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Tribute Wall
In Memory of
James B. Callan
1947 - 2024
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Thomas F. Galvin lit a candle
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
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Fr. Callan did Christ's work for the poor, the sick, and the needy. He planned, organized and implemented programs for the most desperate and lonely of us in Rochester. I will pray for him again and again. Each time I hear Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto #1, I will think of Fr. Callan. They say he played Rachmaninoff in his quiet time.
A few examples of Fr. Callan's work:
1983, Fr. Callan hosted CBS News to film the testimony of a Salvadoran refugee, Alejandro, in Corpus Christy Church. Alejandro testified that U.S. Freedom Fighters committed atrocities against the people and the worker's union. Rochester Committee For Latin America (ROCLA) organized the CBS event and my wife, Irene, translated to a standing-room only audience. In 1986, Fr. Callan and Sr. Marge of Dmitry House provided an intervention for my beloved brother, Brendan, a cocaine addict. He said he was very grateful but feared for his life from local thugs and left town. He died in 1990 at 45. It was the first time i saw him confess he needed help and cried. Fr. McVeigh, former pastor of Corpus Christy, presided at Brendan's funeral in Brighton at OLOL --Tom Galvin, Chicago
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Mary Beth posted a condolence
Saturday, June 28, 2025
Fr Jim was probably the most loving, positive, amazing person I have ever met, God created perfection with Fr Jim
RIP
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Gina Dandrea pledged to donate to Spiritus Christi Church
Sunday, January 5, 2025
I never got to meet him. But it was a pleasure reading about him and all he had to offer this world.
Please wait
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Donna Andrews posted a condolence
Monday, December 30, 2024
I have had the great fortune to be a member of St. Mary's Church when Fr. Jim was supposedly a year away from ordination. The whole parish family loved his year with us and were taken aback when he was told to wait another year. While I would sit in a pew and hang on his every word, which was lit by that gigantic smile, the thought that kept recurring was "This is Jesus personified." I truly thought him to be the holiest, most genuine priest I'd ever encountered. Finally he was ordained and everyone was joyous. During his time at Corpus Christi, my sister lived in Irondequoit and her Sundays or Saturday night Masses were under his guidance. She was a huge fan of everything he did and all whom he elevated. The turmoil he went through because he was "ahead of his time" was an equal punishment for his many friends and believers. I probably won't live long enough to see him "exonerated" in the eyes of the church, but I do believe he will be. I have faith and hope and he had charity for all. The closest priest to Fr. Jim's qualities is Fr. Thomas Mull in Geneva. Watch him soar too!
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Peggy Popp posted a condolence
Monday, December 30, 2024
Well, this is so hard. I didn’t know Fr Jim personally but I certainly knew of him. This man enriched by life just from me knowing that he loved all people, included and welcomed everyone. He gave me hope that changes could happen in the Catholic Church that I’ve been praying for most of my life . Bishop Clark supported those changes but Fr Callan was excommunicated for his inclusive practices. I wish I could have told him myself how much I appreciated him going out on a limb for all people. I agree with what Mary said about our Church doing more harm excluding people. Fr Jim did so much good by including people. Spiritus Christi will continue on without Fr Jim. I know you are all broken hearted by his passing on because I’m broken hearted and I don’t even go to your Church. Thank you Fr Jim for having the guts to stand up for what I believe to be right.,
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Marisol Ocasio lit a candle
Sunday, December 29, 2024
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Father Jim was the epitome of Love. His loving, non- judgmental ways and his big warm welcoming smile was the catalyst in bring some many to know our Lord and Savior. Your legacy will continue through those who follow your works.
Father Jim, may the wonderful memories of your Godly life bring peace and comfort to your family, friends and to all whom you touch.
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Norm Schrader posted a condolence
Sunday, December 29, 2024
My condolences to the Callan Family and to all those who new and loved Fr. Jim. He was responsible for getting my wife, Betty and I together when we were paired up to work Friday nights at the new Corpus Christi soup kitchen. That's where we fell in love and we were married on Friday, May 6, 1983. Fr. Jim concelebrated the wedding with my brother, Fr. Bob Schrader. People said it would never last because we were 17 years different in age, but Fr. Jim had faith in us. Sadly, after 40+ years of happy marriage, I lost Betty back in February of this year. One of her last wishes before going into the hospital was to see Fr. Jim again. We couldn't make it happen then, but now her wish is granted.
