Sacraments at Stella Maris
The sacraments are the sacred channels through which God’s grace flows into the lives of the faithful. Instituted by Jesus Christ, the sacraments are integral to the life of the Church, with each one rooted in the mysteries of His life, death, and resurrection. As Saint Leo the Great beautifully expressed, “What was visible in our Savior has passed over into his mysteries” (Homily 74, 2).
At Stella Maris, we recognize the profound significance of the sacraments and prepare our students to receive them with reverence and responsibility. Through the sacraments of Christian Initiation—Baptism, First Confession, First Communion, and Confirmation—we guide students on a journey of spiritual growth and deeper union with Christ. We also offer guidance and support to both students and parents in preparing for the sacrament of Baptism, should they have not yet received it.
The sacraments are not mere milestones; they are new beginnings. At Stella Maris, we accompany our students as they grow in their understanding of the grace these sacraments offer and as they live out their faith with purpose and commitment.
First Communion Program
In our First Communion program, students in second grade begin their journey toward a deeper relationship with Christ through the Eucharist. “The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1324). The school’s catechists and chaplains work closely with the students to prepare students for this sacramental milestone. During this educational process, students are prepared for the sacrament of First Confession. As they learn the importance of prayer and the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, students are also guided in memorizing essential Catholic prayers.
Families, teachers, and the religious community work together to foster an understanding of the significance of attending Sunday Mass and honoring the Lord’s Day. Students are encouraged to spend this day in prayer, reflection, family gatherings, and outdoor activities.
In the weeks leading up to their First Communion, students keep a journal, reflecting on their personal spiritual growth. Following their First Communion, students are invited to serve at school Masses and in their local parishes, taking an active role in their faith community.
Confirmation Program
“Confirmation perfects baptismal grace; it is the sacrament which gives the Holy Spirit in order to root us more deeply in the divine filiation, incorporate us more firmly into Christ, strengthen our bond with the Church, and help us bear witness to the Christian faith in words and deeds.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1316).
Stella Maris prepares eighth-grade students to receive the sacrament of Confirmation, a profound moment in their spiritual journey. Confirmation leaves an indelible mark of the Holy Spirit, strengthening the students in their faith and empowering them to embrace their unique mission in life.
Through guidance from our dedicated Disciples, students deepen their understanding of the faith passed down by their parents and become active witnesses to the teachings of the Church. This sacrament transforms them into “missionaries” of the Gospel, called to share the Good News of Jesus Christ, who invites all to live in communion with the Father.
At Stella Maris, we are committed to helping students not only understand the faith but also live it out with purpose, becoming active participants in the Church and in the world.
