Who are the Disciples?
The Disciples of the Hearts of Jesus and Mary (DCJM) are a religious institute of the Catholic Church dedicated to being “priests for the family,” entirely at the service of the family’s vocation to holiness. At Stella Maris, their presence shapes a distinctly Christ-centered, Marian, and family-focused spirit in every aspect of school life.
A Heart Like Mary’s
The essential inspiration of the Disciples flows from contemplating the Crucified Christ with the Virgin Mary. To contemplate “with Mary” is to learn her heart: wise and docile, humble and firm, simple and strong, wholly for God and transparent before Him, the heart of the New Covenant that sees, feels, and draws near to Christ.
Spiritual Characteristics
The DCJM spirit is marked by a deep spirituality of the Heart of Christ and the Heart of Mary, grounded in solid theology and authentic Catholic doctrine. Their life of discipleship is a concrete, daily learning from Jesus, who is meek and humble of heart, and is enriched by the teaching of Saint John Paul II on the person, love, and the family. They live a special fidelity and availability to the Roman Pontiff, and embrace the spirituality and asceticism of Saint Ignatius of Loyola.
Approved Mission in the Church
The Disciples received official approval in the Church on January 1, 1987. Today they are 44 religious—25 priests, 3 deacons, and 16 brothers in formation—serving as living witnesses of Christ’s love for families.
Where They Serve
The DCJM currently serve in Spain, Italy, and the United States. Their missions include Madrid, Rome, Woodbridge (Virginia), Littleton (Colorado), and Stamford (Connecticut), where they accompany families and form the hearts of young people at Stella Maris.
Disciples in Stamford
The Disciples of the Hearts of Jesus and Mary have been in Stamford since 2021, collaborating with Mater Salvatoris school and forming boys’ hearts in Christ. In 2022, they were entrusted with leading Stella Maris, the boys’ division; in 2023, they also assumed responsibility for St. Leo Parish, establishing a community of four—three at the school and one as parish priest.
A Growing Presence
This marks the third U.S. community where the Disciples have served in parishes and schools for over two decades, bringing their charism of spiritual fatherhood to families and young men.
Our Mission Here
Through daily accompaniment, sacraments, and Ignatian spirituality, the Stamford Disciples guide students toward holiness, virtue, and generous service as apostles in family, Church, and society.