ARTICLES

New ecumenical officer is ‘uncompromising Catholic’

by Sandy Grecco
of The Catholic Virginian

Dr. Dominick D. Hankle comes to his new appointment as the Diocese’s new Ecumenical Affairs Officer honestly if not through the usual ranks.

A counseling psychotherapist and assistant professor of Psychology at Regent University in Virginia Beach, Dr. Hankle’s ecumenical experience stems from what he calls a “grassroots level.”

“I’m a simple fellow,” he said, “and I believe that when we come together as Christians, God smiles.”

Originally from Greensburg, PA, Dr. Hankle holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Robert Morris College, a Master of Arts from St. Vincent Seminary, a Master of Science and Education from Duquesne University, and a Ph.D. in General Psychology from Capella University in Minneapolis.

He has worked as a pastoral minister, online and adjunct professor, and counseling psychotherapist for 12 years. In July 2009 he moved to Virginia Beach with his wife and three children to accept a teaching position at Regent University, founded by televangelist Pat Robertson.

“This is the last place I thought I would be,” said Dr. Hankle. “Even as I was interviewing for the job, I kept asking, ‘you folks understand I’m Catholic, right?’”

He has since discovered there are a number of Catholic professors on campus, that Catholics rank sixth out of the top 10 Christian traditions represented there, and Mass is celebrated regularly on campus.

Dr. Hankle now feels “right at home at Regent” and believes the University’s mission to de-velop Christian leaders furthers the message of Jesus Christ wherever these leaders choose to work.

An “uncompromising Catholic professor at a fervently evangelical-Protestant college,” he is also a leader of Catholic Adult Education and formation at St. Mark Parish in Virginia Beach. He enjoys explaining his faith to his students and answering questions about his faith.

“It means I need to know why I’m Catholic and I need to be able to communicate it,” said Dr. Hankle. “We have an important voice that can sometimes easily get lost.”

In his new role as the Ecumenical Affairs Officer he sees himself responsible for keeping a finger on the pulse of the ecumenical movement in the state.

“The Richmond Diocese is already miles ahead of others in this area,” said Dr. Hankle. “The fact that there even is an office and that local churches have established PERs (Parish Ecumenical Representatives) is evidence of the great work that has already been done.

Dr. Hankle gives tremendous credit to Msgr. Raymond Barton, his predecessor in the position, and knows his first job is to “listen and to learn.”

“I told the Bishop I have a servant’s heart,” he said, “and I will do everything in my power to help those who have already done so much.”

Over time Dr. Hankle would like to see the development of more regional conferences, to build upon the inherent bond social justice creates between denominations, and to explore the military as a model for bringing faiths together.

“When your life is on the line you all draw closer to the same God,” he said. “I believe there is something to be learned there.”

In an article entitled “Right at Home at Regent” published by National Catholic Register in April this year, Dr. Hankle writes, “I encourage my fellow Catholics to engage the world around them, showing other believers what a difference the Catholic faith makes in our lives.

“Authentically live the faith wherever God places you, and good things can and will happen.”

back to top »