Written ‘Nods

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.

I just wanted to say how much your work with students at Mercyhurst means. Having a priest present on a college campus makes a real difference, especially for young people trying to hold onto their faith while figuring out who they are and where their lives are going. Being able to go to Mass, confession, or just know there’s a priest around who understands that stage of life is something a lot of students quietly rely on. Your willingness to show up for that kind of ministry helps keep the faith alive for so many young Catholics. Thank you for being there for the students and for the care you bring to that work.

A ‘Nod for the work you do online and the way you bring the Catholic faith into spaces far beyond the walls of a church. In a time when so many young people spend their lives on social media, it means a lot to see a priest willing to meet them there with honesty, humor, and a clear love for the Gospel. Reaching people outside the pews is incredibly important right now, especially for Catholic youth trying to navigate a complicated and often divided political and cultural climate. Your willingness to speak about faith openly in that environment gives many young Catholics a sense that the Church is still present in their everyday world. Thank you for using those platforms to share hope, encourage vocations, and remind people that faith still has a place in the middle of modern life.

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.

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

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.