Catholic families, singles, and retired couples have chosen to relocate from all corners of the United States to a quiet, rural setting in northeastern Arkansas. This is in a sincere attempt to leave many of the secular trappings of the world behind while embracing and encouraging one another to live their vocation in life in a way pleasing to Almighty God. You will find an eclectic mix of Catholic neighbors, spread over 1,000 acres commonly known as and dedicated to our Lady under her title “Star of the Sea.”
St. Michael’s Catholic Church, located less than five miles away, offers Mass in both the English and the Traditional Latin Rite (as an apostolate of the Fraternity of St. Peter.) Common to all residents is faithfulness to the Pope, the Magisterium and the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. Perpetual Adoration of Our Lord draws many to St. Michael’s. The chapel has been a place of perpetual prayer for the past five years.
Families at Star of the Sea privately hold property and individual families decide the degree to which each participates in community activities. Residents become part of a much larger family. Individuals and families can gain spiritual growth through local parish programs, attending daily mass and through the reception of the sacraments. Property owners have the option of belonging to the New Entity Corporation, the corporation that owns unsold land at Star of the Sea.
Ave Maria Hall, with adjacent tennis/basketball court and soccer field, is the common area. Community activities have included the annual May crowning of our Blessed Mother, Fourth of July parties, the August rededication ceremony to St. Philomena, and the traditional All Hallow’s Eve celebration (door-to-door “saintly visits” followed by hayrides and a bonfire). Prayer, including the Holy Rosary, is a common devotion at most gatherings.
Ave Maria Hall is also available for private use and fun activities such as birthday and surprise parties. Apologetic classes for high school students have met in the hall. All residents are invited to enjoy the community library with books for all ages from classic fiction to lives of the saints.
Faithful families are often blessed with many children and you will find all ages here. Many home school and some students attend the local public schools and community colleges. Parents formed the St. Michael’s Home School Association and meet monthly to plan events, encourage one another, and help newcomers.
Wholesome activities, to replace secular TV programming and mall shopping, are initiated and supported by most parents. Modesty in dress is promoted. Several fathers and sons are active in Boy Scouting and the younger girls might participate in Little Flowers or Sodality. “Capture the Flag”, “Flashlight Tag” and impromptu soccer, baseball, and football games take place in unfenced yards. Local athletic associations provide the structure for more organized sports.
Catholic “community” living has its challenges. Anyone truly attempting to live a holy life will be a target for Satan’s attacks and one should not move here seeking refuge from the roaring lion. Be encouraged! Our Lord promises that His grace is sufficient and long-term residents will affirm the spiritual growth gained by living at Star of the Sea. Sharing the ups and downs of life with neighbors, both on the temporal and spiritual fronts, is why most move here. This is not heaven, just life in a small town.
The soft local job market must be considered before relocating to the area. Many husbands commute an hour or more to work. Some families have their own businesses.
Most families would say the best things about life here are the relative physical and moral safety of the children, the quiet rural surroundings, the near and frequent availability of the sacraments, and the comfort of living among other Catholics whose goal is eternal salvation.
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