The Carmelite STARS Youth Group was formed in June of 2005.  The high school youth program was looking for a fresh start and a new vision was being sought.  The youth at the time chose the name Carmelite after the Carmelites who have served the parishes’ faithfully for many years and STARS for Service Through Active Religion.

The STARS have participated in many fundraisers, a Valentine Dinner, Burrito Sales, Cornstock, Chamber Theatre Servers, Square Fair, sold Maggie's Popcorn and hosted a few Breakfasts.  In February the STARS  host a Valentine Dinner for family and friends with preordered tickets, and in 2020 we hosted our 15th annual dinner.  In November 2020 & 2021 they sold Popcorn from Maggie's Popcorn in Ottawa, Ks.  The funds raised from these events along with any other fundraising efforts are used to support the group with service projects and travel expenses.  They once again attended the National Catholic Youth Conference, November 17-21, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana.  They attended RCYC (Rural Catholic Youth Convention) in March of 2022 at Prairie Star Ranch in Williamsburg, Ks. In August of 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 they also hosted an Archdiocesan Rural Youth Rally. We are planning Our summer outing in July of 2022 at Worlds of Fun.

During the 2017-2018 school year we had  two STARs serve on NEKRYC (North East Kansas Rural Youth Council) - Adrianna Pedrow and Emma Porter, 2021-2022 - Morgan Sumner and Reese Witherspoon and for the 2022-2023 school year we will have four STARs serving on council - Morgan Sumner, Reese Witherspoon, Taryn Morrow and Noah Porter.

We have 15 Confirmation Candidates for 2022 and Confirmation will be held on Monday, November 21, 2022.

There are currently 17 youth involved in the STARS group which meets on Wednesday evenings from 7-8:00 p.m., throughout the school year.  If you are interested in joining, volunteering or have service project ideas, please contact the parish office or one of the group leaders Georgia Miller or Kristy Mader (kmader0313@gmail.com).