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. 4D AGO

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 12/19/2025

    Coming Home: Discovering the Eucharist, Beauty, and Truth of the Catholic Faith

    In 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 stool” alongside family and parish life, the role of conversion and reversion stories in deepening faith, and a strong commitment to stewardship and philanthropy.  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 (00:01) - Welcome to Catholic Education Matters (01:30) - Protestant Roots and a Son’s Question That Sparked Everything (03:38) - Confronting Misconceptions and Discovering the Catholic Church (05:53) - Books, Crisis, and the Pull Toward the Eucharist (09:32) - Entering the Church Together: RCIA, Family Unity, and Belonging (13:29) - Discovering the Real Presence: The Eucharist as the Center (16:34) - Why Catholic Education Matters: Faith, Formation, and Future Generations (24:18) - Stewardship, Philanthropy, and the Challenge of Giving Big (26:17) - “You Can’t Outgive God”: Learning to Ask and Give Generously (27:51) - A Hand-Carved Corpus and a Providential Gift to the School Chapel (32:16) - Art, Faith, and Saying Yes to Life (37:23) - The Joy of Giving and Why Generosity Fulfills the Soul (40:30) - Quiet Catholic Impact: Charity, Healthcare, and Pro-Life Witness (43:25) - Catholic Education and Forming the Next Generation of Leaders

    49 min

  5. 12/12/2025

    Archbishop Richard Smith on the Mission, Hope, and Heart of Catholic Education

    In 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 young people find in Christ. Archbishop Smith also shares his early experiences visiting Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, speaking candidly about the profound suffering caused by addiction and homelessness, the dignity of every person, and the need for deeper collaboration and creative solutions. Through themes of mission, compassion, and community, the episode underscores the heart of Catholic education and the call to serve those most in need. 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 (00:01) - Welcome to Catholic Education Matters (00:35) - First Impressions and Settling Into a New Archdiocese (03:53) - Why Catholic Education Matters (07:53) - Building St. John Paul II Academy and Personal Transformation (11:05) - Introducing Catholic Liberal Arts and Faith-Infused Learning (15:50) - Family, School, and Parish: The Three-Legged Stool of Formation (18:25) - The Downtown Eastside: Confronting Suffering and Addiction (26:22) - The Role of Government vs. Private and Faith-Based Action (31:00) - Christianity, Family, and the Foundations of a Healthy Society (38:01) - Family as the Heart of Faith Formation (41:10) - Creating Sacred Spaces That Reflect the Faith’s Beauty (43:15) - Closing Reflections and Hope for the Future of the School

    44 min

  6. 11/28/2025

    Raising Souls in a Noisy World: Rolando Islas on the Heart of Catholic Education

    This 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 families and schools struggle to counterbalance. Using philosophy, history, and storytelling, he highlights the need for strong moral formation, intentional family-school partnership, and education that helps young people develop maturity, resilience, and a firm grounding in truth in an increasingly complex 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 (00:01) - Welcome to Catholic Education Matters (00:27) - What Catholic Liberal Arts Truly Mean Today (02:29) - How Relativism Replaced a God-Centered Worldview (07:08) - The Rise of Secularism and the Crisis of Identity (14:23) - Influence Overload: Phones, Pressure & Modern Youth (21:59) - The Sword and the Sandals: A Parenting Story for Our Time (29:40) - Rebuilding the School–Family Partnership (39:16) - Technology, Phones, and the Loss of Real Social Interaction (41:30) - Complexity, Uncertainty, and Military Frameworks for Global Events (43:45) - Moral Foundations, Relativism, and the Erosion of Truth (46:00) - “Islands of Certainty”: Anchoring Education and Moral Formation (48:15) - Probability Over Certainty: Slowing Down in a Hyper-Accelerated World (50:35) - AI, Humanism, and the Decline of Creative and Critical Thinking (52:47) - Automation, Social Disconnection, and the Future of Human Interaction (56:24) - AI, Technology, and the Dual-Edged Sword of Innovation (58:52) - Creativity, Human Thought, and the Limits of AI (01:01:09) - The Importance of Critical Thinking and Reading (01:06:32) - Moral Education and Media Literacy in the Modern Age (01:13:11) - Responsible Use of Technology and Teaching Probabilities (01:16:40) - Embracing Fragility, Purpose, and Meaningful Relationships (01:22:55) - Catholic Education, Faith, and Forming Ethical Foundations (01:35:44) - Outro

    1h 36m

  7. 11/14/2025

    From Tragedy to Purpose: Robb Nash’s Journey of Faith, Music, and Mental Health

    In 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 touring schools, prisons, and communities across Canada, Robb has collected nearly 1,000 suicide notes from youth who decided to live after hearing his message. This heartfelt conversation explores faith, purpose, the dangers of “everything happens for a reason,” and the urgent need to restore hope, truth, and connection in today’s culture. View Robb's documentary here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yv36pj61oYs   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

    1h 26m

  8. 10/31/2025

    Leading with Heart: Andy Szocs on People, Purpose, and the Power of Generosity

    In 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 reflects on rediscovering his Catholic faith, the transformative power of generosity, and how intentional leadership and compassion can make a lasting impact on others’ lives. 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 (02:17) - From Engineer to Entrepreneur (05:32) - Building Norpack with Purpose (08:22) - Leadership, Mentorship & Recognition (18:04) - Selling Norpack to Employees (19:45) - Faith, Philanthropy & Giving While Living (31:23) - Experiencing the NAPA Institute: A Gathering of Faith and Leadership (33:28) - Divine Renovation, Live Art, and Catholic Inspiration (35:11) - A Mother’s Pride and the Power of Pilgrimage (36:10) - The 12-Year Journey of Building St. John Paul II Academy (40:07) - Keeping Our Catholic Schools Truly Catholic (43:06) - Giving While Living: Finding Purpose Through Philanthropy (48:32) - Building a Church in Whistler: Miracles, Gratitude, and Faith in Action (55:21) - Trusting the Holy Spirit and Living Your God-Given Gifts (58:21) - The True Reward of Giving and Living Generously (01:06:11) - Outro

    1h 6m
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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
    27
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 SJP2 Foundation
  • Show Website
    Catholic Education Matters