Stephen's music has been used widely across Australia and across the world, from Jerusalem to Detroit, from Manila to Alaska, New Zealand to Ireland.
In Australia Stephen has ministered in every state and territory (except the Northern Territory! Invitations very welcome :) ).
Here are some of the things people are saying about Stephen Kirk's ministry:
“Stephen Kirk is a man of faith and a talented musician. These two are not always found together, but in Stephen they mix to provide a special voice in the Church and special service to the Church. At times people think that song is cosmetic to the spiritual life, but in Stephen we see and hear that song is at the heart of the spiritual life. He shows that the spiritual life really happens when the spirit begins to sing to God.”
+Mark Coleridge Archbishop of Canberra and Goulburn
"The Church 'evangelises and is herself evangelised through the beauty of the Liturgy' (Evangelii Gaudium, 24). Liturgical music has a powerful role to play in this evangelisation. With its admirable balance of vibrancy, solemnity, simplicity, and beauty, Stephen Kirk’s Mass of the Holy Spirit setting is a worthy addition to the Church’s treasury of liturgical music. I heartily recommend Stephen’s Mass of the Holy Spirit.
+Christopher Prowse Archbishop of Canberra-Goulburn
"We recently invited Stephen Kirk to our Porta Fidei Staff Retreat to provide a musical backdrop at this overnight experience for teachers in Lismore Diocese Schools.
Stephen's deep spirituality and experience as a Christian singer/songwriter came to the fore at our retreat as he led the group in prayer, taught praise and worship and delivered a keynote presentation on God's Love.
Participants warmed to Stephen's gentle, passionate approach and discovered a new resource to use in their school communities.
We will be using Stephen's considerable expertise again and commend him to those seeking authentic, engaging evangelisation through word and song."
Matt de Dassell
Diocese of Lismore
"Stephen Kirk was involved as a workshop presenter at our recent professional development day which had ‘Liturgy’ as its primary focus.
Stephen’s presentation put forward a theoretical and practical understanding of what constitutes authentic ‘liturgical music’. Stephen was able to show how contemporary music can be emotive, aesthetic, and liturgically correct and how these elements are fundamental in leading congregations into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ.
I have no hesitation in endorsing Stephen Kirk as a professional and engaging presenter whose insights into liturgy, along with the music he writes, will be of great benefit to parishes and schools alike."
Anthony Gordon
Team Leader
Evangelisation and Religious Education
Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta
"We thoroughly enjoyed having Stephen visit St Clare's college this year. His approach was engaging and enabled our students to connect with the presence of Jesus in the Eucharist in a meaningful way. I would recommend him without hesitation to any school seeking to deepen their student's appreciation of the treasures of our Catholic faith!"
Maryellen Moore, Mission and Ministry Co-ordinator, St Clare's College, Canberra
"I have had the pleasure to work with Stephen Kirk regularly in delivering nights of prayer and Adoration over the past four years. His songs are prayerful, easy to pick up, beautiful and appealing to all ages. Stephen has the rare ability of being able to remind people of the presence of God, drawing them into the gratitude and openness that is at the heart of good worship. He is an excellent model of the prayerfulness and liturgical awareness that is necessary for good contemporary music ministry leaders.
I highly recommend Stephen Kirk if you wish your people to experience the richness of the relationship between deep prayer and music."
Catherine Kennedy, Director of CREDO (Office of Evangelisation & Renewal, Archdiocese of Sydney)
"Amazing presentation. I'm not Catholic, but I've been teaching in Catholic schools for 20 years, and this is the first time someone has explained the mass to me in a way I can understand."
(Teacher, Good Counsel College Innisfail, Qld, "Music in the Eucharist" presentation)
"I wanted to personally thank you for creating the opportunity, and for the privilege of being nourished by such an accomplished musician, Stephen Kirk. This was truly a sacred time for me and I wanted to say thank you for organising him to come up to share his gift with us."
(Parishioner, Cairns, "Meet the Man" adoration event)
“I would highly recommend Stephen Kirk to speak to your Parish. He is insightful, inspirational and can deliver (what is often perceived to be) a difficult topic in a well structured, scriptually sound and interesting way. It was a pleasure to listen to Stephen perform and Forster Tuncurry Parish are extremely grateful for his visit.” Sharon Fowle Pastoral Associate, Foster Tuncurry, NSW
“The Rend the Heavens CD is fantastic. I had a chance to listen to it twice through on the trip home and it was the best CD I’ve listened to and prayed with for many years – and it’s all I’ve listened to since then. You know its had an impact when you wake up at night with the melody and lyrics on your mind.” Steve Toohey Director, Youth Mission Team
“Outstanding! I learned lots of new ideas related to the mass. The presentation was informative, interesting and gave great guidelines and ideas for music in mass. Very worthwhile.” Halim Sheridan, DRS at St Anne’s School, Wanganui, NZ
“I wanted to take the opportunity to thank you for your help on Saturday with the prayer for the Archdiocesan assembly. All the comments I have heard about it have been very positive. I found it to be a prayerful experience that reflected the very best of Catholic theology and spirituality. You have a real gift.” Shane Dwyer Coordinator Spirituality & Faith Formation, Canberra Goulburn Archdiocese
“Wonderful presentation! Clear and informative with great introduction to music for one who loves music but is not musical. Thankyou.” Anna, Palmerston North, NZ
“The music that Stephen Kirk has provided for the CSYMA Staff and Student Conferences has been vibrant and engaging. Catholic staff have appreciated both the quality and reflective nature of the worship and students have entered into the music with great passion. Stephen's practical workshop seminars have outlined the key ingredients of effective liturgical music for youth today. Stephen has a great gift to bring to the Catholic Church in effective and prayerful music for young people today that is both appealing and evangelising.”
