Jeremiah 1:5 says “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you before you were born I dedicated you.”  This powerful verse acknowledges God’s hand in creating all life. There are many parents who have lost a child before they were born. If you have not personally experienced that, we are guessing you know someone who has. Loved ones still mourn their loss even though these children may not have been named or have a physical resting place. This is no fault of the parents as there is rarely any guidance in these situations.

Please Come Visit Us!

St. John’s would like to invite you and anyone you know who may benefit from a visit to our Memorial Garden for the Unborn. St John’s Respect Life committee had a vision for a memorial for children lost while still in the womb… children we were never able to hold in our arms as well as those held for too short a time. A sincere thank you to all who have helped with making this vision become a reality. This could not have been completed without the help of many, and it is obvious God’s hand has been in this project from the beginning.

Location

The garden is located to the north of the church behind the parking lot and just to the north of the Mary Garden. A rosary walking path has been added around the Mary garden, and an arbor was placed at the entry to the gardens. We hope that all will take advantage of these beautiful gardens. The memorial is much more than a monument to look at. It is a place for family and loved ones to visit, to mourn, to remember… A place for everyone to be able to pray for all children lost too soon.

Stones for the Memorial Garden for the Unborn

We believe that all God’s children are held in the loving presence of Jesus in heaven. Our hope is to offer families a way to name their child and to provide a place of healing and remembrance for those who remain here on earth.

The Memorial Garden for the Unborn has an area for placing stones in memory of unborn children or infants lost too soon. Families are invited to place a personalized memorial stone--inscribed with a name, date, or other meaningful words--within the landscape of the garden.

Memorial Stone Options and Materials

Families may choose from several types of memorial stones:

• Engraved name plate attached to a stone
• Engraved stone
• Painted stone

You are welcome to begin by selecting a stone from the box located in the Memorial Garden for the Unborn.

Engraved Name Plate Attached to a Stone

An engraved name plate may be adhered to a stone using a strong, permanent, waterproof adhesive such as E6000 premium industrial strength contact adhesive.  Name plates can be purchased online.

• Helpful search terms: engraved name plate, personalized name plate, trophy plates engraved, brass plaque, custom name plate for urn, brass name plates with adhesive backing black.
  
• Suggested sizes: 2" x 3", 2" x 3.5", 2" x 4", 2.5" x 4.25", 1" x 3", or 1.5" x 3".
  
• Brands families have used successfully: EDSG and Etch Workz.

Engraved Stone

You may engrave a stone yourself or purchase a customizable engraved stone.  Search term “engraved stones” (Etsy has options that allow for personalized text).

Painted Stone

The parish office has paint markers and permanent markers available for you to borrow. Paint or marker can be used to enhance an engraved name plate or engraved stone.

Note: If you want a memorial stone that will last, we do not recommend using only paint or marker. Weather will gradually wear it away. A protective coating can slow the weathering process, but it will need to be reapplied periodically.

In Remembrance of Children Lost Too Soon

Click here for a link to the page In Remembrance of Children Lost Too Soon .

Many Blessings

If you have questions, please call the parish office. We truly hope you will enjoy the gardens of St. John’s.

Many blessings, St. John’s Respect Life Committee