The labyrinth will be located behind the red barn across the street from the main sanctuary. Nestled between two stands of trees, the labyrinth enjoys both quiet and seclusion while at the same time being open to breezes, bird song and the sounds that are made in schoolyards and active parishes.

The Center's labyrinth will be made out of pavers on a crushed stone base, installed in spring 2008, and ready to use shortly thereafter. Look for more information on the sign next to the red barn that sits west of the Rectory. Then go see the site.

First developed during the ninth and tenth centuries CE, the medieval labyrinth is the design associated with Chartres Cathedral and is the style that the Center for Spiritual Development is building at Saint James Parish.

The Chartres Labyrinth was inlaid into the floor of the sanctuary in the thirteenth century. The labyrinth was used to represent the great pilgrimage to Jerusalem. For many Christians it was not possible to undertake such a strenuous and expensive journey. Walking the labyrinth in reverence and contemplation became a way of participating in pilgrimage.

The Center for Spiritual Development is committed to aiding seekers on the pilgrimage path. The labyrinth is one method of walking into a deeper sense of God's presence, which is the purpose of pilgrimage.

© 2008 The Center for Spiritual Development at Saint James Monkton