Latest 'Nods
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 April 19, 2026

Weekly ‘Nod Roundup

Viral ‘Nods

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

'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. Christopher Monturo

I want to sincerely thank you for your vocation and for the many ways you have poured yourself into our parish and community. Your leadership in strengthening and renewing our parish—especially through the “Living Our Faith, Building Our Future” campaign—has created a space where faith can truly grow and thrive. Your dedication doesn’t stop at the church doors; your service as a chaplain to our police officers, firefighters, and first responders is a powerful witness to Christ’s presence in moments of both crisis and courage. It also means so much to see how you bring the beauty of the Church to life through sacred music, meaningful liturgies, and opportunities like pilgrimages that deepen our faith. In all of this, your steady guidance and commitment remind us what it means to truly shepherd a parish. Thank you for saying yes to this calling and for all that you continue to do for our Church.

Steffani
Source: https://sh-olp.com/about-us?utm_

Fr. Antonio Dittmer

I want to thank you for all the work you do in our parish and community. What has inspired me most is hearing you share that seeing and helping people deepen their relationship with God is why you became a priest. That is such a beautiful reminder that a priest’s vocation goes far beyond Mass —it’s about guiding hearts, nurturing faith, and walking alongside people as they grow closer to Christ. Your example has inspired me personally to reach out to my own local priest and open up more as I navigate my struggles in my relationship with God. You are the kind of priest who goes beyond the greetings and goodbyes at the door, who truly invests in the spiritual lives of those around you. Your ministry shows the real depth and joy of the priesthood, and it encourages others to seek guidance and encounter God in meaningful ways.  Thank you for your witness, your care, and your example—it has made a real difference in my life.

Lindsey
Source:https://thecatholicpost.com/2022/06/25/jubilarian-priests-thanked-for-service-called-a-great-gift-to-our-church/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

 

Fr. Martin Connor

Thank you for all the work you do in fostering vocations and guiding young men discerning the priesthood. Your dedication—through your role in vocation ministry, your online presence, and your active involvement in parish family nights—truly makes a difference.  Hearing you share your call to the priesthood along side your brother and your desire to save souls is inspiring and heart warming. It shows young men that following God’s call is a real, joyful, and transformative path. Your openness and example help make the priesthood visible and inviting, and they give hope and guidance to those discerning whether God is calling them.  Thank you for living your vocation so fully and for encouraging others to do the same. Your work touches lives in ways that go far beyond Mass and confessions, and it leaves a lasting impact on the Church and the next generation of priests.

Staff Submission
Source:https://legionariesofchrist.org/legionary-priest/fr-martin-connor-lc/

Fr. Daniel Jongeun Seo

A ‘Nod to you for all the incredible work you do in the vocation. Your presence online, your active involvement in family nights at the parish, and the way you share your call to the priesthood are truly inspiring. Hearing you speak about your desire to save souls reminds all of us why the priesthood is such a powerful vocation, and it creates a path for young men discerning whether God might be calling them.  As someone who has been part of this Church my whole life, it’s such a joy to see priests like you doing so much more than just say Mass and hear confessions. Your energy, dedication, and openness make the Church feel alive and welcoming in ways that touch the whole community.  Thank you for living your vocation so fully and inspiring all of us along the way.

Staff Submission
Source: https://www.rcbo.org/es/newsroom-archive/bishop-kevin-vann-to-ordain-six-new-priests-for-the-diocese-of-orange-first-ordination-in-christ-cathedral/?action=genpdf&id=22466&utm_source=chatgpt.com

Fr. Stephen Gadberry

Thank you for the work you do on social media. As someone who’s part of the younger generation rediscovering the Catholic faith, it genuinely means a lot to see priests showing up online in a way that feels real, relatable, and honestly… kind of cool.  For a lot of us who didn’t grow up super plugged into parish life, social media has oddly become one of the places where we first encounter faith again. Seeing a priest who’s authentic, who shares his life, his thoughts, and even his personality makes the Church feel a lot less distant and a lot more human. It reminds people like me that priests are real people who love God and want others to know Him too.  I’m one of those people who slowly found my way back to Mass on my own, and voices like yours online definitely played a part in that. Seeing priests who are joyful, grounded, and unafraid to meet people where they actually are in the modern world makes a bigger impact than you probably realize.  So thank you for being one of the “cool priests” out there. It might sound funny, but it actually matters. With so many young people starting to rediscover Catholicism, having priests who feel approachable and authentic can be the bridge that brings someone back to the pews.

Lauren
Source:https://www.yescatholic.com/stories/episode-120-zgscg?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Fr. Robert Ballecer

It’s incredible to see a priest stepping into the world of video games to create a safe, welcoming space for kids. My kid has fallen in love with Minecraft in a whole new way, and it’s such a relief knowing he’s playing somewhere positive, far from all the violent, toxic games out there. Your tech initiative shows how much you care, and it’s inspiring to see faith in action in a place where kids really are. Knowing that priests like you are making a real difference in young lives gives me hope — and gratitude — beyond words.

Susan

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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