Gifts of Gratitude

Small acts of appreciation can make a lasting impact on those living out their vocation. Whether it’s a seminarian, priest, religious sister, deacon, or married couple, a thoughtful gift or handwritten card can be a powerful sign of encouragement and support.

The Gifts of Gratitude activity invites parishioners to intentionally affirm those who serve the Church through their vocation. The parish vocation ministry can coordinate gestures such as birthday cards, ordination or vow anniversary gifts, care packages for seminarians, or notes sent “just because.” These tokens don’t need to be elaborate—what matters most is the sincerity behind them.

Offering these gifts reminds people they are not alone in their journey. It speaks volumes to someone who may be feeling tired or unseen. As St. Paul writes, “Encourage one another and build one another up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11). Even a small package or letter can rekindle joy and renew a sense of purpose.

This activity also gives parishioners a chance to grow in generosity and gratitude. Children can draw pictures for a religious sister; youth groups might write to seminarians; a family might deliver cookies to the rectory. These simple efforts weave together the life of the parish and those living their vocation with courage and love.

• Greeting card – You can find a wide variety of cards at: The Printery House
• Restaurant gift card
• Favorite candy
• Bookstore gift card
• Dear Father: A Message of Love for Priests by Catherine De Hueck Doherty. Buy it here at Amazon.com
• In Sinu Jesu: When Heart Speaks to Heart — The Journal of a Priest at Prayer. Buy it here at Amazon.com
• Theater gift card
• Thank You Card for Priests – When you want to say thank you to the special priests in your life, order this pack of 5 cards that are perfect for ordination or a simple thank you.
• Framed Art – The perfect gift for the newly ordained, a priest as they celebrate their ordination anniversary, or any priest for that matter! $20.00 framed. 5×7 – Two colors available, gold embossed. Purchase framed art
• The Holy Mass Rosary with Italian Olivewood and Mother of Pearl Beads Purchase Rosary

Gift Card Drive

Some items besides gift cards that they might enjoy are: Stamps and Stationary, Coffee, Tickets to events in your town (think ballet, symphony, sports), CD’s of Religious Music, Movies or Movie Tickets, Money, Prayer! 

Bulletin Blurb for Gift Card Drive:

Would you like to thank our seminarians for studying to become priests for our diocese? Consider giving them an early Christmas present by purchasing a gift card to any restaurant, office supplies store, convenient store, Amazon, or VISA gift card. Please deliver your gift cards to the front office by __________. Thank you for your generous support.