Rest in Peace Fr. Jim.
Norm Schrader
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Bob Meadows lit a candle
Saturday, December 28, 2024
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I grew up in a strict but loving Roman Catholic Family, father irish and Mother Lebanese. My father, brother and I each spent 6 yrears in the seminary at the time of Vatican 2. I was very suspicious of Catholic churches afterwards hardening my heart while experiencing the rigidity and authoritarianism of the hierarchy. Fr. Jim Callan's gentle non-judgmental love manifesting at Corpus Christi in the 1990's was fresh air and water to my thirsty soul. We know what love feels like and I let God's love permeate. I am grateful to his example in actually following Christ in his life. He conducted the marriage ceremony for my daughter and son in law, and the 40th renewal of vows for my wife and I in 2017.
Thank you for the stories today about his life and words. Blessings and thank you, Fr. Callan, for following God's Will.
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Jeanne Cerone lit a candle
Saturday, December 28, 2024
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Father Jim had a huge impact on me in 1985 when I graduated from college. Corpus Christi Thursday night mass was the place to be for many young people like me needing real Christian community. I’ll never forget being a part of something so special.
My condolences to my friends Cathie and Mark Aman, Fr. Jim’s niece and nephew. I’m thinking of you all during this difficult time.❤️.
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Shaye Grifin lit a candle
Saturday, December 28, 2024
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The memories I have of Father Jim are of his welcoming smile and his beautiful services. Learning of his life and how he became the Pastor he was known to be had made me love and respect Father Jim more than I thought I could. He was a light to those around him that he helped and befriended. He was a true gentleman with unbelievable faith not only in God, but in people as well. His love to others was unconditional and beautiful. I pray that he Rest in Peace and that he knows that he has truly blessed those around him, even me.
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Larry Maggio posted a condolence
Saturday, December 28, 2024
I never thanked Father Jim for giving my wife Mindy her last rights at the Wilmot Cancer Center on May 18, 2023. I had never met Father Jim before that day, and I learned recently from our mutual friend (Jim Smith) that Father Jim was in a meeting that day I called. Father Jim didn’t hesitate. He left his meeting and came right over. Mindy died that night. Ironically, our catholic church (Holy Trinity) in Webster was unable to send a priest because our priest was dying of cancer and the other priest had COVID. I felt so alone that day until surprisingly Father Jim arrived. I should have thanked him so long ago, and now I can only believe he now knows how much he meant to me.
Much love,
Larry Maggio
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Nancy Corson lit a candle
Friday, December 27, 2024
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Fr. Jim was a blessing to our family. So grateful for him as he baptized my granddaughter Ava. He was so joyous and happy. I will always remember your kindness and unconditional love towards all. Thank you for being Jesus love on earth.
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Noah Hubbel posted a condolence
Friday, December 27, 2024
There are certain people that light up every room they walk into. Father Jim was one of them. I am honored to have known him.
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Carol posted a symbolic gesture
Friday, December 27, 2024
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Fr Jim's legacy to welcome all to the table of God no matter what the situation will always be felt in my heart... may your example be taken up by many leading us to heal suffering to bring peace love hope joy... much gratitude for your courage to push beyond the limits of false representations... Bless you Fr Jim may your legacy and true message of God live on...
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Paul Mastrodonato lit a candle
Thursday, December 26, 2024
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I feel so incredibly fortunate to have been in your presence for many years, Fr. Jim, and to have grown spiritually and as a person through your love, teaching, wisdom and guidance to a beautiful and caring community, and to those in need. I am filled with gratefulness to God for you having been on this Earth. Words cannot explain, and I am left with a bottomless thank you for all you have done, been and meant to so many. Be at peace.
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Shirley cammilleri uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, December 25, 2024
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I don’t think I ever told him how much it meant to me, that he wrote a tribute for my daughter. Such a kind wonderful person. Thank you Father Jim, you were the best
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Mary Pastore lit a candle
Tuesday, December 24, 2024
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I remember the times I would look out of the kindergarten classroom window at St. Mary's School in Canandaigua where I taught Kindergarten and see Father Callen walk on to the playground where young children would run to Fr. and walk the playground with him holding his hands.
Father Callen often came into our classroom to talk with the children. On one occasion, Fr. went to the piano and played Janis Joplin music from the movie "The Sting".
