REV. DANTE BIALA TAMAYO
Fr Dante was born in the Philippines. He is the 5th of 7 children of Sergio Tamayo and Domy Biala, both deceased. Fr Dante was an altar server in his home parish. Even then, at this young age, he thought of becomng a priest someday. After one of his brothers left the seminary and through the inspiration and encouragement of his pastor, he entered the seminary at the age of 12. He studied at the Mary Help of Christians High School Seminary, Mary Help of Christians College Seminary and at the Immaculate Conception School of Theology. Fr Dante was ordained for the Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan, Philippines in 1993 at the age of 25. After a year of his ordination, he was sent for a further studies, for his Masters, at the Ateneo de Manila University in Manila.
He started ministering in the Diocese of Oakland in 2003 and was incardinated in 2008 and had served the parishes of St Anne in Union City, St Isidore in Danville, St Jerome in El Cerrito, St Leander in San Leandro, St Joseph in Pinole and of late at St Mary in Walnut Creek.
Fr Dante began his office January 1, 2021.
OUR PASTORS
FR. MICHAEL RYAN
Fr. Michael Ryan became the first pastor of Saint Callistus in 1952. He was responsible not only for the establishment of the parish but the construction of our present church building. His quiet manner and
holiness as founding pastor is still remembered today by elderly parishioners.
FR. PARNELL McCARTHY
During Fr. Ryan's last months in 1963, Fr. Parnell McCarthy kindly assisted him as administrator. After Fr. Ryan's death in 1964, Fr. McCarthy became the second pastor until his transfer to St. Jerome's Parish in 1973
FR. PATRICK KEARNEY
In March 1973, Fr. Patrick Kearney was appointed third pastor and served until his death in 1984. It was during his time at Saint Callistus that the hall was built as well as renovations to the sacristy and church like the present stained glass windows.
FR. JAMES O'CONNOR
In 1984, Fr. James O'Connor was appointed administrator for six months until Fr. Edward Casey was appointed pastor that same year.
FR. EDWARD CASEY
Fr. Edward Casey served at Saint Callistus until his death in 1991. It was during Fr. Casey's time that the hall was extended and classrooms built. Rosary after daily mass and Mother of Perpetual Help
devotions were encouraged.
FR. RICHARD GAGLIARDI
In 1991, Fr. Richard Gagliardi became the sixth pastor. He was the first to introduce parishioners to the reforms of the Second Vatican Council. For example, Fr. Richard established the first council ever! Under his direction, a new parish office was built and equipped. Fr. Richard is also responsible for the new church vestibule and the youth group modular building.
In 1995, Fr. Richard hired Sister Angela Burke, SHJM to become our Director of Religous Education. Up until that point the religious education of the parish was given by the Holy Family sisters. In 1997, Fr. Richard retired at age 70.
FR. DANA PAUL MICHAELS
Our seventh pastor, Fr. Dana Paul Michaels was installed on October 12, 1997. Fr. Dana continued to build on his predecessors, Fr. Gagliardi and exposed the parish to the reforms of the Vatican II. Fr. Dana also has the distinction of leading Saint Callistus into the new millenium and beyond. He was being assisted by Fr. Larry Byrne of the Salesians.
FR. JAMES THOTTAPALLY
Fr. Jimmy Thottapally, our 8th Pastor, served November 2006 to December 31, 2020. He spearheaded the remodeling of the church. His hard work, dedication and commitment earned him the Oakland Diocese Pastoral Award of Excellence in 2010.
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Fr. Jimmy was born in the state of Kerala, India, to parents of deep Catholic faith. He grew up with three brothers and two sisters, one of whom became a nun.
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He was ordained a priest for his home diocese of Palai, India, on December 17, 1971. He came to the United States in May 1988 and has served in several parishes in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and the Diocese of Oakland.