Director of Pastoral Care

Deacon Phil comes to us from Ascension St. Vincent Health System where he was a staff chaplain in Birmingham’s main hospital, responsible for clinical units, and the St. Vincent 119 facility. Prior to his ordination to Holy Orders as a deacon in the Diocese of Birmingham in 2018, Deacon Phil had a strong management career in the soft drink industry working for Dr Pepper and Seven-Up bottlers in the New York Metro area and the Southeast. 

Deacon Phil is a lifelong Catholic who was educated in Brooklyn, NY Catholic schools and graduated from St. John’s University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He received his Master of Theological Studies from Spring Hill College as well as his Certificate of Spiritual Direction. He is also board-certified by the National Association of Catholic Chaplains. Other credentials include his completion of the lay ministry formation program in our diocese and bioethics certification from the National Catholic Bioethics Center. 

At Prince of Peace, Deacon Phil’s responsibilities will include coordinating the funeral and bereavement ministry; coordinating the various social apostolates focused on pastoral care; and developing ‘accompaniment ministries’ to enable and empower lay people to offer care to their neighbors in crisis. He will be assisted by staff member Elizabeth Underwood, pastoral care coordinator. 

Deacon Phil lives in Chelsea and has two daughters, Elizabeth Tichy and Dr. Anneliese Boettcher. He is a member of Saint Mark the Evangelist parish, his Diaconate assignment, where he serves as the RCIA coordinator and parish Advocate for the Tribunal of the Diocese of Birmingham. He enjoys golf, music, reading, and study.