OPINION: Joy and Sadness as Fr. Cook, Renowned Priest Known for Restoring the Sacred At St. Peter Ch

Father Damien Cook will be leaving as Pastor of St. Peter Parish in Omaha, and will be serving as the new pastor of Christ the King. Aren’t they the lucky ones. St. Peter parishioners have become accustomed to his loving leadership. And the changes in the parish have been remarkable.

While we are sorry to see him move, I’d like to share some of the things the people of Christ the King can expect from this holy priest. Father Cook is a merry man with deep love of the souls in his care. He is particularly good with young people. His influence on my nephew, Fr. Matthew Capadano, is one of the reasons he is a priest today.

Father Cook’s love of good clean fun might be one of the reasons he is so influential among young people. His 40th birthday party is a good example. We met at a downtown park, full of families, each bringing a dish to share. There were water balloons, soccer games, super soakers, and Father was in the middle of it all. I’ve never seen a priest’s black so wet! Even the Corpus Christi procession ends in a lovely ice-cream extravaganza.

Father Cook’s love of the rich history of the church in its tradition runs through everything he does. His revival of the Corpus Christi Procession, his oversight of the renovation of Saint Peters, even the beautiful way our temporary space was created in McMahon Hall for Masses during the renovation, all are designed to renew the reverence due to the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist.

I remember the day we moved into the temporary space. Father was surrounded by volunteers, shifting gracefully from English to Spanish and back again. A beautiful altar had been constructed, and a parishioner had made a communion rail. I looked around at the folding chairs and realized it would be difficult for some to kneel. I made foam kneelers and brought them to the hall. Father Cook inspires his people to take on those small contributions.

He has placed an emphasis on the Sacrament of Penance/Reconciliation that is rare in modern parishes. Having Confessions available during Mass on Sundays, and at some time every day of the week, is crucial to people receiving the Eucharist in a worthy state. Again, this care for souls is the hallmark of Father Cook as a pastor.

That care for souls leads him to take care in special ways for each population he serves. His attention to the homeschooling community has been exceptional. He sees our faults and our gifts, gently encouraging us to reach out beyond our homes for the sake of all. This is only matched by his care for the growing Spanish speaking community at St. Peter’s. Seeing him, while dressed as Saint Nicholas, translate a story on the fly so that all of the children could understand, makes me smile every time.

Father Cook is also excellent at discerning the charisms of individual parishioners. He will help you to become more fully involved in Christ the King Parish by asking you to take on tasks that fit your skill set. He will help you grow in your faith so that your parish truly becomes your home.

Every email Father has sent to me has ended with the following:

“When one tears something dear away from us, and when this is demanded of us in the name of obedience – for a future which is yet hidden from us – one must say yes, one must be content in saying yes, one must be content even to feel suffering… But it is with happiness one suffers, for he has something to give to God” (Cardinal Journet).

And that says it all. I grew up in Christ the King parish. I am so glad you will have Father Cook to lead you. You are indeed blessed to have him.