Our founder, Fr. Cletus Healy, S.J., was born in Iowa in 1917.  He was educated in public schools, and after high school he spent some time in agriculture school before God called him into the Jesuits.

Father's work as a Jesuit priest included an editorial and writing assignment with Twin Circle, a national Catholic newspaper.  During his teaching years at Marquette High School in Milwaukee, he was also the publisher and editor of The Truth About Communism, a series of brief articles on the 20th Century's most significant threat to Western civilization.

Father also served as an educator outside the walls of Marquette High, dedicating many hours to catechizing dozens of Milwaukee area high-school students for their Confirmation.  He also undertook Board-member responsibilities with the Pregnancy Help Center of Milwaukee. 

Most recently, Father has been a Member of the Board and spiritual adviser to Mercy Academy in Wauwatosa, a parent-run grade school in the Catholic tradition.

Father founded Catholic Books and Gifts with the assistance of two dedicated Catholic women.  The store began in cramped quarters in Brookfield, WI., and moved to the present location when the demand for its unique line of books, recordings, films, artworks, and spiritual goods required more space.

Father's firm but gentle guidance, his quick wit, and his encyclopedic knowledge of the Catholic Faith all contributed to the success of Catholic Books and Gifts.  He is a treasure and example to us, as well as to thousands of Milwaukee-area adults and children who have had the blessing of knowing him over the years.