Holy_Cross_Taize

PARISH OF THE HOLY CROSS

In southern France there is a small town named Taize where over fifty years ago Brother Roger Schultz founded an
ecumenical community of brothers dedicated to living a simple life and a communal life of prayer.

Over the years they have hosted thousands of young people from all over the world. You are probably familiar with
some of their chants. On Friday evenings they have Taize prayer around the cross. This is what we are planning to begin
here.

We will place a large cross in the sanctuary of our Church. I have had this cross made in Assisi. It consists of the icon
cross from which Jesus spoke to St. Francis and told him: "Repair my Church for it is falling into ruin." The wood
framing the cross is wood salvaged from St. Clare's Basilica after the earthquakes of 1997. The cross arrived today. It
is really beautiful!

The service of prayer will last for less than one hour. It will be held in the worship area seasonally and the dates will be
announced in the bulletin.

The service begins with one of the Taize chants. A booket is available at the church.

There will be a reading from Scripture, a meditation song, and petitions in the prayer of the faithful. In the second part of
the service as we continue to sing the simple chants, you are invited to come and pray around the cross. Several people
can pray around the cross at once and leave their concerns and prayers with Christ whose sacrifice on the cross is the
source of our salvation and our hope. The service ends with a prayer.

The service is lit by candlelight. We will place votive candles around the cross. If you would like to donate a votive
candle holder we will use it each month and remember to pray for your loved ones.

This evening of prayer is an experience of peace and hope. Please plan to join us.

May the Lord give you His peace.

Fr. Jim McNamara

Click Here for more information on Prayer around the Cross
by the Brothers of Taize