Catholic Education Matters

SJP2 Foundation
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Welcome to Catholic Education Matters the podcast that celebrates the beauty of Catholic education, highlighting excellence in academics, athletics, and the transformative power of faith. Join us as we share the stories of those making a lasting impact on Catholic education.

  1. May 15

    Why Catholic Education Matters More Than Ever in Today’s World

    In this special live panel discussion on the future and importance of Catholic education, host Troy Van Vliet brings together an outstanding group of Catholic educational leaders including Dr. Gerry Turcotte of Corpus Christi College and St. Mark’s College, Scott Roy of Catholic Pacific College, Anthony Walters of St. John Paul II Academy, and Mich DesLauriers for a thoughtful and engaging conversation about why Catholic education matters now more than ever. The panel explores the challenges facing young people in today’s increasingly secular and digitally driven culture, including loneliness, confusion around truth and identity, and the search for meaning and purpose. Throughout the discussion, the speakers explain how Catholic education offers students something deeper than academics alone — providing hope, authentic community, moral formation, spiritual grounding, and a clear sense of purpose rooted in faith in Jesus Christ. Drawing from decades of experience in Catholic schools, colleges, and universities, the panelists share personal stories and powerful insights about the role of prayer, service, virtue, leadership, and authentic Christian witness in shaping young people. The conversation dives into important themes such as objective versus subjective truth, the importance of living faith through action, the integration of intellectual and moral formation, and how Catholic schools help students develop confidence in their beliefs while engaging respectfully with a world that often challenges Christian values. From classroom culture and athletics to service projects and daily prayer, this discussion highlights how Catholic education seeks to form not only successful students, but compassionate, resilient, and faith-filled leaders prepared to serve their communities and live with integrity in today’s world. If you are interested in our school, make sure to check out our website:🌐 https://www.sjp2academy.com/ Follow us on social media: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sjp2academy/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sjp2academy 🐦 X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/SJPIIAcademy (00:00) - Intro (00:30) - Welcome & Introduction of the Catholic Education Panel (02:07) - Introducing the Educational Leaders and Their Mission (09:12) - Why Catholic Education Matters More Than Ever (10:12) - Hope, Loneliness, and the Crisis Facing Young People (12:27) - Meaning, Purpose, and Objective Truth in a Secular Culture (17:22) - Why Parents Continue to Choose Catholic Schools (21:16) - Beyond Academics: Formation, Prayer, and Character Development (30:18) - Faith in Action: Living the Gospel Through Service and Community (41:25) - Incarnational Education and the Crisis of Despair (43:26) - Forming Service-Minded Graduates Through Faith in Action (46:46) - Why Catholic Schools Must Prioritize Relationships Over Technology (50:15) - How the Alpha Program Reintroduces Students to Jesus Christ (52:25) - The One Virtue Young People Need Most: Grit (57:10) - AI, Human Connection, and the Future of Education (01:00:01) - How Catholic Schools Keep Their Identity and Faith Alive (01:09:09) - Answering Difficult Questions About the Catholic Faith with Confidence

    1h 12m

  2. Apr 27

    Building Better Men: How Glenwood Is Shaping Faith, Purpose, and Leadership

    In this episode of Catholic Education Matters, host Troy Van Vliet speaks with Mauricio Morales, director of Opus Dei’s Glenwood Centre in Vancouver, a vibrant character-building community for men focused on integrating faith into everyday life. Morales shares how Glenwood provides mentoring, spiritual direction, residence, and formation programs for high school students, university students, and professionals, all rooted in the vision of “sanctifying ordinary life” inspired by Saint Josemaría Escrivá. Through personal accompaniment, practical guidance, and strong community life, the Centre helps men grow in virtue, leadership, and purpose—especially amid modern cultural confusion about identity and masculinity. The conversation highlights the power of authentic friendship, mentorship, and living faith with intention, showing how small, consistent efforts toward excellence and integrity can transform lives and positively influence others in subtle but profound ways. If you are interested in our school, make sure to check out our website:🌐 https://www.sjp2academy.com/ Follow us on social media: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sjp2academy/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sjp2academy 🐦 X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/SJPIIAcademy (00:00) - Intro (00:49) - What Is Glenwood? Mission and Formation for Young Men (02:40) - Mauricio’s Journey: From Peru to Canada (05:08) - What Is Opus Dei? “God’s Work” Explained (07:16) - Life Inside Glenwood: Programs, Mentorship & Community (10:01) - Living at Glenwood: A Home for University Students (13:07) - A Day in the Life: Formation, Study, and Brotherhood (15:19) - Finding God in Ordinary Life: The Core Message (21:13) - Real Impact: Stories of Transformation Through Faith (28:48) - Challenges Facing Young Men Today (31:31) - Forming Leaders: Virtue, Excellence, and Purpose (36:26) - Beyond the Building: The True Mission of Opus Dei (37:24) - Bringing Faith Anywhere: Living the Message in Daily Life (37:32) - Can Opus Dei Gatherings Happen Outside Glenwood? (39:09) - How Schools Can Partner with Opus Dei (40:32) - The Critical Role of Teachers in Catholic Formation (42:00) - Why Faith Must Be Woven Into Every Subject (45:18) - Forming Students to Live Faith in the Real World (49:00) - Leading by Example: Faith in Action at Catholic Schools (54:12) - Outro

