Community life is learned by living it. At Taizé, it begins with a few months of volunteer service to help with the meetings, then the time comes to move into the brothers’ house and to receive the prayer garment. From then on, the new brother shares, with all the others, prayer, work, meals, service, sharing, and times of silence.

To enter into the dynamics of community life, the new brothers meet regularly among themselves and with the brother who animates their group, for meals, times of reflection and sharing, services and outings. Every new brother is also accompanied individually by another brother.

For six years or so, the new brothers prepare themselves for a life-commitment. They work at first in the community workshops. They undertake biblical and theological studies given by brothers. They can also follow online courses. They take part in the formation and teaching that invited guests offer regularly to the community. Each one is encouraged to deepen his knowledge according to his abilities and interests.

Already in his second year, a new brother helps with the welcome of the meetings. Then he spends his fourth year away from Taizé, with the brothers on mission or living in small groups elsewhere, in a community close to the needy, or by taking part in the life of a local church. After this year away, which can help someone to undertake a deeper discernment, the new brother returns to Taizé and continues to spend about two more years preparing himself for a life-commitment in the steps of Christ.