About Us
In 2015 we made a decision to jump into the deep and chase our dreams. We didn't know what that meant at the time but we knew we needed to try something. We started out that year with exactly 33 Confirmation Retreats. Since have grown to facilitating 1000s of Confirmation Retreats, High School Retreats, Elementary School Retreats, Parish Retreats, High School Conferences, Family Retreats, Summer Camps and more!
We are so blessed to have met thousands of people from all walks of life. The world can be a beautiful battle field and it's a blessing to be on the front line.
We have always had an amazing team of people working with us, supporting us and guiding us along. We are thankful for the Archdiocese of Toronto, the school boards and parishes for welcoming us to walk along side them in many opportunities. While we are homegrown in Toronto, we've had the incredible experience of working all over Ontario, other Provinces and slowly into the USA.
The Founders - Our Story
Growing up, both Stacey and I have had the most amazing and life changing experience of encountering Jesus Christ, the risen Lord at; retreats, camps, rallies, World Youth Days and concerts. The reason we got involved as leaders, counselors and organizers is because of what we were able to experience.
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We witnessed Christ working in others and in ourselves. We saw and felt the light of Christ. Because of that, we want to share this light of Christ with others… it’s what we’re called to do. Our faith and love in God is what ties it all together…He is the beginning and the end… and every part in-between.
We want to bring sports, recreation, leadership, training and education to young people…but anchored in Faith. Our faith is not something we consider one hour once a week…it’s every second of every day.
We believe our faith is found in experiences.
God bless,
Peter & Stacey Leitmann
Meet the Team
Peter Leitmann
Founder, Speaker and Facilitator​
My own faith journey began when I was a teen and my brother invited me to youth group. That one single invite changed my life. The leaders had a heart of Christ and a love for young people. They were there for me when I had questions and guided me when I was misdirected.
My desire to follow and know Jesus grew year after year; the more I learnt the more I realized how much I didn’t know but that was the driving force…to know and love God. It wasn’t until a young adult retreat I was on when I had my encounter with the risen Lord. This encounter was reinforced time and time again at many retreats, conferences, rallies and mostly importantly…celebration of the Holy Eucharist.
My personal relationship with Jesus Christ continues to grow and deepen. Diving into Scripture nourishes the soul; Church history and Church Fathers strengthen the faith; Cathedrals and Basilicas reveal the beauty of the Catholic Church. These foundations are what drive me to work with young people. The extent of my ministry with and to young people has been completely volunteer for over 20 years. And although the intensity of my involvement has been determined by outside factors for much of that time, it is clear to me that the Lord is now calling me to an ever increasing commitment.
Fr. Michael Simoes
Spiritual Advisor for HopeStone
Born and raised in north Scarborough, Fr Michael received his elementary and high school education through Toronto Catholic District School Board. Having studied Chemical Engineering at the University of Waterloo and graduating in 2008, he would enter into St. Augustine’s Seminary to receive his formation to the priesthood. Ordained in 2014, Fr Michael would be assigned as an associate priest at St. Isaac Jogues, Pickering, St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica, St. Patrick’s Markham and finally as parish priest at St. Mary Star of the Sea in beautiful downtown Port Credit.
Bryanna Kobe Jackson
Speaker & Facilitator
In June of 2020 I started reading at least one chapter of my Bible daily and 3 years and 5 months later, I officially finished reading the entire Bible! One of my charisms is intercessory prayer where prayer energizes me and I do it tirelessly and consistently. In fact, two years ago, my decision to pray daily signified the moment I invited Jesus to be at the center of my life. I am also known for being a joyful person. Some random things that bring joy (and peace) to my heart are fruitful and holy friendships, eating delicious and satiating food, seeing a St. Joseph statue or simply hearing his name, and hearing the priest say the words of absolution.
Working for HopeStone is an opportunity for me to accompany our youth in a way that is unique to my gifts and charisms that the Lord has give me!
Patrick Sullivan
EVANGO
Content Support
Patrick Sullivan from EVANGO; collaborated with HopeStone in development of the Confirmation Retreat. Focusing on the Catholic teachings and bringing the head and the heart together for young people through truth, goodness and beauty. Patrick Sullivan is an author and speaker who gained a Master of Divinity degree from St. Augustine’s Seminary in Toronto.
In 2013, Patrick answered the call to become a Catholic Evangelist. Known for his short and engaging videos on YouTube and his powerful live presentations, Patrick’s love for Christ has led many people to bring the head and heart together for the New Evangelization. Patrick has appeared on EWTN, Salt and Light Television and he has just recently completed his newest book entitled, Dare to Be an Evangelist: evangelizing those we love one day at a time.