The up-and-coming Catholic youth band Steadfast Worship’s new song “Louder” is rippling soundbites within Toronto’s Catholic community, following its official release last month. 

Katie Heximer knows the majestic sound of a symphony or the melodic mixture of chords can quickly captivate an audience. But the co-singer and songwriter for the Christian band 90 n’ 9 finds greater power in writing or singing lyrics that reflect life’s journey and can be offered to God as a prayer. 

The talents of Toronto-area Catholic musicians are being harnessed to celebrate the works of ShareLife agencies and their efforts to support those in need.

In the early 1980s, Canadian music icon Anne Murray released her classic country song, “A Little Good News,” in response to suffering she witnessed in society. 

The music produced by the band iv24 for young Catholics at high school retreats, young adult events and evenings of adoration before the Blessed Sacrament is more a by-product than anything else. The seven-member praise and worship band from Mississauga, Ont., didn’t start off trying to achieve close harmonies, infectious beats or uplifting melodies.

Andrew Abbott was on the brink of breaking out into the Canadian Christian music scene. But after releasing his first album in 2013 and then another one in 2016, the London, Ont., native said he went in “auto-pilot mode.”

EDMONTON – Canadian Catholics are about to see the first new national hymnal in more than 20 years — a book that will bring long-cherished hymns into step with modern worship and introduce new works as well.