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. 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.
Fr. Robert Burkot
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.
Fr. John Tveit
Father, a ‘Nod to you for the heart you bring to your vocation. Your willingness to serve not only in parish leadership but also in the wider work of the Archdiocese — especially through your tribunal ministry — speaks to a priest who takes his calling seriously and serves wherever he’s needed. And on a more personal note, the Christmas concert was such a gift. It wasn’t just an event on the calendar — it felt joyful and genuinely unifying for the parish. Seeing you participate so fully in the musical life of the church says so much about the kind of priest you are: present, engaged, and invested in bringing people closer to Christ in creative and meaningful ways. Thank you for the steady, thoughtful leadership you offer and for the warmth you bring to the parish community.
Staff Submission
Source:https://
Fr. Louis Cona
I am writing to express my profound respect for the priesthood, exemplified by a recent experience. On a Sunday morning, while waiting on line for confession, I felt discouraged as confessional time ran down and Mass was soon to begin. Witnessing the strain on Father Cona’s face as he quickly moved to best balance the squeeze in time he kindly turned back to the confessional. Father Cona’s committment and spiritual compassion to still take my confession was truly rewarding. It reached me with warmth only further deepening my faith and respect for the enormous pressures Priests find themselves journeying as they bring us closer to God. Thank you Father Cona for just being your God serving self. We are all blessed to have you at St. Patrick’s.
Chris
Fr. Richard Baker
Father Baker, thank you for the beautiful way you weave music into the liturgy. As a parishioner, music is honestly one of the deepest ways I connect with God — it steadies my thoughts and somehow helps the words of the Mass sink in deeper. It means so much to have a priest who clearly understands that and treats music not as background noise, but as prayer. Your care for the details of the liturgy, the reverence you bring to it, and your outreach beyond the walls of the church — especially the way you’ve supported cultural and community groups and made people feel seen — really doesn’t go unnoticed. Thank you for creating a space where worship feels both sacred and personal. It makes a difference!
Lisa
Source:https://www.
Fr. Michael F. Duffy
A ‘Nod to you for your incredible dedication and service as a priest over all these years. What inspires me most is the way you went out of your way to learn Spanish so you could celebrate Mass and minister to those who might not have otherwise been reached. That kind of commitment — learning a whole new language to ensure everyone can experience God’s love — speaks volumes about your heart and the way you approach your vocation. Your example shows how faith isn’t just about routine or tradition, but about actively seeking ways to serve and meet people where they are. It’s a reminder of the impact a priest can have when ministry is guided by love, courage, and a willingness to grow.
Staff Submission
Source: https://
Fr. John McCarthy
I just want to say thank you for all the ways you’ve served — not just here in our parish, but also during your years in the Navy. That kind of dedication and commitment really shows in the way you lead and care for our community. It’s clear that your experience serving others has shaped how you approach your priesthood — with discipline, compassion, and a real sense of responsibility for the people around you. Being a part of this parish and seeing how you guide us, pray with us, and walk alongside us in our faith has made a real difference in my own spiritual journey. I’m grateful for your example, your leadership, and the way you make faith feel alive and personal for all of us.
Claire
Fr. Joe Krupp
Following your work through Joe In Black Ministries has been such a meaningful part of my faith journey. As someone who sometimes feels distant from the Church, your podcasts and videos have helped me feel seen, heard, and encouraged to explore God in my own life. You’ve shown that faith isn’t just about rules or rituals; it’s about connection, reflection, and finding God in everyday moments. Priests like you make that possible, and I’m so grateful for how your words, your perspective, and your example have guided me along the way.
Staff Submission
Source:https://www.
Fr. Mark Villano
I wanted to extend a ‘Nod to you Father for the work you do with OCIA and young adult ministry. Those spaces matter so much, especially for people who are asking real questions, coming back to faith, or figuring out what they actually believe — and having priests like you in those roles makes a huge difference. You have a way of meeting people where they are without talking down to them or over-complicating things. I also really appreciated Journey to Jerusalem — it’s such an approachable, thoughtful read, grounding Scripture in real life in a way that feels honest and human. It’s the kind of book you can sit with, reflect on, and actually come away changed. Thank you for showing up the way you do and for using your gifts to help people feel at home in the Church.
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