Garden Details
Garden Details
The Holy Family Prayer Garden at St. Joseph Parish in Billings, MO, began as a wish conceived in 2021 by the St. Joseph Rosary Group who approached the pastor with a desire to upgrade the existing tiny grotto honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary. Under his advice, the Rosary Group began collecting funds for the beautification of the grotto. In 2023, under the guidance of a new pastor, a location was chosen, a development plan for the garden was created and proposed to the Parish Pastoral Council. In June, 2023, the statue of the Holy Family was purchased to honor both the Blessed Virgin Mary as well as our patron saint, St. Joseph. One month later, the parish received permission from the bishop of the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau to begin building. The garden was blessed and dedicated on July 10, 2025, by Bishop Edward Rice with a Mass of Thanksgiving
The Holy Family Prayer Garden encompasses a half-acre greenspace featuring the focal point of the garden, the beautiful 59″ statue of the Holy Family on a marble pedestal under the protective cover of a 16′ pine gazebo. Garden benches allow for comfortable seating for prayer, reflection, and relaxation. The concrete pathway leading to the gazebo is fully wheelchair accessible. Solar lighting illuminates the Holy Family statue from dusk til dawn.
Our parish wanted to build a beautiful prayer space that spoke not only to Catholics, but also to those in our community who are not Catholic. May our Holy Family Prayer Garden give comfort to ALL and draw EVERYONE closer to Jesus.
Garden Practices
Garden Practices
Little Miss Boxwood, Hardy Pompas Grass, Kaleidoscope Abelia, Coral Drift Rose, Spilled Wine Weigelia, Fire Power Dwarf Nandina, Hostas, Peonies, Sweet Rocket, Tulips, Daffodil, a variety of annuals, and native grass. More plants will be added for beauty in all season.
The Garden is open to everyone of all faiths who wishes to visit at their convenience and pleasure.
Additional Information
Additional Information
The construction of the Garden faced many challenges and has been a true journey. From the beginning of this project, we have five priests come and go from the parish, four project leaders come and go, four construction companies involved with one having abandoned the project in the middle of construction, two property owners for the site requiring work with the City of Billings and county to correct the land deed, two structures built (one being torn down due to poor workmanship), and three major health issues involving project leaders which slowed the progress. It has been a journey to see the Prayer Garden to fruition!
Volunteers are always needed for the on-going maintenance of the Prayer Garden. Needs include cleaning up leaves and other garden debris around the property, maintenance of the gazebo (blowing out leaves, cleaning benches and the statue, watering and maintenance of the plants, etc. Donations to St. Joseph Parish for the ongoing maintenance of the Prayer Garden are always welcome and can be mailed to: St. Joseph Church Prayer Garden, PO Box 100, Billings, MO 65610.
The creation of the Prayer Garden has made use of an empty lot to create a beautiful space enjoyed by all who pass by. We have heard from many locals citizens who value this Garden not only for its beauty but also as a gift for the betterment of the community.
