† 1968 - Since its beginning, George Mason University has sought to encourage and facilitate the ministry of the churches, synagogues and mosques in the university community. Dr. Loring Thompson, the college chancellor and later its first president, called a meeting of interested religious bodies which eventuated in a ecumenical ministry with Protestant, Catholic, and Jewish participation. The Campus Ministry Association was established and since has expanded into Muslin and Orthodox ministries. Catholic Campus Ministry has always been an integral part of student life at the university and one of the largest and most active student groups on campus. The Claretian priest from St. Mary of Sorrows Parish served in campus ministry and are still remembered fondly.

† 1986 - Bishop John Keating assigns a full-time diocesan priest to George Mason University. The Catholic Diocese of Arlington purchases property and establishes a Catholic Student Center. On November 2, Bishop Keating blesses the Catholic Campus Ministry House on Roberts Road (now Fr. Peter's House). Sunday Mass now celebrated at 11am and 8pm in the Lecture Hall Building.

† 1987 - The "Ellis Lecture" are established at GMU. Named in honor of the late Msgr. John Tracy Ellis, the Dean of American Church Historians, these lectures present individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the intellectual life of the Church and society. Msgr. Ellis presented the first lecture. Catholic Campus Ministry receives the first of many Student Leadership and Service Awards for contributions to community life.

† 1989 - "Dreaming" phase begins for the new Chapel. Students, faculty/staff provide input into the vision of our new Chapel/Campus Ministry Center. CCM Chapel building committee is formed.

† 1990 - Bishop Keating approves building of the Catholic Chapel at George Mason University to be named the St. Robert Bellarmine Chapel. Msgr. John Hannan and Msgr. James McMurtrie, local pastors of St. Leo and Holy Spirit, make first pledges that establish the Chapel Building Fund.

† December 1, 1990 - Four architectural firms are invited to make presentations on the Chapel after receiving input from the community. Architects Group Practice of Old Town Alexandria is chosen. Bill Rousos and David Gallagher begin schematic design phase.

† 1992 - The Diocese of Arlington purchases adjacent property on Roberts Road needed for a chapel site.

† 1993 - May 2, Bishop Keating celebrates 11am mass followed by ground-breaking ceremonies for the new Chapel site. In August, Sabre Construction Company is selected as contractor and work begins.