Latest 'Nods
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

Latest 'Nods
'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. 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

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Nod to the Collar
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