Our Mother of Good Council in Philadelphia, PA

Seniors.FYI Elite Community Awards

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Pros

• OMGC is a wonderful parish and a beautiful church with fabulous priests.
• The priest named David was very friendly.
• There is something extraordinary about Our Mother of Good Counsel that newcomers find moving and the presence feels tangible.
• The architecture invites transcendence, with light through stained glass that changes throughout the service.
• There is a palpable spiritual resonance in moments of silence.
• The community offers authentic Christian hospitality and genuine warmth.
• The homilies are intellectually stimulating yet accessible, challenging yet comforting.
• The parish honors Catholic traditions while feeling vibrantly alive in the present moment—a spiritual home where reverence and relevance coexist.
• It is a rare and precious sanctuary in Bryn Mawr.
• The church has a pastor who delivers great sermons.
• It is a very lovely church.
• The parish has long-standing, happy members and a warm, active, helpful community.

Cons

• The air conditioning is way too cold.

Review

Our Mother of Good Counsel is best suited for Catholic seniors and families who want a deeply anchored liturgical life, a warm parish atmosphere, and a reliable rhythm of worship, sacraments, and fellowship in Bryn Mawr. The parish’s strength lies in a hospitality-first culture, engaging homilies, and a sense of belonging that extends beyond Sunday Mass. For elders who prize meaningful interaction after services, opportunities to participate in family Masses, funerals, and community activities, this parish provides both spiritual nourishment and social connection. The setting, beautiful, traditional, and deliberately intimate, supports steady routines and a sense of sanctuary that many older adults seek when choosing where to anchor their weekly lives.

Those who may want to consider alternatives include seniors who are not Catholic or who want a non-religious or multi-faith senior living environment. Families seeking highly structured, on-site medical or daily living assistance, or programming that extends far beyond parish life, will likely find other communities more aligned with these needs. Additionally, those looking for a more contemporary worship style, broader cultural programming, or a social scene that isn’t so church-centric may prefer another parish or independent senior community that emphasizes secular amenities and healthcare integration. The decision should hinge on whether faith-based community and sacramental life are primary drivers of daily living.

The strongest pros create a compelling value: a church atmosphere described as extraordinary and transformative, combined with a welcoming, authentic community. The architectural beauty and reverent ambiance provide a backdrop for a lived spirituality that parishioners report as both “radiant” and practically nourishing. The priests are frequently cited as genuine and approachable, delivering sermons that challenge the mind while comforting the heart. Hospitality is not perfunctory but ongoing, newcomers are greeted with sincerity, and conversations after Mass feel substantive rather than polite. The parish also demonstrates practical generosity through events like family Masses and service-oriented activities, including blood drives, illustrating a culture of care that extends beyond worship walls.

The main cons are minor and largely overshadowed by the advantages. A recurring practical note is that the indoor climate can be on the cool side for some visitors, a small inconvenience in exchange for a consistently serene interior. More fundamentally, the parish’s strength as a spiritual home can feel intense for those seeking a broader array of secular social opportunities or a less faith-centric environment. Yet the depth of community, the continuity of tradition, and the steady stream of meaningful interactions, coupled with strong leadership during rites of passage such as funerals, largely offset these drawbacks. In short, when spiritual continuity, hospitality, and a grounded sense of purpose are prized, the positives far outweigh the drawbacks.

Pragmatic guidance for families weighing assisted living options alongside this parish is clear: this community functions as a spiritual and social resource rather than a care facility. It excels as a hub for connection, purpose, and faith-based support, which can complement formal care plans. If the goal is to keep an elder connected to a warm, active Catholic community, this parish offers a dependable anchor. If, however, the decision hinges on on-site medical oversight, daily living assistance, or non-religious programming, alternatives with stronger care integration and broader activity menus will be more appropriate. Visit with an eye toward how the rhythm of Mass, parish groups, and volunteer opportunities could fit into daily life.

In summary, Our Mother of Good Counsel serves best those seniors who want a living pattern that is spiritually sustaining, socially engaging, and rooted in Catholic tradition. The care and warmth of the parish community create a powerful complement to any formal elder care plan, making this a highly attractive option for families prioritizing faith, continuity, and meaningful connection. Those seeking a more secular environment, broader non-religious programming, or on-site medical care should look to other communities. When faith, family, and fellowship converge, this parish stands out as a practical, dependable anchor for aging with dignity.

This particular area of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania offers a diverse array of amenities and services that cater to a wide range of interests and needs. With a variety of dining options ranging from traditional steakhouses to Thai cuisine, residents can enjoy a vibrant food scene within walking distance. Additionally, the presence of multiple pharmacies provides convenient access to healthcare essentials. The proximity to several parks and historical sites allows for leisurely strolls and opportunities to immerse oneself in the city's rich history. For those in need of medical care, esteemed hospitals such as Cooper University Hospital and Temple University Hospital are located nearby, ensuring quality healthcare services. Overall, this neighborhood offers a dynamic blend of convenience, cultural attractions, and essential services that make it an appealing choice for senior living in Philadelphia.

Restaurants

• Bok Bar (0.3 miles)
• Cantina Los Caballitos (0.5 miles)
• Pat's King of Steaks (0.6 miles)
• Geno's Steaks (0.6 miles)
• South Philadelphia Tap Room (0.9 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (0.9 miles)
• Kalaya Thai Kitchen (1 miles)

Pharmacies

• Rite Aid (0.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (0.5 miles)
• Rite Aid (0.8 miles)
• Walgreens (0.8 miles)
• Rite Aid (0.9 miles)
• Rite Aid (1.2 miles)
• Rite Aid (1.2 miles)

Parks

• Christopher Columbus Park Dog Run (0.7 miles)
• Weccacoe Park (0.9 miles)
• Independence National Historical Park (1.6 miles)
• Penn's Landing (1.7 miles)
• FDR Park (1.8 miles)
• Rittenhouse Square (1.9 miles)
• Race Street Pier (2.1 miles)

Theaters

• Landmark Theatres - Ritz Five (1.5 miles)

Cafes

• Elixr Coffee (1.7 miles)
• La Colombe Torrefaction (2 miles)
• La Colombe Coffee Roasters (3.3 miles)
• ReAnimator Coffee (3.8 miles)

Transportation

• Jefferson Station (1.8 miles)
• SEPTA: MFL/TRL 30th Street Station (2.5 miles)
• 30th Street Station (2.5 miles)
• Terminal F (5.4 miles)
• Terminal E (5.6 miles)
• Security Checkpoint D/E (5.6 miles)
• TSA Pre✓ (5.6 miles)

Hospitals

• Cooper University Hospital (2.3 miles)
• The Pavilion (2.5 miles)
• Veterans Administration Community Living Center (2.7 miles)
• Philadelphia VA Medical Center (2.9 miles)
• Episcopal Hospital (4.6 miles)
• Temple University Hospital (5.5 miles)

Physicians

• CHOP Buerger Center for Advanced Pediatric Care - Raymond G. Perelman Campus (2.5 miles)
• Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (2.6 miles)