CHARLOTTE — Two familiar faces in parish music ministry recently announced their retirements: Kathy Bartlett, St. Matthew Church’s music director for the past 34 years, and Phil Haigler, director of music ministry at St. Therese Church in Mooresville for the past 18 years.
Bartlett was a vital part of the parish since its earliest years. She managed over a dozen ministries and well over 1,000 ministry volunteers. Besides her vocal talents, she has composed both music and lyrics over the past three decades.
Haigler directed the adult, children and youth choirs, handbell choir and instrumentalists, as well as the praise band and Latino music ministry. He also lent his vocal talents to the diocesan choir, performing annually at the Eucharistic Congress each fall.
— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter
