House System

Our House System brings students together in community, faith, service, and leadership.

What is a House System?

A Community Within Our Community

The House System creates a deeper sense of belonging by bringing students together across grade levels and creating opportunities to grow in faith, build relationships, serve others, and lead with purpose.

Each student belongs to one of four houses, each inspired by a Carmelite saint and connected to one of our school's foundational pillars. Together, our houses help students live out the values at the heart of St. Mary of Carmel.

Prayer

To know Christ more deeply.

Community

To belong and help others belong.

Service

To put faith into action.

Human Dignity

To recognize and honor the worth of every person.

Four Houses. One Mission.

House Teresa crest featuring St Teresa of Avila shield badge

Prayer

Contemplation

St. Teresa of Ávila

Contemplate • Pray • Listen

Community

Belonging

St. Elizabeth of the Trinity

Belong • Love • Serve

Service

Mission

St. John of the Cross

Courage • Persevere • Trust

Human Dignity

Respect & Safety

St. Titus Brandsma

Respect • Protect • Justice

House Profiles

Every student belongs to a house with its own patron saint, color, traditions, and virtues. While each house has its own unique identity, all four are united by the faith, values, and mission of St. Mary of Carmel.

House Teresa

Prayer

• Contemplation

Outdoor stone statue of Saint Thérèse holding a cross
Patron Saint

St. Teresa of Ávila

Inspired by St. Teresa of Ávila, House Teresa calls us to grow in our personal relationship with Christ through prayer and reflection. We seek God in all things and strive to live with hearts that are attentive, grateful, and full of joy.

1

Pillar

Prayer

2

Focus

Contemplation

3

House Virtues

Gratitude • Perseverance • Joy

4

House color

Navy

House Elizabeth

Community

• Belonging

Patron Saint

St. Elizabeth of the Trinity

Inspired by St. Elizabeth of the Trinity, House Elizabeth reminds us that a quiet, prayerful heart can transform everyday life into something sacred. Known for her deep devotion to the Trinity dwelling within her soul, St. Elizabeth called herself "Praise of Glory" and sought to live every moment — even in suffering — as an offering of love and faith.

1

Pillar

Community

2

Focus

Belonging

3

House Virtues

Responsibility • Compassion • Forgiveness

4

House color

Maroon

House John

Service

• Mission

Patron Saint

St. John of the Cross

Inspired by St. John of the Cross, House John challenges us to live our faith with courage, perseverance, and trust in God. A Carmelite priest, poet, and spiritual teacher, St. John remained deeply faithful even through times of hardship and uncertainty.
His example reminds students that faith calls us beyond ourselves and gives us the courage to answer God’s call with generosity. In House John, we seek opportunities to put our faith into action, serve others, and live with a sense of purpose and mission.

1

Pillar

Service

2

Focus

Mission

3

House Virtues

Courage · Generosity

4

House color

Purple

House Titus

Human Dignity

• Respect & Safety

Patron Saint

St. Titus Brandsma

Inspired by St. Titus Brandsma, House Titus calls us to recognize and defend the God-given dignity of every person. A Carmelite priest, educator, and journalist, St. Titus courageously stood against hatred and injustice and remained committed to truth, compassion, and the dignity of others.
His example encourages students to treat every person with respect, stand up for what is right, and help create a community where others feel valued and safe. In House Titus, we strive to make choices that protect the dignity of ourselves and those around us.

1

Pillar

Human Dignity

2

Focus

Respect & Safety

3

House Virtues

Respect · Self-Control

4

House color

Green

More Than A House. A Community

Throughout the school year, students will have opportunities to grow together through prayer, service, celebrations, friendly competition, leadership, and acts of kindness.

Students participating in a church prayer service together
Prayer & Formation
Student standing beside science fair project board about water droplets
Service Projects
Students in saint costumes posing together at All Saints Day celebration
House Celebrations
Three male students smiling together during school lunch
Friendly Competition
Student speaking at podium during Katie Prejean McGrady Speaker Series event
Student Leadership
Student receives sticker from adult volunteer at outdoor school event
Community Building
Positioned Script