I can only imagine that some of you may have wondered: “What happened to our organist and choir director, John Leslie?” or “We haven’t seen ‘that guy’ up in the organ loft for a long time.” or “Did he get the virus???” Let me assure you that I did not get the virus.

After Holy Week and Easter masses, “way back” in April, I was temporarily laid off from my job as OLGC organist, since the church was shut down due to the pandemic. Being a professional musician, all of my other professional music work was also canceled: teaching, accompanying, directing. Schools, studios, and theaters were all closed!

At the same time, my 95-year old uncle in California (San José area) was having difficulty living on his own. He wanted to remain in the home he had enjoyed for almost 60 years; so since I had available time, not working, I flew out to see how I could help him. I have been with him for eight months now, and likely to be with him through the pandemic, at least.

I dearly miss all of the OLGC cantors, the choir members; and I will miss, especially at this time of year, working with guest musicians and the OLGC children preparing Christmas music for your holiday masses.

I miss the work relationship I enjoyed with Fr. Steven and Terri King in the parish office. My gratefulness cannot be expressed enough to Fr. Steven during my absence and to Janet Vignaly, who has done so well working with the cantors, playing piano for so many masses, and getting substitutes when she is not available.

Advent is a time for waiting and preparing our hearts. In a quote from Pope Francis: “Advent is the time we are given to welcome the Lord who comes to encounter us, and also to verify our longing for God, to look forward and prepare ourselves for Christ’s return.”

In addition to my heartfelt greeting, I pray that you may all be filled with Wonder and Joy as you await the coming of Jesus in your lives and in your homes, and I look forward to seeing you and sharing in ministry with you again sometime in 2021.

Happy Advent, Glad New Year!

John Leslie