Written ‘Nods

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.

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.

Thank you for the way you use social media and your YouTube channel “Breaking the Habit” to meet people—especially young Catholics—right where they are. In a world where so many voices compete for attention, your Franciscan witness of simplicity, humility, joy, and honest conversation cuts through the noise and reminds people what the Gospel actually looks like lived out. Reaching young Catholics matters deeply right now, and what you’re doing helps make faith feel approachable, thoughtful, and real rather than distant or abstract. Your work reflects the heart of St. Francis: going out, not waiting to be found, and preaching Christ through presence and love.

I don’t even know where to begin to thank you for the incredible care and support you give families during one of the most difficult times of their lives. From the very first moment you step into the hospital room, it’s clear that you are the kind of chaplain who truly meets people where they are—without judgment and with patience.  The way you guide people through the prayers, offers comfort, and helps those feel God’s presence in that moment bringing a peace and hope that are difficult to put into words.  Not only does your ministry provide comfort to family members, but it also touched me deeply on a personal level.  It made me realize just how essential chaplains are—not just in our churches, but in hospitals, where people are vulnerable, scared, and searching for hope.  Thank you for your unwavering dedication, your gentleness, and your ability to make God’s love so tangible in moments of fear and uncertainty. Your presence brings light in a dark time, and your example has strengthened my own faith in ways I will carry with me forever.

Gene
Source: https://thetablet.org/medjugorje-marian-apparitions-vatican-claims-vatican-queens-chaplain/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

I just want to extend a ‘Nod to you for everything you do to support other priests and guide those figuring out their own call to the priesthood. Hearing your story — how you felt God’s call, spent years in law, and then stepped fully into the priesthood — is so inspiring. Even though you’re not practicing law anymore, it’s amazing how that experience shows up in your ministry, giving you insight and perspective that make such a difference. The way you care for priests and parishioners alike really shows how God can use every part of our lives for His work, and I feel so grateful to witness that through you