Outside

garden setting outdoors with a large mason cross
 

Stations of the Cross Garden

The Stations of the Cross (also called the Way of the Cross) is a traditional liturgical devotion commemorating the last day of Jesus’ life.  The devotion originated with pilgrims in Jerusalem retracing the traditional steps Jesus is believed to have followed on Good Friday.  Since not all Christians could make pilgrimages to Jerusalem, the custom arose of replicating with images on the walls of the church to commemorate each of the traditional stations on the Way of the Cross.  The Church of the Advent also has an outside Stations of the Cross.  During the Fridays in Lent, the Stations are used for community devotion and individuals may walk the Way of the Cross at their leisure during the rest of the year.

mason blocks creating a path for walking
 

The Labyrinth

Our labyrinth is in the wooded area at the rear of the church.  It laid out and built by Paul McGuckin as a gift to the church.  A labyrinth is a meandering, single path leading to and from the center.  Unlike a maze you can never get lost in a labyrinth.  Walking a labyrinth in silent prayer and meditation is an ancient spiritual practice. 

Walking a labyrinth is a simple yet meaningful practice that can be adapted to various spiritual or meditative traditions.  There is no right or wrong way to walk a labyrinth.  It is a personal and introspective practice, and you can tailor it to your own needs.