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St. Gabriel to offer ‘Discovering the Labyrinth’ as special Lenten activity

The Catholic Church of St. Gabriel is offering a special experience for those looking for that little “extra” during the season of Lent. The parish will offer a Lenten pilgrimage called “Discovering the Labyrinth,” Friday and Saturday, March 4-5.

In conjunction with the labyrinth, the Catholic community will have the traditional Stations of the Cross at 7 p.m. Friday which will be followed by the Taize choir from Our Lady of Mercy Catholic High School. The choir will offer song as people walk the labyrinth until 9 p.m.

What is a labyrinth walk? A spokesperson explains, “People will walk in a circular path around and around until they reach the center, which is where one will sit and talk to Jesus. This ancient pattern is walked as the participants are drawn closer to God and experience the work of the Holy Spirit. “

Labyrinth program coordinator, Nickie Jantzer, further explained, “Do you ever feel like you are just walking in circles? Perhaps you find yourself close to achieving a goal just when life throws you a curve. Then, as human nature has it, you just feel like going farther away.

“By walking the labyrinth our lives are mirrored. It offers us an opportunity to seek answers to questions. By walking an ancient pattern with thoughtful meditation we are given an opportunity to stop our busy lives long enough to listen to our thoughts and perhaps hear that quiet voice of God, gently guiding us along our life’s path.”

The labyrinth is thousands of years old. It has been found in many countries, cultures and religions around the world. Its uses vary in that it can be a lighthearted peaceful walk, a place of joy and celebration commemorating a significant life passage, or even a deeply personal journey.

“Many communities are finding them very useful in hospitals, prisons, schools or parks and are helping to bring healing and peace to those troubled,” said Jantzer. “It helps enrich daily prayer. This simple tool can hold the potential to help us transform our lives on many levels.”

The walk will be open Friday, March 4 from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. and on Saturday, March 5, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. The experience has no schedule. Each individual may walk when it is most convenient and may stay as long as he or she likes. It is asked, because of the sacredness of the setting, that children be accompanied and remain with adults at all times.

Jantzer is a trained Labyrinth facilitator and will be available each day to give details and assist participants on the journey.

The Catholic Church of St. Gabriel is at 152 Antioch Rd. just south of the Highway 92 intersection with Antioch.For more information, contact Jantzer, 770-716-5425, or the parish office, 770-461-0492.