Family Matters: A Conversation with Sister John Mary Sullivan, FSE
Catholic Education Matters
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 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 visiting schools, mentoring young women discerning religious life, and accompanying couples through both joy and grief, Sister John Mary highlights the transformative power of faith, community, and sacrificial love, while offering a powerful witness to the radical joy found in living for God. Note: this episode was recorded in April 2025, one month before Sr. John Mary moved back to Connecticut to serve as the Director of the Franciscan Life Center - a licensed outpatient mental health facility run by the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist near their motherhouse in Meriden, Connecticut. 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) - Intro * (00:31) - Meet Sister John Mary Sullivan * (01:20) - Family, Tragedy, and the Seeds of Vocation * (04:45) - Discovering the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist * (08:56) - Formation, Vows, and Embracing Religious Life * (10:34) - Serving Through Marriage & Family Ministry * (16:57) - Visiting Schools and Inspiring Young Hearts * (23:56) - From Arizona to Vancouver: Answering the Call * (27:08) - Moments of Profound Impact in Ministry * (34:33) - Poverty, Chastity & Obedience: Witnessing Joy Beyond Culture * (39:12) - Countercultural Living: Poverty, Chastity, and Obedience * (42:18) - How God Works Through Everyday Encounters * (46:05) - Encouragement for Young People Discerning Their Call * (49:40) - Final Reflections on Faith, Family, and Community * (57:29) - Outro