CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The Catholic Diocese of Corpus Christi announced on Tuesday that their executive director of Catholic Charities of Corpus Christi and the Mother Teresa Shelter died unexpectedly Monday morning.
Bishop Michael Mulvey released this statement:
Mr. Warren E. Phipps, Jr., Executive Director of Catholic Charities of Corpus Christi, passed away suddenly early Monday morning. please join me in praying for Warren's wife, Sylvia, who was at his side, and for their sons. We accompany them in their grief.
Warren’s dedication to serving the neediest in our community and building partnerships was exemplary. His collaboration with everyone at Catholic Charities, Mother Teresa Day Shelter and with me was superior. He will be greatly missed.
“He’ll be missed," said Arthur Haas, Catholic Charities board member. "He was a leader of men and women here at Catholic Charities and Mother Teresa Shelter. And our community in the south Texas area, quite frankly, was lucky to have a man here with his background and his dedication to others.”
Warren E. Phipps, Jr was the executive director of the organizations since March 2020.
"During his time with us, our agency has been blessed with his leadership and guidance," the organizations said in a joint statement.
Haas said Phipps arrived in the Coastal Bend to assist with recovery after Hurricane Harvey.
Those around Phipps said he will be remembered for his passion for helping the homeless population. Not just momentary relief but helping people become self-sufficient. He built up a network of agencies with a common goal for that.
“Partnerships in the community with Christus Spohn, with the City of Corpus Christi, with the Salvation Army, Metro Ministries, Good Samaritan," said Haas. "He worked in collaboration with all these groups to provide love and outreach and care to the homeless and those kind of on the fringes of life and society.”
On Nov. 5 there will be a visitation at 5 p.m. for Phipps at Corpus Christi Cathedral. A vigil service and rosary will begin at 6 p.m.
His funeral is planned for the following day at Noon at Corpus Christi Cathedral.
