Nod to the Collar

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

SHARE YOUR STORY

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

SHARE YOUR STORY

'Nod to the Collar

CELEBRATING THE GOOD

Want to acknowledge a priest who has made a positive impact on your life? You’re not alone!  Enter ‘Nod to the Collar. We are lay Catholics without an agenda. Our sole purpose is to create a loving space where we can share our stories and show appreciation to the incredible priests who tirelessly serve.

Share Your Story

Father Sam, thank you for your weekly sermons. They have my heart and mind thinking and praying. Thank you for making the young parishioners feel that they belong and are members just as much as anyone else. Thank you for following your heart to allow us to be your parishioners.
—Caitlin

A ‘Nod to Father Ken for being there for my family in our time of need.
—John

Our Mission

Celebrating The Good

Welcome to ‘Nod to the Collar, 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.

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.

‘Nod In The News

Create a ‘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.

 

Through Video & Audio

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.

I wanna give a nod to Father Michael because he did my first communion. This meant a lot to me because of how he helped me a lot with my faith.
Grace

Through Words

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

Through Art

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

YOUR Latest ‘Nods

Father Francis Veraqua

Father Veraqua reminds us each and every week that “The sun will come out tomorrow”. He provides insight and meaning to each gospel reading in a straight forward and positive fashion. He often accompanies each homily with everyday examples of how we can “live” the gospel or be a disciple for others. Father will use examples of his own upbringing, often in a humorous way, to accentuate the cornerstones of our faith such as giving, love, and forgiveness. He brings hope into a troubled world for which I am forever grateful!

Nancy & Lisa

Father Lachlan

Fr. Lawrence Symolon

I am incredibly grateful for your many years of faithful service to the pro-life mission, especially through your leadership and involvement with Respect Life ministries in the Archdiocese of Hartford. Your work in organizing, supporting, and speaking at Respect Life conferences, as well as guiding parish pro-life committees, has helped educate, strengthen, and mobilize so many people to stand up for the unborn and for mothers in need. Because of your courage and consistency, countless families have found hope, support, and life-affirming help in moments of fear and uncertainty. The babies saved, the hearts changed, and the faith strengthened through your efforts are blessings that can never truly be measured. Thank you for giving so much of your time, energy, and heart to defending life and for being a steady, compassionate witness to the dignity of every human person.

A grateful mother
Source:https://www.nhregister.com/news/article/Archbishop-Blair-to-present-3-medals-at-pro-life-13284995.php?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Fr. Valentine Rebello

I’d like to place a nod to Father Valentine Rebello pastor of St Pius X in Plainview, NY . Father Valentine came into the life of the Hall family this year and has brought both comfort and support to our family through the very difficult journey of my husband‘s illness and passing. . Hospital visits and visits bringing communion to Jim when he could no longer attend Mass brought both peace to Jim and us. His dedication to his parish, being the sole celebrant of Masses during the week and weekends while balancing the spiritual and functional needs of the parish epitomizes his faith and commitment to community Fr Valentine we’d like it known and I’m sure many other parishioners of St Pius, as well that all you do is very much appreciated!

Maureen H.

Fr. David Michael

I’ve followed your content for a while now, and I felt called to reach out and let you know how much it truly means to me. It’s not always easy being a young man trying to live out the faith in today’s world, and seeing a priest who’s real, relatable, and unafraid to talk about God in a modern way makes a huge difference. Your videos have helped me think more deeply about my faith, about prayer, and about what it actually looks like to follow Christ day to day. You make the Church feel accessible, not distant, and that’s powerful. Thank you for showing up online with joy, honesty, and conviction — it truly helps me and so many others stay grounded, encouraged, and proud of our Catholic faith.

Colin
Source:https://religionnews.com/2025/02/12/hes-a-young-millennial-catholic-priest-of-course-hes-a-social-media-influencer/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Fr. Matt Foley

Thank you for all the incredible work you do at St. Francis High School. It’s really inspiring to see a priest who genuinely cares about students in such a deep and meaningful way — not just guiding them in their studies, but also helping them grow as people, leaders, and people of faith. The way you foster a sense of community, encourage service, and live out Franciscan values in your daily work is something that truly makes a difference in students’ lives.  It’s clear that your presence and leadership help young people feel supported, challenged, and valued, and that’s such a gift.  I’m really grateful that priests like you choose to dedicate themselves to education, mentorship, and forming the next generation in such a thoughtful, compassionate way.  Thank you for all the time, energy, and heart you put into your work — it doesn’t go unnoticed, and it truly matters to the students, families, and community you serve. Your example is inspiring, and I hope you know how much your dedication means to so many people.

Staff Submission

Fr. Kevin P. Maloney

I want to give a huge shoutout to Father Maloney! The work he’s doing with the parish food pantry is incredible — so many families in our community are getting the support they need because of him. And it’s not just that — all the outreach projects he’s leading really show how much he cares about people and about keeping our parish connected. He’s always out there helping, guiding, and setting such an amazing example. Honestly, we’re so lucky to have him!

Lisa
Source:https://www.stpatricksandstbrigids.org/ministries/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

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Nod to the Collar
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