Latest 'Nods
Nod to the Collar

Want to acknowledge a priest who has made a positive impact on your life?

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Want to acknowledge a priest who has made a positive impact on your life?

SHARE YOUR STORY

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.

Want to create your own ‘Nod? Click the “Create a ‘Nod” button to learn how you can submit a video or audio recording, orgininal artwork, or a written statement.

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!
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

Fr. Nick Nappier

Thank you, Fr. Nick, for the way you show up for your students and make the Catholic faith feel so welcoming, real, and accessible. Having a priest who is so involved in campus life and willing to meet young people where they are is such a gift. You have a way of being relatable without ever watering down the faith, and that kind of presence can make a lasting difference in a young person’s life. Thank you for giving your time, your energy, and your priesthood so generously, and for reminding your students that the Church isn’t just something they go to—it’s a family they belong to. That deserves a big Nod to the Collar!

Staff Submission

Fr. Paul Wierichs

I was blessed to have Fr. Paul as my high school chaplain and religion teacher. I am proud and grateful for his service as the NYC FBI Chaplain on 9/11. It took a true Passionist to absorb the sorrow of that day and provide healing.

Mike W.

Fr. James Donovan

I had only just moved to Oceanside when the challenges of my marriage became too difficult to deal with alone. That’s when I decided to look to the church for guidance and answers. I’ll never forget first meeting Father Donovan who agreed to sit and talk with me for a few minutes. After speaking with him he gave me the peace, comfort and strength to move forward in life. I was actually so humbled by his words that I wanted to be closer to the church even though I was close to God in my own ways. Father Donovan made my family and I feel like we were part of church and his sermons were always filled with messages that made sense and of course that always left you smiling and probably laughing. His style of prayer and worship was profoundly unique and he managed to make the time to get to know everyone on a personal level and would even greet me by name every week when handing me the host. Father Donovan did the services for both my grandmother and father as well as First Holy communions for my children. Although he has now been moved to another parish he will always have a special place in our hearts for all he did and how comfortable he made us feel especially in those times of need and despair. He truly is a unique and talented leader of the church and we hope to be able to have him again serve as our pastor in the future.

Melissa

Fr. Ed Nadolny

A ‘Nod to you, Fr. Ed Nadolny, for your decades of joyful and unwavering service to the Church. So many people across Connecticut and beyond have been touched by your kindness, energy, and unmistakable love for Jesus. Whether through your “Ask Father Ed” program, the Good News Fund, your televised Masses, clothing drives, or even the billboards that have become so familiar to generations of people driving through the state, you have found ways to bring faith outside the walls of the church and directly into people’s everyday lives. In a world that can feel heavy, your humor, warmth, and enthusiasm on social media continue to bring genuine joy to so many. You are deeply loved, Father, and your lifelong dedication to helping others and spreading hope has left a lasting mark on countless families and communities.

Staff Submission
Source: https://nutmegtv.com/shows/ask-father-ed-nadolny/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

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