St. Joseph Garden & Columbarium

A note from Father George O’Neill

October 27, 2026

Dear St. Joseph Parish Family,

St. Joseph Garden will provide a sacred, peaceful resting place for cremated

loved ones beside our church—a place where families can visit, remember and

pray. To move this proposed project forward, we need commitments for at least 100

niches. Your reservation will help demonstrate the support needed to make the garden

financially viable.

I invite you to read the details below and prayerfully consider participating.

In Christ,

Father George O’Neill

Why we are building St. Joseph Garden

Our parish accompanies us through Baptism, worship, marriage, and the important moments

of life. St. Joseph Garden would extend that connection, providing a permanent resting place

for cremated loved ones close to the community of faith that has been part of their lives.

Planned as sacred ground for the respectful placement of Catholics’ cremated remains, in

keeping with Catholic teaching, the garden would offer a peaceful place for prayer and

remembrance. Families could visit before or after Mass, on anniversaries, or whenever they

wish to pause and pray. It would also remind us to pray for those who have died and affirm

our Christian hope in the Resurrection and eternal life.

Why consider participating

Give your family peace of mind. Deciding where we will be laid to rest can be difficult to

consider. Planning ahead allows you to share your wishes with loved ones and can ease the

decisions they will face later.

Provide a sacred home for a loved one. If you are keeping cremated remains at home—on

a mantel or in another place—or have been unsure what to do next, we offer this invitation

gently and without judgment. St. Joseph Garden would provide an opportunity to take that

loving next step: choosing a permanent resting place in a sacred setting, cared for with

dignity.

Help create a place of remembrance for our parish. Your reservation shows your family’s

commitment and helps the parish assess whether there is enough participation to support

the project.

Options for individuals and families

A columbarium holds urns containing cremated remains in individual compartments called

niches.

Single niche: accommodates one urn.

Double niche: accommodates two urns.

Why 100 niche commitments matter

Building the columbarium requires a significant investment. A minimum of 100 niche

reservations will demonstrate enough committed interest to help the parish assess whether

anticipated niche purchases can support the project’s costs and make it financially viable.

Each reservation brings us closer to that goal.

Reserve with a $500 refundable deposit per niche. Your deposit may be refunded upon

request or credited toward your eventual niche purchase. A double niche holds two urns and

requires one $500 deposit.

Please give this invitation your prayerful consideration. Whether you are planning ahead or

seeking a permanent resting place for a loved one, we welcome your questions and the

opportunity to help.

To get more information or to reserve a niche, call the Parish Office at 203.775.1035 or email

andypacuk@gmail.com.