Clay Imoo

I wasn’t raised in a religious household. I don’t have many childhood memories of going to church – any church – not even for weddings, funerals, or baptisms. Neither of my parents were brought up in religion. In fact, the only experience either of them had was when my dad’s family (as Japanese Canadians) were interned during World War II. Thus, my dad was placed in a residential school run by Catholic sisters…and he was altar serving at Masses without likely knowing what he was doing!

I was enjoying high school and admittedly doing quite well. I had a good group of friends, I was Student Council President, involved in athletics and music, and won every single subject award for my grade. It sounds like I’m showing off but it sets things up for the rest of my story.

My friends were beginning to experiment with drinking, drugs, and sex but I didn’t partake. Truly, it was less about a moral high ground, rather I’d lived a pretty sheltered life and none of it appealed to me.

In high school, I also met Gail (who is now my wife). We started dating in December 1989 after meeting in our high school musical (no…not THAT high school musical). Gail is a cradle-Catholic, born and raised in the Philippines. After a few months of dating, Gail brought me to the Easter Vigil at her home parish of St. Paul’s in Richmond, BC. I was respectful, curious, and completely lost.

Over the next few weeks, Gail would subtly write out prayers in my school agenda book. Thus, I would find the “Our Father” when going to write down my Physics homework. Or I’d see the “Hail Mary” when reminding myself to pack my gym shoes. Her approach was most befitting of her disposition: inviting, humble, and gentle.

Whenever I was at her house, she’d invite me to participate in the family rosary. She’d also invite me to prayer groups, and of course, Mass. I’d occasionally go to Mass with Gail and her family, mostly for the free meal we’d enjoy afterwards. But even at Mass, I was still respectful and curious. My favourite part of Mass was the Sign of Peace, where I’d transform into a hand-shaking machine, grabbing any limb that I could find.

Early in 1992, our friend Christina started a “youth choir” at St. Paul’s. She invited Gail and me to join, Gail for her voice and me so I could drive Gail to rehearsals and Mass. All kidding aside, I’m an okay vocalist but a much better musician. Now, I was at Mass every week, physically closer to the altar. I started to notice more things, especially with the priest was doing and saying. My curiosity grew stronger.

So much so that in the fall of 1992, I joined RCIA with Gail as my sponsor. Now I was at two Masses on Sunday: one for choir and with the RCIA crew. Looking back, I am so grateful for the many people involved in the early stages of my faith life. And for the fact they didn’t kick me out of the group.

I was received into the Church on April 10, 1993 at the Easter Vigil, three years after attending my very first Mass with Gail (also an Easter Vigil). Being 18 years old at the time, there was no way I could have predicted what God had in store for me.

Later that year, I went to World Youth Day in Denver. There I was, a four-month old Catholic, with 700,000 young pilgrims from around the world. I was awe-struck by the crowds, the celebrations, the joyfulness, and by Pope John Paul II. The theme for that World Youth Day was from John 10:10: “I came that you might have life, and have it abundantly.” It was in Denver that I also attended a “Life Teen” rally.

I didn’t know this at the time, but Christina had been working with my good friends Richard and Zinha for months to bring Life Teen to our parish. On November 5, 1993, St. Paul’s became the first parish in Canada to officially use Life Teen as its youth ministry. I was on the original Core Team, and it was thrilling to be part of something so new, so good, and so exciting. Being such a new Catholic posed its challenges at times, as I often felt like the teens knew more than me. They probably did in some cases.

I obtained my Bachelor of Commerce from the University of British Columbia in April 1996. I was set to become a Chartered Accountant, following in my mother’s footsteps. I landed a job with a prestigious accounting firm and was looking forward to passing my exams on my way to a successful business career.

During this time, Gail and I continued to serve in our parish youth ministry. In 1997, I took over the title of parish youth ministry coordinator from Richard and I started to feel very confident in my abilities as a youth minister, coordinator, advocate, and speaker.

And then I had to write my accounting exams. The exams were graded A though H, with A, B, C, and D being passing grades and E, F, G, and H being failing grades. I wrote three exams and my transcript read HHH. Horrible, horrific, and horrendous. Remember what I was saying about acing all of my high school subjects?

