Shows
Catholic Education MattersGolfing for a Greater Purpose: How the Alumni Gold Tournament Helps to Transform Catholic EducationThis episode of Catholic Education Matters features Troy Van Vliet in conversation with Darren Watt and Jose Vargas of St. John Paul II Academy. They reflect on the school’s growth, its impact on students and families, and the power of a faith-centered education. Through personal stories of their children’s journeys—from homeschooling and small-school environments to thriving at major universities—the discussion highlights the Academy’s strong academic preparation, supportive community, and inspiring new campus. The conversation also focuses on the May 14 Alumni Golf Tournament and other fundraising events that support the school’s bursary program, ensu...
2026-02-0649 minCatholic Education MattersComing Home to the Catholic Church: A Journey Through Scripture, Tradition, and ConversionIn this episode of Catholic Education Matters, host Troy Van Vliet chats with Kyle Neilson to explore his powerful journey from an evangelical Protestant upbringing to a deep and thoughtful conversion to Catholicism. Kyle shares how a secular pursuit of success and a passion for golf gradually gave way to a profound encounter with Christ, sparked by Scripture, study, and an honest search for truth. Through examining Church history, authority, and key theological questions—such as sola scriptura, the canon of Scripture, and the nature of worship—Kyle discovered the coherence and fullness of the Catholic faith, a journey he u...
2026-01-2347 minCatholic Education MattersComing Home: Discovering the Eucharist, Beauty, and Truth of the Catholic FaithIn this episode of Catholic Education Matters, host Troy Van Vliet sits down with Murray and Patty Neilson to share their powerful family journey from Protestantism to Catholicism, sparked by their son Kyle’s studies in Christian history and theology. The Neilsons reflect on confronting long-held misconceptions about the Catholic Church, discovering the beauty, continuity, and sacramental life of the faith—especially the Eucharist—and how their conversion in 2005 deeply transformed their family, ultimately leading all three of their children and 14 grandchildren into active Catholic life. The conversation also explores the importance of Catholic education as a “third leg of the s...
2025-12-1949 minCatholic Education MattersArchbishop Richard Smith on the Mission, Hope, and Heart of Catholic EducationIn this episode of Catholic Education Matters, Archbishop Richard Smith joins host Troy Van Vliet to reflect on his transition to the Archdiocese of Vancouver, the city’s remarkable cultural diversity, and the unique challenges and blessings of Catholic education in British Columbia. He contrasts BC’s partially funded system with fully funded models elsewhere in Canada, emphasizing the importance of intentionality, sacrificial giving, and permeating every aspect of education with the Catholic faith. The discussion highlights the transformative impact of St. John Paul II Academy, the vital role of families, parishes, and schools working together, and the hope youn...
2025-12-1244 minCatholic Education MattersRaising Souls in a Noisy World: Rolando Islas on the Heart of Catholic EducationThis episode of Catholic Education Matters features a deep, wide-ranging conversation between host Troy Van Vliet and philosopher and Catholic educator Rolando Islas (making his second appearance on the show) on the challenges and opportunities facing Catholic education today. The discussion explores the meaning and purpose of Catholic liberal arts, the importance of grounding students in moral philosophy, and the historical shift from an outward, God-oriented worldview to an excessive inward relativism that shapes modern culture. Rolando reflects on how secularism, consumerism, and the speed of technological change—especially the early introduction of smartphones—create overwhelming networks of influence that...
2025-11-281h 36Catholic Education MattersFrom Tragedy to Purpose: Robb Nash’s Journey of Faith, Music, and Mental HealthIn this inspiring episode of Catholic Education Matters, host Troy Van Vliet welcomes Canadian musician and mental health advocate Robb Nash, whose near-fatal car crash at 17 transformed his life and mission. Robb shares how his recovery journey - from physical trauma and suicidal despair to rediscovering faith and purpose - led him to create The Robb Nash Project, a movement using music to open conversations about mental health, hope, and redemption. Through powerful storytelling, Robb discusses how tragedy can hold potential, not purpose, and how choosing to help others gave his life new meaning. Now, after more than 12 years...
2025-11-141h 26Catholic Education MattersLeading with Heart: Andy Szocs on People, Purpose, and the Power of GenerosityIn this episode of Catholic Education Matters, host Troy Van Vliet engages in an inspiring conversation with philanthropist and businessman Andy Szocs, exploring his journey from humble beginnings in northern Manitoba to building and eventually transferring ownership of his successful company to his employees. Andy shares insights on leadership, emphasizing the importance of valuing people, mentoring others, measuring success, and recognizing excellence within an organization. After retiring early, he turned his focus toward faith and philanthropy, founding initiatives in mental health advocacy and Catholic education, and embracing the philosophy of “giving while living.” Through heartfelt stories and practical wisdom, Andy...
2025-10-311h 06Catholic Education MattersFrom Pastor’s Son to Catholic Scholar: David Hunt’s Journey of Faith and TruthIn this episode of Catholic Education Matters, host Troy Van Vliet welcomes David Hunt for an inspiring conversation about faith, education, and conversion. David shares his remarkable journey from growing up as a Protestant pastor’s son to finding truth and unity in the Catholic Church. Through deep study of Church history, the writings of the early Fathers, and prayerful wrestling with God, he came to recognize the fullness of truth in Catholicism. With honesty and humility, David recounts the intellectual, spiritual, and relational struggles of his conversion—especially within his marriage—and the profound peace he found in surrend...
