Father Jim Healy, a Holy Ghost Father, was ordained in 1962 and died after 35 years of ministry on January 10, 1997. A gifted liturgist, he moved many to tears for his strident preaching that God is love and mercy. He motivated all who listened to take action and to make a difference in our world, both in our local community and in the global setting. An advocate of the poor, outcast, and marginalized, Fr. Healy’s message was that each of us is called to use our talents and treasures, whatever they may be, to change the lives of our sisters and brothers. Both to give food needed to keep them alive and to change the very structures of our society that keep them hungry.
Not afraid of controversial topics, he fought for affordable housing in his local neighborhood, equality for women, affordable early childhood learning programs, female altar servers, and changes in foreign policy. He founded the Washington Office on Haiti and was active with the Central American Resource Center.
In the words of his mother, Elizabeth, “God gave him the gift of a mouth.” Luckily, while pastor at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Arlington, Virginia from 1984 until 1995, a few parishioners, like his mother, also recognized Fr. Healy’s gift and had the foresight to record his homilies.
Each week a homily, corresponding with the current liturgical calendar, will be made available in a podcast. Subscribe and you will be notified by email when the week’s podcast is available.
Hear his words. Feel God’s presence in your life. Make a difference in the lives of others.
Weekly Homilies 
April 29, 2016 at 7:08 pm
I am a great-niece of Father Jim Healy, and I’m very grateful for this site. Thank you!!
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May 7, 2018 at 8:03 pm
When I was in jr high 1962 I sent stamps to Jim Healy I think him often for being kind to me. I found a card he sent me when I was cleaning out a life of letters and searched for him. Saddens me to know I won’t be able to to talk to him.
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June 9, 2018 at 2:53 pm
I am so glad that you found this site. I too am sad that he is no longer here with us, but I do find his words both uplifting and challenging. He was a prophetic man for sure. Best to you Bob. Frank
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June 26, 2016 at 12:04 am
Fr. Healy was a gift to so many of us at OLQP and beyond. His spirit of love and mercy and his great ability to preach the word lives on. Thank you for this website.
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April 2, 2017 at 5:12 pm
Fr.James K.Healey was a God send to me!! He was friend,and a mentor. His sermons were Golden!! He was a modern day Moses; a John the Baptist for those seeking Christ.im so fortunate to have been blessed in meeting and knowing and being blessed many times bu Fr. JIM.RIP
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September 23, 2017 at 10:40 pm
He brought me back to the church (among many others) and I will never leave.
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March 3, 2020 at 1:51 pm
I found a letter from Fr. Healy to my Aunt, who had requested information about my uncle Wade Myers, who had moved to Washington from West Virginia. Fr. Healy wrote a very kind letter to my Aunt, assuring her that Uncle Wade was a beloved member of the church community, and that he died in the company of friends who loved and appreciated him. My uncle died as a member of Queen of Peace Church, and no names were listed on his death certificate. Fr. Healy said he was saddened to learn there were relatives unknown to him at the time of my uncle’s death.
It was at first confusing to understand why Wade would join a Catholic church, as our family is not Catholic. After reading about Fr. Healy, I now have almost complete confirmation that Uncle Wade was gay, which the family long suspected. He just vanished from the family, and he never contacted anyone in the family after he left West Virginia. My grandmother was a very religious woman, and perhaps he was too ashamed to disclose this information to her and to his 12 brothers and sisters. I am very sad to know that my Uncle died with no family to comfort and help him, but I am so thankful for the kindness of Fr. Healy. He seems like he was an amazing, loving man, and I am glad my Uncle knew him before he passed away.
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December 13, 2020 at 5:34 pm
Jim Healy was a great priest. I was honored to call him my friend. He didn’t just encourage you, he anointed you and praised your every witness and good works. I miss him dealy.
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December 16, 2020 at 4:35 pm
Today I really need to speak with a priest i was here thinking of the religious men I have known in the last 60 years i thought of several priests who influenced my thoughts about Christ in my life. Not only was he a neighbor.. He was a role model. Encouraged my interest in the church and drew me to choose to be a Catholic school teacher and Principal. .
As I sat here thinking of a priest I could talk to and reflect my life with some came to mind. Many are deceased so I have prayed with them and thanked them from my heart. The first was Fr. Memmesiemer as young child. Loving and concerned about all of the children in our neighborhood. He worked hard to fund a good Catholic grade and high school with a strong religious presence . Franciscan sisters, great diocesan priests and then the Holy Ghost priest.. today Fr Jim Healy came to mind. Thank you Fr Jim for the strength you gave me to serve our church as an educator. My husband of 50 years worked together as educators in the Archdiocese of Chicago.. We met many Religious men and women there too. As co workers till we retired.
In 2018 Bill had a severe stroke. He has fought hard and beat many difficult problems. Today I was thinking of someone I could talk with. Fr. Jim your name came to mind. I wanted to let you know how proud I am to call you friend.
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