    55 min

  3. Apr 26

    From Secular to Sacred: Restoring Faith in Higher Education

    In this episode of Catholic Education Matters, host Troy Van Vliet welcomes Dr. Geri Forsberg, a distinguished scholar in media ecology and communication, to share her remarkable journey from humble beginnings to earning a fully funded PhD at New York University and her work as a professor at Western Washington University. Dr. Forsberg reflects on the stark contrast between Christian and secular education, her efforts to build a faith-based community among professors, and her decades-long mission to reintroduce Christian thought into higher education. The conversation explores concerns about ideological influence in universities, the loss of moral and historical grounding in society, and the importance of restoring truth through education, publishing, and cultural engagement. Together, they emphasize the urgent need to bring faith, critical thinking, and a strong moral compass back into schools, while offering hope through grassroots initiatives, renewed scholarship, and a growing movement to reclaim the spiritual foundations of Western education.  If you are interested in our school, make sure to check out our website:🌐 https://www.sjp2academy.com/ Follow us on social media: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sjp2academy/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sjp2academy 🐦 X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/SJPIIAcademy (00:00) - Intro (02:40) - From Farm Life to Fully Funded PhD Journey (05:12) - Transition from Christian to Secular University (07:21) - Building a Christian Community on Campus (10:05) - DEI Training, Ideology, and University Culture (12:13) - The Loss of Truth and Moral Foundations in Society (16:27) - Restoring Faith in Universities and Education Systems (21:08) - Biblical Literacy, Art, and Reclaiming Cultural History (25:08) - “Professing Christ”: Bringing Faith Back into Universities (27:22) - The Battle of Ideas: Competing Worldviews in Academic Publishing (31:27) - Faith-Based Media & Taking Action (Angel Studios Example) (34:28) - The Role of the Christian Professor in a Secular World (39:02) - Questioning Technology: What It Means to Be Human Today (44:08) - How Technology Has Transformed Human Thinking (49:19) - From Radio Imagination to Passive Screen Consumption (50:48) - AI: Tool for Truth or Threat to Humanity? (52:25) - The Future of Work and Purpose in an AI World (58:21) - Social Media, Anxiety & the “Anxious Generation” (01:10:24) - A Culture Searching for God Again (01:19:30) - Outro

    1h 20m

  4. Mar 20

    Faith, Fun, and the Canucks: Clay Imoo’s Journey of Faith and Connection

    This episode of Catholic Education Matters features a rich and engaging conversation with Clay Imoo, a longtime youth ministry leader in the Archdiocese of Vancouver, who shares his journey from a non-religious upbringing to a life transformed by his Catholic faith after his conversion in 1993. Drawing on nearly three decades of experience, Clay discusses his current role supporting children, youth, and families across parish ministries, equipping leaders through training, resources, and mentorship. He highlights his passion for forming young people through authentic relationships, emphasizing that true evangelization begins with listening, accompaniment, and genuine care—captured in his key message that people won’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. Clay reflects on the pivotal experiences that shaped his vocation, including World Youth Day, his early involvement in parish youth ministry, and even professional setbacks that redirected him toward ministry work. He also shares powerful stories of impact, including young people who have gone on to religious vocations and leadership roles, underscoring the lasting fruit of investing in youth. The conversation explores the importance of strong Catholic identity in schools, the role of clergy presence and the sacraments, and how youth ministry helps foster openness to all vocations—priesthood, religious life, marriage, and single life. Blending insight, humor, and personal storytelling, Clay ultimately reveals a mission rooted in helping others encounter Christ and live a life of purpose, faith, and lasting impact. If you are interested in our school, make sure to check out our website:🌐 https://www.sjp2academy.com/ Follow us on social media: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sjp2academy/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sjp2academy 🐦 X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/SJPIIAcademy (00:00) - Intro (00:48) - Clay’s Role in the Archdiocese & Passion for Youth Ministry (02:27) - Supporting Parishes: Training Leaders & Children’s Liturgy (05:47) - Working with Youth: Retreats, Schools, and Speaking Engagements (07:26) - What It Means to Truly Witness Your Faith (10:07) - Canuck Clay: YouTube, Parody Songs, and Building Community (11:38) - Humour in Ministry & Building Trust with Church Leaders (16:18) - Clay’s Conversion Story: From High School to Catholic Faith (18:16) - World Youth Day & Discovering a Life of Ministry (23:20) - Going Back to School: Growth Through Theology Studies (25:59) - Impact Stories: Vocations, Leadership, and Changed Lives (28:46) - The Lesson That Changed Everything (30:14) - Building Trust: Listening Before Leading Youth (31:08) - Why Youth Ministry Matters for Vocations (35:09) - The Impact of Priests’ Presence in Catholic Schools (41:15) - Family, Faith, and Forming the Next Generation (47:30) - Outro

