There is a special serenity that comes from sitting on a garden bench. It’s a place of refuge and reflection, engaging the senses with color, texture, the fragrance of plants and the sound of water cascading in a fountain. It’s easy to recognize the signature of God in the fluid order and contrasting layers punctuated with seasonal color.
In the Memorial Garden, located on the ocean side of the church, slate colored flagstone frames a carpet of engraved bricks. The bricks commemorate birthdays, anniversaries and the sacramental celebrations of our families and friends. The gathering space is a meaningful and fitting tribute, a public testament to those who have a special place in the story of Our Lady of Good Counsel parish.
Requesting a memorial brick is easy. Forms are available in the church, located behind the chior loft or you can Contact the office to request a form. Once we have your completed form, we will include it in the next available engraving.
Tom Bahringer, a long time parishioner and one of the visionaries who proposed the memorial garden in 2009 provided a generous legacy gift which has allowed us to expand the memorial garden. To recognize his tireless commitment to the beautification of our church, the parish named the tranquil space the Tom Bahringer Memorial Garden and Columbarium.
In response to interest from parishioners and in recognition of the growing trend toward cremation, Our Lady of Good Counsel church has designed a final earthly resting place for parishioners in the Memorial Garden. Construction of the Columbarium is slated to begin in the Summer of 2021. Niche sales began January 12, 2021. For the most current information regarding the Columbarium, please check the parish bulletin.