Roots & Branches: Programs for Spiritual Growth

Presents

Pilgrimage to Taizé July 6—15, 2018

Experience a spiritual journey with youth and young adults* from around the world.

COST: $1,850**

Participate in the daily life of Taizé, an ecumenical, international community

in the beautiful Burgundy region of France. Gain insights from inspiring prayer,

times of reflection and moving Taizé chants led by the brothers of Taizé.

Price includes roundtrip airfare from New York/JFK, one day/night in Paris,

ground transportation in France to and from Taizé, and meals and lodging at Taizé.

Reservations are being made now on a first come, first serve basis. A deposit of $400 by March 15, 2018 will reserve a place for you.***

Make check or money order payable to:

Roots & Branches 35 Circle Drive Hyde Park, New York, NY 12538 Or pay online through our website: www.rootsandbranchesprograms.org

For more information, please contact us:

Email: director@rootsandbranchesprograms.org Phone: 646.401.2790

*The primary focus of ministry of the Taizé community is towards youth and young adults; therefore, only a limited

number of participants over 30 years of age can be accepted. **Price is subject to change due to travel industry rate changes.

***The balance is due by June 1, 2018.

“Week after week, from February to November, tens of thousands of young adults visit the hill of Taizé, animated by the same desire to meet others and to have an intense experience of prayer. Whether they come from Russia, Japan, Malta, Lithuania, Bolivia, or Zimbabwe, all are able to fine a common language made up of silence, openness and trust.”

(Letter From Taizé, October-November 1996) Taizé is a place that offers young people an opportunity to discover a meaning for their life and to renew their strength for daily commitments. An ecumenical, monastic community, it provides time and space for: • Sharing questions and hopes • Prayer together with music and silence • Finding a new way of looking at the Church • Standing back, to see our lives in the light of the Gospel • Meeting people from all over the world Founded by Brother Roger Schultz in 1940 to promote Christian unity, the Ecumenical Com-munity of Taizé now includes brothers from Roman Catholic, Anglican, and various Protestant Churches from over twenty-five countries and every continent, who have made a lifelong com-mitment to follow Christ in community life, in celibacy, and in simplicity. It is from this core of commitment that the Taizé community offers hospitality, spiritual guidance, and an example of the reconciling work of God among people of diverse races, cultures, and religious tradi-tions. Since 1966, the Sisters of St. Andrew, a Catholic community founded 750 years ago, have been living in a nearly village. They participate in welcoming and teaching, sharing hospitality and music. Since 1957, young people have been making their way to Taizé in ever-greater numbers. For holidays and feast days, there are as many as 6,000 pilgrims. The week begins with a gracious welcome Sunday afternoon. Three times each day, everyone gathers with the brothers for prayer in the Church of Reconciliation. Daily activities include and inspiring scripture-based presentation, small group reflection and discussion session, and periods of solitude for a hike or other restorative activity amidst the beautiful hills and trails of Burgundy, France. Hundreds of thousands of young people have thus spent time on the hill of Taizé. Here, at the well-springs of faith, they are searching for a meaning for their life. They are preparing themselves to take on responsibilities in the places where they live. To support the young in their commitments, Taizé leads a “pilgrimage of trust on earth,” not to organize young people into a movement around the Community, but to invite them to be cre-ators of peace and reconciliation in their cities, towns and villages, in their local Church, with all generations, from little children to the elderly. Life is simple at Taizé. For youth and younger adults, lodging is in tents and and dormitories. More substantial quarters are available for older adults, 55+ years. Meals are simple and com-munal. All share in the daily life and chores of the community. Each evening, the coffeehouse is open for snacks, fellowship, and music.

About Taizé . . .