So, What's The Deal, Hank?

Readers of Hankland might just be wondering, where did all this wisdom (as Chris commented) suddenly erupt from?  Why does it seem Hank is usurping the Religion Desk of what was formerly known as Mazurland?

Good Question.  Gotta tell you one story to tell you another.

While abed suffering from the delighful pain and other symptoms of Radiation Sickness, I had an odd experience.  I was deep in prayer and meditation, and Prince Hydrocodone was washing my brain cells.  But in the middle of all of that, I saw an apparition.  I don't know if it happened, I dreamed it, or I had too much codiene in my head.   But what I saw were the faces of my father and 5 of my uncles, all deceased.  And I heard my father's voice say "You're going to be alright, son".   At the time I attributed it to the drugs. But it certainly seemed real, and was somewhat comforting, as the codiene really wasn't killing the pain, just keeping my head floating.

A week ago Monday night, I had an even wierder experience.  I was at the Marine Corps League National Convention in Greensboro (about 90 min. from home)  I shared a room with one of my Marines.  Had a few beers, but not enough to get me doing the 2 step stagger by any means.

What I saw (I don't know if I was asleep and dreaming or awake) was just a deep white fog. And a voice I'd never heard before.  The whole thing seemed more real than real, if that makes any sense.  This voice told me to begin to walk the path that leads to the Diaconate of the Church.   Ignorant Polack that I am, I argued with the voice.  I first said "I'm too old" (turns out I'm not). The voice told me that this is a goal to strive for, and all goals are not necessarily fulfilled. I continued to argue---"I wasn't even an altar boy".  The voice said that if the goal isn't fulfilled, the trip along the path would reap benefits to me and my family.   After I woke up I was certainly confused, and a little wierded out. But I was definitely feeling things I'd not felt since before puberty, when I was certain I was being called to the priesthood.  Having my virginity torn from me by a CYO girl at 15 told me (and my monsignor) otherwise.

Sent a message to my pastor about it the next day, and he will be discussing this with me over the weekend.

NOW YOU GUYS KNOW ME. Some of you have known me a long time, and you know how I am, how I talk, etc.  Much of that has changed drastically in the last 2 weeks.    I'll let you know how this talk goes.

Comments

[Chris]

Are deacons allowed to give sermons? You'd probably deliver some doozies.

[hank]

Chris
Deacons can Baptize, perform Marriages, give sermons, give the Anointing of the Sick, read the Gospel, ditribute the Eucharist--- pretty much everything a priest does EXCEPT.

Offer the Sacrifice of the Mass, and hear Confessions.

The post I made on marriage was an example of a sermon I would deliver when given the opportunity.

If you check the Diocese of Manchester, NH Website they give you the whole process as it is practiced up there.

[Marty]

Good luck on this, Hank. Thankfully, training for the deaconate does not involve any math classes. I think you'd make a fine Deacon. A couple of the deacons in our area are very involved in the prison ministry. Having dealt with prisoners before, I think you'd be good at that. And, despite your rough edges, you'd probably be good at marriage counseling. My first boss where I work and his wife were heavily involved in Marriage Encounter counseling, despite the fact that he was kind of a salty old cuss. I understand he was pretty good at it. Maybe kind of like this guy.