For years, the spiritual heart of Columbine Health has been nurtured by our dedicated chaplains. As we approach the end of December 2025, we honor the conclusion of our chaplain program and celebrate the profound impact of two remarkable individuals: Peter Strening and Rebecca McFee. Their time with us has been a testament to compassion, hope, and the sacred power of listening. This is a tribute to their service and the indelible mark they have left on our residents, staff, and the entire Columbine community.
Called to Serve: The Journeys of Peter and Rebecca
Every calling has a beginning. For Peter Strening, the path to chaplaincy started with a volunteer experience in his youth. “I found that chaplaincy provided the opportunity for meaningful relationships where I could both give and receive,” he shares. After many years as a hospital chaplain, Peter came to Columbine in 2017 to establish a chaplain training program, a collaboration that enriched our community.
Rebecca McFee sees her role as a “story-gatherer,” a sacred responsibility she holds dear. She believes that understanding a person’s unique story is the foundation of true person-centered care. This perspective guided her work, allowing her to connect deeply with those she served and honor their individual journeys.
A Day in the Life of a Chaplain
The work of a chaplain is multifaceted, blending structured programs with the quiet, unscripted moments of human connection.
Peter’s days were dedicated to providing spiritual care to residents, their loved ones, and staff. “Most of my time is spent in one-to-one encounters with residents, assisting them in making best use of internal and external resources for their healing and resilience,” he explains. He also led groups that ranged from religious activities to discussions on broader spiritual topics.
Rebecca’s routine involved rotating through different communities each day. “Once at a community, I usually lead a spiritual care program, typically a Bible study, grief support group, or singing,” she says. The remainder of her day was spent visiting residents, supporting staff, and being available for family support and emergencies.
The Heart of the Matter: Rewarding Moments and Lasting Lessons
For both Peter and Rebecca, the most rewarding part of their role has been the deep connection with residents. Peter reflects, “I am deeply grateful for the inspiration that I receive from Columbine’s residents. Their ability to face challenges and limitations with grace and dignity has been a blessing for me.”
Rebecca finds deep fulfillment in walking alongside residents during difficult times. “I am humbled by the people I meet and their strength to face challenging physical and emotional setbacks,” she says. “I am in awe of the human spirit’s determination to heal.” She views active listening as an art, paying attention not just to words but to expressions, silences, and feelings to truly understand and support each person.
Their time at Columbine has been a period of immense personal and professional growth. Peter says, “I am more mindful that each day is a gift.” He found the experience humbling in the truest sense of the word.
Rebecca is proud of how Columbine supported her professional development, including her studies in moral injury and trauma-informed care and becoming a board-certified chaplain. She recalls the unity displayed during the COVID-19 pandemic as a defining moment. “I value that during this hard time, we came together as a team, rather than turn against one another,” she notes. Peter also remembers the dedication rituals held in 2021 to honor the staff, which confirmed for him the value of teamwork and mutual support.
A Legacy of Hope and Compassion
As they depart, both chaplains share a similar hope for how their work will be remembered. “I hope that Columbine’s residents and staff will have experienced the chaplains as being witnesses to the essential goodness of each one of us,” Peter says.
Rebecca, who sees chaplains as “hope-bearers,” hopes that spiritual care has softened the load for residents, families, and staff. “I hope Columbine continues to value meaning and purpose… as a vital component of healing,” she adds. “When a resident/patient can access what is meaningful to them, they can heal better, they can accept hard truths better, and they can accept care better.”
Parting Words of Wisdom
When asked for one final message, their advice is simple yet profound.
Rebecca encourages everyone to “Foster compassion. Everyone is capable of compassion. Compassionate care isn’t fancy or complicated… it is often quiet, patient, and intentional.”
Peter leaves us with a beautiful reflection on service: “The Love that holds us all is most beautifully communicated through our love for one another. Our service to one another is the manifestation of that love. Keep up the good work!”
A Heartfelt Thank You
The contributions of Peter Strening and Rebecca McFee cannot be overstated. They have been story-gatherers, hope-bearers, and unwavering sources of comfort and support. They have affirmed the dignity of our residents, eased the burdens of our staff, and woven a thread of compassion through the fabric of our community.
As they conclude their service, we extend our deepest gratitude. Thank you, Peter and Rebecca, for sharing your gifts with us. Your legacy of love, compassion, and hope will continue to inspire us all.