2025-10-171h 42Catholic Education MattersPlato, Aristotle & Catholic Schools: Why Virtue Still MattersThis episode of Catholic Education Matters features a powerful conversation between host Troy Van Vliet and Professor Rolando Islas, a philosopher and ethicist with a rich background in business, technology, and academia. Together, they explore the deeper purpose of business beyond profit, the challenges of teaching ethics in today’s secular environment, and the dangers of a culture obsessed with money, fame, and media-driven comparisons. Drawing on Plato and Aristotle, they reflect on how virtue, balance, and purposeful struggle shape character and happiness, while also critiquing modern education systems, government overreach, and the erosion of family’s role in mora...
2025-10-031h 26Catholic Education MattersSculpting Faith Through Art: A Conversation with Timothy SchmalzIn this episode of Catholic Education Matters, host Troy Van Vliet chats with Timothy Schmalz, a world-renowned Canadian sculptor celebrated for his spiritually profound and deeply moving religious works, including the internationally recognized Homeless Jesus. Schmalz recounts his early fascination with sculpting, his brief time at the Ontario College of Art, and the artistic crisis that led him to reject shock-value art in favor of creating works with eternal meaning rooted in the Gospel. He explains how he came to dedicate his entire career to Christian themes, believing that great art requires epic subject matter and should communicate truths...
2025-09-051h 13Catholic Education MattersFamily Matters: A Conversation with Sister John Mary Sullivan, FSEIn 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 an Associate Director for the Ministries and Outreach Office for ten years. With stories of visiti...
2025-08-2257 minCatholic Education MattersA Superintendent’s Calling: Sandra Marshall’s Mission in Catholic EducationIn 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, and now superintendent. She discusses key challenges facing Catholic schools today, including limited government funding, the need for seismic upgrades, teacher recruitment, and keeping tuition a...
2025-08-1949 minCatholic Education MattersSuper Habits: Why Virtue is at the Heart of Catholic LearningIn 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 human flourishing. Drawing from both ancient wisdom and modern research, he explains how virtues such as courage, temperance, self-discipline, and orderliness ar...
2025-07-181h 07Catholic Education MattersFaith, Science, and Storytelling: A Conversation with Darrell HallIn 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 reasoned Christian apologetic rooted in science, history, and philosophy. He explains how the fine-tuning of the universe, the historicity of the resurrection, and the pr...
2025-07-041h 12Catholic Education MattersThe Rosary: A Timeless Symbol of Hope and Spiritual Warfare (with Angie Dee)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 apparitions, the story of Blessed Bartolo Longo’s incredible conversion from satanic priest to apostle of the Rosary, the hist...
2025-06-201h 04Catholic Education MattersFrom Mennonite Roots to Catholic Scholar: Dr. John Martens' Journey of FaithIn 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, he discusses the college’s role in theological education, its collaboration with other theological institutions, and the growing demand for faith-based formation among Ca...
2025-06-061h 04Catholic Education MattersEquipping the Church to Support Mental Health and WellbeingIn 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, offering a free, film-based course — the Sanctuary Course — and a new youth series that launched in January 2025. These resources are designed to equip parishes with practical tools to foster...
2025-06-051h 16Catholic Education MattersHow Lives are Being Transformed at Corpus Christi College and St. Mark’s CollegeThe 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 enlightening discussion that highlights the beauty and significance of Catholic post-secondary education.If you are interested in our school, make sure to chec...
2025-05-0949 minCatholic Education MattersParent’s Perspective: Finding Community at SJPIIWould 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 initiatives like the alumni golf tournament. If you are interested in our school, make sure to check...
2025-04-2540 minCatholic Education MattersEnter to Learn. Leave to Serve: The Mission Behind The Motto With SJPII's Founding Principal Michel DesLauriersWhat 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 Serve.” From humble beginnings to a legacy rooted in service, this conversation celebrates the passion, persev...
2025-04-111h 03Catholic Education MattersFaith, Generosity, and Community: In Conversation with Tom CooperCan 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-based initiatives like the BC Leadership Prayer Breakfast and the Jesuit Scotch Event bring people together for a greater cause. Tom shares his insights o...
2025-03-2858 minCatholic Education MattersBeyond the Blueprint: The People and Process Behind Building St. John Paul II AcademyWhat 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 project. Tune in to hear about the innovative architectural choices, the importance of maintaining school culture, and the vision...
2025-03-141h 03Catholic Education MattersCatholic Pacific College’s Vision for Catholic FormationFaith, 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 the critical role of living a faith-centered life. The discussion also highlights the challenges of balancing secular academic pressures with the nurturing of spiritual values, ultimately...
2025-02-281h 03Catholic Education MattersCatholic Values with MLA Brent ChapmanHow 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, this conversation dives deep into the importance of preserving faith-based education, fostering moral leadership, and shared values. If yo...
2025-02-1450 minCatholic Education MattersFrom Baptisms to Bursaries: Revitalizing Catholic EducationEvery Catholic school is a continuation of the mission of the church, to shape lives and build faith. - Father Augustine ObiwummaIn 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 conversions, and the impact of Catholic education on the broader community, this conversation highlights why investing in faith-based schooling...
2025-02-0749 minCatholic Education MattersWhy Catholic Education Matters: A Conversation with Archbishop Michael MillerWhat 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 J. Michael Miller’s Service and Influence
(03:00) - Challenges and Cultural Shifts in Catholic Education
(05:11) - Growth and Vision of St. John Pa...
2024-12-2038 min