Written ‘Nods
Below are ‘Nods to priests who have made a favorable impression in someone’s life. It’s important to let our priests know they are appreciated, respected, and supported.
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Fr. Chris Ballard
Source: https://vocations-
Fr. Robert Ruggiero
Source: https://brooklyneagle.
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.
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/
Fr. Jason Grisafi
Staff Submission
Source: https://mariaregina.
Fr. Matthew Gonzalez
A sincerely thank you for all the incredible work you’ve done with Sons of Thunder. Your dedication to guiding young men in faith, brotherhood, and service has clearly left a lasting impact on so many lives, helping them grow closer to God and discover their vocations. Congratulations on your well-deserved promotion to Rector of the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart! I pray that God continues to bless you abundantly in this new role, giving you wisdom, strength, and joy as you lead the cathedral community, inspire the faithful, and foster a welcoming, vibrant place for worship, youth formation, and spiritual growth. May your ministry continue to bear much fruit for Christ and His Church.
Staff Submission
Fr. Tom Hoar
A absolute ‘Nod for the work you do with the retreats and recovery programs at Enders Island. I’ve been through a similar program myself, and I know how hard it is in those early days — the struggle to stay sober, the fear, the feeling like you’re barely holding on. Reading about the way you run the St. Maximilian Kolbe Recovery Residence and the retreats really hits home, because I can see how life-changing that kind of support is. Sobriety is just the start — it’s a big part of rebuilding a real relationship with God, and having a space where prayer, community, spiritual guidance, and even creative expression are part of healing can literally save lives. I can’t imagine how many people you’ve helped stay alive, regain hope, and start over, but I know it’s countless. Your work doesn’t just guide people through recovery — it gives them a chance to find God again, to find themselves again, and to believe that a better life is possible. Thank you for doing that. Truly
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.
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.
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