HUGHES, Rev. Fr. Edward J. (Ted)

Reverend Edward Joseph Hughes died peacefully on August 4, 2017, the feast of St. John Vianney (Patron Saint of priests), in the loving care of family and close friends at home, in Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Waterloo, where he served as pastor from June, 2014 to the present.

Fr. Ted was born on June 21, 1957 in Hamilton where he grew up and was ordained a priest on May 8, 1982.

In addition to Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, he served at St. Dominic Parish, Oakville, Our Lady Immaculate Parish, Guelph, Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, Hamilton, and St. Anthony Daniel Parish, Scotland.

Fr. Ted traveled extensively for pastoral ministry and pleasure and was a lifetime learner, seeking and experiencing all the wonder and beauty that God created on this earth. However, it was his devoted relationships with family, close friends, and beloved parishioners that fueled Fr. Ted’s soul and spirit.

As a priest, his heart was always on the outlook for, and sensitive to, the most needy which found a ready reception during 10 years of prison ministry in the Prairies and Ontario. Fr. Ted’s ready smile and quick wit allowed him to minister effectively outside the parish walls to all. All these relationships of love and care were the centre of his own personal encounter with Jesus.

Fr. Ted’s priestly ministry and desire to serve was recognized by Bishop Crosby and Pope Francis when he was chosen and mandated as a “Missionary of Mercy”, capping a life of mercy received and generously given.

Fr. Ted was predeceased by his parents Joe and Kay, and three sisters Gwen, Gail, and Kathy. He is survived by his brother Terry (Chris) and brothers-in-law Doug Orr and Tom Brooks, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Fr. Ted’s passing to heaven is the family’s opportunity to offer a big thank you to Fr. Rafal Tomon, the staff and parishioners of Our Lady of Lourdes, and his caring medical team during the last 14 months.

Visitation will take place at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 173 Lourdes Street West, Waterloo, on Tuesday, August 8, from 4 to 8 p.m. with a Prayer Vigil at 8 p.m. Then on Wednesday, August 9, from 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon at the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King, Hamilton. A Funeral Mass will then be offered at 12 noon at the Cathedral Basillica. Interment, Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Burlington at 3 p.m. Wednesday. www.dermodys.com.

Peace and Mercy.