Our Mother of Good Council

Pros

• OMGC is a wonderful parish and a beautiful church with fabulous priests.
• The church is described as pretty, with a friendly priest named David.
• There is something extraordinary about Our Mother of Good Counsel that profoundly moves newcomers.
• The architecture invites transcendence, with light through stained glass transforming throughout the service.
• Moments of silence create a palpable spiritual resonance.
• The community offers genuine warmth and authentic Christian hospitality.
• Conversations after Mass are meaningful and show genuine care for each person's journey.
• The homilies are intellectually stimulating, yet accessible, challenging, and comforting.
• The parish honors Catholic traditions while feeling vibrantly alive in the present moment.
• It is a rare and precious sanctuary in Bryn Mawr.
• The church is supported by long-standing, welcoming parishioners (over 30 years of membership).
• The new improvements are amazing, praised by Father Liam and Father Joe.
• It's a place of peace and beauty where worshippers feel blessed.
• Some reviewers consider it the best Catholic Church in the Main Line.

Review

Our Mother of Good Counsel in Bryn Mawr is widely described as a wonderful parish and a beautiful church, where the warmth of the people matches the elegance of the space. Longtime members, first-time visitors, and everyone in between consistently highlight a sense that this is more than a building - it's a living community animated by authentic Christian hospitality. Even for newcomers, the welcome feels sincere, not performative, and conversations after Mass often become meaningful exchanges rather than just pleasantries. The impression is reinforced by a shared gratitude for a parish where kindness and respect come naturally, creating an atmosphere that invites you to settle in and participate.

The church itself seems to carry a presence that goes beyond the aesthetic. Reviewers describe a space with an almost tangible reverence, where the architecture and the play of light through stained glass appear to shift and illuminate the liturgy. There is a quiet, ethereal quality that envelops worshippers, especially during moments of silence, giving the experience of prayer a texture that feels both ancient and immediate. In this sacred setting, the boundaries between the ordinary and the transcendent seem to thin, inviting reflection and a sense of ascent that parishioners carry with them long after they leave the pews.

Worship at Our Mother of Good Counsel is frequently praised for its balance. The homilies are described as intellectually engaging yet accessible - challenging enough to stimulate thought and comforting enough to provide guidance for the weeks ahead. This blend of depth and clarity helps many parishioners connect the Sunday message to their daily lives, sustaining conversations and reflection well beyond the church doors. The liturgical life here is seen as a faithful expression of Catholic tradition that remains vibrantly alive in the present moment, a combination that creates a sense of reverence without becoming antiquated or distant.

The sense of community is a frequent refrain throughout the reviews. People speak of a parish where warmth feels genuine and sustained rather than performative, where the sense of belonging grows from real relationships rather than a polished image. Long-standing members describe a culture of welcome that welcomes newcomers into the fold and makes them feel valued. There is pride in belonging to a parish that not only preserves tradition but also nurtures an active, supportive community - one in which conversations after Mass are meaningful, and where people seem genuinely invested in each other's journeys.

Life events at the parish - from funerals to family Masses to weddings - are recalled with particular poignancy. A funeral, for many, becomes a moment of shared sorrow and prayer that is carried with grace by the community, including sermons that leave a lasting impression. When the church ushers in changes or improvements, parishioners often respond with gratitude for thoughtful leadership and stewardship - crediting figures like Father Liam and Father Joe for positive development. At the same time, practical notes appear, such as the gentle request to adjust the climate in the space, reminding everyone that a thriving parish is a living organism that invites both comfort and care.

The leadership and pastoral presence at OMGC are mentioned in ways that reflect a deep sense of trust and appreciation. Some reviews echo personal connections to specific priests, noting outstanding preaching, compassionate guidance, and a sense of being known by name. A few comments even acknowledge individual legacies and mentorship - such as references to seasoned pastors and the tradition of hospitality that has been cultivated over decades. It's clear that the people here value pastors who can shepherd with both intellect and heart, and who can lead a parish that feels at once rooted in history and responsive to contemporary life.

Ultimately, the sentiment that emerges is of a spiritual home that honors Catholic tradition while remaining relevant and inviting. Our Mother of Good Counsel is described as a sanctuary where reverence never sacrifices accessibility, where beauty and quietude foster inner peace, and where a robust, generous community stands ready to welcome, support, and challenge one another. For many, the parish represents the best of what a local church can be: a place of quiet prayer and vibrant life, a community that sustains faith through good times and sorrow alike, and a space that invites every visitor to stay, to reflect, and to grow.

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)