Peter Woods Director Catholic Schools Youth Ministry Association
“I am really pleased I elected to attend your workshop. I learnt such a lot. Your presentation was clear and easy to understand as well as inspirational.“
Debra Benefield, Palmerston North, NZ
“We did Come as the offertory song and Soul of Christ for after communion reflection. The songs came together so well - I think it was our best singing ever... Thanks so much for writing the songs. The melodies are so beautiful and the words just encapsulate our catholic faith so well, that we just can't stop singing them around the house, in the car, wherever.”
Rosie, Casino, NSW
“Excellent presentation. Inspirational, very practical.”
Rod Bennett, Palmerston North, NZ
“Your style of spoken presentation, and particularly your compositions for Mass does indeed facilitate the experience of people entering into prayer- worship- in a way which is grounded in contemporary musical styles. Yes, your music does help the Congregation to pray the Mass within its various unfolding parts or components. In the spirit of Art 44 of the Oceania Encyclical, your musical compositions- and your teaching/catechesis is a form of Faith witness, yet, really we are all Baptised to take on-according to our gifts- the challenging vocation of prophet! In some ways, I do think your music ministry is somewhat prophetic, and I'm grateful for your ministry. I intend urging/encouraging our parish musicians to become familiar with your compositions, and introduce some of your hymns to parish Sunday Mass. I do hope you can return again in not too distant future.” Fr Kevin Corrigan Parish Priest, Foster Tuncurry, NSW
“User-friendly interpreter of Catholic Documents :) Stephen has a great ministry with youth and youth workers.” Claire Whareaitu, Chaplain and Musician, Sacred Heart Girls’ College, New Plymouth, NZ
Click here to contact Stephen to lead worship, provide music, or give a keynote or workshop presentation.
In Australia Stephen has ministered in every state and territory (except the Northern Territory! Invitations very welcome :) ).
Here are some of the things people are saying about Stephen Kirk's ministry:
“Stephen Kirk is a man of faith and a talented musician. These two are not always found together, but in Stephen they mix to provide a special voice in the Church and special service to the Church. At times people think that song is cosmetic to the spiritual life, but in Stephen we see and hear that song is at the heart of the spiritual life. He shows that the spiritual life really happens when the spirit begins to sing to God.”
+Mark Coleridge Archbishop of Canberra and Goulburn
"The Church 'evangelises and is herself evangelised through the beauty of the Liturgy' (Evangelii Gaudium, 24). Liturgical music has a powerful role to play in this evangelisation. With its admirable balance of vibrancy, solemnity, simplicity, and beauty, Stephen Kirk’s Mass of the Holy Spirit setting is a worthy addition to the Church’s treasury of liturgical music. I heartily recommend Stephen’s Mass of the Holy Spirit.
+Christopher Prowse Archbishop of Canberra-Goulburn
"We recently invited Stephen Kirk to our Porta Fidei Staff Retreat to provide a musical backdrop at this overnight experience for teachers in Lismore Diocese Schools.
Stephen's deep spirituality and experience as a Christian singer/songwriter came to the fore at our retreat as he led the group in prayer, taught praise and worship and delivered a keynote presentation on God's Love.
Participants warmed to Stephen's gentle, passionate approach and discovered a new resource to use in their school communities.
We will be using Stephen's considerable expertise again and commend him to those seeking authentic, engaging evangelisation through word and song."
Matt de Dassell
Diocese of Lismore
"Stephen Kirk was involved as a workshop presenter at our recent professional development day which had ‘Liturgy’ as its primary focus.
Stephen’s presentation put forward a theoretical and practical understanding of what constitutes authentic ‘liturgical music’. Stephen was able to show how contemporary music can be emotive, aesthetic, and liturgically correct and how these elements are fundamental in leading congregations into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ.
I have no hesitation in endorsing Stephen Kirk as a professional and engaging presenter whose insights into liturgy, along with the music he writes, will be of great benefit to parishes and schools alike."
Anthony Gordon
Team Leader
Evangelisation and Religious Education
Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta
"We thoroughly enjoyed having Stephen visit St Clare's college this year. His approach was engaging and enabled our students to connect with the presence of Jesus in the Eucharist in a meaningful way. I would recommend him without hesitation to any school seeking to deepen their student's appreciation of the treasures of our Catholic faith!"
