Supporting People of All Abilities
Florida
est. 1956
Serving the Dear Neighbor
Several of our Sisters have devoted their ministry to supporting individuals with differing abilities across Florida. Long before such services were widely available or well funded, our Sisters were quietly pioneering inclusive programs rooted in dignity and care.
Among them, Sister Elizabeth Stoup stands out as a tireless advocate. Over the course of her life, she helped found schools and group homes that offered not just care, but community—places where individuals received the attention and support they deserved. Her legacy continues to shape lives, offering a model of love in action.
Sister of St Joseph and Morning Star School Students
Sister Elizabeth Stoup’s Legacy
At the time, only a few programs existed in places like Lantana, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, and Orlando. Over the next 40 years, Sister Elizabeth helped shape the lives of more than 1,500 students. She played a vital role in founding Morning Star School, eventually serving as its principal, and was instrumental in the creation of Bishop Grady Villas, a ministry dedicated to independent living for adults with special needs.
A Vision for Every Child
In the 1950s, Sister Elizabeth Marie Stoup began her ministry on a volunteer basis, serving children with physical, mental, and emotional challenges—at a time when such children were often institutionalized or excluded from traditional education. She recognized their potential and firmly believed they could learn in an academic setting and go on to become active members of society.
Sister Elizabeth Marie Stoup and Morning Star School Students
Sister Agnes Marie, Morning Star Lantana
Sister Elise worked in the admin office at Morning Star School, Jacksonville.
Sister Elizabeth Marie Stoup, Morning Star
Bishop Grady Villas
Sister Marie Elizabeth Stoup, SSJ, believed that students of Morning Star Catholic School deserved more than a diploma—they deserved a future. She dreamed of a place where young adults with disabilities could live with dignity, grow in independence, and thrive beyond their school years.
That dream became a reality in 2004 with the opening of Bishop Grady Villas, a residential community born out of both Sister Stoup’s vision and the heartfelt pleas of parents who wanted their adult children to move forward—not backward—after leaving school.
Sister Elizabeth reflected on her former students, now residents at Bishop Grady Villas, saying,
“I knew they could be independent to a certain extent, but they’ve gone beyond what I thought was possible.”
Today, many residents of Bishop Grady Villas hold stable jobs with companies like Publix, Disney, Universal, SeaWorld, and McDonald’s. Their accomplishments stand as a testament not only to their own resilience but also to the enduring power of belief, support, and opportunity.
Morning Star Schools
Since 1960, Morning Star Catholic School has been a beacon of hope for children with special needs—nurturing their potential in body, mind, and spirit. Founded in Orlando’s College Park neighborhood under the direction of Sister Elizabeth Marie Stoup, and at the request of Archbishop Joseph P. Hurley, Morning Star became one of Florida’s first schools dedicated to children with intellectual disabilities.
At a time when many children with special needs were denied access to education, Morning Star opened its doors to six pioneering students. Since then, over 2,000 students have graduated from its classrooms, empowered to face life with greater independence and confidence.
Every Ability, Every Age, Every Child
Morning Star Schools serve individuals ages 5 to 30, offering a continuum of support from early education to young adulthood. Students participate in collaborative programs with Bishop Moore Catholic High School, creating opportunities for mutual learning and inclusion. Beginning at age 22, students focus on life skills that prepare them for part-time employment within the community. Their faith-based programming instills dignity, confidence, and a sense of purpose in children of all backgrounds. Today, there are six Morning Star Schools across the state of Florida.
Sister Elizabeth at L’Arche .
L’Arche
In 2010 Sister Elizabeth moved to Jacksonville where she volunteered at Rainbow Workshop, L’Arche Harbour House. Sisters Elise and Rita dedicated their time to L'Arche’s inclusive community where people with and without intellectual disabilities share life and build friendships.
Sister Rita at L’Arche . Sister Rita is still actively involved in serving this community.