FR. JIM UPDATE

November 16th: PRAYER GATHERING

At the November 8th/9th weekend Masses, Rev. Myra Brown shared with parishioners that Fr. Jim told her his doctors had found cancer during recent testing, and he is now deciding on treatment options.

In light of this news, Spiritus held a prayer gathering in Celebration Hall on November 16th, where parishioners were given the opportunity to write Fr. Jim a note and/or share a favorite “Fr. Jim story,” as well as perform a water ritual and light a candle in silent prayer. Many also participated in a facilitated talking circle.

Please check our weekly paper and e-bulletins for further news, as we continue to lift up our hopes and prayers for this beloved figure in our faith and spiritual community.

OCTOBER 29th Update:

We spoke with Fr. Jim this week and learned that he is still waiting for results of his neck biopsy connected to the swelling on his neck and face. We anticipate it will take anywhere from two days to two weeks. He is on steroids that are helping as the swelling has gone down some. He has not been started on another course of antibiotics this time, but is enjoying some good news. His tongue has healed up and he doesn’t have the blisters any more. So, thanks for your prayers. Due to impact of the radiation treatments, he had to pause his speech therapy a while back. Beginning this week, he will begin his speech therapy sessions once again. He continues to send his love to you all!

OCTOBER 14th Update:

This week we have some good news about Fr. Jim’s progress! On Monday, he had a basal cell cancer removed from his ear lobe – they got it all in one removal, which he was very happy about. At his Tuesday appointment with his surgeon, improvement was noticed with the infection on his vocal chords, it was noted his tongue blisters are finally clearing up, and a CT scan was scheduled for next week to check the neck swelling. And, even though it is a “bit of a chore,”  Fr. Jim says he will start eating more this week – good news made even better by the fact his chef is Sr. Margie!

OCTOBER 4th, 2024: “PASTOR JAMES B. CALLAN DAY!”

Here’s the official PROCLAMATION from the City of Rochester, written on behalf of our parish!

“WHEREAS, Fr. James B. Callan is commemorating his 50th Anniversary as a priest on October 4th, 2024, as his biological family, church family, friends, congregations and organizations from all over, have proudly come together to help celebrate the services and sacrifices of his outstanding example of a religious servant leader. We commend Fr. Jim for his steadfast Christian leadership over the years; and

WHEREAS, under the direction of the Holy Spirit, Fr. James B. Callan was ordained on October 4, 1974, installed as Pastoral Administrator of Corpus Christi Church in 1976, and Associate Pastor of Spiritus Christi Church in 1999, and throughout this time he has fervently envisioned a new church. Fr. Callan became a trailblazer within the Catholic Church, laying the foundation for women’s equality, marriage equality, and religious inclusion, before it became popular. Under his vision for a just church, he paved the way for both Corpus Christi and Spiritus Christi to become an outreach church, to serve the Rochester community and beyond. Fr. Callan’s vision set the stage for Spiritus Christi Church to ordain its first woman priest and founding pastor, Mary Ramerman, and its current pastor, Rev. Myra Brown, who is the third African American woman priest in the U.S.; and

WHEREAS, we acknowledge that the founding church ministries of Corpus Christi Center, Rogers House, Dimitri House, Mary’s House, Matthew’s Closet, Isaiah House, Rogers House Restaurant, Corpus Christi Child Care, occurred under his pastoral leadership for 25 years. We also acknowledge his 25-year contribution to ministries of Spiritus Christi Church as Associate Pastor and liaison to Spiritus Christi’s Grace of God Recovery House, Prison Outreach, Mental Health Center, H.O.P.E./Haiti Mission, Chiapas Mission, as well as the building of the 1872 Café in collaborative partnership; and

WHEREAS, over these last 50 years these ministries have served countless people in the recovery community, those incarcerated who embarked upon re-entry, those seeking mental health care, those impoverished in need of resources, service delivery, and friendship as well as children, families, and youth throughout both the Rochester community and borders beyond; and

WHEREAS, Fr. Jim’s belief that the church must be a “Church-in-Action,” and serve the community through faith and unwavering love, has been a constant inspiration where he wrestled with the notion of “ Do I follow the rules of my religion, or do I follow the ideals of my religion?” Choosing to follow the ideals of his religion and “walk the talk,” our community was served exceptionally well; and

