TAIZÉ PRAYER SERVICE
Please join us in ecumenical prayer in the Taizé tradition
The third Monday of each month
Next Taize: Monday, April 21, 2008 - 7:30 PM

 

WHAT IS TAIZÉ? Taizé takes its name from a village in the south of Burgundy, France - the home of an international community founded in 1940. The brothers are committed to a lifetime of sharing, to celibacy, and to simplicity of life. Today the community is made up of more than one hundred brothers from Catholic and various Protestant backgrounds, from more than 25 nations.

The brothers live by their own work, accepting no gifts or donations for themselves. At the heart of daily life in Taizé, is the call to community prayer. Since the late 1950's, young adults from many countries visit Taizé to take part in prayer and reflection for world peace. They often bring the Taizé experience back to their homelands.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT AT A TAIZÉ SERVICE? The Taizé prayer service is a meditative common prayer. The community sings uncomplicated repetitive songs with simple words, allowing the mystery of God to become tangible through the beauty of simplicity. Candles are lighted and distributed throughout the gathering as a symbol of the light of Christ, followed by readings from the psalms, those ancient songs prayed by Jesus himself, and from the Gospels. An extended period of silence allows the community to listen to the voice of God deep within. Then, prayers are offered for the intentions of those people who are near and far, and the community is united in The Lord's Prayer. The service concludes with a song.

WHO ATTENDS A TAIZÈ PRAYER SERVICE? Anyone who seeks a deeper experience in prayer. Anyone who seeks peace in the world. Anyone who seeks reconciliation among friends, churches, and nations. All people are welcome at Taizé. The service is simple, non-denominational and prayerful, and it is conveniently offered at four different locations in the Crystal Lake, Illinois area, each month. Music and the Word are central to the evening, and musicians and singers of all levels of talent and experience are invited to take part.

DIRECTIONS TO RESURRECTION RETREAT & CONFERENCE CENTER FROM CRYSTAL LAKE, ILLINOIS: Take Route 14 to Ridgefield Road. Turn right. Go to Country Club Road. Turn right and cross the railroad tracks. Follow Country Club Road approximately 1/8 mile past Resurrection Catholic Church, to the Resurrection Retreat and Conference Center's entrance.

For more information call the Center at 815.338.1032, or email us at info@resurrectioncenter.org. Click here for The Taizé Community Web site.