How fortunate St. Mary's parishioners and students were to benefit from the love and kindness that Father Callen extended to all he encountered.
Mary Pastore
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Phil Darrow lit a candle
Monday, December 23, 2024
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Fr. Jim was one in a million...he not only talked the talk but also walked the walk in the path of Jesus. He will be greatly missed.. Phil Darrow
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Carson loveless lit a candle
Friday, December 20, 2024
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Condolences to his family
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Ken Fettinger posted a condolence
Thursday, December 19, 2024
A "Christian's Christian", who served the Lord ,always ahead of his time, and so often misunderstood. He loved everyone, just as the Lord does and he exhibited that love every day in all that he did. The word discrimination was never in his vocabulary. Rest now, Fr. Jim, you have run the good race and your reward awaits you
in Heaven.✝️☮️
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Laurie Fiorica lit a candle
Thursday, December 19, 2024
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Your impact to this world is far greater than most men. I have never experienced a community so rich in love, generosity, collaboration, forgiveness, inclusion, compassion, and healing as Corpus Christi and your impact on me personally is profound. The world lost an amazing soul but I have to believe God needed you in heaven now :) My deepest consolences to Kevin and Mary Aman, your family, the Spiritus community and all who had the pleasure and privilege to know you.
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Mikey posted a condolence
Thursday, December 19, 2024
I could not love another person more! You were the reason I came and stayed in this church! You will be forever missed for all the kindness and caring you did. A heart so big never was. You were a one and only! Love Mikey Ellison
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Cecelia Torella lit a candle
Wednesday, December 18, 2024
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Rest in Peace Fr. Jim. Thank You for being part of our family .
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Debra Watson posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 18, 2024
When my father was dying of cancer he asked his Catholic priest to give him communion in his final days. His request was refused because my father had been divorced twice. My father asked if he could go to heaven and was told no. We contacted Father Jim, someone my father had never met, and he came to the house and gave Dad communion and assured him that he had a place in heaven. He came again the day before Dad died and gave last rites. What a comfort this was to my father! He then officiated Dad’s funeral and spoke such wonderful, comforting and humorous words! Father Jim gave my family something that we can never repay! Rest in peace dear man and continue to look after us from heaven.
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Lisa Fornataro posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 18, 2024
Father Callan, you came into our lives in 1985 when our “home parish, Holy Family and Father Eisman would not baptize our daughter “until he saw us in church for 6 months every Sunday”. This upset me so much as Holy Family was my grammar school! Father Callan met with us, listened to us, blessed us, explained to us that we were ALL children of God, and that no, he doesn’t need to see us in church. “You don’t need to attend church to be a Christian”….will always resonate with me. May you find the eternal peace in Heaven Father Callan. You so deserve it. I just know your family was waiting for you at heaven’s gates. Thank you for supporting the young folk back in the 80s we have always appreciated you. May you rest in eternal peace. Happy Heavenly Christmas Father. Lisa Fornataro Moosup CT
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Victoria Booth posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 18, 2024
Fr Jim was an extraordinary human and priest. He was more Christ-like than anyone I ever met and helped so many to understand how to live on this earth. Rest in peace, Fr Jim.
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MJ Vrooman lit a candle
Wednesday, December 18, 2024
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Grief and sadness abounds for all whose lives he touched. His smile, the sparkle in those blue eyes, his laughter, his hugs, his wisdom and unconditional compassion & love for all will never be forgotten. Fr Jim has inspired us to be the best version of ourself and we will honor him by carrying on his legacy. His light will never be extinguished. We miss you, we love you but we are so grateful you are “Home” and no longer suffering. You will forever be in our hearts.
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Jillian posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 18, 2024
Rest in internal peace Fr Callan. You knew how to bring a community together. You baptized me and I made my first Communion with you presiding at Corpus Christi. I will forever remember you.
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Paula Scofero lit a candle
Tuesday, December 17, 2024
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Rest in peace dear friend
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S. Daley lit a candle
Tuesday, December 17, 2024
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I never had the pleasure of meeting Father Jim, but after learning about his life's work I feel inspired by the legacy he left. I pray that the entire Rochester Faith community will continue to build on the judgement-free almsgivings that Father Jim provided to those that needed it the most. Thank you for leading the way Father
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Joe Scofero posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 17, 2024
Father Jim came into our lives in 1990. My sister was diagnosed with cancer. Family members had been going to Corpus Christy and introduced Father Jim to us to help us cope with the terrible news. For two years my sister fought the disease and Father Jim and Mary were always by our side. Father Jim baptized my two kids. We remodeled his home. He presided over my father and my mother in laws funeral. He will be long remembered and I am proud to call him a friend.
