Organist and composer Lothar Bandermann of St. Joseph of Cupertino Parish recently wrote a short, four-part a capella song based on a text and melody in his mind: “The Church is here to stay; like it or not.”
His wife Billie, who directs an Episcopal church and Jewish community choir, suggested an alternate text for the same music, simply “Alleluia! Amen,” which could be also sung in non-Catholic churches and synagogues.
She and six singers from the St. Joseph choir recorded it and a visiting priest from the Vatican took the score, recording and an accompanying letter to the pope.
The group received a “thank you” letter with an autographed picture of the pope who sent blessings and prayers.
The recording can be heard on Banderman’s website (www.lotharbandermann.com) and the score can be obtained from him at ilwbandermann@att.net.