The Cook Family: Finding Faith, Friends And Fellowship In Our Parish Community

When Fran Cook first moved to our area, she felt a little lonesome. But thanks to the warm, welcoming atmosphere of Immaculate Conception’s parish family, it didn’t take long for her to feel right at home.

“I have met a lot of people and made many social connections through our parish,” Fran says. “It is really like a second family to my husband, Rick, and I. We have so many friends here!”

However, the Cooks’ sense of belonging didn’t come from popping in the door just in time for Sunday morning Mass and taking off right afterward. In a sense, it has been the rewarding result of being faithful stewards of their time, talent, and treasure.

Since Rick and Fran joined our parish in the 1980s, they have helped out in numerous ways, giving generously to our faith community and beyond.

“We have enjoyed getting involved in many ways at the parish, instead of just sitting on the sidelines,” Fran says. “Now we are getting up in age, so we can’t be as active as we used to, but we do what we can.”

In the past, Rick served as a lector and an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. He also helped provide donuts for the Coffee and Donuts Ministry and served on the Parent Teacher Organization as well as the Parish Council.

Of all of the ministries in which Fran is involved, she finds that Martha’s Kitchen is one of the most meaningful for her.

“We are currently cooking meals in our homes and bringing them to the coordinator of Martha’s Kitchen so that she can deliver them to Jericho Way in Little Rock, which is a day resource center for homeless people,” Fran says. “I enjoy helping with this ministry because I love to eat, and I hate to think of others going hungry.”

Fran also has a real heart for the pro-life movement, and the unborn babies it works to save. She participates in 40 Days for Life, which is a peaceful effort of prayer and fasting to end abortion. This well-organized outreach takes place a couple of times per year. It enables volunteers to take a time slot to pray in front of local abortion clinics. Our parish covers a day during the 40 days.

“I am also on the board of Birthright, which is a crisis pregnancy center,” she says. “I believe Catholics should stand up for the cause of life. I am very proud of Arkansas because they are really leading the charge in pro-life legislation and working hard at it. We live in a very pro-life state. As Catholics, it is important to take part in its pro-life efforts.”

Also, Fran has enjoyed serving others through the Altar Society.

“We cook meals for people who have had a death in the family, and we have a Christmas fundraiser and collect donations to purchase a gift for our parish priest,” Fran says. “Being part of the Altar Society is a wonderful way for women to meet other women that they wouldn’t normally get to otherwise. I am looking forward to the Altar Society getting more active again.”

Together, Rick and Fran have prayed for the Church to carry on her mission by participating in the Vocations Chalice Box Ministry. They also love being part of Golden Falcons, which provides social gatherings for our older parishioners.

They have also enjoyed going to Eucharistic Adoration over the years as well.

“It is great to have the opportunity to sit in the church by yourself, and have one-on-one time with Jesus,” Fran says. “It helps me sort things out in my mind, allowing me to just give everything over to God.”

Since Rick and Fran Cook joined our parish in the 1980s, they have helped out in numerous ways, giving generously to our faith community and beyond.