Spiritual Care is an integral part of Senior Care
Spiritual Care Services Offered
- Communion services both congregational and individually
- Sunday morning church services led by tenants of the Elderly Persons Housing in the EPH
- Catholic Mass – bi-weekly
- Weekly church services on each unit of the PCH
- Weekly Bible Studies in English and German
- Spiritual Care visits by Donwood Chaplain or volunteers
- End of Life care and officiating at funerals
What is Spiritual Care?
All of us are spiritual people, regardless of faith background, denomination, or choice to not be part of a faith community. Spiritual care staff at Donwood offer support to all, while at the same time, our residents’ own pastors, priests, or rabbis are always welcome to visit.
Spiritual care and support are offered to the residents of Donwood Manor and their families from a Christian faith-based place of hope, peace and meaning. The spiritual care programs provide gospel hope, familiar rituals and meaningful interaction. Our chaplains and spiritual care volunteers provide visits of compassionate and empathic presence. These visits provide the space within which to reflect on life’s struggles and joys, bring encouragement, and reminders of the residents’ value and worth. Prayer and scripture are shared where appropriate, and especially in seasons of loneliness and loss, the truth that “God is near to the brokenhearted” (Psalm 34:18) is proclaimed.
Each person we encounter every day is made in the image of God and has a story to tell and a gift from God to share with others. It is in that understanding that we nurture a ministry of calm and Christ-like loving presence at Donwood Manor.
Meet our Chaplains
Conrad Dueck – B.Ed, MDiv
Conrad was born in W
innipeg, graduating from MBCI in 1990, and with a Bachelor of Education from the U of M in 1995. After two years of teaching on a northern reserve, he began working in Children’s Ministry at Gospel Mennonite Church (now Nassau Street Church). He completed his M. Div at Providence Theological Seminary in 2004, and then together with his wife and 4 children moved to Emo, Ontario where they enjoyed country living while he served as the pastor of Calvary Baptist Church for 11 years.
Moving back to Winnipeg in 2019 Conrad worked for several years at Elmwood MB Church and as a substitute teacher in the RETSD, before being asked to consider the chaplain position at Donwood PCH. He began his time at Donwood in late 2025 and enjoys the opportunity to combine his love of people, his love for God, and the joys of communication while serving the wonderful residents here.
When not at work, Conrad enjoys sports, serving in his church NKMB, and traveling with his wife to see their children and 4 grandchildren spread out around the globe.
Gerhard Friesen, MDiv., BA, BTh.
Gerhard was born in Paraguay, moving to Canada with his wife Mary in 1966. Once settled in Winnipeg, Gerhard began his studies at M.B.B.C (now Canadian Mennonite University) and the University of Winnipeg which lead him in the pastorate. For 19 years, he pastored at Mennonite churches within Winnipeg and Paraguay. Completing his M.Div. degree in 1992 he then continued his studies and became certified as a spiritual care specialist.
In 1994, Gerhard began work as a chaplain at two personal care homes in Winnipeg (Bethania Personal Care Home and Donwood Manor) as well as Concordia Hospital. After retirement from full-time work as a chaplain, Donwood Manor hired Gerhard on a contract basis to conduct weekly German Bible studies.
Married to Mary, they have two adult children and four grandchildren . When Gerhard is practicing retirement, he enjoys woodworking, cycling, talking with people and reading.
Gerhard is much loved at Donwood and his ministry in both German and English has nurtured the soul of many residents and tenants residing at Donwood Personal Care Home and Elderly Persons Housing.
Gerhard leads German Bible Study on Thursday evenings at Donwood Manor.
