Deacon Phil Garcia

Phil Garcia is a native Arizonan. Born near Sonora, AZ, he, his parents and four sisters resided in San Manuel during the kids’ formative years. For the last 43 years he has called Tucson home.
 
As a young boy, Phil rather believed he was being called to the priesthood. In fact, during his freshman, sophomore and junior years of high school, he did minor seminary studies.

After high school, Phil served in the Army for two years – met and became engaged to wife, Maria, and spent one year in Vietnam.
 
Upon his return to the United States, he and Maria married*; they have two sons (Phil and Michael) and two grandchildren. Phil’s first career involved – for 31 years – working in Arizona’s copper mines.
 
Phil never fully accepted the notion of becoming a Deacon (though more than a few suggested the idea to him). It wasn’t until 1986 when a nun convinced him he really ‘should’! And shortly thereafter - from 1987 – 1991 - he fully realized his ‘Deacon’ calling’. He was ordained in June, 1991 and initially served as Deacon at St. Joseph’s Parish for 20 years.
 
In September, 2011, Deacon Phil arrived to serve St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, where he has been ministering ever since.
 
Of the multiple ministries Deacon Phil oversees (altar servers, eucharistic ministers, Spanish ministries), he holds a special and deep fondness for visiting the hospital-bound or homebound sick of the Parish. He especially values praying with and for those who are in need. And, of course, together with the other Parish Deacons, he assists at Masses, preaches on the last Sunday of every month and facilitates Baptisms.  
 
Keeping up with Deacon Phil’s schedule is full time; Maria also serves St. Thomas Parish as a eucharistic minister, lector as Hispanic Masses and offers overall support to Deacon Phil regarding the Spanish ministries, Baptisms, etc.
 
During 2018, the Garcias took on the daunting task of fixing, recovering and rehabbing from Deacon Phil’s two newly replaced knees. He rejoins his Parish leadership role part-time immediately; soon to return full time. 
 
*Deacon Phil and Maria will celebrate their 50 ^th wedding anniversary in February, 2019.