Neil Taylor at Christ the King Church

Neil Taylor

Before my Ordination to the Permanent Diaconate, I will make my Profession of Faith and take an Oath of Fidelity. This is not simply a formality; it is a significant and public moment in my journey of vocation.

Every Priest and Deacon you encounter in the Church has first made this same Profession of Faith and Oath of Fidelity. This is important because it reminds us that ordained ministry is never something invented by the individual; it is a profound part of the life and tradition of the Church.

By making these promises, I am not setting myself apart, but stepping into a long line of service. Generations of clergy before me have stood in the same place, made the same declaration of belief, and taken on the same responsibility: to hand on the faith faithfully, to serve God’s people, and to remain in communion with the Church.

This continuity matters. It means that when a Priest or Deacon preaches or proclaims the Gospel, you can trust that what is being shared is not an opinion, but part of the living faith of the Church. The Profession of Faith and Oath of Fidelity is spoken aloud to help safeguard that trust.

For me, this is both reassuring and sobering. Reassuring, because I am supported by the witness and example of those who have gone before me. Sobering, because it reminds me that I am accountable, not only to God, but to the Church and to you, for how I live and minister.

For the gathered community, it is a reminder that the Church’s ministry is consistent and connected across time and place. Whether here or elsewhere, today or in years to come, the same faith is proclaimed, and the same commitment underpins it.

So, when I make this Profession and take this Oath, I do so knowing that I am joining something much bigger than myself, a shared promise that binds all who serve the Church, and a foundation that helps ensure that the Gospel is proclaimed with truth, unity, and fidelity.