October 11 - National Clergy Appreciation Day

Happy National Clergy Appreciation Day! On the second Sunday in October, today reminds us to recognize the work of ministers, pastors, and priests in the United States.  

Also known as Pastor Appreciation Day or Ministry Appreciation Day, this national day also falls in National Clergy Month, which is observed each October. 

Many congregations take up a special offering on this day to bless their pastors. 

Others use the entire month of October to find different means to bless the leaders with meals, gifts and even paid vacations. 

As an individual, there are several ways to show your clergy appreciation: 

• • Tell others – Tell them how much your church leader does for the congregation – and let your pastor overhear you. 

• • Volunteer – churches offer more opportunities for volunteering than just about anywhere. Don’t wait to be voluntold. 

• • Pray for your clergy – It should probably be in the first slot, but it seemed so obvious. 

• • Write a note – Thank your minister for being an excellent leader, for his or her compassion or even something specific. 

• • Ask – Find out where you can help. Some clergy don’t delegate enough or (see volunteer) so few people volunteer, they’ve taken all the burdens upon themselves. 

Join your congregation in celebrating your clergy. Recognize them for their leadership, compassion, stewardship, and faith. 

HOW TO OBSERVE 

Thank your clergy for the work they do. Give them a shout out using the hashtag #ClergyAppreciationDay and post to your social media accounts.  

Encourage others to do the same. Being a pastor or other clergy member has its good days, and bad. Yet all leaders need to be recognized for the work and efforts. 

Be sure you also personally thank them for all they do to help you and your family! 

HISTORY 

In 1992, Hallmark Cards first started Clergy Appreciation National Day of Honor. 

The day later changed to Clergy Appreciation Day and is sometimes referred to as Pastor Appreciation Day.

How can you observe or acknowledge your clergy today? 

DATES 
October 10, 2021 
October 09, 2022 
October 18, 2023 
October 13, 2024 
October 12, 2025 
October 11, 2026 
October 10, 2027 
October 08, 2028 
October 14, 2029 

#ClergyAppreciationDay 

@Hallmark 

@nichecinema