TAIZE’ RETREAT 2017
Approximate Dates – End of July to mid-August
Reverend Barbara Piercy, Tour Coordinator
Minister of Music
The First Presbyterian Church at Caldwell, NJ
Throughout the year 2015, at Taizé, we looked for ways to get involved in new solidarities; these are so urgent today. Across the earth, new forms of distress — migratory, ecological and social — are a challenge for believers of different religions and for non-believers alike. Armed violence is wreaking havoc in the name of inhuman ideologies. While remaining clear-headed, we shall continue our “pilgrimage of trust” as a way of resisting the fear generated by insecurity. It is even more urgent that those who are looking forward to — or already living — a globalization of solidarity support one another. When the storm rages, a house built on rock remains stable (Matthew 7:24-25). We want to build our lives on the words of Christ, and so our rock will consist of a few basic Gospel realities, accessible to all: joy – simplicity – mercy. Brother Roger set these at the heart of the life of our Taizé Community; they enabled him to keep going, even in difficult times. He assimilated them in order to return to them day after day. These three words will guide us on our journey over the next three years. In 2016, we shall begin with mercy, in the same spirit as the Year of Mercy launched by Pope Francis.
Brother Alois, the Prior of Taizé
Week One (End 0f July)
· Amsterdam: Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank Museum, Dutch Resistance Museum, Red Light District Tour, Canal Boat Tour, Bicycle Tours
· Normandy (France) – WWII Sites: Omaha & Utah Beaches, American Cemetery, Museum in Caan, City of Bayeaux (Light Show & Tapestry), French café’
Week Two (Beginning of August) – The Community of Taizé
www.taize.fr/en
Coming to Taizé is to be invited to search for communion with God through community prayer, song, silence, personal reflection and sharing. A stay in Taizé can help one step back from daily life, to meet with over 3,000 young adults (ages 17 – 30) from all over the world and consider one’s commitment in the Church and in society.
“It is has a taste of celebration to see so many young adults together in all their diversity.
It gives us a great hope that it is possible for all humanity to live in peace.”
Brother Alois, during a meeting in the Church of Reconciliation
CODA
· Geneva, Switzerland (City of Peace): Reformation Museum & Historic Sites of the Reformer John Calvin, United Nations, Red Cross Museum, World Council of Churches, Festival in Old Town
COST
· Round Trip Airfare ($800 - $1,200) - $500 deposit due January 31, 2017
· Hotels, Taize’ (All lodging and meals), Rental Car ($600 - $800)
Personal Expenses on the trip: Meals outside of Taize’, Museum Admissions
QUESTIONS? 973-228-0310; barb@firstprescaldwell.org
