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. Grant Colborn
There’s something incredibly encouraging about hearing a priest share that his vocation wasn’t always obvious—that even someone raised in the faith can take time to recognize where God is calling them. As a young adult who was raised Catholic, wandered for a while, and eventually found my way back, your story reminds me that God is patient. He doesn’t stop calling us just because we’ve taken a different path for a season. Thank you, Fr. Grant, for the way you share your journey with honesty and humility. Your style is relatable, and genuine, making the faith feel like an invitation rather than an obligation. It’s a gift to see a young priest who connects with people so naturally and reminds us that God can work through every chapter of our lives. Thank you for answering His call and for helping others hear theirs.
Staff Submission
Fr. Jacob Butz
Your dedication to reaching young people through retreats, outreach, and moments of faith formation has been a beautiful gift to the Church. By walking alongside the next generation, you help them discover the love of Christ and remind them that they have a place in His Church. We are grateful for your courage to answer the call to the priesthood and for the “yes” you have given to serve God’s people. May your ministry continue to inspire others to seek Christ and grow in faith.
Staff Submission
Fr. Mark Bernhard
Fr. Nicholas Rapkoch
Some men answer one call in life. You answered another when God asked for even more. Thank you for sharing your journey from military service to the priesthood. It reminds us that courage, sacrifice, and service don’t end—they simply take on a different purpose. Thank you for being the kind of priest who leads with quiet conviction and faithfully serves the people God has entrusted to you. Your witness speaks louder than you probably realize, and your ministry is deeply appreciated. May God continue to bless and strengthen you.
Tyler
Msgr. Joseph Donnelly
Thank you for all the years you have given to serving the Church and the many people whose lives you have touched along the way. Your work as a priest, especially in guiding and forming others, is such an important gift to the Church. Helping future priests grow in their vocation is something that has a lasting impact, and the fruits of that work will continue for years to come. Thank you for your kindness, your wisdom, and for being the kind of priest who reminds people of the beauty and importance of this calling.
Stephen
Fr. George Sears
A ‘Nod for the many ways you have served the Church and the people entrusted to you throughout your priesthood. Your work in seminary formation is such an important part of your vocation because by helping form future priests, you are helping shape the shepherds who will one day serve countless communities. The time, wisdom, and guidance you have given to seminarians is a gift that reaches far beyond the walls of the seminary. Thank you for investing in the future of the priesthood and for the lasting impact you have made through your faithful service.
Staff Submission
Fr. Christopher Keenan
Your ministry is a beautiful reminder that a priest’s vocation extends far beyond the walls of a church. Through your service with the fire department, you bring the presence of Christ to those who run toward danger and carry the weight of protecting others. Thank you for showing parishioners that the collar is not only seen at the altar, but wherever people need hope, comfort, and a reminder that they are not alone. Your service is essential, and your witness to the priesthood is a gift to so many.
Joanne
Fr. Michael Brisson
Reading your books feels less like reading a lesson and more like sitting with someone who understands that faith is lived in the middle of real human struggles. The way you weave confession and God’s providence into your stories gives readers something to think about long after they finish the final page. So many people encounter priests only at Mass, but through your writing you’ve found another way to reach hearts and start conversations about grace and redemption. The Church needs priests who are willing to meet people where they are, and your work as both a priest and an author is doing exactly that.
Heather
Fr. Enrique Salvo
Recognition for the care you’ve poured into St. Patrick’s Cathedral. For so many people, it isn’t just a famous church—it’s where they light a candle after hearing difficult news, attend Christmas Mass with family, wander in searching for peace, or simply find a quiet place to pray in the middle of New York City. Through your leadership, you’ve helped make that sacred place feel like home for countless souls. Thank you for celebrating the sacraments with reverence, welcoming people from every corner of the world, and reminding us that the Church’s doors are always open. Whether someone walks through the cathedral every Sunday or only once in their lifetime, they leave having encountered something greater than themselves. That happens because of faithful priests like you who quietly say yes to God each day. Thank you for your priesthood and for helping St. Patrick’s remain a place where faith continues to come alive.
Staff Submission
Fr. Roger Landry
A ‘Nod for the way you use every opportunity to bring people closer to Christ. Whether you’re preaching a retreat, celebrating Mass, or sharing reflections through Catholic media, you have a gift for making the Gospel feel both challenging and deeply hopeful. Your words never seem to chase attention—they quietly point people back to Jesus and remind us that holiness is something we’re all invited to pursue in everyday life. Thank you for the countless hours you’ve spent preparing talks, answering God’s call wherever He sends you, and encouraging so many people, including those you’ll probably never meet. Your faithful witness has made a real difference, and I’m grateful for your priesthood.
Louise
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