become a part of the Historic Restoration of Holy Name of Jesus Chapel
a Spiritual Center The Holy Name chapel serves Jesuit s students, faculty and staff, alumni, and families as the spiritual heart of the school, playing an integral part in the worship life of the Jesuit High School community. Daily Mass Weekly Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament Weekly Mothers Rosary Group Personal prayer and reflection throughout the school day Team, class, and reunion Masses a Living Link with Tradition Built in 1901 in memory of jurist and benefactor Thomas J. Semmes, this chapel was part of the original school at Baronne and Common Streets. When the new school was built in 1925-26, the stained glass, altar, and pews were brought to serve as the domestic chapel of the Jesuit community. It now stands as a tangible link both with the school s origins and with the larger history of the Society of Jesus through the depiction of Jesuit saints and blessed. The chapel s architectural style harkens to the original Moresque features of the Jesuit church on Baronne Street. The chapel is used as a key part of the pre-freshman theology classes introduction to the history of the school and of the Jesuit order. The paintings highlight scenes from the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the school s patroness.
an Artistic Gem The stained glass of the dome and windows immediately captures the eye and the imagination. Wrought with the time-honored craftsmanship of the artists of Meyer of Munich, Germany, in the late 19th century, the glass shows the full scope of this demanding and impressive art. Stained Glass Dome The 147 sq. ft. dome features an intricate pattern of color and design. Detailed Craftsmanship The portraiture in the windows shows a command of detail remarkable in stained glass. Stunning Design The compositions reflects both careful symmetry and ordered design.
a Legacy in Need of Preservation More than a century old, the features of the chapel now stand in need of restoration and preservation in order to serve Jesuit s mission of faith formation for another century. Much needed restoration and painting will help protect the chapel against future damage. Improved lighting will enhance the overall effect of this beautiful chapel. Damage & Breakage Over the years, the windows have developed cracks and even breakage. The dome is in need of structural enhancement and cleaning. Restoration Needs Several paintings have become discolored and require restoration. The pews require repair of cracks and restoration of lost parts. The ceiling and walls, which have experienced moisture damage over the years, will be restored and painted.
Your Help Is Essential You can be a key part of ensuring the chapel s reverence, beauty, and dignity into the next century. While donations of any amount are welcome, larger benefactors will receive special recognition on a plaque as a memorial of your generosity. Naming Opportunities Available Central Dome $100,000 The beautiful stained glass dome is one of three moved from the Thomas J. Semmes Memorial Chapel, located in the original school building on Baronne and Commons Streets. Created in 1901 and moved in 1926, the central dome will undergo its first renovation, ensuring that future generations of Blue Jays will continue to enjoy its beauty. Scenes from the Life of Our Lady $25,000 Four large paintings depicting scenes from the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the school s patroness, are in dire need of restoration by a painting conservator. The paintings are in various stages of discoloration and show signs of moisture damage. Stained Glass Windows $15,000 Eleven ornate stained glass windows depicting Our Lady, Jesuit saints, and blesseds are in need of repair and restoration. The windows serve as reminders of the lives of Jesuit saints and martyrs and as inspiration to today s Blue Jays. Sacristy & Confessional Renovation $12,500 Renovation of the Sacristy and Confessional areas is also needed. Heroic Women of the Old Testament $10,000 Two paintings, depicting Esther and Judith, are available for naming. Stained Glass Stations of the Cross $5,000 Fifteen panels depicting Christ carrying the cross to his crucifixion sit above the large stained glass windows on each side of the chapel. Chapel Doors $4,000 Utilizing reclaimed stained glass Long Pews $3,000 Four available Short Pews $1,000 Nine available Kneeler Rails $1,000 Two available