Examination Week | Lessons for the School of Suffering – Chapter 7

Seeds of HopeLeave a comment

Chapter 7 – Examination Week …when we face the reality of our death, we begin to understand the greater reality of eternal life and how this life is simply a preparation for everlasting life. But still, it’s very hard to let go of this life. In case you missed them The Introduction Chapter 1 – The First Day of School Chapter 2 – The Student Body Chapter 3 – Homework & Tests Chapter 4 – Prayer in [the] School [of Suffering] Chapter 5 – Guidance and Peer Counseling Chapter 6 – Required Texts…

Vulnerable Christ – Fr. Michael’s New Video Homily

Seeds of HopeLeave a comment

Evangelize Seekers. Inspire Believers. Foster Disciples. Vulnerable Christ Jesus came into this world as a vulnerable infant and left in a position of ultimate vulnerability on the cross. Given on the confluence of feasts and memories for the Church and his dear Fr. Fr. Jim Willig, Fr. Michael delivers a powerful homily on becoming vulnerable for Jesus. PLEASE NOTE: There were several sections of distorted audio in this homily. For the most part the distortion is gone but some sections Fr….

Required Text | Lessons for the School of Suffering – Chapter 6

Seeds of HopeLeave a comment

Chapter 6 – Required Text Even a priest didn’t think to turn to his Bible first, even though that’s exactly what he needed the most. In case you missed them The Introduction Chapter 1 – The First Day of School Chapter 2 – The Student Body Chapter 3 – Homework & Tests Chapter 4 – Prayer in [the] School [of Suffering] Chapter 5 – Guidance and Peer Counseling Suffering with Grace, 25th Anniversary Edition If you would like a physical copy of Fr. Jim’s book for yourself or to give someone else,…

[Watch] Suffering with Grace | Fr. Jim’s 25th Anniversary

Seeds of HopeLeave a comment

click to watch the video Suffering with Grace – 25th Anniversary Transformed into a “Living Saint” Fr. Jim’s story is told by him, his family and friends in this video released shortly after his death. This version, converted from DVD, includes a new introduction by Fr. Michael Sparough, SJ, Heart to Heart President and best friend of Fr. Jim. Opt Out of Receiving Fr. Jim Anniversary Emails CLICK HERE if you don’t want to receive these Lessons from the School of Suffering emails.

Guidance & Peer Counseling | Lessons for the School of Suffering – Chapter 5

Seeds of HopeLeave a comment

Chapter 5 – Guidance & Peer Counseling Coming to terms with losing control of one’s own life and direction. In case you missed them The Introduction Chapter 1 – The First Day of School Chapter 2 – The Student Body Chapter 3 – Homework & Tests Chapter 4 – Prayer in [the] School [of Suffering] If you would like a physical copy of Fr. Jim’s book for yourself or to give someone else, you can find it on our website: shop.htoh.us/shop. Opt Out of Receiving Lessons Emails CLICK HERE if you don’t want to…

God’s Challenge: Love Your Enemies – Fr. Michael’s New Video Homily

Seeds of HopeLeave a comment

Evangelize Seekers. Inspire Believers. Foster Disciples. God’s Challenge: Love Your Enemies Jesus challenges his disciples to love their enemies. Fr. Michael challenges us to live our Christian faith; to be different than those we might convert. Matthew 5:43-48 SHARE INSTAGRAM YOUTUBE HTOH.US Fr. Michael’s Public Schedule 8:15 AM Mass – Most Wednesdays @ St. Anne’s in Barrington September 18 – 20, 2026 Charismatic Retreat: A New Heart Sunday, October 25, 2026 Veterans “Coming Home” Retreat…

Prayer in School | Lessons for the School of Suffering – Chapter 4

Seeds of HopeLeave a comment

Chapter 4 – Prayer in School “Without a doubt, prayer has been my greatest source of strength in times of my greatest weakness. …” In case you missed them The Introduction Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 If you would like a physical copy of Fr. Jim’s book for yourself or to give someone else, you can find it on our website: shop.htoh.us/shop. Opt Out of Receiving Lessons Emails CLICK HERE if you don’t want to receive these Lessons from the School of Suffering emails.

