MARIETTA--The choir of St. Joseph Church sang the prelude, Exsultate justi, for the papal Mass at St. Peter's in Rome on Feb. 2. Immediately after they performed, they were asked by Msgr. Piero Marini, master of papal ceremonies, to sing a second hymn for the prelude. They also joined the Vatican choir in singing responses during the Mass.

When the Mass was over, Msgr. Domenico Bartolucci, director and conductor of the Sistine Chapel Choir, shook hands with Martha Trimbach, St. Joseph music director, and called the St. Joseph choir performance "magnifico."

Choir members say this opportunity to participate in an internationally televised Mass with Pope John Paul II was an experience that will inspire them for years to come.

Among fund raising activities which made the trip possible for the singers was the recording of a cassette, "Christmas at St. Joseph's" by the several choirs at the parish. Msgr. Donald Kenny is pastor.