Fr. Andrew Vogal of St. Joseph + St. Matthew + St. Theresa Tri-Catholic Churches asked parishioners to pray for health, safety and for those who have been cut off from loved ones during these times.

"I heard that a section of the third grade has been quarantined," Vogal said in the Mapleton-area churches' Sept. 27 bulletin. "I know I’ve said it before, but these are crazy times. We pray for everyone. We pray for safety, health, both mental and physical. Please continue to pray for our parents of young children. It cannot be easy right now. Remember to reach out to one another. But most of all, pray for our elderly who have been cut off from loved ones. I hear this is slowly changing, but still, pray for them and reach out to them in creative ways."

God created us for relationships and communion. We are made in His image and likeness, which is why it's important for people to put in extra effort to reach out to others during the coronavirus pandemic. 

This weekend, Vogal reflected on the parable about two sons and a father's will. In the parable, the first son initially said he wouldn't work in his father's vineyard. Later, this son changed his mind and went to work in the vineyard. The second son did the opposite: he told his father he would work in the vineyard, but never went.

"Jesus asks which son did the father’s will," Vogal said. "The obvious answer is the first son. However, I think I’m way too often the second son. I say yes to things. I may even have good intentions of doing things, things for the Kingdom of God, but out of laziness, out of pride, out of sinfulness, I end up not doing them. The old phrase 'Actions speak louder than words' is applicable here."

Vogal noted that we need to stand up for the truth even if others don't want the truth to be heard. 

"I think I’ve mentioned this before, if someone were to accuse you of being a Christian, would there be enough evidence, enough actions, to convict you?" Vogal asked in the bulletin. "Does being in relationship with Jesus Christ change our lives? Is it evident to others?"