Homework & Tests | Lessons for the School of Suffering – Chapter 3

Seeds of HopeLeave a comment

Chapter 3 – Homework & Tests Staying at his parents’ home, Fr. Jim recovers from his initial surgery and begins chemotherapy and his body must adjust to a new attack, the treatment itself. In case you missed them The Introduction Chapter 1 Chapter 2 If you would like a physical copy of Fr. Jim’s book for yourself or to give someone else, you can find it on our website: shop.htoh.us/shop. Opt Out of Receiving Lessons Emails CLICK HERE if you don’t want to receive these Lessons from the School of…

Corpus Christi – Fr. Michael’s New Video Homily

Seeds of HopeLeave a comment

Evangelize Seekers. Inspire Believers. Foster Disciples. Corpus Christi Jesus gives us the gift of his heart to sustain us. *NOTE* In today’s homily the audio for the Gospel reading was too low and not useable. Click here to read the full Gospel passage if you wish. John 6:51-58 SHARE INSTAGRAM YOUTUBE HTOH.US Fr. Michael’s Public Schedule 8:15 AM Mass – Most Wednesdays @ St. Anne’s in Barrington June 19 – 20, 2026 The Spiritual Heart of Women September 18 – 20, 2026 Charismatic Retreat: A…

The Student Body | Lessons for the School of Suffering – Chapter 2

Seeds of HopeLeave a comment

Chapter 2 – The Student Body Fr. Jim learns the devastating news that his cancer has metastasized and spread to his right lung … listen to this chapter by clicking here or the arrow below. In case you missed them Listen to the Introduction (about 16 min) Listen to Chapter 1 (almost 16 minutes) If you would like a physical copy of Fr. Jim’s book for yourself or to give someone else, you can find it on our website: shop.htoh.us/shop. Opt Out of Receiving Lessons Emails CLICK HERE if you don’t want…

Lessons for the School of Suffering – Introduction and Chapter 1

Seeds of HopeLeave a comment

Starting today and continuing on Tuesdays and Thursdays for the next 5 weeks, Heart to Heart presents the audio book version of Lessons from the School of Suffering. This profound book, written more than 25 years ago, continues to be a source of healing and comfort to those experiencing all types of suffering. Listen to the Introduction (about 16 min) Listen to Chapter 1 (almost 16 minutes) If you would like a physical copy of Fr. Jim’s book for yourself or to give someone else, you can find…

Uncle, Teacher & Friend | Remembering Fr. Jim Willig, Part 2

Seeds of HopeLeave a comment

Greetings this Feast of Corpus Christi! Today’s video release is Part II of our interviews remembering Fr. Jim Willig on the 25th anniversary of his birth into eternal life. We hear from four of Fr. Jim’s nephews, three of whom are also his godsons. They recall Fr. Jim as a not only a great preacher of the gospel but also as a wonderful listener and witness to the Cross of Christ. Then, Fr. Dave Lehmkuhl recalls how Fr. Jim helped him through some difficult times during the seminary and…

God’s Deepest Desire – Fr. Michael’s New Video Homily

Seeds of HopeLeave a comment

Evangelize Seekers. Inspire Believers. Foster Disciples. God’s Deepest Desire What is God’s deepest desire for us? John 6:35-40 SHARE INSTAGRAM YOUTUBE HTOH.US In Case You Missed It Fr. Michael’s Public Schedule 8:15 AM Mass – Most Wednesdays @ St. Anne’s in Barrington June 19 – 20, 2026 The Spiritual Heart of Women September 18 – 20, 2026 Charismatic Retreat: A New Heart Sunday, October 25, 2026 Veterans “Coming Home” Retreat Tuesday, December 15, 2026A Fresh Cup of Christmas Tea: Fr….

Others Before Me, Lord | Remembering Fr. Jim Willig, Part 1

Seeds of HopeLeave a comment

Hello friends of Heart to Heart, We had planned to release this video yesterday featuring interviews I conducted with several family members of Fr. Jim and his close friend Fr. Dave but as I edited things together several themes emerged. Rather than put all of the interviews into a single video I decided to release these as two videos, one today and the other this coming Sunday. Tomorrow will feature a video homily from Fr. Michael who is currently on pilgrimage to Medjugorje. Today’s video…

Remembering Fr. Jim Willig – Video Homily by Fr. Jacob Willig

Seeds of HopeLeave a comment

Evangelize Seekers. Inspire Believers. Foster Disciples. Our Lord Will Not Be Outdone In Generosity As the 25th anniversary of Fr. Jim Willig’s birth into eternal life approaches, Fr. Jacob Willig honors his uncle—the founder of Heart to Heart—in a family Mass. He reflects on God’s constant generosity and calls us to give back what we’ve received, trusting in that generosity even when it’s hard to believe that it will be there tomorrow like it was today. Watch this special Mass and Homily…