Walk the Labyrinth

March 25, 2016, 3:00pm – 9:00pm
Poster and Brochure

Walking the labyrinth is ancient practice used by many different faiths for spiritual centering, contemplation, and prayer. One of the oldest (circa AD 1200) and most famous labyrinths used in Christian churches is located in the great nave of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Chartres.

A labyrinth is not a maze. It has no dead ends. It symbolizes an intentional journey, following a path to the center and back out. Each person can take the time s/he wants and needs to engage in this spiritual practice. You may walk for two minutes or two hours; it’s up to you!

While there is no set ritual for walking the labyrinth, here’s some helpful advice:

• Enter the labyrinth slowly, calming and clearing your mind. You may choose to repeat a prayer or chant or simply focus on your breathing and taking slow, deliberate steps.
• Take your time at the center, pause to reflect, pray, listen for an answer or for deeper quiet – then begin the return journey.
• Upon exiting the labyrinth, you may want to spend time in reflection, prayer, or journaling to absorb the experience.

There are a dozen labyrinths within 10 miles of PACC, and there are 33 within 25 miles of the church!

The 12 closest are: the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway at the Armenian Heritage Park (outdoors; Boston), the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts (Boston), Harvard Divinity School (outdoors; Cambridge), Old Cambridge Baptist Church, Boston College (outdoors; Chestnut Hill), the Church of Our Redeemer (outdoors; Lexington), Hancock UCC (Lexington), Melrose Highlands Congregational Church, Somerville Community Growing Center(outdoors), one in Waltham and one in Billerica, both outdoors on private property.

Park Avenue Congregational Church will host walking the labyrinth on Good Friday, March 25, 2016, from 3:00 to 9:00 p.m. in the Narthex. Volunteers will be present to “tend the labyrinth”, to guide newcomers to material about PACC, and to ensure the atmosphere is welcoming for all.