Faith, Generosity, and Community: In Conversation with Tom Cooper
Catholic Education Matters
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-based initiatives like the BC Leadership Prayer Breakfast and the Jesuit Scotch Event bring people together for a greater cause. Tom shares his insights on fostering unity between Catholics and Protestants, engaging non-Catholic philanthropists in Catholic causes, and why true generosity extends far beyond financial contributions. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about faith, service, and the lasting impact of giving. 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) - Introduction * (01:15) - Meet Tom Cooper * (07:09) - Working with the Catholic Church and Philanthropy * (10:20) - The Impact of Catholic Schools and Bursaries * (13:02) - What Led Tom to Officially Convert to Catholicism? * (19:12) - Fundraising for Catholic Schools and the Role of Generosity * (25:43) - The Role of St. Mark’s and Corpus Christi in Catholic Education * (28:17) - Expanding the Reach of Catholic Education Beyond the Church * (31:25) - The Role of Non-Catholic Philanthropists in Supporting Catholic Causes * (33:23) - The Vancouver Prayer Breakfast * (42:21) - The Jesuit Scotch Event * (48:01) - The Power of Storytelling in Fundraising and Advocacy * (49:45) - How Catholic Education Shapes Future Leaders * (57:24) - Conclusion