WHEREAS, this dynamic and humble man has demonstrated excellence in his calling as a “Servant of God,” the City of Rochester and the congregation of Spiritus Christi Church extend our sincerest love and appreciation for your 50 years of service. They are proud to call you their “Associate Pastor, Leader, and Friend,” and join citizens throughout the City of Rochester, Monroe County, and beyond in thanking you for all that you have done over the past 50 years, as we look forward to your continued spiritual guidance for many years to come.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Mayor Malik Evans, Mayor of the City of Rochester, hereby honor the 50th Anniversary as priest and servant leader of Fr. James B. Callan, and proclaim Friday, October 4, 2024, as Pastor James B. Callan Day within the City of Rochester.”

Please join us in wishing Fr. Jim best wishes and congratulations HERE on Facebook (please no phone calls or visits yet until Fr. Jim’s recovery is complete — he, and we, will let you know when that time comes)!

For now:

YOU ARE LOVED, FR. JIM!

Wednesday evening, 9/25/24: A special note from our pastor

Hi friends,

In this week’s paper bulletin I gave you an update regarding my visit with Fr. Jim, related to last week’s Caring Bridge blog. Since writing the bulletin, Fr Jim reached out to share a new update with Rev. Celie and I. 

Here is what we now know: 

Fr. Jim’s surgeon notified him on Wednesday of his biopsy results. While hoping for a definitive result, the biopsies of the lesion came back inconclusive which means it is still unknown whether the growth on the cheek is from cancer or radiation. In some ways this is hopeful news until he learns something more definitive. 

So, it continues to be a waiting game. The plan currently is to continue a check in with his reconstructive surgeon and have another CT scan a month from now. The swelling on his neck and pain on his tongue continues and it is hard to remain patient when things move so slowly, but he is in God’s hands surrounded by the love of this community. 

We have many in our parish who are cancer survivors who understand the journey he is on. Fr. Jim wanted you to know that he is hanging in there and always sending his love to you. One of the scriptures I have been reflecting on during this time comes from Psalm 41:3  which is a passionate prayer attributed to king David when he was seriously ill. It says, “The Lord sustains him on his sickbed; in his illness, you restore him to full health.” 

What a beautiful reminder of God’s faithfulness and care for us, even in our weakest moments. No matter what trials or struggles we may face, God’s love and grace never fail and are always present. 

I have decided to fast from one meal every Tuesday and offer this psalmist prayer for Fr. Jim. Maybe you would like to join me or choose your own passage or day to fast and pray for his healing. 

We continue on this journey together and if you need to talk more Rev. Celie and I are always available. 

Rev. Myra

From Rev. Celie’s Pastoral Letter, 9/17/24 Bulletin:

“Our prayers continue for Fr. Jim, as he awaits the results of another biopsy. Lately I find myself turning to spiritual guides from our tradition who walked with a long illness as their companion for much of their life. Saint Francis comes to mind, and Julian of Norwich (whose painful illness, agonizing as it was, also seemed inextricably tied to spiritual visions she experienced, and understandings of God that came to her during that time). Ignatius of Loyola, Therese of Lisieux, Thea Bowman, and countless other good and holy people experienced prolonged precarious health during their life. The relationship between God and illness is not easy to understand. I don’t know that even the wisest people claim to have grasped it fully. For myself, I do not believe that God “sends us” suffering. But when illness happens, as a mysterious and inescapable part of this earthly life, I believe that God is with us in the very depths of our fear and our pain. This is what the cross tells us. We are never alone. And I believe that God does bring about, in those dark times, signs of deep and astounding love—again, as happened on the cross.”   

From Rev. Myra’s Pastoral Letter, 9/10/24 Bulletin:

“Many of you have been asking about updates regarding Fr. Jim. Rev. Celie and I continue to check in on him regularly, as he continues on his healing journey. Eileen Hurley visited with him last week, and in anticipation of returning to Spiritus, Fr. Jim asked her to order his 2024/25 work calendar. I had a good visit with him this past Sunday. He was home watching the Bills game with Sister Margie, after livestreaming the Spiritus 9:30 am Mass. He shared how the homily, and the story of the man Jesus healed of hearing loss and a speech impediment in the gospel, touched him as he continues to trust God for healing and restoration. He misses you terribly, continues to be grateful for the ongoing love and cards he is receiving from the community, and was very happy for the Bills victory game!”