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

SHARE YOUR STORY

TOP PICKS FOR March 14, 2026

Weekly ‘Nod Roundup

'Nod of the Week

Bishop Richard F. Reidy

On top of becoming Bishop this year, he has made a noted effort to get the attention of catholic youths by starting a hiking group. This summer, Bishop Reidy organized a youth hiking group at Hurd State Park.  Not only has he made himself accessible to us but with all his new responsibilities, he has not let the young parishioners go unacknowledged.  It’s a beautiful thing for people to come together in nature and quite literally be guided in their faith. Thank you Bishop Reidy!
Staff Submission

Featured ‘Nods

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. Paul Houlis

I just wanted to say thank you for the work you do as a priest and for the unique path that brought you there. It’s pretty incredible to think about the journey from stand-up comedy and acting to serving as a priest and even as a cemetery chaplain. That kind of change says a lot about listening to God’s call, even when it leads somewhere completely unexpected. The ministry you did in the cemetery is especially meaningful, because caring for the dead and walking with families in moments of grief is one of the most quiet and important parts of a priest’s vocation. It takes compassion, patience, and deep faith to stand in those spaces and bring hope to people who are mourning. Thank you for embracing that work and for the way you continue to serve the Church and your parish community.

Staff Submission

Fr. Khanh Ho

Thank you for the beautiful witness you give to the priesthood and for the many ways you care for the people of your parish at Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Your dedication to your vocation, your steady leadership within the parish community, and the way you share the faith both in person and through social media all help bring the Gospel to life for so many people. It’s clear that your ministry flows from a deep love for Christ and for the Church, and that love radiates outward to everyone you serve. Thank you for the countless quiet moments of guidance, prayer, and encouragement that strengthen the faith of your parishioners every day. May God continue to bless you abundantly in your priesthood and in the work you do for His people

Emily

Fr. Dan Reehil

A ‘Nod for your work with Radio Maria USA. In a world where it’s easy to feel disconnected from the Church, your programs make it possible for people — especially young Catholics like me — to encounter the faith outside of Sunday Mass. Hearing your talks and reflections reminds us that being Catholic isn’t just about showing up in the pews; it’s about living our faith every day, engaging with scripture, prayer, and the challenges of the world around us. Your voice, guidance, and dedication make the faith feel alive and reachable, and it’s inspiring to see a priest take that call to reach beyond the parish so seriously. Thank you for helping people connect with God in ways that really meet us where we are.
Heather

Fr. Thomas K. McDonald

I’ve been around the Church long enough to know that good priests don’t just happen — they’re formed and encouraged by other good priests. The work you’ve done mentoring seminarians and serving on the faculty at St. John’s Seminary says a great deal about your commitment to the future of the Church. And it shows. The steadiness, clarity, and depth you bring didn’t appear overnight — they’ve been shaped by years of forming others and walking closely with parish staff and young men discerning their call. Your homilies, in particular, reflect that thoughtful foundation: grounded, intelligent, but always pastoral. You speak in a way that challenges without scolding and teaches without talking down. For those of us who’ve been in the pews a long time, that kind of priestly leadership is something we deeply appreciate. Thank you for it.

Walter

Fr. Robert Burkot

Father Burkot, your “yes” to the priesthood carries so much weight because of everything that came before it. The years you spent as a catechist, the way you stepped in for your family, caring for your sister and helping raise her children — that kind of lived love and responsibility shapes a person at the core. It’s clear those experiences didn’t just prepare you for ministry; they formed the compassionate, grounded priest you are today at St. Paul of the Cross. There’s something deeply authentic about a vocation that grows out of real sacrifice and service. Thank you for answering that call and for bringing your whole life experience into your priesthood — it truly shows.
Sam

Fr. Daniel A. Zinger

I extend a ‘Nod to you Father for the care and energy you bring to every corner of parish life at St. Mary of the Sacred Heart. It really shows — especially in the way you invest in the altar servers. Taking the time to guide them, encourage them, and help them understand the beauty and responsibility of serving at the altar makes such a difference, not just for them but for the whole parish. It’s clear that you care about more than just celebrating Mass; you’re building a community where everyone has a place and a purpose. That kind of leadership — attentive, hands-on, and genuinely present — is such a gift. Thank you for all that you do.

Staff Submission
Source: https://lynncatholic.org/liturgical-ministries?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.

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.

Art 'Nods

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

‘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.

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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