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TOP PICKS FOR October 17, 2026

Weekly ‘Nod Roundup

Viral ‘Nods

Each week, Nod to the Collar shares the most heartwarming and uplifting viral videos that celebrate our devoted priests.

'Nod of the Week

Bishop Richard F. Reidy

On top of becoming Bishop this year, he has made a noted effort to get the attention of catholic youths by starting a hiking group. This summer, Bishop Reidy organized a youth hiking group at Hurd State Park. Not only has he made himself accessible to us but with all his new responsibilities, he has not let the young parishioners go unacknowledged. It’s a beautiful thing for people to come together in nature and quite literally be guided in their faith. Thank you Bishop Reidy!

Source: https://www.Norwichdiocese.org

Staff Submission

Featured ‘Nods

These ‘Nods come straight from you! Each week, Nod to the Collar showcases submissions from our community—videos, stories, or artwork—that celebrate the dedication of our priests. Have something to share? Create your own ‘Nod and join the collection—and don’t forget to like and share the ones that inspire you!

Fr. Andrew Larkin

A ‘Nod for all you do for our young people, both in helping them find their way in the faith and in encouraging those who may be called to the priesthood. It’s a blessing to see a priest take the time to walk alongside young adults as they figure out who they are and where the Lord is leading them. The example you set and the community you help build are doing more good than you may ever know. May God bless you in your ministry, give you strength for the road ahead, and continue to bring good fruit from all the seeds you’re planting. We’re grateful for you, Father, and we’ll be keeping you in our prayers!

Louis

Fr. Konrad Kosiek

Congratulations, Father Konrad! Thank you for answering God’s call and giving your life to serving Him and His people. We’re so happy to welcome you into your priestly ministry and excited to see all the good you’ll do in the years ahead. May God bless you with strength, wisdom, and joy as you begin this next chapter, and may Our Blessed Mother always watch over you. You’ll be in our prayers as you serve your parish and bring Christ to those who need Him. Wishing you every blessing and so much happiness in your priesthood. We can’t wait to see what God has in store for you!

Mary

Fr. Michel Remery

On top of being the Director of DeoQuest, Fr. Remery goes out of his way to keep Catholics around the world connected. I was unable to attend the Youth Jubilee but Fr. Remery did and he posted videos engaging with the crowd, Pope Leo, and the Basilica. He showed young catholics lining up to give confession and dancing and cheering in the streets. I would like to extend a ‘nod to Fr. Remery because he made me feel like I was a part of the celebration. His passion and dedication to the vocation and us is so evident in his work and it is important. It uplifted my faith and hope for the future so thank you for making me a part of it!

Source: www.catholicorofiles.org

Staff Submission

Fr. Cassian Derbes

I wanted to extend a ‘Nod and a moment to thank you for the impact your ministry and teaching have had on me. As someone who has been discerning a possible call to the priesthood, I often think about the kind of formation it takes to serve the Church well—not just in parish life, but in guiding others who themselves carry responsibility for teaching and leadership. Learning that you spent so much of your work forming bishops, clergy, and leaders in the Church has been incredibly meaningful to me. It’s one thing to speak about faith, but another entirely to help shape those entrusted with shepherding the wider Church. That level of service has given me a deeper understanding of what faithful formation really looks like: steady, thoughtful, and rooted in truth and prayer. Your example has helped me see priesthood not just as something done at the altar on Sundays, but as a life of building up others so they can, in turn, lead with integrity and faith. That vision has been encouraging and clarifying for me in my own discernment. Thank you for your witness, your teaching, and your dedication to forming others in the heart of the Church.

Lucas

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. Drew Hoffman

A ‘Nod to Fr Drew for the incredible work you’re doing to guide young men who are discerning the priesthood. Through your podcast and the honest, relatable conversations you share, you’re creating a space where young men can ask questions, explore their vocation, and feel encouraged as they try to figure out where God is calling them. That work matters more than you probably realize. Helping someone recognize a calling to the priesthood can change not only his life, but the lives of countless people he may one day serve. Thank you for giving your time, your wisdom, and your own experience so generously, and for helping the next generation of priests hear God’s call a little more clearly. We’re so grateful for you, Fr. Drew.

Brett

CELEBRATE THE GOOD

Create Your Own ‘Nod

Creating a ‘Nod is easy! First, choose how you’d like to express yourself from one of the options below. Not sure what a ‘Nod should look or sound like? Visit our Latest ‘Nods page to see how others have thanked a priest who has made a positive impact on their lives.

Video & Audio 'Nods

Record an up-to-30 second thank you (video or audio), highlighting a priest who has helped you or a loved-one in a specific way.

Create A Recording

Written 'Nods

Submit an up-to-50 word written thank you, highlighting a priest who has helped you or a loved-one in a specific way.

Submit A Statement

Art 'Nods

Submit a drawing, photo, or original artwork, highlighting a priest who has helped you or a loved one in a specific way.

Submit Artwork

‘NOD TO THE COLLAR

Our Mission

‘Nod to the Collar is a unique platform dedicated to expressing gratitude for clergy who have positively impacted lives.

Our mission is to express love and appreciation for the thousands of devoted priests who tirelessly serve their parishes. At ‘Nod to the Collar, visitors can share their stories through video, audio, art, or written testimonials—a heartfelt “Nod” to the priests who have touched their lives.

As lay Catholics without an agenda, we aim to create a safe and loving space where practicing and non-practicing Catholics alike can share stories and show appreciation for the incredible priests who tirelessly serve.

Learn More

SHARING THE GOOD WITH OTHERS

‘NOD IN THE NEWS

As Seen On Catholic Faith Network

Join Fr. Gerard Gentleman on Catholic Faith Network as he interviews the founders of ‘Nod to the Collar who share their inspiring journey of creating a platform dedicated to honoring priests and sharing heartfelt stories of their impactful service. Don’t miss this engaging conversation that highlights the profound impact of clergy and the power of shared appreciation.