Coming to Taizé

  

Coming to Taizé means to be invited to search for communion with God through community prayer, song, silence, personal reflection and sharing.

A stay in Taizé can help one step back from daily life, to meet a wide variety of people and consider one’s commitment in the Church and in society.

Please read the information regarding the meetings and the dates for this year. Remember to register in advance.

Volunteering in Taizé

  • What is the meaning of my life?
  • I no longer have the time to think.
  • What is God calling me to?

If you are thinking about these things, we have a suggestion to make.

The brothers of the community, together with the sisters of the other communities who live in Taizé, would be unable on their own to welcome the large numbers who come throughout the year. The presence of a group of volunteers makes the international meetings possible. 

Become a volunteer

  

  

Program

of a typical day

8:00 am

Morning prayer, followed by breakfast

10:00 am

Bible introduction with a brother of the community followed by quiet reflection or small group discussion

12:20 pm

Midday prayer, then lunch

2:00 pm

Optional song practice where you can learn Taizé songs in four-part harmony.

3:00 pm

During the afternoon: international small groups or practical work (such as cleaning, cooking, preparing the church, etc.)

5:00 pm

Tea time with a snack

5:30 pm

Theme workshops (from Tuesday onwards)

7:00 pm

supper

8:00 pm (Friday)

30 minutes of silence in the main church for peace

8:30 pm

Evening prayer, then vigil with songs in the church, followed by night silence

A week in silence

Young people from 18-35 years

During their stay in Taizé young people from 18-35 years old may choose to spend the week individually in silence. Taking time to listen ––through prayer, Bible reading and personal reflection–– can refresh us and help us to discover more deeply God’s presence in our lives.

Young people spending the week in silence take part in the common prayers together with everyone else. Accommodation and meals are in an area set aside for silence. Each day one of the sisters or brothers leads a Bible reflection. There is also the possibility to speak individually with a sister or a brother during the week. The rest of the day is spent on one’s own. Suggestions are given on how to spend the time.

You can also choose to spend two days in silence, from Thursday evening to Sunday.

On arrival, please let the welcome team know that you are thinking about spending a week in silence. One of the sisters or brothers can help you choose the best way to spend the week.

for adults over 35

During certain weeks of the year (in 2026 from 6 July to 30 August) adults over 35 can also make a silent retreat. A quiet area is set aside for this group, with the possibility of sleeping in individual tents. They participate in the common prayers; every morning there is a Bible introduction to the day which includes suggestions for entering into prayer. Meals are served together with the other adults present at Taizé, but there is a place where it is possible to eat them in silence. There is no individual accompaniment, but it is possible to talk with a brother in the church after the evening prayer, or with a sister during the day at El Abiodh.

During the rest of the year, for adults who want to spend a week in silence there is no specific programme, but it is possible to be accommodated in dormitories with others in silence, to take meals in silence, and to listen to the Bible introductions given to the “adults” group.