Music has always had the ability to speak to our inmost beings, and to bring us closer to God. We read about the power of music in Scripture, in the Old Testament (see 2 Kings 3:15) and the New Testament, and throughout the ages it has continued to be an important element of the Church’s liturgical tradition.
In 2022, the National Centre for Evangelisation explored music in contemporary culture, as well as its role in the Church and evangelisation. These articles are featured below, with other relevant articles from our newsletter.
Encountering God through music
Music surrounds many of us in modern times. Whether it’s the radio in the car, at the supermarket, booming from a worksite down the road, or coming from our headphones as we work, travel or even eat, our culture seems to encourage us to constantly be listening to the latest tunes.
Drawing closer to God: The power of worship music
There is a fascinating passage in the Second Book of Kings in the Old Testament. The kings of Israel, Judah and Edom, seek out the prophet Elisha to converse with God on their behalf. When they meet with Elisha, he asks for a musician to be brought to him.
Empowering people to sing and share their faith
What is meant by using ‘liturgical music’ for evangelisation? How does it differ from other uses of music for evangelisation? Since Vatican II, the difference is that liturgical music is usually music we sing together.
Music: Stirring hope in pilgrim hearts
The 2025 Jubilee theme, “Pilgrims of Hope”, is such a relevant theme for our times. In the face of overwhelming human suffering, devastating warfare, unprecedented human displacement and migration, climate crisis and global political and economic volatility, hope is scarce.
Music & Evangelisation: Michael Mangan
In 1975, Pope St Paul VI wrote that the Church exists "in order to evangelise". This frightened many Catholics, including me! The word “evangelisation” conjures up images of door-knocking, handing out leaflets or preaching on street corners. While these “out there” methods can be part of evangelisation for some, there are many other ways to evangelise. Mine is through music.
Other Resources
Jubilee of Choirs (ACBC Resource)
Jubilee of Musical Ensembles (ACBC Resource)
Let's Sing With the Pope (Video Series, Pontifical Institute for Sacred Music)