2026 Transitional Deacon Class Makes Profession of Faith, Oath of Fidelity

On Tuesday evening in the Chapel of St. Gregory the Great, 13 men currently in formation at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary & School of Theology (MTSM) make their Profession of Faith and Oath of Fidelity ahead of their ordinations to the transitional diaconate in the coming months. The 13 men, 12 of whom are in their third year of Theology studies with one in his fourth, come from five dioceses: eight from the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, four from the Diocese of Charlotte, two from the Diocese of Columbus and one apiece from the Archdiocese of Louisville and the Diocese of Toledo.

This took part during the Seminary’s evening Exposition, Rosary and Vespers, which was presided over by The Very Rev. Anthony R. Brausch, President & Rector of MTSM.

The Profession of Faith, with the main part being a recitation of the Nicene Creed, confirms that the men taking this next step in their formation fully accept and commit to all the articles of the Catholic Faith and all that is encompassed within the teachings of the Church.

The Oath of Fidelity is a public promise to carry out their responsibilities in communion with the Church and full obedience with their bishops.

The full listing of the men who took the Profession of Faith and Oath of Fidelity, along with their diaconate ordination dates is below. Photos from the evening are also below.

Archdiocese of Cincinnati – Ordination: April 25
Luke Danis (Xenia), Bao Duong (Cincinnati), Zachary Jarrell (Dayton), David Morand (Sidney), Alex Parra (Cincinnati)

Diocese of Charlotte – Ordination: May 23
James Johnson IV (Charlotte), Bradley Loftin (Huntersville), Patrick Martin (Huntersville), Connor White (Huntersville)

Diocese of Columbus – Ordination: March 14
Shane Gerrity (Columbus), Kennedy Ofezu (Columbus)

Archdiocese of Louisville – Ordination: April 11
David Vest (Louisville)

Diocese of Toledo – Ordination: May 16
Evan Sekarek (Bowling Green)