About Heart to Heart

Heart to Heart, a gospel evangelization ministry, was founded by Fr. Jim Willig in 1993 with the mission statement: Go into the world and proclaim the Good News to all creation (Mark 16:15). During 2021 and into 2022 we embarked on a lengthy strategic planning process to move our ministry forward into the growing digital space.

Throughout the year we offer weekly homilies on our YouTube channel by our President, Fr. Michael Sparough, SJ along with weekly Gospel Teachings podcasts from our founder, Fr. Jim Willig.

We also have three seasonal programs:

  • Advent: Ornaments of Grace, Stories for Advent and Christmas — inspirational video stories on Saints and those living saintly lives}
  • Lent: Seeds of Hope — inspirational video stories with Lenten themes
  • Easter: Season of Joy — audio reflections from many gift speakers and preachers

Heart to Heart is a 501(c)(3) non-profit ministry. Your donations make it possible for Heart to Heart to continue our mission of spreading the Good News. We appreciate your patronage and generosity.

Seeds of Hope eBook (532 downloads )

About The Authors

Fr. Michael Sparough, SJ

Fr. Michael Sparough, S.J.

  • Currently serves on the staff as a retreat master at the Bellarmine Jesuit Retreat House, Barrington, IL
  • Earned a Master of Fine Arts from the Yale School of Drama and a Doctor of Ministry from St. Mary of the Lake, Mundelein, IL
  • Gifted writer, actor and storyteller, making the scripture come alive through his heart-warming dramas
  • Founded the Fountain Square Fools, a religious performing arts troupe based in Cincinnati from 1975 – 1993
  • Founded Charis Ministries, the Chicago Jesuit outreach to young adults
  • Taught at the Loyola University Institute of Pastoral Studies training spiritual directors
  • Published extensive writings, co-authoring: What’s Your Decision? and A Retreat with Our Lady, Dominic & Ignatius
  • Recorded many inspirational works including: The Passion and Resurrection; Teach Us to Pray; Luminous Mysteries and The Mist-ical Journey

Fr. Jim Willig (1951-2001)

  • Ordained diocesan priest of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati in 1977
  • Earned a Master of Arts in Biblical Studies from the Athenaeum of Ohio and a Master of Applied Spirituality from the University of San Francisco
  • Completed a sabbatical study of Sacred Scripture in the Holy Land sponsored by the Catholic Theological Union. Followed by the next assignment from the Archdiocese of Cincinnati to develop and lead new evangelization ministry programs
  • Created a successful weekly gospel study series called Evening and Lunch with the Lord and a parish mission program called Heart to Heart
  • Travelled locally and nationally as an inspiring preacher and storyteller
  • Authored Lessons from the School of Suffering, detailing the personal struggles and spiritual journey of having stage four kidney cancer
  • Authored the books: Inspiration and A Retreat With Peter
  • Featured in videos: The Passion and Resurrection and Suffering with Grace