Retired Alaska representative ordained a deacon

This is something exceptional — and a first for Alaska: 

Rep. Mike Hawker, who retired from the Alaska House since 2017, has been ordained as Permanent Deacon in the Catholic Church. A “high church” ceremony took place at Our Lady of Guadalupe on Friday, as Hawker and four other men said their vows.

Hawker may be the first Alaska legislator to ever be ordained to this religious position. It’s something Hawker has been working toward for five years, since first becoming an aspirant, then a candidate, acolyte, lector, and now a Permanent Deacon.

Anchorage Archbishop Paul Etienne presided over the hour and a half celebratory Mass and Eucharist, which included prayer, hymns, and Holy Communion. Hundreds of Catholics gathered for the important occasion, and a few non-Catholics as well.

However, very few political types were in attendance, but those who did attend included former Reps. Kurt Olson and Lindsey Holmes, former Commissioner of Revenue Randy Hoffbeck, and lobbyists Bob Evans and  Michael Hurley, as well as retired lobbyist Paul Quesnel.

Congressman Don Young’s wife Ann Young was witness in the front, and  Paulette Simpson of Juneau flew in for the ceremony. Eric Croft, Anchorage Assemblyman, also attended.

Read on. Congratulations, brother, and welcome! Ad multos annos!