Rev. Eduardo P. Fernandez

I was hired by Fr. Fernandez for the RCIA program and adult ed. Fr. Fernandez trusted me and we worked together for about 7 years. These were very happy times for me. I grew to love Fr. and I believe he cared for us. I will always have a good memory of Fr. Fernendez as a important part of the Church as our RCIA program was very successful.

I worked with Father Fernandez on many committees and boards both in the Church and the School during his time with us. Along the way we became friends. He enjoyed taking my children to the movies and eating dinner with our family. Father spent a lot of time teaching the boys how to serve as altar boys and impressed upon them the importance of this ministry and doing it well. My son, Michael, still remembers having to wear his black leather shoes to Mass every Sunday in case Father would call on him to serve even if he wasn't on the schedule. He called them his "priest shoes" and to this day he still refers to his dress shoes in this way. Sometimes Father Ed could be a little harsh, but there was never any doubt how much he loved the Church or how important it was to him that all of us come to love the Church as much as he did. I asked my children about their favorite memories about Father and things he did at St. Paul's and they all mentioned the events surrounding the dedication of our new Church. Father worked so hard to get that Church for us and the celebration surrounding the dedication were indeed memorable. Little did we know that years later we would be attending his funeral Mass in that very Church. I am so grateful for all the memories I have of my time with Father Fernandez and for all he taught my children and I. I wish I had spent more time with him during the last year, but know he understood. I have no doubt that Father is enjoying his eternal reward at this moment and is praying for all of us in his St. Paul's family.

My son Jason was an alter boy in the 80's when Father was at St. Paul Church. I remember my son would go to Fathers house and help put up the Christmas lights, such a different time. Father Fernandez was a wonderful priest. I will never forget him.

It was my pleasure so many years ago to work with Father Fernandez on the first Christmas Pagent at St. Pauls. My condolences to his family. We both loved children and little did I know that I would be founder of Dare to Dream Children's Foundation. I know this made him smile.

Losing a friend is a bad thing, but losing someone like Fr. Edward is a lot worse. He was a gentle soul and carried his cross without complaining. I will sorely miss our weekly phone conversations. On the positive side, I will have someone who can interced for me in Heaven.
M L Patiño

At a young age, Fr. Fernandez taught me how to appreciate his heritage and my own. Such a pleasant Man of
God. I'll always remember his grin.