Father Ricardo Phipps announced his resignation as director of Catholic Charities Wednesday, Feb. 10. Father Phipps was appointed in July of 2015. He also requested and was granted a leave of absence from the priesthood, leaving his positions at Jackson Christ the King Parish and Sister Thea Bowman school. Father Phipps informed the bishop he is pursuing a job opportunity in Pennsylvania.
In a letter to the staff at Catholic Charities, Bishop Kopacz called the resignation a complete surprise. He expects to name an interim director in the next few days.
“As for now, I will be celebrating Mass and meeting with Christ the King parishioners the next few weeks and working with Charities senior staff, the governance council and the board of directors to ensure the many vital ministries and services continue to make a positive impact on our community. I ask you to keep Father Ricardo, myself, Christ the King Parish, Sister Thea Bowman School and Catholic Charities in your prayers,” wrote the bishop in a letter to clergy about the resignation.
All of the planned events and services offered by Catholic Charities will continue utilizing the staff already in place at the agency.