Why become a volunteer?

Volunteers help the Labyrinth Ministry ensure the continuity of indoor labyrinth walks. In order to keep the canvas, Chartres-style labyrinth available to the public on a regular basis, assistance is needed with the care-taking of the labyrinth before and after walks. By being a volunteer you can also gain a deeper appreciation of the labyrinth experience by helping others, and by sharing in the experiences of other walkers. In addition, you will often have the opportunity to walk the labyrinth alone if you so desire.

How much time is involved?

One of the functions of The Labyrinth Ministry is to offer open walks on the canvas labyrinth. These are usually held around the last weekend of each month. The walks are set up by one of four labyrinth teams. Each team consists of four to six regular members and volunteers. Half the team sets up the labyrinth on a Friday evening and the other half puts away the labyrinth on a Saturday morning. Since there are four labyrinth care-taking teams, each team conducts a walk once every two months. The total time for assisting a walk, including setup or take down is about four to five hours, or approximately 24 to 30 hours a year for each person on the team.

What are the responsibilities of the volunteer?

During a walk, one person serves as the gatekeeper to the labyrinth to help provide any guidance necessary for assisting people in walking the labyrinth. When there are a lot of walkers, the gatekeeper helps with the timing of people entering into the labyrinth. Another assists at the information table and greets people as they enter the church. The greeter also provides information and guidance as necessary to anyone new to the labyrinth experience. Guidance may include explanations of what a labyrinth is, how it may be walked, and an explanation of the history of our type of labyrinth. A third person assists at the information table and may take turns with the gatekeeper.

In setting up for a walk on a Friday evening, the social hall is cleared to provide room for the labyrinth. The labyrinth canvas is then assembled by two or more people, and items such as candles, an altar, journal table, and flowers are placed around the room to enhance the experience of the walkers. On Saturday morning, at the conclusion of the walk, the labyrinth is taken up, folded and put away for storage along with other items used for the walk.

Who do I contact?

If you are interested in becoming involved as a labyrinth volunteer, please speak with any member of the Labyrinth Ministry team, or leave your name and contact information at the welcoming table during any of our open walk sessions. You may also contact a member of the Labyrinth Ministry by e-mail.