Looking for an excuse to say, “thanks, Father”? Well, here’s your chance.

A national organization has set aside Sunday, Oct. 28, to show support for the clergy with a one-day celebration of the priesthood.

The USA Council of Serra International is spearheading the national event to encourage people to let priests know how much Catholics appreciate their efforts ministering to the faithful.

Priesthood Sunday was established in 2003 to provide a way for Catholic communities to express appreciation for the devoted priests who serve them so faithfully in contrast to recent negative attention in the media.

“Affirming and supporting our priests are some of the most important things that we can do as Serrans,” said Gary Davis, president of the USA Council of Serra International, the nonprofit organization coordinating Priesthood Sunday.

The Atlanta Serra Clubs organized Clergy Appreciation Day earlier this month, with a day of golf and relaxation for the priests of the archdiocese at the Indian Hills Golf Club in Marietta.

“Our priests give of themselves every day in so many different ways. It is an honor to recognize them in a manner in which entire parishes may join together in an outpouring of appreciation,” said Davis.

“The purpose of Priesthood Sunday is to engage every level of the church in the United States in a national conversation about the priesthood,” said Father Richard Vega, president of the National Federation of Priests’ Councils. NFPC represents more than 26,000 U.S. priests.

Catholics in each parish, school or other ministry are asked to develop their own special way of marking the day and honoring both priesthood and their own priests. Special liturgies, Priesthood Sunday celebrations and the opening of a dialogue between priests and parishioners are encouraged. Priesthood Sunday is traditionally celebrated on the last Sunday of October.

Lay parish leaders are invited to visit www.priestsunday.org for suggested liturgies, social celebrations, reflections, and downloadable graphics, guides and posters.

Priesthood Sunday is sponsored by the USA Council of Serra International and the Serra International Foundation. Serra International is a worldwide Catholic organization of lay men and women dedicated to promoting vocations to the priesthood and religious life. More than 12,000 members in over 300 clubs are active in the United States. The USA Council is available at the number above or at www.serraus.org. Information about the Serra Clubs in Atlanta is available at www.serraatlanta.org.