BSVM has been highlighting different alumni who share the ways in which they are living into the charism and mission of the Sisters of Bon Secours years after their time with BSVM concluded. This month, we hear from Jonathan Bettle, an alum who chose to stay in Baltimore where he first served, and how his post-BSVM life has been deeply connected to some other BSVM alums who are neighbors and friends. We are grateful for the many ways that God continues to work in and through our alumni to build community and create beauty wherever they are!
Bridging BSVM Baltimore through Park Stewardship and Solidarity
By Jonathan Bettle (BSVM 2008 – 2009)
A graduate of the University of Dayton
In the sticky heat of August 2008, I moved from Akron, OH to Baltimore to begin my time with Bon Secours Volunteer Ministry. I remember leaning out of the taxi window, taking in the sights as the cab weaved through southeast Baltimore neighborhoods that felt both foreign and intimidating. Eventually, we pulled up to the former convent of St. Peter the Apostle Church, where I was to bunk with four other newcomers who, like me, had chosen to dedicate a year to serving this city.
Fast forward four years, and I’m not just a resident, I’m a bona fide member of the Reservoir Hill community. Gone is my initial apprehension of Baltimore City; now, I’m quick to defend its charm and gloom against any naysayers, having experienced firsthand the warmth and strength of its neighborhoods, from Sandtown-Winchester to Poppleton, and now Reservoir Hill.
Four more years down the line, life has handed me some new hats: fatherhood and community leadership. After a three-year stint on the neighborhood association board, my neighbors now look to me as a trusted figure. And as my term wrapped up, the inevitable question popped up: “What’s next?”
Jonathan (BSVM 2008-2009), his wife Courtney, and their sons met up with fellow BSVM alumni and neighbors, August Kunkel (BSVM 2014-2015), his wife Sarah Ceponis (BSVM 2011-2012), and their children at German Park in Baltimore, MD.
Just beyond our back alley lies German Park—a little oasis in need of some tender loving care, despite boasting a Ravens-themed playground. With two young sons of my own and a commitment to enhancing our community, I knew I had to take action. So, rallying support from my neighbors and teaming up with the city’s Recreation and Parks Department and a community-based non-profit adjacent to the park, the St. Francis Neighborhood Center, we created a “Friends” group. Now seven years later, it’s 2024 and we have in the works the removal of a Brutalist concrete “waterfall” from another era, a new fence, and full basketball court renovation. New life is breathed into this shared space, making it the vibrant hub it deserves to be.
Maintaining a community space in an underprivileged neighborhood presents formidable obstacles: resource shortages, vandalism, and ongoing litter and safety issues. The bureaucratic maze of Baltimore City Recreation and Parks has often tested my patience. Nonetheless, my faith remains a steadfast anchor, reminding me of the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity. It empowers me to seek innovative solutions and cultivate resilience when addressing these challenges.
The joy I derive from stewarding German Park manifests itself from the laughter of children playing on the renewed playground, the radiant smiles of neighbors coming together for community events, and the profound sense of pride accompanying the knowledge that I am actively contributing to creating a more inclusive and dynamic community.
German Park is a testament to the development of community bonds. It has become a place where diverse individuals and families converge, bridging gaps and forging connections. Together, we have created a sense of belonging that extends beyond the park’s boundaries, strengthening the entire Reservoir Hill neighborhood.
My stewardship of German Park has underscored the importance of living simply. The challenges have been significant, but the rewards have been far more profound. True fulfillment comes from the intangible rewards of service and the joy of building a better community.
In the face of adversity, I’ve strived to ensure that the benefits of the park reach all residents, particularly those on the fringes of our society. Advocating for equitable access and opportunities within the park, we are working towards a more just society where everyone can thrive.
Jonathan at his ministry site at the Bon Secours Baltimore Hospital
Jonathan with his BSVM 2008-2009 community