Please respond to the following questions:
- Who is the Rev. Hipolito Fernandez?
First of all, I was born and raised in the beautiful Dominican Republic. I strive to be a progressive & Christ-centered “fan” of The Episcopal Church. My values are honesty, sincerity and respect. I’m always willing to learn from everyone, offering my abilities as tools to shape our faith and identity as believers and Episcopalians. My priorities in life are God, my family ( I have 3 beautiful children + an amazing wife!) and ministry, in that order.
- What is your favorite food?
A complicated question… I love to eat! I really enjoy food, specially when is beautifully presented and has a variety of flavors. There’s a dish called ‘the dominican flag” which consists of: white rice, red beans, green salad with avocado, beef and “tostones” (smashed fried green plantains). They must serve that in heaven….
- What has surprised you the most about Indiana?
From Indiana I have loved the people, the human warmth … Our neighbors welcomed us!!! Many young families and very beautiful and varied landscapes, because I like nature. The people at the Cathedral are wonderful!
- How can we continue being the Church during this COVID time?
I believe that as a community of faith, we are making a great effort to continue being a church in these times where there is a forced physical distance that limits us and affects us. However, this time is a great opportunity for the church to revitalize and focus on aspects that are often neglected or overlooked. I want to focus on three of many ways to “be the church”; during this time:- The first thing is to keep in touch with people with small details: calls, messages, emails, a prudent and loving contact.- This contact, in turn, helps us to know more about our people and learn from their needs, to have the resources that can be of help to them.- Finally, this era of COVID 19 has forced us to turn to electronic media in a way that we have never done before. This new reality is creating the foundation for a much more diverse ministry that must continue beyond the pandemic. I think the time of the “Digital Evangelism”; is here to stay.