Coffee and Donuts Ministry: Happy and Excited to Once Again Serve the Parish

There were many happy greetings when Coffee and Donuts returned to our parishioners following the 8 a.m. Sunday Mass on Sept. 12. This fellowship opportunity had been on hiatus for some time due to COVID-19 restrictions, but now coffee and donuts — and fellowship — will be served each second Sunday of the month through May.

Coffee and Donuts have been a part of Immaculate Conception Parish for more than 15 years. Joan Finnegan is the coordinator of this sub-committee of the Hospitality Committee, which offers fellowship in the church cafeteria. Jennifer Bates also serves on this committee and enjoys helping and seeing parishioners file in after Mass.

“This is important to the parish because it’s a time to get together and visit,” Jennifer says. “We’re able to see parishioners we might not have seen for a while, and get together.”

At least 30 arrived for Coffee and Donuts on Sept. 12, a testament to just how popular — and how missed — the tradition has been. The serving does not require a large number of ministry members — someone is in charge of preparing and serving coffee, one to two members take care of serving juice, and one to two other members serve the donuts.

“Sometimes we have members there to welcome everyone as they come in,” Jennifer says.

There is no charge for the refreshments — parish funds cover the costs. The donuts are purchased from Shipley Do-Nuts at AR107 and E. Kiehl Ave.

Jennifer joined the ministry as friends will do when help is needed. One Sunday, Joan was unable to prepare and serve the coffee, but Jennifer was available.

“I stepped up, and I’ve been helping to serve ever since,” Jennifer says.

The decor for each Sunday follows the seasons. In September and October, autumn and Halloween tablecloths and decorations were put into place, and with November and December, the ministry will set out Thanksgiving and Christmas decor.

“We try to change it up and make it festive,” Jennifer says.

Interested in helping with Coffee and Donuts? Contact Joan Finnegan at 501-517-5153.

This October group members (from left) Bill Wright, Cathy Wright, Ramona Bourdon, Joan Finnegan, Jennifer Bates, Faith Burke and Gayle Priddy greeted parishioners with treats, juice, and coffee.

Parishioners gather to visit and make new friends during the Coffee and Donuts Sunday in October.