of upcoming parish good works and service opportunities to which you are warmly invited. You are also encouraged to think creatively and help develop additional ways to serve. Together, this will be a meaningful opportunity to grow in faith and compassion as individuals, as families, and as a parish community.
After you have completed your good work(s), individually or as a group, please record your good works. We have a team creating an installation of paper doves in the narthex that will be a special way of visualizing our positive impact and our growth in discipleship—focused on hope, healing and peace—when we celebrate the weekend of July 4!
Submit Your Work of Mercy
Describe Your Good Work(s)!
AN INVITATION TO SHARE TALENT
Tender Mercies
Tender Mercies Collection (June 13)—there are 5 more spots open for people to donate and serve food dishes for Tender Mercies this month. Please contact Rita if you are interested in participating at legolas302002@yahoo.com.
Habitat for Humanity
Everyone deserves a safe, affordable place to call home. Join us as we partner with Habitat for Humanity to create and preserve opportunities for affordable homeownership in our community through the “2026 Habitat Shalom” project. The Shalom Coalition of Habitat for Humanity builds a house every year between March and September. Volunteers must be 16 years or older. This opportunity is ideal for individual adults, friends, and groups who would like to serve together.
To participate:
- Complete the volunteer waiver and safety video by visiting the Cincinnati Habitat for Humanity Volunteer Page and clicking on the “Volunteer” tab.
- New volunteers should indicate that they are new so a VolunteerHub account can be set up. If you already have a VolunteerHub account, leave that section blank.
- If you experience any issues, please contact Laura Wells at Laura.wells@habitatcincinnati.org.
- Sign up for a workday using the 2026 Habitat Shalom Signup Genius. Twelve volunteer slots are available each day, so choose a date and make plans to serve!
Please wear comfortable clothes you do not mind getting dirty, along with closed-toe shoes. Bring a packed lunch and plenty of water. Since this is an active construction site, there is no heat or air conditioning, so dress appropriately for the weather. In the event of inclement weather, please check your email for cancellation notices and rescheduling information.
Nexus Community Garden
The mission of NEXUS Community Garden and Urban Farm is to serve as a growing collaborative space bringing together diverse stakeholders from Bellarmine Chapel, Xavier University campus, St. Xavier Church and neighboring communities. A place to grow genuinely transformative relationships, address food insecurity and hunger, educate around the importance of urban agriculture, and promote sustainability. The garden is on Xavier University’s campus and volunteers help with weeding, watering, harvesting, and delivery to the food pantries. Last year, we donated more than 1000 lbs of food! This is a family friendly event scheduled for Saturday, June 13, 9-11 a.m. Sign up here.
St. Vincent de Paul Society
St. Vincent de Paul is our parish’s primary anti-poverty initiative, the Bellarmine Conference of St. Vincent de Paul provides assistance in food, rent, utility bills, medication, clothing, furniture, and more to our neighbors in Evanston and Avondale. Visits take place every Saturday, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. We pray together during these visits and see how we might help with some of our neighbor’s other needs. Additional volunteer help is needed on Saturdays and throughout the week, including answering phones and delivering food from the pantry. Please reach out if you would like to serve.
Contact: SVDP@bellarminechapel.org
Lydia’s House
Lydia’s House offers safe, stable and supportive housing to women and children in crisis and transition in Greater Cincinnati. Volunteers are needed for a variety of projects, including meal preparation and accompaniment. Please join us in serving. Contact: socialmissionsdirector@bellarminechapel.org.
Notes for Our Homebound Parishioners
Our parish is blessed by the presence and prayers of our homebound parishioners, and we want them to know that we are thinking of them. We invite you to help us share God’s care and the warmth of our community by signing a “Thinking of You” card after Masses on Sunday, May 31. Please stop by the table in the narthex and take a moment to write a note or simply add your name. This small gesture can bring comfort, encouragement, and a meaningful reminder that they remain an important part of our parish family.
AN INVITATION TO SHARE TIME
Praying for Hope, Peace, and Healing
Fr. Damian will be leading our Jesuit Parish Family in a special online prayer series centered on hope, healing, and peace. All are warmly invited to join in prayer and reflection as we come together in faith and support for one another. Please consider participating in one or more of the following sessions:
- PRAYERS FOR HOPE: Wednesday, May 27, 8:30-8:45 a.m. (ET)
- PRAYERS FOR HEALING: Wednesday, June 24, 12:15-12:30 p.m. (ET)
- PRAYERS FOR PEACE: Wednesday, July 1, 5:45-6 p.m. (ET)
Weekly Examen
A weekly Examen is an opportunity to pause, reflect, and recognize God’s presence in the midst of everyday life. Rooted in the Jesuit tradition, the Examen helps us grow in gratitude, deepen our awareness of God’s guidance, and find peace amid the business of our days. Please click here to join us as Bellarmine Chapel parishioners gather remotely each Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. to pray the Ignatian Examen. Questions? Contact: examen@bellarminechapel.org.
Jesuit Parish Family Rosary Group
The Jesuit Parish Family’s St. Xavier Rosary Group has been praying the Rosary every night on Zoom (7:30 to 8 p.m. EST) since May 2020! There are also monthly events organized to pray the Rosary in person. Please contact Jan Meyer if you would like to participate at jmeyer0555@gmail.com.
An Examen for Peace
Fr. Damian Torres-Botello, SJ, has prepared an examen for peace. Click here to read or print the PDF.
AN INVITATION TO SHARE TREASURE
A Legacy for the Next 100 Years
Bellarmine Chapel has served the community for almost 100 years. As we look ahead with gratitude and hope, we invite all parishioners to prayerfully reflect on their support of Bellarmine Chapel and the legacy that we are building together for the next 100 years of faith, worship, and service.
For generations, our parish community has been sustained through the generosity of those who came before us. Today, we are called to continue that tradition by supporting the ministries, outreach, liturgies, education, and care that make Bellarmine Chapel a vibrant spiritual home.
We encourage current parishioners to review their regular offertory giving and consider whether they are able to increase their support as part of this important legacy. If you are new to the parish or have not yet begun contributing, we invite you to prayerfully consider making a gift and becoming part of the mission and future of our community.
Every contribution helps ensure that Bellarmine Chapel remains a place of welcome, prayer, and service for generations to come. Thank you for your continued generosity and commitment to our parish family.