Catholic Education Matters

In this episode of Catholic Education Matters , host Troy Van Vliet sits down with veteran educator, actor, and filmmaker Jimmy Crescenzo, founder of the East End Boys Club, to explore how faith, mentorship, and authentic relationships can transform the lives of young people. Drawing from his own experience growing up without a father, Jimmy shares how adversity shaped his mission to help at-risk...

In this episode of Catholic Education Matters , host Troy Van Vliet chats with renowned wildlife photographer, filmmaker, and St. John Paul II Academy parent John Banovich to explore an extraordinary journey of faith, suffering, resilience, and purpose. John shares the life-changing story of surviving a devastating head-on collision with an impaired driver that left him clinically dead, severely i...

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 convers...

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...

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...

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, yout...

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...

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 - contin...

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...

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 trut...

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...

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...

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 ph...

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 ope...

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, mento...

In 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...

This 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...

In 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 hi...

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...

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 m...

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 concep...

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. Darre...

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,...

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...

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 exp...