Very Reverend Michael S. Taylor

On Sunday, September 28, 2025, the Reverend Michael S. Taylor was called to his rest and to the glory of the Resurrection promised by the Lord. He was 70 years old.

Father Michael S Taylor, J.C.L. was born on February 16, 1955, at Sampson Air Force Base, Geneva, New York, a son of Henry A. and Yolanda (De Cicco) Taylor. He was ordained a priest on June 7, 1997, by the Most Reverend Leo E. O'Neil, D.D., at Saint Joseph Cathedral in Manchester. Father Taylor studied at the University of New Hampshire and Catholic University of America and completed his ecclesiastical studies at Mount Saint Mary Seminary and Sacred Heart School of Theology.

Father Taylor served as Parochial Vicar of Saint Bernard Parish in Keene. He was named Pastor of Saint Joseph Parish, Epping; Holy Trinity and Saint Martin Parish, Somersworth and Saint Mary Parish in Rollinsford; Saint Ignatius of Loyola, Somersworth; Divine Mercy Parish, Peterborough, and Saint Matthew Parish, Windham where he served until his death.

During his ministry, Father Taylor served on the Council of Priests, Presbyteral Council, and as Dean of Monadnock Deanery. In 1999 Father Taylor devoted his full-time ministry to the Diocesan Marriage Tribunal and in 2000 Father Taylor studied Canon Law at the Catholic University of America and in 2002 earned his Licentiate in Canon Law (J.C.L.). He was appointed Associate Judicial Vicar 2002-05 and served as Judge in the Office of Canonical Services and Tribunal from 2002-2025. He was appointed Adjutant Judicial Vicar in 2022.

Father Taylor is survived by his brother: Thomas Taylor, of Dover, NH; his brother in law: Terrence Gower, of Dover, NH; his nieces and nephews: Jamie, Scott, Jeffrey, and Douglas; as well as his great-nieces and nephews: Ethyn, Dylan, and Mason.

In addition to his parents, Father Taylor is predeceased by his sister: Patricia A. Gower.

On Thursday, October 2, 2025, waking hours will take place at Saint Matthew Church, 2 Searles Road in Windham from Noon until 7:00 pm concluding with the Mass of Jesus Christ Eternal High Priest. On Friday, October 3, 2025, Father Taylor will lie in repose at Saint Matthew Church from 8:00 a.m. till 9:30 a.m. The Most Reverend Peter A. Libasci, Bishop of Manchester, will preside at a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. The Rite of Committal will be celebrated at Saint Mary's New Cemetery in Dover, New Hampshire on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 10:00 am. The Carrier Family Funeral Home, 38 Range Road, Windham, New Hampshire, has care of the arrangements.