Faith and Service at Bellarmine | A Jesuit Catholic High School in San Jose Faith & Service Leading With Purpose. Rooted in Faith. Committed to Others. Here at Bellarmine, service is a way of life. As a Jesuit, Catholic high school, we educate students to lead with compassion, seek justice, and find dignity in all people. If you're Catholic, of another faith, or still figuring it out, you'll find space here to explore and make an      impact. Start your Application Men for and with Others Inspired by the teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuits, we challenge students to use their gifts in service of others. Through service, retreats, and reflection, Bellarmine students learn to connect their values to real-world impact. Immersion Trips Bellarmine students have the opportunity to step into someone else’s shoes through immersive service experiences—locally, across the U.S., and abroad. These trips build empathy and deepen their worldview. Explore Immersion Opportunities Christian Service Program From freshman year to graduation, every Bellarmine student participates in hands-on service: Required service hours by grade level Volunteer opportunities at over 100 local organizations Staff-supervised placements and transportation Learn More About the Christian Service Program Each Day Starts with a Chance to Reflect Prayer and reflection are part of the rhythm of daily life at Bellarmine. Each morning begins with a community prayer led by a student, teacher, or staff member. Many classes also open with prayer, creating space to pause and reconnect. During homeroom, students take five minutes to practice the Examen of Consciousness, a tradition rooted in the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. This helps them reflect on their day, notice moments of grace, and grow in awareness. Through habits like these, students learn to recognize God’s presence in their own lives and in the world around them. “Reflection for us must always start from experience." — Pope Francis Your web browser does not support the <video> tag. Student Retreats: Step Away, Look Within, and Come Back Changed At Bellarmine, retreats give students the space to reflect and grow. Over four years, students have access to more than 15 different retreat opportunities, including: Freshman and sophomore overnight retreats Kairos for juniors and seniors Led by students, supported by faculty Deep conversations, lifelong memories Each retreat offers something unique, but all share a common goal: helping students build deeper connections with themselves, with others, and with something greater. Explore Retreats A Place for Students of All Faiths to Thrive At Bellarmine, students of all faith backgrounds—or no faith tradition at all—are welcomed and respected. About 25% of our students come from non-Catholic backgrounds, and they’re fully at home here. Spirituality here isn’t limited to religion class or Sunday Mass. It shows up in: Shared moments of reflection Religious Studies classes explore many faiths Interfaith prayer services Retreats and community-wide celebrations. Students are invited to explore their beliefs and grow in their own way—guided by Jesuit values like compassion, justice, and care for the whole person. Campus Ministry Campus Ministry at Bellarmine invites students into a deeper understanding of their faith and their responsibility to others. Rooted in the Jesuit tradition, our program encourages each student to grow as a “man for and with others” through prayer and meaningful connection. What Campus Ministry Offers: A structured retreat program that supports personal, spiritual, and relational growth throughout all four years Opportunities for personal and communal prayer, reflection, and intentional pause in a fast-paced world Programs and conversations that connect faith with social justice and service A commitment to the moral and spiritual development of all students, honoring all faith backgrounds A welcoming space to explore life’s deeper questions Campus Ministers Melissa Scott-Florez Director of Campus Ministry mscott-florez@bcp.org Cynthia Bailey Administrative Assistant - Campus Ministry cbailey@bcp.org Anthony Ferrari Assistant Director of Campus Ministry tferrari@bcp.org Gina Adams Choir Director gadams@bcp.org Jose Oros Jesuit Regent | Campus Minister joros@bcp.org Jesus Palomino Modern and Classical Language Faculty | Camps Coordinator for Summer Programs | Daily Mass jpalomino@bcp.org Elizabeth Portillo Religious Studies Faculty | Liturgy bportillo@bcp.org Celebrating the Catholic Faith Through Community and Tradition At Bellarmine, we live out the Catholic faith through liturgical celebrations, prayer, and sacraments. Students gather regularly to reflect and grow in their spiritual journey. Highlights of Catholic Life at Bellarmine: Weekly Mass during community time and major all-school liturgies, including the Mass of the Holy Spirit, Holy Week Liturgy, and Baccalaureate Mass Prayer services that reflect our diversity of faiths, including our Thanksgiving Interfaith Prayer Service Magis Masses and Feast Day Liturgies, planned and led by students and departments Sacraments such as Reconciliation during Advent and Lent, and Confirmation preparation for seniors in collaboration with the Diocese Opportunities for students to serve as Eucharistic Ministers, lectors, altar servers, musicians, or speakers during liturgies Mass on campus takes place every Tuesday and Thursday during CT (9:35-10:20 AM) and every Friday at 7:30 AM. Daily Prayer All students are invited to lead the morning prayer over our intercom system using a favorite prayer, scripture, poem, or something they have written. A prayer could be related to a topic being covered in a certain class or in anticipation of a faith & justice event hosted on campus. We welcome prayers that celebrate our community’s different areas of interest, religious traditions, or cultural expressions. Sign-Up Fall Semester Sign-Up Spring Semester Eucharistic Ministers The Eucharist is the special gift that God shares with us. Eucharistic ministers assist in our liturgy by administering the Sacrament and offering blessings so that people experience God’s love in a deep and personal way. Students must  have completed the Sacrament of Confirmation to serve as a Eucharistic Minister. Sign-Up Choir Beautiful music has the potential to open our eyes to God’s presence. In this way, our musicians and choir help make our liturgies come alive!  If your student likes to sing or play an instrument, we encourage them to share his talent by becoming a member of the Bells Choir. Rehearsals will take place during Community Time. Sign-Up Summit on Human Dignity The Summit on Human Dignity is a cornerstone of Bellarmine’s commitment to forming students who seek truth, justice, and solidarity. Each year, the Summit invites our community to engage deeply with a social justice issue through both reflection and action. Through guest speakers, classroom discussions, service opportunities, and student-led initiatives, the Summit challenges students to critically examine injustice in the world. Learn More About the Next Summit Ready to Learn, Serve, and Grow? Bellarmine helps you discover what you believe and how to live it out with purpose. Start Your Application See the Religious Studies Curriculum