Taizé Prayer Services are now held at 5 p.m. in Bofinger Chapel on the second Sunday of the month.  The service for Ascension will take place at 5 p.m. on Sunday, May 12.

Come and enter into the contemplative rhythm of this hour.  Hear God’s Word proclaimed, enter into prayer and quiet reflection, and join in singing the simple and beautiful chants and responses of the Taizé ecumenical monastic community in France.

This prayer centers our spirits, quiets our hearts, refreshes our souls and opens us to hear the voice of God.  For information, call the Cathedral office at (314) 231-3454 or contact Br. Franklin Kline, OP.

Prayer in the Style of Taizé
Located in Burgundy, France, the Ecumenical Monastic Community at Taizé has developed a pattern of worship that has attracted thousands of pilgrims, particularly young persons, from throughout the world, and has spread among the major Christian communities.  Beginning in candlelight with a gathering chant, the service proceeds with psalms, readings and prayer.  The repetition of simple and beautiful chants and responses leads into reflective silence.  Singing may be a capella or with instrumental accompaniment, just the simple melody or with harmony and solo cantor parts.

Readings are from scripture as well as devotional writings.  Prayers may be from the liturgy or extemporaneous. The worship space may be plain, or enhanced by cross and icons.  Participants may be invited to come forward to light a candle; to place a pinch of incense as a gesture of praise, thanksgiving or petition; or to reverence the cross or icons.  Opportunity for a substantial period of silent meditation is offered.  One should always feel comfortable to respond in accordance with one’s own worship tradition.