About Taizé
Like the lantern on a hill, Taizé draws people from every corner of the world!
What is Taizé?
A Christian retreat center, started by a Protestant minister in the wake of WWII. Taizé embraces quiet, Biblically base repetitive chants to help worshipers focus on hearing God in their lives. Today, Taizé brings together Protestants and Catholics in a wonderful, unselfconscious celebration of Christian life.
What is it about Taizé that makes it so special, what makes it worth the time and money to go there?
Taizé is Unique!
• Taizé brings together Christians from around the world
• Taizé emphasizes spiritual closeness to God
• Taizé is a special place where youth and young adults from around the world are encouraged to talk about things Spiritual and Biblical
• At Taizé, it is acceptable to be in touch with God, allowing those who are searching to be open to an experience they cannot have elsewhere
• Taizé is shared responsibility; everyone has a job at Taizé
• Taizé is simplicity
• Taizé is rest for your soul
• Taizé removes you from the pressures at home, wraps you in the humble apron of a Taizé work crew, seats you on the floor of the quiet church, immerses you in Bible study, surrounds you in song and silence and opens you to the presence of God
What is Surprising about Taizé?
• Without verbal or written instructions, 6000 people can worship together in multiple languages.
• There were no sermons in the Church of Reconciliation
• 6000 people, mostly under the age of 30, can sit for up to ten minutes in silence.
• Many young people come to the church 30 or 40 minutes early to sit in silence, seeking the presence of God.
• Clocks ceased having any meaning in Taizé
Young Adults should go to Taizé so they can:
• Learn to listen for the voice of God in the silence places of their lives
• Learn how to pray
• Learn more about scripture
• Experience a simplistic life for a brief time
• Share with Christians from around the world
• Build harmony among the people of God
• Strengthen their personal connection to God
• Broaden horizons, both personal and spiritual
• Represent a positive face of America to those who gathered at Taizé
• Kindle the desire to choose the ministry as a vocation
• Develop leadership skills which will serve the church in the future
• Return home to share new spiritual gifts with their local church