Brothers Matt and Fr. Tim Devine, CC have been writing, performing and recording music together for 15 years.  From their early attempts at song writing, to the songs on their latest CD, Not Ordinary, Matt & Tim's songs tell stories about love, relationships and about their faith in God. As songwriters and music ministers, The Devine brothers want to be instruments for the Lord and hope the words and melodies of their songs encourage others to enter into a more intimate relationship with Jesus.

Matt and Tim grew up in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada.  Only two years separate them in age and they both began piano lessons at an early age. Matt moved to playing guitar in his early teens and Tim also played trombone in his high school band for four years.  Being in a "rock" band was a dream that these brothers shared. But it was not until their teens, when we began to improve at playing instruments, that we began to fully realize their passion for song writing and making music together. 

The Devine brothers began to play in various bands and released their first CD, Side By Side, in January 1995. Songs such as "Time Keeps on Moving", "Moments to Memories" and the title track, "Side By Side" express the importance of cherishing relationships and always having hope.  They appeared on Breakfast Television in February 1995 and released another independent CD, entitled, Stuff in February 1996 while performing in an alternative rock band called Bertha's Attic.

Matt and Tim grew up in a family environment that encouraged and nurtured their faith.  However it was not until their early twenties that they both began to encounter God more intimately. 

After participating in a "Life in the Spirit" course, Tim began to feel a strong call to the priesthood. He became more devoted to Jesus and drew closer to Mary, the Mother of God. Tim soon found out about this new order of priests and seminarians called The Companions of the Cross and he entered the seminary in the fall of 1996.  During his years in the seminary, Tim played with Magnificat Ministries, a music ministry led by Marcel Dion.

Matt also experienced a conversion soon after Tim left for the seminary.  Matt became more devoted to the Blessed Mother, began reading scripture daily and entered into a deeper relationship with Jesus.  It was not too long after that he felt called to use his music to help bring others closer to Jesus. 

God Provides...

Just prior to joining the seminary, Tim had been playing in a Catholic rock band called, Critical Mass.  Matt soon joined the band as well and the group set about introducing contemporary Christian music to Catholic youth.  Matt and Tim continued to write songs, but now their songs focused on their faith and relationship with God. Being a part of Critical Mass provided an incredible opportunity to combine their love for writing and recording songs with their love for Jesus.

Matt and Tim released their first CD with Critical Mass in 1997. Their first CD, Faith Looks Up, includes the Eucharistic song, "Body And Blood", which is now being used in many parishes. The pop/rock style of Faith Looks Up effectively presents Catholic theology and themes such as surrendering to God and becoming aware of God's love in a more intimate way.

After the unanticipated success of Faith Looks Up, Critical Mass released their second CD, Completely, in October 2000.  The CD was produced by Andrew Horrocks (formerly of the band, "One Hundred Days") and the CD won "Rock Album of the Year" at the 2000 Canadian Gospel Music Association Covenant Awards. Songs such as "Completely", "Set Me Free", "Walk You Home", "Forgiven" and "Rain Your Love On Me" express the joy that we can feel when we come to know the forgiveness, mercy and the promise of eternity given to us by Jesus.

Critical Mass performed at many conferences and festivals over the next two years culminating with their being chosen to participate at key events during World Youth Day 2002 in Toronto. Matt and Tim co-wrote the song, "Share it with the world", which was included on the official CD for World Youth Day 2002.

And now…

After the reorganizing of Critical Mass, Matt and Tim continued writing songs and decided to work with Andrew Horrocks again to produce a new Devine CD. This collection of 12 new original compositions is entitled, Not Ordinary and was released in January 2004. The new CD follows in the footsteps of the songs on Completely but highlights the "Devine" harmonies.

The songs on Not Ordinary, vary from praise to pop, contemplative to high-energy rock. The songs encourage the listener to "fall in love with Jesus and let Him make you more." The song, "Symphony", is a reminder that each one of us is a beautiful symphony, created in love by God. The CD also features a Marian Song called "Queen of Peace" and the Eucharistic song, "Only Say the Word."

In 2005, Matt and Fr. Tim's song, "Symphony" won 1st place in the Gospel / Contemporary Christian category in the 2004 UNISONG International Song writing Contest!

Also, their new song, "To Be Like You", written for Pope John Paul II, resently won 2nd place on www.catholicradio.com for a contest honouring the life and legacy of a man who keeps Matt and Tim absolutely inspired to follow Jesus in their music ministry. Log on to that wonderful website and have a listen!

In case you were wondering…

Fr. Tim was ordained to the priesthood in November 2002 with The Companions of the Cross, and is currently Pastor at 2 parishes in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Matt is married and has two daughters and is currently a Catholic secondary school teacher in Mississauga, Ontario.

Our Prayer...

As you listen to their music, Matt and Fr. Tim hope that the words and melodies help you recognize God's love for you in your life and that through their music ministry, God's name may be worshiped and glorified forever!