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Concert series to feature priest, seminarians
archived from: 2013-02-22
by: William Cone, Editor

The a cappella group Sixtus performs wide range of songs

A series of free concerts is set for March 3-8 at local parishes featuring the a cappella musical group Sixtus, which consists of a priest and three seminarians.

One of the performers is Levi Hartle, a diocesan seminarian who sings tenor in the group.

They perform a mixture of musical forms, from jazz and Bing Crosby hits, to rap, bluegrass, gospel and contemporary Christian songs. Group members also give inspirational talks between songs, using the beauty of their music to point to the truth of God’s love.

The concerts are planned for: March 3, 7-8:15 p.m. at St. Mary of the Assumption, Glenshaw; March 4, 7:30-8:30 p.m., St. Bernadette, Monroeville; and March 8, 7:30-8:45 p.m., St. Juan Diego, Sharpsburg, Madonna of Jerusalem worship site.

A special event for women — March 7 from 5:30-9:30 p.m. at St. Mary in Glenshaw — will include dinner, a holy hour, Mass and music. It’s sponsored by the parish’s Christian Mothers group.

Sixtus also will appear at schools and personal-care homes during the days of their performances.

Besides Hartle, Sixtus features Father Joe Goldsmith (bass and beatbox), who serves in the Diocese of Richmond at Blessed Sacrament Parish in Harrisonburg, Va.; Jonathan Gibbons (baritone), an Archdiocese of Baltimore student studying at Theological College in Washington, D.C.; and David Gaines (tenor), studying at Theological College for the Diocese of Spokane, Wash.

Hartle, the son of Brian and Providence Hartle of St. Joseph Parish in Cabot, attended grade school at St. Mary in Herman, then Knoch High School and Grove City College, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in music education. After college, he studied two years at St. Paul Seminary and two at Theological College before being granted a year to work in a parish.

“The pastoral year was just what I needed,” he said. “It has been a truly awesome experience living at the parish (St. Mary in Glenshaw) and serving the people of God. I thank God every day for the gift of my parish family.” After the pastoral year, he will return to Washington for the final two years of theological training.

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