Labyrinths of St John's

 
Welcome to the Labyrinths of St John's

What is a Labyrinth?

A labyrinth is a patterned, circular walking path from the edge of a circle to its centre.

Unlike a maze, a labyrinth has just one path to the centre, and the same path leads back out. This single path requires the walker to watch carefully where the path leads and slow down, both physically and mentally.

Such a slow deliberate pace creates time for our minds and hearts to think more clearly and pray or meditate with our whole body.

Our Labyrinths – Outdoors and Indoors

St John’s Vision:
As Christians we are a source of love, hope and inspiration, and we are committed to meeting the needs of our congregation and the wider community through a spiritual connection with God.

The ll-circuit, 42-foot diameter, outdoor ‘Chartres design’ paving stone labyrinth was installed behind St John’s church hall in 2006. The St John’s outdoor labyrinth is available for walking at all times – weather permitting, throughout the spring, summer, and fall.

Our smaller 7-circuit ‘Chartres’ style indoor labyrinth was lovingly painted onto the floor of our church hall in 2009.

The indoor labyrinth may be booked for individual walks or for groups and workshops. Please contact the Parish Office at 613-592-4747, or via email to office@parishofmarch.ca.

It is our hope that you may find either one helpful and inspiring for your own spirituality and peace.

Events on our Labyrinths

Throughout the year, please watch our calendar for details and confirmation that we will hold the following special walks:

  • World Labyrinth Day, the first Saturday in May
  • Good Friday Lenten Walk and Vigil
  • All Saints' Day or All Souls' Day Memorial Walk (November 1st and 2nd, respectively) -- Please note, a Memorial Luminaria Labyrinth Walk (by candlelight) was held in 2012 on All Souls’ Day, Friday, November 2nd at 7:00 pm.

Outdoor Labyrinth, St John's

outdoor labyrinth

Indoor Labyrinth, St John’s Hall

indoor labyrinth

Etiquette on the Labyrinths

A quiet, respectful environment is necessary for walking a labyrinth successfully:

  • Turn off cell phones and pagers.
  • Put down purses, backpacks, briefcases and unnecessary coats.
  • Many people choose to remove their shoes.
  • Whisper if you must speak.
  • If you want to pass others, go around them.
  • Relax and take your time.

Children and the Labyrinths

Provided no adult walks for prayer and meditation are in progress, we welcome supervised children and their families to run, walk and play on the outdoor labyrinth.

Extensive educational research supports the labyrinth as a tool in child development.

Labyrinth Resources

For further information and resources concerning Labyrinths, please visit the site of Grace Cathedral, San Francisco.

Labyrinth Education and Training

On May 2nd through 4th St John's welcomed the Rev. Canon Dr. Lauren Artress to the Ottawa Region. On May 2nd she conducted a one day workshop, Sacred Pattern, Sacred Path, as an introduction to Labyrinth and facilitation. (This could be taken on its own, or as the prerequisite for the two-day accredidation course, below.)  Approximately 45 people participated, predominantly from the Ottawa Valley, but also included individuals from BC and the Northern USA.

May 3rd-4th was a two-day course where participants became accredited Veriditas Labyrinth Facilitators. Two individuals from St John's congregation participated and are now accredited facilitators.

For more information about this past event please see the brochure.

Booking the use of our Labyrinths

The indoor labyrinth may be booked for individual walks or for groups and workshops. Please contact the Parish Office at 613-592-4747, or via email to office@parishofmarch.ca

 

 

May your gentleness be evident to all.

 And the peace of God,

which transcends all understanding,

will guard your hearts and minds in Jesus Christ....

The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

 

-- Philippians 4:5-7