In this inspiring episode of Catholic Education Matters , host Troy Van Vliet chats with Sister John Mary Sullivan – a Franciscan Sister of the Eucharist. Sr. John Mary shares her journey of faith and vocation, reflecting on how her upbringing in a large family, personal loss, and the witness of her parents’ love shaped her call to religious life. She describes her years of formation, her work as a marriage and family therapist, and her work with the Archdiocese of Vancouver, where she served as...
Aug 22, 2025•58 min•Ep. 16
In this episode of Catholic Education Matters , host Troy Van Vliet chats with Sandra Marshall - the Superintendent of the Catholic Independent Schools of the Vancouver Archdiocese (CISVA). Sandra shares her inspiring journey from public school teacher to leader of 46 Catholic schools across the region. With over 35 years of experience in Catholic education, Sandra reflects on the deep sense of mission and service that has guided her through roles as teacher, principal, associate superintendent,...
Aug 18, 2025•49 min•Ep. 15
In this episode of Catholic Education Matters , host Troy Van Vliet is joined by businessman and philanthropist Andy Szocs and Dr. Andrew Abela, Dean of the School of Business at The Catholic University of America for a compelling conversation centered on the power and purpose of virtue in education and leadership. Dr. Abela discusses his book Super Habits , which reintroduces the classical concept of virtue—not as outdated moralizing, but as deeply relevant habits of excellence essential for hu...
Jul 18, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 14
In this episode of Catholic Education Matters , Troy Van Vliet interviews Darrell Hall (Troy’s former teacher) who reflects on his 46-year career at St. Thomas More Collegiate as a teacher, principal, and current Director of Admissions. They discuss the challenges of school admissions, the importance of engaging students with passion and storytelling, and the evolution of Catholic education. Darrell also shares insights into his new book, How Science Has Discovered God , which presents a reasone...
Jul 04, 2025•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 13
In this powerful episode of Catholic Education Matters , host Troy Van Vliet welcomes longtime family friend and faith advocate Angie Dee to discuss the beauty, history, and spiritual power of the Rosary. Angie shares her personal journey of faith and education, including her theological studies and ministry work, and recounts her recent visit to Rome during the historic election of the new pope, Leo XIV—named in honor of Pope Leo XIII, the “Pope of the Rosary.” The episode explores Marian appar...
Jun 20, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 12
In this episode of Catholic Education Matters , host Troy Van Vliet interviews Dr. John Martens from St. Mark's College at UBC, tracing his rich personal and academic journey into the Catholic faith. Dr. Martens shares how his fascination with Christianity led him from a Mennonite upbringing to Catholicism, through studies at institutions such as St. Michael's College, McMaster, and international universities. Now the director of the Centre for Christian Engagement at St. Mark's College at UBC, ...
Jun 06, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 11
In this episode of Catholic Education Matters , host Troy welcomes Bryana Russell from Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries, a Vancouver-based ministry focused on equipping the Church to support mental health and wellbeing. Bryana shares Sanctuary’s mission to make the church a safe and supportive space for individuals facing mental health challenges by combining theology, psychology, and lived experience. Originating from the personal tragedy of a founder, the initiative now operates globally, of...
Jun 05, 2025•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 10
The positive impact of Catholic post-secondary education is evident at Corpus Christi College and St. Mark’s College. In this episode, host Troy Van Vliet chats with Dr. Gerry Turcotte, President of Corpus Christi College and Principal of St. Mark's College. An experienced post-secondary educator and administrator, Dr. Turcotte shares his insights on the unique offerings of these institutions, the importance of Catholic education, and how the two colleges are forming disciples. This is an enligh...
May 09, 2025•50 min•Ep. 9
Would you move your whole family for the right school? In this powerful conversation, host Troy Van Vliet sits down with Darren Watt and Jose Vargas—two dedicated parents and volunteers at St. John Paul II Academy—to explore why Catholic education is worthwhile. From their first impressions of the school, to one family’s decision to relocate and get deeply involved in school leadership, they reflect on the powerful sense of community, the importance of faith-based learning, and the success of in...
Apr 25, 2025•40 min•Ep. 8
What does it take to build a Catholic high school from scratch—and why does it matter more than ever today? In this heartfelt episode of Catholic Education Matters , host Troy Van Vliet reconnects with his former teacher and the founding principal of St. John Paul II Academy, Michel DesLauriers. Together, they reflect on the leap of faith it took to launch the school, the stories of students transformed by Catholic education, and the powerful mission behind the motto “Enter to Learn, Leave to Se...
Apr 11, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 7
Can faith and philanthropy work together to transform communities? In this episode of Catholic Education Matters , host Troy Van Vliet sits down with Tom Cooper, founder of City in Focus , to discuss his journey from Presbyterian pastor to devoted Catholic, his passion for serving the unchurched, and the transformative power of philanthropy in Catholic education. They explore the critical role of bursaries in making Catholic schools accessible, the importance of servant leadership, and how faith...
Mar 28, 2025•59 min•Ep. 6
What does it take to design and build a brand-new Catholic high school from the ground up? In this episode of Catholic Education Matters , host Troy Van Vliet sits down with architect Mark Blackwood of Ekistics to discuss the incredible journey of bringing St. John Paul II Academy to life. From early feasibility studies to overcoming budget challenges and designing a space that fosters faith, community, and learning, this conversation dives deep into the thought, effort, and passion behind the p...
Mar 14, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 5
Faith, growth, and transformation fuel Catholic Higher Education at Catholic Pacific College. This week, Troy Van Vliet sits down with Scott Roy, the acting president of Catholic Pacific College at Trinity Western University to explore his journey from trades to ministry and his passion for integrating Catholic formation within higher education. They delve into the innovative Catholic formation track, the humble beginnings of the campus, and visionary plans for expansion, all while emphasizing t...
Feb 28, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 4
How do faith, education, and politics shape our society? Listen in as host Troy Van Vliet sits down with Brent Chapman , MLA for Surrey South, for a candid conversation about the role of Catholic schools, the challenges facing modern education, and the values that unite strong communities. Brent & Troy share personal anecdotes, insights into his political journey, and his vision for supporting independent schools. From their chance meeting at a coffee shop to Chapman’s journey into politics,...
Feb 14, 2025•51 min•Ep. 3
Every Catholic school is a continuation of the mission of the church, to shape lives and build faith. - Father Augustine Obiwumma In this episode of Catholic Education Matters , host Troy Van Vliet sits down with Father Augustine who leads Star of the Sea Parish to discuss the vital role of Catholic education, the importance of building strong faith foundations in students, and the challenges of teacher shortages and financial accessibility. With inspiring stories of student baptisms, parent con...
Feb 07, 2025•49 min•Ep. 2
What makes a thriving Catholic School? Discover the inspiring journey of building St. John Paul II Academy , as Archbishop J. Michael Miller and host, Troy Van Vliet discuss the vision, challenges, and triumphs. From shaping values and faith to fostering servant leaders, this episode highlights the transformative power of Catholic education and its role in preparing students for both academic success and a life of purpose. (00:00) - Introduction to Catholic Education Matters (00:23) - Archbishop...
Dec 20, 2024•39 min•Ep. 1
