How the Eucharist Guided Tim Phillips’ Conversion and Called Him to Serve 

As a young man, Tim Phillips wanted to become a Navy SEAL. He viewed it as the ultimate “tough guy” challenge, and nothing could stop him from achieving this goal. After joining the Naval Academy, however, he soon found an even greater call thanks to the power and presence of the Eucharist.  

Growing up in Washington, D.C., Tim learned Christian devotion from his mother, who was raised Southern Baptist, and witnessed faith in action from his Methodist father. His parents then sent Tim to St. Anselm’s Abbey School, where he first encountered the Catholic faith. Learning from Benedictine monks the importance of ‘Ora et labora’ or ‘prayer and work,’ Tim developed a lifelong friendship with Father Aidan. Tim reached out to Fr. Aidan for guidance when beginning his OCIA journey.  

“I am a convert. I came into the faith officially at a later age, and I view it as a gift. I was exiting the Navy, entering law school, and entering the church all at the same time!” -Tim Phillips  

Moving to Atlanta after law school, Tim continued to discern his faith. He learned about Adoration and volunteered to serve as a perpetual guardian first at the Cathedral of Christ the King and later Holy Family. He volunteered for the 5 a.m. hour each morning before work. Later, he discovered Eucharistic ministers who brought the blessed sacrament to the sick and homebound. He recognized what an incredible gift it would be to bring Christ to those in need.   

“I have the privilege of going to a memory care unit. The state of the residents can be difficult, but I’ve experienced that moment of recognition. I can see it in their eyes. There’s a sparkle of recognition and acknowledgement, and that is a gift.” -Tim Phillips 

Like many, Tim’s journey of stewardship has faced challenges. The Covid-19 pandemic interrupted his Mass attendance, and job loss had him questioning his ability to fulfill commitments to give. Two fateful interactions changed his course. First, a Waffle House breakfast with a soon-to-be seminarian brought him back to Mass. Then, trusting in God, he decided to fulfill his giving pledge. Next, he received a phone call which resulted in a partner in prayer. Tim credits the prayers given on his behalf with helping him find meaningful work as the Chief Legal Officer for Habitat for Humanity and shifting his view on stewardship. 

“[I was] looking at these things, these resources, as my own, but they’re not mine. They’re His. Everything I have belongs to Him in the first place, so why would I not give back?” 

-Tim Phillips 

Tim is now an active member of St. Ann in Marietta, Georgia where he serves as a lector and a Eucharistic minister for the sick and homebound. He has worked with the Office of Mission Advancement and the Respect Life Ministry to support the distribution of Red Bird Ministries’ Miscarriage Parent’s Handbook to priests and deacons throughout the Archdiocese of Atlanta, and he deeply understands the importance of participating in the parish offertory and the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal.  

“I appreciate the breadth that the Annual Appeal touches. It’s not just what’s happening in your particular parish. It’s answering the needs that we can’t always see ourselves.” -Tim Phillips 

Tim appreciates the important role stewardship plays in putting into action the Archdiocese’s good works and has seen the impact firsthand: faith formation for his two sons, legal assistance for those with non-resident status, building care and maintenance for parish holy hours, and so much more.  

“That’s the Eucharistic life that we are all called to lead. I changed the way I came to the altar from consuming Him to allowing Him to consume me. Because that’s what we’re all called to do, right? To die to ourselves and let Him live in us.” -Tim Phillips 

Learn more about the impact of the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal.  

Answer the call to serve by participating today.