For a long time, staff at St Cecilia’s Catholic Primary School, Tuebrook have had a vision for an outdoor prayer space for their pupils, but with limited funds and limited green space, this has been a challenge.

Retiring last summer, headteacher, Phillipa Agate, wanted to leave a gift with the school that she has loved and served for 13 years. Her very generous donation was given with a view to creating this much wanted prayer space. New headteacher, Suzanne Hurst, led the staff and pupils to bring this dream into reality. Their newly created prayer garden now provides an oasis for the children and staff to come together to pray and reflect.

The climate ambassadors are using the space to create more biodiversity and have enjoyed planting and tending to the flowers. 

Year 6 student, Bibbi, said: “It was fun planting and watering the flowers. I felt honoured to help with creating our prayer garden.”

The faith leaders led a beautiful Celebration of the Word and invited their parish priest, Canon Conor Stainton Polland, to bless the garden. 

Desiire in Year 2 commented: “The prayer garden makes me feel calm and joyful. It is prayerful and invites Jesus to be with us.”

Mrs Hurst reflected on this new addition to the school, saying: “Our prayer garden is a truly special space for our children. A place of peace, reflection and wonder within the heart of our school. It gives pupils the opportunity to pause, think quietly, pray and connect with nature and with one another in a calm and meaningful way. I am delighted to have such a beautiful environment that supports our children’s wellbeing, spirituality and sense of belonging.”