It is with sadness that we share with you that Fr Denis Callahan, our most senior priest in the Diocese of Broken Bay, died peacefully in the early hours of this morning, Friday 31 January 2020 at McQuoin Park, Waitara where he has been resident for the last several years. He was 91 years of age.
Fr Denis was born on 11 January 1929, South Strathfield NSW to Stanley Callahan & Alice Callahan (nee Dunn) the second of four children – the only boy with three sisters. His primary education was at St Joseph’s Convent, Enfield from 1934 – 1939; his secondary studies were at St Patrick’s Catholic College, Strathfield from 1940 to 1941 where he completed Year 5 through a bursary. In 1942 he entered the Minor Seminary at St Columba’s Springwood and finished his Seminary studies at Manly from 1947 to 1952.
Fr Denis was ordained on 19 July 1952 at St Mary’s Cathedral for the Archdiocese of Sydney. He commenced his priestly ministry as Assistant Priest at the Parish of Brighton le Sands and from then until 1968 ministered at different times at the Parishes of Clovelly, Granville, Hurstville, St Mary’s Cathedral, Lindfield and Killara. For all of 1969 Fr Denis ministered in the Franciscan Mission of Aitape Diocese, Papua New Guinea, after which he served as Administrator of the Parishes of Lawson, Concord and Annandale and Punchbowl ( 1970-1971).
In 1962 Fr Denis undertook a correspondence course with the University of New England, Armidale completing a Bachelor of Arts – Greek & Latin. With this qualification he taught at many generations of seminarians at St Columba’s Springwood, an activity which he combined with his various pastoral appointments.
From 1972, Fr Denis was appointed Parish Priest of Blackheath before his appointment at Pennant Hills in September 1979 where he remained until May 1997, a total of almost 18 years. Fr Denis’ last appointment before retirement was as Parish Priest of Berowra Parish (now known as Ku-ring-gai Chase Parish) from 1997 until 2002.
On 19 July 2019 celebrated his 67th Anniversary of Ordination to Catholic priesthood. We give God thanks for such a wonderful life of priestly ministry and dedicated service. Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him.
Funeral Details:
Vigil Mass on Wednesday 5 February 2020 at St Agatha's Catholic Church, Pennant Hills
Rite of Christian Burial on Thursday 6 February 2020 at St Agatha's Catholic Church. Pennant Hills
Family and friends are welcome to join in refreshments at the Parish following the service on Thursday.