    48 min

  5. Mar 6

    When Loss Leads to Heaven: A Therapist’s Journey Through Grief and Grace

    In this episode of Catholic Education Matters, host Troy Van Vliet sits down with Dr. Larissa Rossen, Assistant Professor of Counseling Psychology at Trinity Western University, to share her powerful journey from growing up without faith in Australia to converting to Catholicism in 2018 and building a life rooted in Christ in Vancouver. Dr. Rossen opens up about meeting her husband on a beach in Hawaii, her intentional RCIA journey, and how the tragic stillbirth of her firstborn son profoundly deepened her faith and understanding of hope, eternity, and the “dark night of the soul.” Now a wife, mother, professor, and practicing therapist in West Vancouver, she discusses how faith intersects with counseling, the formation of future therapists, navigating accreditation within a Christian university, and her clinical work using Internal Family Systems through a Catholic lens. This heartfelt conversation explores grief, resilience, vocation, and how authentic faith can transform both personal suffering and professional calling. If you are interested in our school, make sure to check out our website:🌐 https://www.sjp2academy.com/ Follow us on social media: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sjp2academy/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sjp2academy 🐦 X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/SJPIIAcademy (00:00) - Intro (00:40) - From Australia to Vancouver: A Love Story in Hawaii (03:02) - A Journey to Catholicism: Conversion Through RCIA (05:00) - Searching for Meaning: Growing Up Without Faith (06:12) - Loss and Hope: The Stillbirth of Their Son (11:14) - Grief, Faith, and the Dark Night of the Soul (17:05) - Teaching at Trinity Western: Faith in Counseling Psychology (27:09) - Internal Family Systems: Integrating Therapy and Catholic Faith (31:10) - Internal Family Systems: Making Space for Our “Parts” (33:10) - Discovery, Blended Parts & Exploring Anger and Shame (36:26) - Emotions, Victimhood & A Catholic View of the Human Person (42:45) - What Does Healing Look Like? Faith, Trauma & Counseling (44:15) - Grief Work: Ceremony, Nature & Moving Through Pain (48:21) - Healing Family Relationships & Letting Go with Peace (52:09) - Motherhood, Career & Trusting Maternal Intuition (56:30) - Weaving Faith into Daily Life, Family & Education (01:00:00) - Outro

    1h 1m

  6. Feb 20

    The Shroud of Turin: Science, Mystery, and the Face of Christ

    In this episode of Catholic Education Matters, Troy Van Vliet speaks with historian Dr. Cheryl White of Louisiana State University at Shreveport to explore the enduring mystery of the Shroud of Turin. Dr. White shares her powerful journey as both a convert and revert to the Catholic faith, and explains why the Shroud - an ancient 14.5-foot linen cloth bearing the image of a crucified man - continues to challenge historians, scientists, and skeptics alike. From forensic evidence of Roman scourging and crucifixion to modern light-pulse experiments that still cannot reproduce the image, the conversation unpacks the Shroud’s profound intersection of faith and reason. Addressing the controversial 1988 carbon dating, recent research developments, and stories of personal conversion sparked by encounters with the Shroud, this episode invites listeners to confront one of history’s greatest mysteries—and consider what it ultimately means. If you are interested in our school, make sure to check out our website:🌐 https://www.sjp2academy.com/ Follow us on social media: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sjp2academy/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sjp2academy 🐦 X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/SJPIIAcademy (00:00) - Intro (04:17) - A Convert at 18: Discovering the Catholic Faith (08:28) - From Catholic to Protestant… and Back Again (12:58) - What Is the Shroud? A 14-Foot Linen with a Crucified Man (16:05) - Not a Painting: The Scientific Mystery of the Image (19:11) - Forensic Evidence: AB Blood, Scourging & Crucifixion Details (23:07) - Conversions & Skeptics: The Shroud’s Spiritual Impact (27:16) - The 1988 Carbon Dating Controversy Revisited (31:28) - The Light Pulse Experiment: Why Science Can’t Reproduce It (37:37) - A Photographic Negative? The Shroud’s Unique Imaging Mystery (39:01) - Where Is the Shroud Today? Turin, Italy & Its Historical Record Since 1355 (40:22) - From Constantinople to Turin: Tracing the Shroud’s Journey Through History (41:16) - Owned by the Pope? The House of Savoy & Private Custody Explained (42:35) - Seeing the Real Shroud: Faith, Reason & a Powerful Personal Encounter (47:07) - Why She Speaks: Blessings, Skeptics & Leaning Into Hard Questions (51:11) - Outro

