Roger Bacon Celebrates Dedication of Anne Nurre Heidt Atrium and Our Lady of the Angels Chapel

Roger Bacon High School marked a historic milestone Tuesday with the dedication of the Anne Nurre Heidt Atrium and Our Lady of the Angels Chapel, gathering students, faculty, staff, alumni, families and friends to celebrate the completion of one of the most significant projects in the school’s history.

The celebration began with the first Mass celebrated in the new chapel, with Archbishop Robert G. Casey serving as celebrant. During the Mass, the altar was consecrated, officially marking the sacred space as a place of worship and prayer for the Roger Bacon community.

The dedication was made even more meaningful by its timing on the Feast of St. Clare of Assisi, the beloved Franciscan saint and contemporary of St. Francis of Assisi. St. Clare's life of prayer, humility and devotion to Christ provided a fitting backdrop for the dedication of a chapel that will become a central part of the spiritual life of Roger Bacon for generations to come.

The Our Lady of the Angels Chapel is the first dedicated chapel in Roger Bacon High School’s history. Located within the new Anne Nurre Heidt Atrium, the chapel provides the school community with a permanent space for daily prayer, Mass, reflection and spiritual formation.

The Anne Nurre Heidt Atrium represents a transformational addition to the Roger Bacon campus, creating a welcoming gathering space while connecting the school community in new ways. The project is part of the school’s broader vision for the future and was made possible through the generosity and support of countless members of the Roger Bacon community.

The dedication also serves as an important milestone in the We Are the Good Soil capital campaign, which reached its $10 million goal and is supporting a number of transformational investments in the Roger Bacon campus, including the new atrium and chapel, expanded parking, additional classroom space, campus improvements and scholarships.

As the Roger Bacon community gathered for the first Mass in the chapel, the significance of the moment extended beyond the beautiful new building.

The new chapel and atrium stand as a testament to the faith, generosity and vision of the many people who believe in Roger Bacon’s mission and its ability to impact generations of students.

“Rooted in faith, guided by humility, and inspired by the spirit of St. Francis, we pray that this building and chapel will be a sanctuary of prayer, a home of peace, and a beacon of joyful service,” said Roger Bacon President Steve Schad. “As Roger Bacon prepares to celebrate a century of God's faithfulness and dedicated service to our community, may this building and chapel stand as the cornerstone of our future.”

For the Roger Bacon community, Tuesday’s celebration was both a moment to look back with gratitude and a moment to look ahead with hope.

The Anne Nurre Heidt Atrium and Our Lady of the Angels Chapel will now become part of the daily rhythm of life at Roger Bacon — spaces where students will gather, friendships will grow, faith will be strengthened and countless memories will be made.

And, in true Cincinnati fashion, the beautiful morning celebration was followed by some decidedly dramatic August weather in the afternoon — giving everyone one more reminder that no Cincinnati event is complete without experiencing all four seasons in a single day.

To view photos from the dedication of the Anne Nurre Heidt Atrium and Our Lady of the Angels Chapel, visit the full photo gallery on SmugMug.