Maryellen Moore, Mission and Ministry Co-ordinator, St Clare's College, Canberra
"I have had the pleasure to work with Stephen Kirk regularly in delivering nights of prayer and Adoration over the past four years. His songs are prayerful, easy to pick up, beautiful and appealing to all ages. Stephen has the rare ability of being able to remind people of the presence of God, drawing them into the gratitude and openness that is at the heart of good worship. He is an excellent model of the prayerfulness and liturgical awareness that is necessary for good contemporary music ministry leaders.
I highly recommend Stephen Kirk if you wish your people to experience the richness of the relationship between deep prayer and music."
Catherine Kennedy, Director of CREDO (Office of Evangelisation & Renewal, Archdiocese of Sydney)
"Amazing presentation. I'm not Catholic, but I've been teaching in Catholic schools for 20 years, and this is the first time someone has explained the mass to me in a way I can understand."
(Teacher, Good Counsel College Innisfail, Qld, "Music in the Eucharist" presentation)
"I wanted to personally thank you for creating the opportunity, and for the privilege of being nourished by such an accomplished musician, Stephen Kirk. This was truly a sacred time for me and I wanted to say thank you for organising him to come up to share his gift with us."
(Parishioner, Cairns, "Meet the Man" adoration event)
“I would highly recommend Stephen Kirk to speak to your Parish. He is insightful, inspirational and can deliver (what is often perceived to be) a difficult topic in a well structured, scriptually sound and interesting way. It was a pleasure to listen to Stephen perform and Forster Tuncurry Parish are extremely grateful for his visit.” Sharon Fowle Pastoral Associate, Foster Tuncurry, NSW
“The Rend the Heavens CD is fantastic. I had a chance to listen to it twice through on the trip home and it was the best CD I’ve listened to and prayed with for many years – and it’s all I’ve listened to since then. You know its had an impact when you wake up at night with the melody and lyrics on your mind.” Steve Toohey Director, Youth Mission Team
“Outstanding! I learned lots of new ideas related to the mass. The presentation was informative, interesting and gave great guidelines and ideas for music in mass. Very worthwhile.” Halim Sheridan, DRS at St Anne’s School, Wanganui, NZ
“I wanted to take the opportunity to thank you for your help on Saturday with the prayer for the Archdiocesan assembly. All the comments I have heard about it have been very positive. I found it to be a prayerful experience that reflected the very best of Catholic theology and spirituality. You have a real gift.” Shane Dwyer Coordinator Spirituality & Faith Formation, Canberra Goulburn Archdiocese
“Wonderful presentation! Clear and informative with great introduction to music for one who loves music but is not musical. Thankyou.” Anna, Palmerston North, NZ
“The music that Stephen Kirk has provided for the CSYMA Staff and Student Conferences has been vibrant and engaging. Catholic staff have appreciated both the quality and reflective nature of the worship and students have entered into the music with great passion. Stephen's practical workshop seminars have outlined the key ingredients of effective liturgical music for youth today. Stephen has a great gift to bring to the Catholic Church in effective and prayerful music for young people today that is both appealing and evangelising.”
Peter Woods Director Catholic Schools Youth Ministry Association
“I am really pleased I elected to attend your workshop. I learnt such a lot. Your presentation was clear and easy to understand as well as inspirational.“
Debra Benefield, Palmerston North, NZ
“We did Come as the offertory song and Soul of Christ for after communion reflection. The songs came together so well - I think it was our best singing ever... Thanks so much for writing the songs. The melodies are so beautiful and the words just encapsulate our catholic faith so well, that we just can't stop singing them around the house, in the car, wherever.”
Rosie, Casino, NSW
“Excellent presentation. Inspirational, very practical.”
Rod Bennett, Palmerston North, NZ
“Your style of spoken presentation, and particularly your compositions for Mass does indeed facilitate the experience of people entering into prayer- worship- in a way which is grounded in contemporary musical styles. Yes, your music does help the Congregation to pray the Mass within its various unfolding parts or components. In the spirit of Art 44 of the Oceania Encyclical, your musical compositions- and your teaching/catechesis is a form of Faith witness, yet, really we are all Baptised to take on-according to our gifts- the challenging vocation of prophet! In some ways, I do think your music ministry is somewhat prophetic, and I'm grateful for your ministry. I intend urging/encouraging our parish musicians to become familiar with your compositions, and introduce some of your hymns to parish Sunday Mass. I do hope you can return again in not too distant future.” Fr Kevin Corrigan Parish Priest, Foster Tuncurry, NSW
“User-friendly interpreter of Catholic Documents :) Stephen has a great ministry with youth and youth workers.” Claire Whareaitu, Chaplain and Musician, Sacred Heart Girls’ College, New Plymouth, NZ
Click here to contact Stephen to lead worship, provide music, or give a keynote or workshop presentation.