Blessing of Taize Chalice and Paten

Parishioners David, Robbie, and Sarah Farnsworth recently traveled to Taize, France where they visited the Taize community that has a whole new style of worship and music over the last few decades.  The monastic community itself is unique, being comprised of both Roman Catholic and Protestant brothers, and has as one of its principle foci a powerful devotion to peace and justice. 

Here at St. George’s we have a monthly worship service in the style of the Taize community, hallmarked by periods of extended silence, intentional readings, candlelit worship, contemplative and meditative music, and simplified Eucharist.  At 7pm on the third Sunday of the month, we offer this style of worship to all in our community. 

As a gift to St. George’s, the Farnsworth family brought back with them a paten and chalice set from Taize.  They brought it forward during the Offertory yesterday to offer to God and the community, as well as to be consecrated for sacred use.  This consecration, normally reserved to the Diocesan Bishop, was delegated by special permission to Fr. Ryan, who blessed the new holy vessels prior to the celebration of the Eucharist at 10am yesterday.  The vessels were then used for the first time in worship during the first Taize service of the year, last night at 7pm.

Won’t you join us next month, on the third Sunday at 7pm, for worship in the Taize tradition?

Fr. Ryan+

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