[Updated: April 15, 2026 | Published: December 18, 2025]
How Spiritual Support Enriches Life at Friendship Village of Dublin
When the holidays arrive at Friendship Village of Dublin, spiritual life takes center stage. Beyond the tasteful decorations and joyful festivities, this season highlights what matters most to Residents: connection, comfort, and belonging.
It’s also when the community’s approach to emotional and spiritual support comes to life, often through the compassionate presence of Chaplain and Spiritual Care Coordinator, Rev. Fred Arzola, Ph.D.
A Community Built on Presence and Connection
Spiritual support at Friendship Village isn’t just a program. It’s a culture of compassion. The focus is simple: meet Residents where they are and honor the wide variety of beliefs, life experiences, and needs across the community.
“I love being with people … and providing emotional, spiritual support,” Fred says.
“For some Residents who gather for our Sunday afternoon worship, Friendship Village provides a spiritual home. And for others, I provide a safe and accepting space for personal, spiritual, and philosophical conversations.”
That presence shines through in everyday moments:
- Chatting about books or articles that Residents bring to him
- Talking about college football
- Listening when someone feels overwhelmed
- Offering prayer when invited
Residents also bring Fred articles on topics ranging from Einstein to Freemasonry, sparking thoughtful conversations that reflect the intellectual and spiritual curiosity shared across the community.
One Resident recently came to talk after a difficult day. The conversation naturally led to a prayerful moment—a small act that meant a great deal.
“It brings me great contentment to support people during times of need and vulnerability,” Fred says.
Celebrating Interfaith Traditions During the Holidays
December brings an added richness to spiritual life at Friendship Village of Dublin. With many major religions represented, the community celebrates a wide variety of holy and culturally significant days. Residents shape worship services and other programming, ensuring that all faith traditions are acknowledged and included.
Although Fred is ordained as a Christian pastor, his chaplaincy serves all Residents, regardless of belief.
For example, when Residents requested a Hanukkah tradition, Fred—with help from colleagues—organized a menorah lighting to honor and support Jewish residents.
“For many Jewish Residents, simply seeing their tradition represented—like the lighting of a Hanukkah menorah—is a meaningful gift in itself,” he says.
He also holds several services during the Advent and Christmas season for Christian Residents.
To Fred, the holidays bring an energy that is both joyful and meaningful.
“It’s a demanding time for a chaplain, but it is also more emotionally and spiritually rich. This holiday and holy day season brings a robust kind of joy,” he says.
Meeting Residents Where They Are
One of the guiding principles of spiritual care at Friendship Village is accessibility. For less mobile residents, Fred brings services closer to their living spaces so everyone has opportunities to participate.
In Rowan House Memory Care, services are intentionally adapted:
- Hymns are shortened
- Music is offered at a gentle, comfortable pace
- Comforting and familiar symbols are used
- The experience is warm, familiar, and calming
These adjustments allow every Resident to feel included and supported in a way that honors their individuality.
A Year-Round Culture of Spiritual Wellness
Spiritual enrichment at Friendship Village extends far beyond the holidays. It’s a key part of the community’s commitment to whole-person well-being — what we call The Village Way. This includes spiritual wellness as one of nine interconnected dimensions that support Residents’ overall quality of life.
Throughout the year, Residents engage in learning, reflection, and community-building rooted in mutual respect. Fred’s background as a professor of religion, minister, and professional chaplain helps Residents feel comfortable asking questions and exploring topics that matter to them.
“In their desire to be respectful of people from other religious traditions, Residents will come to me and ask, ‘Can I say this? Should I do that? What does this mean?’” Fred says. “We talk about it in a friendly and caring manner. It’s always about nurturing positive relationships and learning about the beliefs of other cultures.”
A Resident-led committee also shapes programming, ensuring that offerings are meaningful and diverse. Today, Residents have dedicated spaces to gather, worship, or reflect, no matter their beliefs.
Partnerships with local faith leaders have led to:
- Educational seminars
- Tours of places of worship
- Conversations about culture and belief
One of the most popular programs is Religion in the News, a monthly discussion group that helps Residents explore current religious events worldwide through an inclusive, respectful lens. It now draws approximately 25 participants each session.
At the Heart of Friendship Village: People
While the holiday season often highlights generosity and care, the spirit of service continues year-round at Friendship Village of Dublin. Spiritual support here is rooted in presence, hospitality, and connection. We honor every Resident, in every tradition, for who they are.
In our premier senior living community, spiritual care is about each person—the whole person—every day.
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