UK school groups
Each day, brothers of the community introduce a Bible reflection, followed by a time of silence and sharing in small groups.
In the afternoon, workshops help to deepen the relationship between faith and life in the areas of work, social questions, art and culture, the search for world peace....
Young adults who wish can spend the week or the weekend in silence, to take time to listen to how God speaks to them in prayer, in the Bible or through the events of their life.
A typical day at Taizé
From Monday to Friday
8.15 am Morning prayer, then breakfast
10 am Introduction to the day with a brother of the community followed by quiet reflection or small group discussion
12.20 pm Midday prayer, then lunch
2 pm Optional song-practice
During the afternoon: international small groups or practical work
5.15 pm Tea
5.45 pm Theme workshops from Tuesday on
7 pm Supper
8.30 pm Evening prayer, then vigil with songs in the church, followed by night silence
Friday evening prayer is followed by prayer around the Cross.
Saturday
3.15 pm Theme workshops
8.30 pm Evening prayer with candles to celebrate the paschal mystery
Sunday
8.45 am Breakfast
10 am Morning Eucharist
1 pm Lunch
7 pm Supper
8.30 pm Evening prayer
Weekly programme
There are different programmes according to your age
17 to 29 year olds
In 2011, a daily reflection based on Matthew’s Gospel, together with excerpts from the Letter from Chile, provided the theme for the week. In spring 2012, the theme for the year will be decided. You will normally be together with other young people of your own age group. There is also a range of workshops later on in the afternoon that you can choose from. In some weeks when there are fewer people present, there may be just one group for people of all ages. You can decide whether to listen to the introduction in the morning and take part in the small group sharing each afternoon or else follow the theme for half a day and help with some practical work for the other half day.
Another option is to spend the week in silent retreat. This gives time for more personal reflection and prayer. See the page A Week in Silence about this.
During some weeks of the year, especially in summer, young adults staying for more than one week, or who have already been to Taizé earlier in the year, can take part in a group based more specifically on the themes of the Letter.
25 to 35 year olds
In some weeks, a separate group exists for this age group (usually around Easter and then in July and August).
15 and 16 year olds
Young people of this age are welcome but they must come with a sufficient number of leaders and be well prepared regarding the nature of the meetings. They can come for one week, or for a weekend (from Thursday evening or Friday until Sunday).
Each morning, a brother introduces the daily theme. In the afternoon, there are different activities (practical work, small group sharing, acting out a Bible passage, etc.) every day.
The number of leaders required — to watch at night over their group and to help with daytime activities — is explained in detail on the page about bringing groups to Taizé.
Over 30’s
There is a separate group for adults aged 30 and over. People of this age-range are welcome to visit once a year, for one week. Each day, there are moments of Bible reflection and small group sharing. In July and August, adults wishing to spend the week in silent reflection may join such a group instead. If you would like to take part in the adults’ meetings, please read the information on the page Further information: adults aged 30 and over carefully. You can pre-register on-line, but then please wait for our confirmation before making any travel plans.
Parents with children from a few months to 14 years old
We encourage parents with children to come at times when there are family meetings. If you would like to take part in the family meetings, see the page Further information: families. You can pre-register on-line, but then please wait for our confirmation before making any travel plans.