Where Theological Learning Meets Lived Experience
Kate Strathdee completed her Master of Theological Studies degree with a Supervised Experience in Ministry at Parkwood Seniors Community. Supervised by Grebel alum Lisa Carr-Pries (MTS 2010), Kate worked as Student Chaplain this summer, leading Bible studies and hymn sings, and visiting residents.
A Supervised Experience in Ministry is a core aspect of the Applied Studies stream in Conrad Grebel University College’s MTS program. For one or two terms, ten hours a week, students participate in practical internships that can include pastoral roles in congregations, chaplaincy in hospitals, prisons, or elder care facilities, or social service in a variety of settings.
A particularly moving experience for Kate during her internship was providing spiritual care to a resident on their deathbed. “It was beautiful to witness the resident light up when Lisa and I read Psalm 23,” she reflected. “I learned that presence and using the words of scripture can be meaningful, even as I struggled to find the right words to pray extemporaneously. In my pastoral care course with Professor Carol Penner, I learned about the power of presence and scripture, but it was important to see this in action. This will be something I continue to take with me in my future Clinical Pastoral Education unit and in (God willing), ordained ministry.”
The practical experience also challenged some of Kate’s assumptions about dementia in the scale and ways it affects memory. “Connection can still occur in residents who have ‘severe’ dementia,” she explained. “This was evident during one of the three hymn sings that I led each week. Even though most language is gone, some residents knew the words of the old-time hymns.” Through these experiences, Kate has a clearer idea of what spiritual care looks like. “I can still touch hearts and partake in the care of souls regardless of someone's memory or ability to carry a conversation.”
Parkwood has also hosted several other Grebel students for SEMs. Recently, Margaret Sherk (MTS 2025) did her SEM at Parkwood and continues to volunteer there more than a year later. Niamh Brown (BA 2016, MTS 2023), now Chaplain at Fairview Mennonite Home, had her first experience with seniors ministry at Parkwood.
“As a graduate of Grebel’s MTS program, I know how important it is to have opportunities to bring theological learning into conversation with lived experience,” added Lisa. “Placements like Parkwood allow students to test assumptions, recognize blind spots, deepen their gifts, and discover areas where further learning is needed. They also invite us as practitioners into rich mutual learning, as students bring fresh perspectives, complementary gifts, thoughtful questions, and new energy to the community.”
For Lisa, the ongoing connection with Grebel is especially meaningful because her own vocation was influenced by a professor who recognized and affirmed gifts in her and encouraged her toward pastoral ministry. “I value the opportunity to offer that same kind of attentive mentoring to others—to create space where students can explore their calling, grow in confidence, and discover how theological knowledge becomes embodied in relationship, practice, and service.”
