Posted July 13, 2026

Reverend James A. Callahan, Pastor Emeritus, Christ the King Parish, Philadelphia, died on Wednesday, July 1, 2026.

Father Callahan was born on November 12, 1947, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is the son of the late James A. Callahan and the late Margaret Tate. Father Callahan attended Saint Helena Parochial School, Philadelphia, and Cardinal Dougherty High School, before entering Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary.

Father Callahan was ordained on May 19, 1973, at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Philadelphia by His Eminence John Cardinal Krol. Father Callahan served as Parochial Vicar, Holy Cross Parish, Springfield; Transfiguration Parish, Philadelphia; Saint Carthage Parish, Philadelphia; Our Lady of Victory Parish, Philadelphia; and Saint Thomas Aquinas Parish, Philadelphia. He served as Pastor, Transfiguration of Our Lord Parish, Philadelphia, from 1990 2000. In 2000 he was appointed Pastor, Christ the King Parish, Philadelphia, and he was named Pastor Emeritus in June of 2023.

The Reception of the Body will be held at Christ the King Church, Philadelphia, on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at 4:30 PM. His viewing will follow from 5:00 to 8:00 PM. A second viewing will be held on Friday, July 10, 2026, beginning at 8:30 AM.

Most Reverend Nelson J. Pérez will celebrate the Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM. Concelebrants are: Reverend Msgr. Hugh J. Shields, Reverend Michael J. Ryan, Reverend James A. Lyons, Reverend Msgr. Henry J. McKee, Reverend Kenneth P. McAteer, Reverend Bernard C. Farley, Reverend Christopher M. Walsh, Reverend Andrew O. Labatorio, and Reverend Monsignor Thomas Mullin will be the homilist.

Father Callahan is survived by his brothers Matthew (Kathy), Timothy (Kathy), and Michael (Jeanette) and nieces and nephews.

Interment will be at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.