    52 min

  7. Feb 6

    Golfing for a Greater Purpose: How the Alumni Gold Tournament Helps to Transform Catholic Education

    This 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, ensuring no family is turned away for financial reasons, while building a broader Catholic community committed to accessible, excellent education rooted in faith.  If you are interested in our school, make sure to check out our website:🌐 https://www.sjp2academy.com/ Follow us on social media: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sjp2academy/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sjp2academy 🐦 X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/SJPIIAcademy (00:00) - Intro (01:13) - Student Success Stories: From SJP2 to University Excellence (03:40) - Homeschooling to High School: Finding the Right Educational Fit (06:49) - Building Community Through Partnerships & Faith-Based Learning (11:07) - The Beauty of the New Campus & Faith Through Architecture (13:40) - Alumni Golf Tournament: Funding Bursaries & Building Access (15:30) - Bursaries Explained: Ensuring Access to Catholic Education (18:53) - Community Support, Sponsorships, and Why the Tournament Works (23:41) - Real Impact: How Bursaries Change Students’ Lives46:53 Outro (25:15) - How Givergy, Auctions, and Sponsorships Expand the Mission (29:02) - Building a Parent, Alumni, and Volunteer Community (34:57) - Growing Demand for School Transportation and Bus Access (35:47) - Expanding Bus Routes: Sacred Heart, Surrey, and Feeder Schools (37:12) - Removing Barriers: Public Transit, Bus Stops, and Safe Access (38:25) - Overcoming Obstacles Through Vision, Faith, and Momentum (39:19) - Families Traveling Far for Catholic Education and Carpooling Solutions (41:02) - Humble Beginnings: From Portables to a Thriving Catholic School (42:20) - Athletics, Bursaries, and the Impact of the Golf Tournament (49:00) - Outro

    49 min

  8. Jan 23

    Coming Home to the Catholic Church: A Journey Through Scripture, Tradition, and Conversion

    In 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 ultimately shared with his wife and, over time, his entire family. The conversation also weaves in Troy’s own reversion story as a cradle Catholic and his passion for Catholic education, highlighting how faith, discipline, and authentic community can transform lives. Together, they reflect on the beauty of the Church, the importance of formation, and the hope found in vibrant Catholic initiatives like the NAPA Institute, underscoring why Catholic education and faithful leadership matter now more than ever. If you are interested in our school, make sure to check out our website:🌐 https://www.sjp2academy.com/ Follow us on social media: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sjp2academy/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sjp2academy 🐦 X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/SJPIIAcademy (00:00) - Intro (00:58) - Raised Evangelical: Early Faith, Doubt, and Searching (02:37) - A First Conversion: Realizing God Was Missing (04:06) - A Life-Changing Encounter with Christ in Scripture (06:21) - Letting Go of Idols and Learning True Surrender (07:28) - Studying Church History and Questioning Sola Scriptura (11:48) - Who Decided the Bible? Authority, Councils, and Tradition (13:43) - Marriage, RCIA, and Entering the Catholic Church Together (18:03) - An Entire Family’s Gradual Conversion to Catholicism (23:26) - Cradle Catholic Reversion and the Power of Catholic Education (31:15) - The NAPA Institute and Renewing Catholic Leadership (35:27) - The Vision and Impact of the NAPA Institute (36:21) - Teamwork Consulting: Building Mission-Driven Organizations (38:20) - Why Strong Leadership Shapes Culture (40:38) - Addressing Dysfunction and Protecting Culture (45:53) - Hiring with Discernment in Catholic Education (46:31) - Final Reflections and Closing Blessing (46:53) - Outro

    47 min
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About

Welcome to Catholic Education Matters the podcast that celebrates the beauty of Catholic education, highlighting excellence in academics, athletics, and the transformative power of faith. Join us as we share the stories of those making a lasting impact on Catholic education.

Information

  • Creator
    SJP2 Foundation
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    32
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 SJP2 Foundation
  • Show Website
    Catholic Education Matters

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