When the town of Jerusalem's Lot is overrun by vampires, Father Callahan lends his support to local writer Ben Mears, his girlfriend Susan Norton, the young Mark Petrie, teacher Matt Burke and local doctor Jimmy Cody to put an end to the nocturnal creatures. His faith falters in the presence of the leader of the vampires in Jerusalem's Lot, Kurt Barlow. After saving Mark Petrie from the vampire, his faith fails and he is dependent on his crucifix which soon loses its powers. Barlow tears open his own throat and forces the priest to drink his blood, taunting him by calling him 'shaman' and ultimately damning him.