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. Paul Houlis
I just wanted to say thank you for the work you do as a priest and for the unique path that brought you there. It’s pretty incredible to think about the journey from stand-up comedy and acting to serving as a priest and even as a cemetery chaplain. That kind of change says a lot about listening to God’s call, even when it leads somewhere completely unexpected. The ministry you did in the cemetery is especially meaningful, because caring for the dead and walking with families in moments of grief is one of the most quiet and important parts of a priest’s vocation. It takes compassion, patience, and deep faith to stand in those spaces and bring hope to people who are mourning. Thank you for embracing that work and for the way you continue to serve the Church and your parish community.
Staff Submission
Fr. Khanh Ho
Thank you for the beautiful witness you give to the priesthood and for the many ways you care for the people of your parish at Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Your dedication to your vocation, your steady leadership within the parish community, and the way you share the faith both in person and through social media all help bring the Gospel to life for so many people. It’s clear that your ministry flows from a deep love for Christ and for the Church, and that love radiates outward to everyone you serve. Thank you for the countless quiet moments of guidance, prayer, and encouragement that strengthen the faith of your parishioners every day. May God continue to bless you abundantly in your priesthood and in the work you do for His people
Emily
Fr. Dan Reehil
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://
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