Invitation to Campus Clubs

Greetings student club leaders, WCGA and class presidents!

 I am writing to give you some background on The Labyrinth Project which will be the main theme of the office of the chaplain during spring semester 2013. I am hoping to work with others on this project and so wanted to get the word out to campus leaders.

 The labyrinth is a symbol known to have existed for at least four thousand years. It has been used in many cultures and religions throughout its existence as a symbol of the journey of life and a sacred place of centering and contemplation. The labyrinth is acknowledged by many to be beneficial to mind body and spirit – the whole person. The relevance of the image of labyrinth stands in stark contrast to that of a maze where there are forced choices, fear, confusion, dead ends, and a sense of being lost. A maze is designed for you to lose your way whereas a labyrinth is designed for you to find your way.

The ancient concept of labyrinth will be re-imagined throughout the 2013 spring semester and invitation to participation will be extended to the entire community. Current proposals include:

* opportunities to share a meal, to ‘pause’ together, like a ‘way station’ on a pilgrimage
* a day of R.E.S.T. (Restore. Explore. Sacred. Time) off-campus at the beautiful Bon Secours Retreat center in MD on Saturday March 2 which has a wonderful outdoor labyrinth.
* invitational for visual arts and creative writing on the theme of Labyrinth. This theme is open to imaginative expansive images and metaphors in its interpretation, thus encouraging inclusivity and diversity of expression.
* Lenten Wednesday worship devoted the theme of ‘Pilgrimage’
* facilitated discussion of the movie “The Way”– a powerful and inspirational story about family, friends, and the challenges we face while navigating this ever- changing and complicated world.
* The public culmination of The Labyrinth Project will be the creation of a temporary ‘pop-up’ labyrinth on the Main Green for World Labyrinth Day, May 4, 2013. Students, staff, faculty, in fact anyone who identifies with the Wilson community will be invited to place or name a stone to mark 'the way' on the labyrinth. We hope to start building the labyrinth on Monday 29 April and have it up for 2 weeks. It could be make of different materials…perhaps the environmental club might have some suggestions?, perhaps the Habitat club could help build it?….I am sure labyrinths have a mathematical component, or have a different meaning in different cultures…we can think BIG on this there are lots of ways this theme can be interpreted.

 Would your club/class like to be involved in any way?...have you an idea we could work on together? Some funding is available if a club wants to take an idea and ‘run with it’ - think outside the maze!!

If this is an image/project that speaks to you or your club/class please let me know and we can brainstorm! Please don’t hesitate to get back to me with any questions or comments you may have.

 Peace, Rosie

There is a road

that runs straight through your heart.
Walk on it.
To be a pilgrim means
to be on the move slowly
to notice your luggage becoming lighter
to be seeking for treasures that do not rust
to be comfortable with your heart’s questions
to be moving toward the holy ground of home with empty hands and bare feet.”

Macrina Wiederkehr