Labyrinth Ministry at St. Helen's, Wadena

Every Sunday from 11:30 am -1:30 pm, and Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 5pm - 7pm between Ash Wednesday and Maundy Thursday, a team from St. Helen’s, Wadena opens their doors to anyone who wants to walk their labyrinth. According to team member Deanna Waldroff, “we lay the labyrinth out and pray for people to come.”

And come they have! St. Helen’s has spread the word about this offering by sending letters to area churches.They encouraged them to share this invitation with their youth groups. Transitional Deacon Beth Rose found that the labyrinth is child-friendly. “My oldest child went through the labyrinth all the time,” she recalled. Additionally, St. Helen’s joined the chamber of commerce and shared this invitation there. This past year they’ve had visitors who don’t go to church, as well as church members from different parts of Minnesota.

Team member Ardy McCallister experienced the labyrinth three years ago after her niece committed suicide. She “started to walk on the labyrinth with a lot of anger. By the time I reached the center, I could let go and give her some grace. Walking the labyrinth means a lot to me, and that’s why I am so happy to spend my time here so others can experience it.”

St. Helen’s always has two people present to welcome guests, introduce the labyrinth, and answer any questions. Sometimes the hosts play meditative music on their phones. Information about the labyrinth, prayers people can use (including one by the Rev. Coke Smith written for St. Helen’s misssion), and information about the church are visibly available.

The people of St. Helen’s were introduced to the labyrinth by Episcopal priest John Husband. He shared his experiences with the labyrinth and its history and significance with the congregation including its youth and several other churches. Using tape he created a labyrinth on the floor. Later he bought canvas material and sewed a labyrinth. The labyrinth has been a powerful way to offer a spiritual pathway to members of the Wadena community. Offering it to others has impacted team members in powerful ways. As one person observed, “the Holy Spirit is working here at St. Helen’s in a way I haven’t seen in a long time.”