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Susie Haenisch lit a candle
Tuesday, December 17, 2024
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You have fought the righteous fight with grace and love. You were a Christ-like example to all you met thourghout your life. I am one of the many whose lives you have touched. For that, and for all your goodness and light in my life, I thank you. Rest in your Savior's arms and rejoice in your new home! Your legacy will carry on here on earth because you taught us all how to love unconditionally. Your spirit will remain within me for always and ever. Susanne (Susie) DeGrace Clair Haenisch, Massachusetts
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Janet Williams posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 17, 2024
I was so inspired by Fr Jim’s sermons. He spoke about things we could truly relate to in our daily life.
Welcoming all to the church, preaching love and inclusion was a breath of fresh air. He changed so many people’s
Lives for the better. Rest in eternal peace, you will be missed by many.
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Susan Eckhardt posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 17, 2024
You were a wonderful and devoted person who contributed so much goodness to this world. There is comfort in knowing that you are now in the loving arms of God.
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Tomas Driscoll lit a candle
Tuesday, December 17, 2024
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With fond memories of a radical view of Jesus and what the church should do and not do in the world. Jim was a saint through and through. A grace who appeared in my life and filled the world with hope. Rest in Peace Father Jim. Thomas John Driscoll, Ballydehob, Cork Ireland
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Linda DiStefano lit a candle
Tuesday, December 17, 2024
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Mary Mohan pledged to donate to Spiritus Christi Church
Tuesday, December 17, 2024
Fr Callan a wonderful man who did so much for our community. I met Fr Callan years ago, God bless
Please wait
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Laurie Carletta Kruczynski posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 17, 2024
Thank you for sharing your vision of unconditional love for all. Rest peacefully in eternal light, Fr Jim.
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Dick Nerwin posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 17, 2024
If ever there was a bright light he was it.
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Joan McCormack lit a candle
Tuesday, December 17, 2024
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Fr. Callan was a man ahead of his time. He knew what was right and fought for it. God bless him for eternity.
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Jeffrey and Grace Roberts lit a candle
Tuesday, December 17, 2024
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Denise Oliver posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 17, 2024
Father Jim was truly a Saint among us—a divine soul who radiated peace and love to all he encountered. He embodied Love in its purest form. What an extraordinary Human. The world is undoubtedly a better place because of his deep passion for people and his commitment to sharing God’s love. Imagine what the world could be if we all modeled his approach to life.Rest is Peace Father Jim - You will be deeply missed! Thank You, for the positive impact you had on my life!
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Molly K lit a candle
Tuesday, December 17, 2024
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Will never forget the lessons he taught me: LOVE, inclusion, faith and most of all putting the love in action. A beautiful life of service. Thank you Father Jim and may you be resting now in the eternal light and love of God.
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Aimee Servati posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 17, 2024
Fr Jim married us and I will forever hold him dear in my heart. What a kind, gentle soul. God bless you Fr Jim and here’s hoping that you are loving eternal life!!!! ❤️
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Fran Cardella lit a candle
Tuesday, December 17, 2024
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Thank you Fr. Jim for a profound and lasting vision of unconditional love and peace.
I can only imagine how fulfilled you are in your new eternal home. This comes with my love.
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Colleen Farley lit a candle
Tuesday, December 17, 2024
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Father Jim will be missed by an untold number of people in this area and the world. He was an incredible comfort to my cousin,Tim Schapp and my Dad, William Farley and my family, when they were preparing to pass. His legacy will live on in all those he comforted, laughed with and whose lives he changed. Truly a holy man.
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Francois Bessing posted a condolence
Monday, December 16, 2024
He helped many of us repair broken bonds of trust with the church and with God.
May his legacy never end.
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Jack Kreckel posted a condolence
Monday, December 16, 2024
A consequential life...
Thank you Jim Callan.
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Lois posted a condolence
Monday, December 16, 2024
What a wonderful man, and such a blessing to the city of Rochester.His heart was always in the right place, full of love for his brothers and sisters in this world.
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The family of James B. Callan uploaded a photo
Monday, December 16, 2024
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