27. What’s the Deeper Purpose of a Catholic Education?

In this episode of the Growing Hearts podcast, we speak with Matt Aldous, Headmaster of Redfield College, about the deeper purpose of Catholic education. Matt reflects on how schools can be more than places of academic learning—they can become environments where students learn to encounter Christ in the ordinary moments of daily life. 

Drawing on his experience as a teacher, leader, and parent, Matt shares insights into the habits and values that shape young people: love for prayer, the practice of confession, and the resilience to always begin again. He also highlights the vital role of parents, especially fathers, as spiritual leaders in the home, and how schools can complement this by offering opportunities for mentoring, sacraments, and personal growth. 

 

Key Topics Discussed: 

• The deeper purpose of Catholic education: how schools can help students encounter Christ in the ordinary moments of daily life, beyond academics.
• Love for prayer and confession: why these habits are essential for resilience, humility, and spiritual growth in young people.
• The role of parents, especially fathers: the importance of consistency and spiritual leadership in the family home.
• Faith and freedom: how fostering personal choice helps students develop a genuine relationship with Christ.
• The school as a community for families: how shared wisdom, sacraments, and everyday practices strengthen both students and parents.
• Living with hope: encouraging students to see each day as a new opportunity to grow, begin again, and discover God in the ordinary. 

 

Join the Conversation 

We’d love to hear your reflections on this episode! Catholic education is more than academics—it’s about helping young people discover God in the ordinary moments of daily life.  

• How have you seen schools support faith and character in your own family? 

• Have there been small, everyday practice at home or at school—that made a big difference in your child’s faith journey?  

• How do you encourage consistency, prayer, or openness to God in your family life? 

We also invite you to share stories of hope: times when you’ve seen young people rise above challenges, nurture a closer friendship with God, or simply take small steps that showed growth. These moments remind us that every new day is a fresh opportunity to begin again. 

Join the conversation on our social media channels or leave a comment on our website. Together, let’s inspire one another to nurture faith, resilience, and joy in the ordinary moments of family and school life. 

 

You can:  

• Follow us on Instagram @growingheartspodcast  

• Find out more about the Pared Foundation: visit our website  

• Discover our schools by visiting: pared.edu.au/openday  

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