It has been seven years since young people started a Taizé prayer service at St. Viator Catholic Community in Las Vegas. What began as an outgrowth of their experience at the Viatorian Youth Congress, brought so much peace to parishioners after the shooting massacre in 2017, that the service stuck and has been a mainstay in the parish ever since.
St. Viator Catholic Community in Las Vegas
Holding it during Advent, seems especially fitting. The latest Taizé prayer service took place Dec. 4 at St. Viator and drew parishioners as well as young Viatorian associates and members of its Viator Youth Group.
“Taizé was designed for — and with — young people,” says Fr. John Eustice, CSV, who helps facilitate the prayer service every month in Arlington Heights. “It includes praying a litany for young people. It’s just very Viatorian, processing the word of God to — and with — young people, and praying for people on the margins.”
An Advent Taizé prayer service also took place Dec. 2 at Maternity BVM Parish in Bourbonnais and is planned for 7 p.m. Dec. 18 at Saint Viator High School in Arlington Heights.
“Taizé is good for the soul — and a great way to begin Advent,” said Associate Rosy Hartz, who helps young people at St. Viator Parish organize the service each month.
As with most Taizé prayer services, it takes place in a darkened church, lit only by candles. During the hour, there are periods of silence with meditative readings from Scripture, prayers of praise and intercession, and the frequent repetition of simple, contemporary music or chants based on the Psalms.
It was Fr. Corey Brost, CSV, who first brought Taizé prayer to the Viatorian Community. In 1999. He began offering it at the Viatorian Province Center, reaching out to both Saint Viator High School students as well as supporters of the Viatorians. Since then, nearly all the places where Viatorians minister offer Taizé prayer.
“Those that come, without exception, tell me they find a remarkable peace during the evening,” Fr. Brost says. “It’s a wonderful way to connect with God. The music and the ritual seem to open people up so that they experience God’s love and peaceful presence.”