Recreation, Spiritual, and Volunteer Services staff at the R.K. MacDonald Nursing Home in coordination with local clergy and dedicated volunteers serve the spiritual & religious needs of the Residents, their families, and staff, with respect for their faith traditions and the dignity of their persons.
In 2013, our chapel was named St. Martha Chapel in a ceremony presided over by Bishop Brian Dunn in the presence of Residents, family members, staff and volunteers, and with the participation of the Sisters of St. Martha. In honor of that occasion, the Sisters donated the statue of St. Martha which adorns our chapel.
Chapel functions include:
- Friday, Mass at 10:30 a.m. & televised on in-house TV Channel #1885;
- Sacrament of the Sick is provided upon request
- Stations of the Cross during Lent;
- Rosary is streamed through our in-house TV Channel #1885 several times per week
- Prayer Services led by clergy of other denominations are held on scheduled Wednesdays at 11:00 a.m.
Other regular events in the chapel
- Remembrance Service – (November) with Legion Members participating.
- “The Lights of Love” Concert and dedication on the first Sunday of December.
- L’Arche Community Prayer, most Tuesdays, 3:30pm
Staff Prayer
During the summer of 2026, our the RK Community experienced the loss of two staff members, while other staff members experienced the loss of loved ones within their own families. At the same time, our staff continued to experience the loss of residents whom they had come to know, care for, and form meaningful relationships with.
Recognizing the collective grief experienced within our community, a Staff Prayer was created as a way to acknowledge loss, honour those who have passed, and provide comfort and support to one another during times of grief.
This prayer is intended to be used:
- During an Honour Guard ceremony, as a deceased resident leaves the Home;
- At the beginning of a staff huddle, as an opportunity to acknowledge and honour the passing of a resident; and
- For individual staff prayer and reflection, when a staff member is experiencing grief or would find comfort in prayer.
The prayer is offered as a reflection of our commitment to supporting one another and recognizing that grief is a shared experience within our long-term care community. It provides a moment to pause, remember, and acknowledge the impact that residents, families, and colleagues have on our lives and work.
Loving Spirit,
We come together today with quiet hearts.
Our friend (Name)__________________has finished their earthly journey.
You have called them home to your peace.
Thank you for the time we shared with (Name)_______________.
Thank you for their life, their stories, and their presence in our community.
Life giving Spirit, please comfort their loved ones, our residents, and the staff. As we give thanks for this community rooted in our mission of love, dignity, and quality care.
Help us support each other, as we grieve this community’s loss. Comfort each one of us this day and fill our hearts with your peace. Help us remember (Name)_________________ with love and joy.
Amen.
Download the Staff Prayer document (PDF).