The new brothers

Community life is learned by living it. At Taizé, it begins with a few months of voluntary work during the meetings, then comes the moment to move into the brothers’ house and receive the prayer robe. From that moment on, a new brother shares prayer, work, meals, services, times of sharing and moments of relaxation with all his brothers.

To get into the dynamic of community life, the new brothers and the brother who leads their group meet regularly for meals, times of reflection and sharing, services and outings. Each new brother is also accompanied individually by another brother.

For about six years, new brothers prepare for their lifelong commitment. They first work in the community’s workshops. They study the Bible and theology in the Community, and they are also offered online courses. They participate in training and teaching that guest speakers regularly give to the community. Each one is encouraged to deepen his knowledge according to his abilities and interests.

From the third year onwards, a new brother may be given certain tasks in welcoming visitors to the meetings. Then he spends the fourth year outside the village of Taizé: either with brothers from Taizé on mission in a small fraternity, or in a community close to the most disadvantaged, or participating in the life of a local church. After this year away, the new brother returns to Taizé where, if his own discernment and that of the community confirm it, he continues to prepare for about two more years to commit himself for life, in the footsteps of Christ.