Bishop Hogarth Catholic Education Trust is delighted to celebrate the official opening and blessing of a new prayer room at St. Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Coundon. The school was honoured to welcome Father Tony, who led the blessing of this special space, created in dedication to the Pilgrims of Hope year.
This serene and peaceful sanctuary offers a quiet refuge for prayer, reflection, and moments of solitude, providing pupils with a retreat from the busyness of the classroom and school life. Children are welcome to visit the room during play and lunchtimes, as well as during lesson time if they are feeling overwhelmed.
The prayer room will also serve as the home for the school’s ‘Butterflies’ intervention, a programme designed to support children coping with loss and bereavement. Additionally, the space will be used by groups preparing liturgies, further enriching the spiritual life of the school community.
Headteacher Mrs. Alice Gibson-Crone shared her excitement about the new space, saying:
"We are over the moon with our new prayer and reflection space, and we know the pupils will benefit greatly from a quiet, comfortable space that they can access at different points throughout the day."
Beyond being a place for reflection, this new space will play a key role in promoting the emotional and spiritual well-being of pupils. It provides a safe and nurturing environment where children can process their emotions, find comfort in their faith, and develop resilience. By offering this space, St. Joseph’s is encouraging its pupils to take a moment of stillness when they need it most, helping them return to their learning with a renewed sense of peace and focus.
This special addition to the school stands as a symbol of faith, hope, and shared journeys, offering comfort and support to all who enter. As part of the Bishop Hogarth Catholic Education Trust, St. Joseph’s continues to foster a strong faith-based environment where children can flourish academically, emotionally, and spiritually. We are incredibly proud of this new space and the many ways it will support the children and staff at St. Joseph’s.