The Year of St Francis, Patron Saint of Ecology, has inspired our Catholic schools. Anne-Marie Waide is Head Teacher at Christ the King Catholic Primary School in Bramley, and has sent the following (beautifully-written!) report and photographs to communications@dioceseofleeds.org.uk about a school initiative recently blessed by Parish Priest Fr Neil Byrne …
This year has been a truly transformative journey for our school community. As we dedicate ourselves to the Year of St Francis, his message of stewardship, humility and love for all of God’s creation has taken root in every corner of Christ the King Catholic Primary School.
From the soil in our gardens to the quiet stillness of our new Prayer Space, here is how we are living out Franciscan spirituality.
In the spirit of Laudato Si’ and St Francis’s ‘Canticle of the Sun’, our students have been busy getting their hands dirty! Our partnership with the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) and the ‘Grow to School’ initiative has turned our grounds into a living classroom. Children across all year groups have transitioned from desks to flowerbeds, learning the patience and care required to nurture life. By planting seasonal vegetables and pollinator-friendly flowers, pupils and staff are answering the call to be protectors of creation.
While our gardens celebrate the vibrancy of life, our newly opened School Prayer Space makes room for the ‘inner garden’ of the soul. Formally opened today by Fr Neil Byrne, the Prayer Space serves as a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the school day. It is a place where reflection meets nature.
The design elements within the room reflect the natural world, bridging the gap between our outdoor projects and our spiritual lives. Students can visit during break times for personal prayer, liturgical groups or simply to find a moment of ‘Franciscan Peace’. Small groups can gather here to share intentions, mirroring the way St Francis gathered his brothers in the simple beauty of the countryside.
On blessing our new Prayer Room Father Neil said: ‘May this room be a place of peace and quiet, where children and staff may feel the Lord’s presence and grow in faith, and may Jesus our King, always guide us.’
As you pass through our school gates, the flourishing life of our outdoor gardens and the peaceful sanctuary of our new Prayer Room stand together as the heart of our identity. These spaces reflect our commitment to nurturing the whole child—growing in mind, body and spirit. More than just physical improvements, these projects are a tribute to our students’ dedication and a daily reminder that like St Francis, we are called to walk gently upon this Earth.
If YOUR school or parish is planning any sort of special events or initiatives for this Year of St Francis of Assisi, please send a short write-up and photographs to communications@dioceseofleeds.org.uk
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