“I consider myself young at heart, insofar as I am rooted in Christ,” said Father Isaiah Callan, Parochial Vicar at Our Lady of Fatima Family of Parishes (OLF) in the Piqua, Troy, Covington, and West Milton communities north of Dayton. To many, his simple joy and depth of faith come across as that child-like trust in the Father that we all strive for.

This past school year at OLF, 17 people formed the core team in charge of events for young people. Father Callan led the ministry to high school youth and spent time with students in the Piqua Catholic and St. Patrick schools. “Each day with the youth is like a ‘box of chocolates,’” he said, “and it’s always an occasion for a front row seat to profound miracles.” He witnessed God’s grace moving in students’ hearts, saw their wonder, and allowed it to inspire deeper faith in himself.

“Child-like wonder fits quite beautifully and with wild abandon into my vocation,” said Father Callan. “This wonder is a thirst for truth that can only come from God and forms the soul.” For Father Callan, it flows from what you might expect, the Mass and sacraments, but also in spiritual conversations and events that show God’s love shining through the world’s darkness.

That love of God, active in the world, helps sustain his joy. When asked about the source of joy for his priesthood, Father Callan quickly answered that it is not a what but a Who—Jesus. “His love, His faithfulness each day is my joy,” said Father Callan. He added that the ways Jesus is working in his life are too many to count and have left him with a deep sense of gratitude.

Father Callan strives to follow Bl. Solanus Casey’s advice to “thank God ahead of time.” Why? Gratitude is important when developing humility and an obedience to God’s plan. “This depth of gratitude paves the road to joy and its fruit,” he said. A deep sense of gratitude in his vocation leads him to simple joys and a deep faith.

The widely talked about “Hairmageddon” spring fundraiser is one example of this openness to God’s plan. Sponsored by PHILIA, OLF’s young adult ministry, it highlights the group’s activities for other churches in the parish Family. Hoping to form bonds of “brotherly love,” the group comes together in service, prayer, and fellowship through various Family events.

“Matt Wagner, OLF’s Director of Music and Liturgy, and some friends and I were throwing out ideas about how to raise funds for the new PHILIA young adult ministry,” Father Callan recalled. Both Wagner and Father Callan have easily recognizable hair, so Wagner suggested parishioners bid on a haircut style.

“It was more than just a ‘hair-brained’ idea,” Father Callan joked. When Father Eric Bowman, the pastor, supported the idea, Father Callan and Wagner grew out their hair for a year then chose three hairstyles the winner could choose from.

“At the time, I did not know that the Knights of Columbus Troy had started a pool to … place a large bid,” said Father Callan. “[They won] and selected a mullet for me.” Father Callan sported his cut well into the Easter season! Wagner ended up with a “bowl cut” from his top bidder.

As a light-hearted event to spread joy and fraternity in the Family of Parishes, it reflects God’s playfulness and the delight we find in living out Jesus’ teachings. It’s a joy that Jesus extends to all Christians, throughout the archdiocese and the world.

This joy is not the same as happiness. “If it were,” Father Callan said, “we could not have joy when we are suffering.” Joy is something that is deeper than happiness and is unshakable when it is rooted in Christ. “When Joy willingly lowered Himself to suffer and die on the cross for our sake, He revealed that joy is stronger than pain.”

We are all called to share in that youthful joy. The sacraments and the gifts of the Holy Spirit help to strengthen and inspire us. “This is the depth of His love and delight in us,” Father Callan exclaimed. “This wealth of joy is meant for you!”

This article appeared in the July 2025 edition of The Catholic Telegraph Magazine. For your complimentary subscription, click here.