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Building Faith and Service with St John's Cathedral

28 March 2025

The initiative stemmed from an invitation extended by The Rev Dr Ann Solari, who perceives the Cathedral’s Prayer Space as a vital link between Anglican educational institutions and the Cathedral itself. 

“These prayer spaces hold significance for us as they provide a direct channel for engaging with our school students, allowing them to experience firsthand our endeavors while setting up prayer spaces that resonate with both them and us,” remarked Rev Dr. Solari. “Simultaneously, these spaces offer a welcoming environment for prayer, catering to young people as well as individuals from diverse backgrounds who frequent the Cathedral.”


Enthusiastically embracing this project, the Coomera Anglican College Strong Hearts Club, a student-led group dedicated to kindness, played a pivotal role. Together, students and staff curated a variety of prayer activities aimed at encouraging reflection.

The space, adorned with thoughtful resources, addressed themes such as creation, hope, and global issues, inviting visitors to engage in prayer, contemplation, or simply find solace. Mrs. Rachael Stelzer, the College’s Primary Lay Chaplain, viewed the project as a natural extension of our ongoing efforts.

Coomera Anglican College has used prayer spaces for several years now, both in the Primary and Secondary spheres, and in our House worships,” said Mrs Stelzer. “The prayer space involves simple tasks that encourage mindfulness, empathy, prayer and awareness of others; the importance of these activities is that they allow people to express their own spirituality in a simple and safe way.

“When Rev Dr Ann Solari invited interested schools to contribute a prayer space in the Cathedral, we were very keen to help our students feel that the Cathedral is a living space and a welcoming space, and that they can interact with the Cathedral community and others through participating in this activity”.


This collaboration underscores the profound connection between Coomera Anglican College and the Anglican community. 
 

The Prayer Space stands as a testament to the transformative power of faith and introspection. Rev Dr Solari expressed her delight at the project’s success.


“Coomera Anglican College delivered more than we hoped for…approximately 500 people have visited the prayer space and the feedback was amazing.”

It was a joyful way to deepen my understanding of faith"


Lexi, Year 7

and I cherished the opportunity to explore the Cathedral"


Mika, Year 6