After four years of university and a couple of years working at the firm, I had completely failed out of the professional accounting program. I was very scared. I was looking forward to eventually proposing to Gail and providing for her. This was indeed my desert time.

I’ll admit that my first reaction was “Why did God let this happen to me?” I was confused, frustrated, embarrassed, and ashamed. I sojourned on in youth ministry, but for the first time since coming into the Church, I was doubting my faith.

Thankfully, the firm did not fire me – as they did with everyone else who failed the exams. They moved me into human resources to help recruit students to the firm. Think of it as corporate evangelization haha. I strengthened my communication, facilitation, and public speaking skills. I had a new purpose at work.

I proposed to Gail in February 1999 (at a parish youth ministry event of course) and we got married at St. Paul’s in July 2000. It was an amazing moment being united at the very altar where I was accepted into the Church seven years prior. We welcomed our first child Sean Isaiah in August 2001. During these transition years, Gail quit youth ministry to focus on her teaching career. As for me, I started to do more work for the Archdiocese of Vancouver as our parish youth ministry continued to grow and gain prominence.

Then came World Youth Day 2002 in Toronto. I only do the North American ones…maybe I’m a wimp or something. I helped to lead a group of 40 pilgrims from our parish as we made our way across the country. Compared to my first WYD in 1993 in Denver, I was now nine years wiser, more mature, more experienced, and the same good-looking. The theme for this WYD was from Matthew 5:13-14: “"You are the salt of the earth...you are the light of the world"

I went to Toronto seeking clarity. I asked God to show me my purpose in life. To teach me how to be a better husband, father, friend, and servant. I was still excited by the crowds, the celebrations, and the opportunity to see an ailing Pope John Paul II. But make no mistake about it: I was very focused on myself and on what God was saying to me.

Two months after returning home, I saw a job posting in the BC Catholic for the position of “Director of the Office of Youth Ministry”. Inspired by my Toronto experience, I applied on the very last day. By the grace of God, I emerged from the recruiting process as the successful candidate. And I’ve been working for the Archdiocese of Vancouver ever since.

As soon as I obtained the archdiocesan position, I stepped down from my parish youth ministry coordinator position. So my two World Youth Day experiences “book-ended” my parish youth ministry.

In 2003, we had our second son Jacob Isaac. And in 2007, Kayla Marie was born…the first Imoo girl in 75 years! Now, Sean is in his second year in business school at UBC, Jacob is in grade 12 (and is a national bowling champion), and Kayla just started high school in grade 8.

I absolutely love working for the Archdiocese of Vancouver. I get to play with salvation history every day! I’ve served predominantly in youth and young adult ministry, but in the last few years I’ve been serving as an associate director for the Ministries and Outreach Office. Think of us as the “pastoral services” arm of our archdiocese, and our mission statement is to “lead people into deep and lasting encounters with Jesus Christ”.

I also devote 10-15 hours a week working in our Communications Office, where I can really let my creative juices fly. I’ve been blessed to emcee multiple events (in our archdiocese and beyond) and even create viral Bad Joke Videos with Archbishop Miller.

Outside of work, I’m a musician, bowler, writer, and speaker. I’ve been our Religious Education Director at St. Paul’s for the past 10 years, with Gail as my assistant and with Sean and Jake as catechists. And all three kids are involved in our parish youth ministry. As well, I’m studying for a Master of Arts in Leadership in the New Evangelization from the Augustine Institute.

I’m also a YouTuber; I have a daily channel covering the Vancouver Canucks. This is where I spend most of my spare time and energy. I’ve made music videos with hockey players, played the organ at a Canucks game, and even watched a game in an empty arena during this pandemic.

Going back to John 10:10, I truly have an abundant life. I didn’t see it at first, but failing my accounting exams was probably the best thing to happen to me. It humbled me and forced me to see that I couldn’t do everything on my own. Thus, my favourite scripture is from Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”.

Failing my exams taught me to rely on God. And to have faith that things would work out on His time, and not on mine. That it is His will to be done, and not mine. It was a good test of my obedience, faithfulness, and patience. Sometimes, it’s hard to be obedient and to trust God’s will and His plan for us.

But it’s clear to me why God has me where I am right now: to be a witness of His love and mercy. And to bring light to everyone I meet.