Leadership
Board of Directors
Dr. Ryan N.S. Topping
Brian Holdsworth
Dr. Celene Sidloski
Catherine Renneberg
Caleb Ropp
Patron
His Eminence Thomas Cardinal Collins
Staff
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Dr. Topping is the founding Executive Director of the Gregory the Great Institute, a non-profit organization devoted to promoting cultural renewal in Canada. He is the author of over 10 books on Catholic education and culture. He holds a doctorate from the University of Oxford and is a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal. In his professorial career he taught in the US and helped establish or lead three Catholic Studies programs in Canada, including while serving as Academic Dean. He has worked as a consultant to both provincial and federal elected officials. Dr. Topping and his wife have 10 children and are a founding family of Campion Classical Academy in Alberta. His most recent book is "Thinking as Though God Exists: Newman on Evangelizing the 'Nones'." His YouTube Series launches during Easter 2026.
Ms. Renneberg is the Director of Programs at the Gregory the Great Institute. She holds an M.Div. from Newman Theological College, serves on the Board of St. Therese Institute in Saskatchewan, and has worked for a variety of churches and ministries in Western Canada.
Mr. Carpay is a lifelong Albertan passionate about renewing culture through faith and reason. Prior to working on Communications and Development for the Gregory the Great Institute, Victor completed his Bachelor of Arts in Catholic Studies from Newman Theological College. Victor possesses many years of experience in sales, business and political activism.
Fellows
Dr. Joe Woodard
Calgary
Dr. Celene Sidloski
Saskatoon
Mark Ingham
(Phd. Cand)
Barry’s Bay
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Fr. Michael Bombak
Toronto
Advisory Board
Jeff Lockert
President, CCO Canada
Fr Dcn Andrew Bennett
Cardus, formerly Canadian Ambassador for Religious Freedom
Dr. Keith Cassidy
Past President and Chair of the Board of Seat of Wisdom College
Alane Boudreau
Founding Board member of the St John Choir Schola, Calgary
Board Subcommittee Members
Fundraising:
Chair: Caleb Ropp
Vice-Chair: Evan Ropp
Secretary: Jesse Underwood
Member: Kyle King
Member: Annie Engler
Member: Thierry Karikurubu
Programs:
Chair: Dr. Celene Sidloski
Vice-Chair: Ian Mahood
Secretary: Nicholas Kunysz
Member: Patrick Schiller
Member: Peter Csillag