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Nod to the Collar

Want to acknowledge a priest who has made a positive impact on your life?

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Nod to the Collar

Want to acknowledge a priest who has made a positive impact on your life?

SHARE YOUR STORY

January 8, 2026

Weekly ‘Nod Roundup

Create Your Own 'Nod

Viral ‘Nods

Each week, Nod to the Collar shares the most heartwarming and uplifting viral videos that celebrate our devoted priests.

A Special 'Nod to All Priests

Featured on Catholic-Link: Our article “5 Things You Can Do To Show Your Priest You Appreciate Him” shares simple, heartfelt ways to support and thank your pastor.
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Featured ‘Nods of the Week

These ‘Nods come straight from you! Each week, Nod to the Collar showcases submissions from our community—videos, stories, or artwork—that celebrate the dedication of our priests. Have something to share? Create your own ‘Nod and join the collection—and don’t forget to like and share the ones that inspire you!

Fr. Thomas Fallati

I just want to extend a ‘Nod to you for everything you do to support other priests and guide those figuring out their own call to the priesthood. Hearing your story — how you felt God’s call, spent years in law, and then stepped fully into the priesthood — is so inspiring. Even though you’re not practicing law anymore, it’s amazing how that experience shows up in your ministry, giving you insight and perspective that make such a difference. The way you care for priests and parishioners alike really shows how God can use every part of our lives for His work, and I feel so grateful to witness that through you

Mack
Source:https://evangelist.org/news/2024/may/01/last-steps-of-the-journey/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Fr. Chris Ballard

I just want to take a moment to thank you for all the amazing work you do for your parish and the wider community. The way you pour yourself into outreach and stay involved in people’s lives really shows how much you care, and it’s inspiring to see. You’re such a true teacher, not just to parishioners, but to other priests, leading by example and showing how faith can be shared in meaningful, practical ways. I love how your ministry is so engaging — the way you listen, have real conversations, and guide people through their journey of faith makes a huge impact. Your dedication and approach leave a lasting impression, not just on parishioners but on anyone who has the chance to learn from you. Thank you for being such a steady, compassionate presence and for helping so many of us grow in our faith.

Fr. Robert Ruggiero

A ‘Nod to you Father for being so open in sharing your journey to the priesthood and for the many ways you served the Church long before your ordination. Your years of work in ministry and parish life clearly shaped you, and it’s evident how that experience has made you a more grounded, compassionate priest. It’s meaningful to hear how God’s call can unfold in different ways and on different timelines, and that it isn’t always clear from the very beginning. Your willingness to follow that call step by step — even as it grew and took shape over time — is powerful, especially for those discerning their own paths. Stories like yours remind us that there are many ways God reaches people, and that faithful listening and perseverance truly matter.

Fr. Martin Chouinard

Father, thank you so much for the heart, time, and energy you bring to parish life. Your involvement in outreach and the way you consistently show up for people in the community truly matters, especially in moments when presence and listening make all the difference. The care and intention you put into the OCIA program really stand out — you create a space that feels welcoming, thoughtful, and safe for people who are honestly searching, asking big questions, and taking brave steps in their faith. Your approach makes people feel seen and supported, and that kind of ministry leaves a lasting impression. The impact of your work is real, and it’s clearly shaping lives in meaningful ways.  A ‘Nod to you and continued prayers for your strength in the vocation.

Staff Submission
Source: https://www.stastm.org/become-a-catholic?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Msgr Dr Anthony Barratt

I just gotta say—thank you. Really. For being the kind of priest who shows up, who talks to people like they matter, and who makes this parish feel like more than just a building. You’ve got this way of making faith real—through your homilies, and just how you carry yourself. People notice, believe me.  It’s not just about Sunday Mass; it’s how you teach, and how you guide folks through the tricky stuff in life and in faith. You make the Church feel alive and human, and that’s no small thing. So thank you for being there, for listening, for teaching, and for just…being you. You make a difference in a way that sticks with people long after they leave the pews.

Thomas
Source:https://evangelist.org/news/2025/jun/04/celebrating-our-priests-anniversaries/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Fr. Jason Grisafi

I wanted to thank you for A Note from the Pastor and for the way your leadership and involvement have clearly made an impact at Maria Regina and in the wider community. Even from the outside, it’s easy to see how present and engaged you are — your reflections are thoughtful and accessible, and your commitment to parish life, outreach, and service beyond the church walls really stands out. So often people hear about the good being done long before they experience it firsthand, and your work is spoken of in that way. Thank you for the care, energy, and consistency you bring to your ministry.

Staff Submission
Source:  https://mariaregina.com/news/a-note-from-the-pastor-2?utm_source=chatgpt.com

CELEBRATE THE GOOD

Create Your Own ‘Nod

Creating a ‘Nod is easy! First, choose how you’d like to express yourself from one of the options below. Not sure what a ‘Nod should look or sound like? Visit our Latest ‘Nods page to see how others have thanked a priest who has made a positive impact on their lives.

 

Video & Audio 'Nods

Record an up-to-30 second thank you (video or audio), highlighting a priest who has helped you or a loved-one in a specific way.

Create A Recording

Written 'Nods

Submit an up-to-50 word written thank you, highlighting a priest who has helped you or a loved-one in a specific way.

Submit A Statement

Art 'Nods

Submit a drawing, photo, or original artwork, highlighting a priest who has helped you or a loved one in a specific way.

Submit Artwork

‘NOD TO THE COLLAR

Our Mission

‘Nod to the Collar is a unique platform dedicated to expressing gratitude for clergy who have positively impacted lives.

Our mission is to express love and appreciation for the thousands of devoted priests who tirelessly serve their parishes. At ‘Nod to the Collar, visitors can share their stories through video, audio, art, or written testimonials—a heartfelt “Nod” to the priests who have touched their lives.

As lay Catholics without an agenda, we aim to create a safe and loving space where practicing and non-practicing Catholics alike can share stories and show appreciation for the incredible priests who tirelessly serve.

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SHARING THE GOOD WITH OTHERS

‘NOD IN THE NEWS

As Seen On Catholic Faith Network

Join Fr. Gerard Gentleman on Catholic Faith Network as he interviews the founders of ‘Nod to the Collar who share their inspiring journey of creating a platform dedicated to honoring priests and sharing heartfelt stories of their impactful service. Don’t miss this engaging conversation that highlights the profound impact of clergy and the power of shared appreciation.

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