Our Leaven Groups
We are committed to providing a unique and enriching spiritual journey for those seeking to deepen their discipleship and follow the path of Jesus Christ. We offer two transformative programs designed to cultivate faith, virtue, and a stronger connection with God and community.
The Mountaineers of the Immaculate Conception
This group is specifically for boys and teenagers who wish to deepen their commitment to Christ. Led by the DCJMs and inspired by the example of the Holy Family and the work-life of the Child Jesus, the Mountaineers embark on a journey of spiritual growth and personal transformation. Through friendship, formation, and devotion to the Virgin Mary, members are guided toward greater conformity to Jesus Christ.
Our activities emphasize faith formation, prayer, and the development of essential virtues such as service, perseverance, joy in overcoming challenges, punctuality, order, unity, and friendship—all inspired by the spirit of St. Ignatius of Loyola. As part of this program, the Mountaineers will take monthly hiking trips along various mountain trails, fostering a spirit of camaraderie and a deeper connection with nature as a way to reflect on God’s creation.
Our hiking excursions provide students with the opportunity to strengthen their physical endurance while immersing themselves in the breathtaking beauty of God’s creation. These journeys are more than just physical challenges—they are moments of spiritual reflection. We celebrate Mass at the summit of hills or in other picturesque locations, where the grandeur of the natural world becomes a powerful backdrop for worship. In these sacred moments, we unite the beauty of the Creator’s handiwork with the reverence and awe of the Creator Himself, deepening our connection to both nature and faith.
Altar Servers
The Altar Servers at Stella Maris are a dedicated group of boys who serve at the altar during school liturgies. This role is not only a privilege but a powerful way to grow in faith, reverence, and devotion. Altar Servers become intimately familiar with the sacred liturgy and the profound presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, offering a witness to the entire school community.
As Pope Benedict XVI beautifully said, “Dear Altar Servers, you are, in fact, already apostles of Jesus! When you take part in the Liturgy by carrying out your altar service, you offer a witness to all. Your devotion and the heartfelt gestures you make in service express a powerful sign of God’s friendship with each one of us. May you always be friends and apostles of Jesus Christ.”
(August 2012)
The apostolic dimension of the Marian Congregation is carried out by students and families of the school through the following groups:
- The Immaculate Conception and Saint Francis Xavier Mountaineers Group. This group is a school of life directed to elementary and middle school through college students. The purpose of this group is to form young Catholics with a solid and virtuous life of faith in the “school of the mountain”. The mountaineers have the Virgin Mary as their Model and Mother and St. Francis Xavier as their patron. Within the framework of the Marian Congregation, they live the Ignatian spirituality. Their life motto, which inspires all mountaineering activity, is inspired by Ignatian spirituality and is the expression of their patron, St. Francis Xavier: More, more and more. It reflects the continuous spirit of effort and self-improvement that should characterize every mountaineer until they reach their highest peak: holiness.
- Heart Speaks to Heart: is an apostolate of the Marian Congregation aimed at building friendships between mothers and refreshing the foundations of our Catholic faith through monthly wine/cheese evenings or coffee/bagel mornings followed by a brief discussion of each month’s topic. All mothers of the school are invited and encouraged to join.
