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 people 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
8.15am Morning prayer, then breakfast
10am Introduction to the day with a brother of the community followed by quiet reflection or small group discussion
12.20pm Midday prayer, then lunch
2pm Optional song-practice
during the afternoon international small groups or practical work
5.15pm Tea
5.45pm Theme workshops from Tuesday on
7pm Supper
8.30pm Evening prayer, then vigil with songs in the church, followed by night silence
Friday evening prayer is followed by prayer around the Cross.
Saturday
3.15pm Theme workshops
8.30pm evening prayer with candles to celebrate the paschal mystery
Sunday
8.45am Breakfast
10am Morning Eucharist
1pm Lunch
7pm Supper
8.30pm Evening prayer
Themes for the week
There are different programs according to your age
17 to 29 year olds
This year, a daily reflection based on John’s Gospel, together with excerpts from the Letter from China, provides the theme for the week. You will normally be together with other young people close to your own age. There are also a range of workshops later on in the afternoon that you can choose from. In some weeks where there are fewer people present, there may be just one group for the whole age-range. You can decide whether to listen to the introduction in the morning and take part in the small group sharing each afternoon or to 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 on silent retreat. This gives time for more personal reflection and prayer. Click here for more details about this.
25 to 35 year olds
In some weeks, a special 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 only if they come with sufficient leaders and are 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 special group for adults aged 30 and over. 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. If you would like to take part in the adults’ meetings, click here and read carefully the information you will find. 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
If you would like to take part in the family meetings, click here and read carefully the information you will find. You can pre-register on-line, but then please wait for our confirmation before making any travel plans.