Facing Challenges

The Covid-19 virus has challenged us to face a new way of living, learning and interacting with others. During the ten-week lock-down, this meant that the living room became a workplace for adults and a place for students to learn. We were forced to cancel Liturgical services and religion classes and our First Communion was postponed. Those of us from both the Parish of Gut Hirt and Good Shepherd’s had to find new ways to feed our spiritual community. Once the situation in Switzerland stabilized, the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health allowed us to resume part of our services, but under very tight restrictions and in agreement with the Swiss Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Canton of Zug. Communion ministers must disinfect their hands and the Eucharist is distributed through a Plexiglas barrier. Movement around the altar is limited and singing from the congregation is not allowed because the aerosol projected is greater than when speaking and only a limited number of people are allowed in the church at one time. This is important in order to insure that everyone feels safe and comfortable. Churches are not always well ventilated and often times people are cramped together. Considering all of this, we have been able to develop a concept which work and conforms to the regulations. With this in mind, we are happy to announce that on Sunday, September 6, 2020 at 18.00 fourteen children from Good Shepherd’s will make their First Communion which was postponed from this past May. We at Good Shepherd’s wish all the children a memorable service with God blessings.