Growing Hearts Podcast

Fr. Paul and Fr. Phil delve into the profound connection between a child’s relationship with their parents and their understanding of God. They tackle complex themes like the influence of parental expectations on a child’s self-worth and the importance of creating an expectation-free home. The conversation highlights genuine hope rooted in faith and grace, alongside warnings against false hopes and the dangers of unrealistic dreams. Inspired by the Jubilee Year’s message, they explore how spiritual reflection can nurture trust in divine promises.

Father Phil, a dedicated chaplain, joins Father Paul to unpack the heart’s vital role in faith and emotions. They reflect on Pope Francis' insights, emphasizing the heart as a sacred space for encountering God. With humor and personal anecdotes, they explore the complexities of the heart, the importance of emotional expression in relationships, and how to nurture children’s emotional and spiritual development. Their discussion highlights a profound connection to one’s true self, transcending societal expectations.

In this episode, Father Phil Elias, Chaplain of Redfield College, is joined by Father Paul Muller from Tangara. Together, they dive into the season of Lent, exploring its meaning and how we can prepare our hearts for a deeper encounter with Jesus.  They discuss common ideas like give up or offering up things for Lent and how this seasons isn’t just about sacrifice but about drawing closer to God. Through personal anecdotes—including Father Paul’s love for tennis—they highlight the importance of keeping our focus on Christ, much like keeping an eye on the ball in sports.  Join them as they unpack practical ways to approach fasting, almsgiving, and prayer with joy, ensuring that our Lenten journey leads us to a true transformation of heart.   Other Resources:  Podcast Crash Course Catholicism: Lent and Easter  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   Remember to hit SUBSCRIBE/FOLLOW so you don't miss out on any of our future episodes  

In this episode, we welcome Dr Andy Mullins to explore the profound meaning of Baptism and its impact on our lives as Christians. Dr Mullins shares his insights on why Baptism is the foundation of our faith journey, the responsibilities it entails for parents, and how we can foster a deeper appreciation of this sacrament in our families. Whether you're a new parent preparing for your child's Baptism or seeking to rekindle your own understanding, this conversation will inspire you to embrace this divine calling with renewed faith and purpose.  Book: Parenting For Faith by Andrew Mullins    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   Remember to hit SUBSCRIBE/FOLLOW so you don't miss out on any of our future episodes    

As we begin a new year, many of us take time to reflect on what lies ahead. How can we live this year with intention, deepen our faith, and embrace the opportunities God places before us? In this episode, we welcome Jessica Doherty, a wife, mother of six, primary school teacher, and host of the Universal Sisterhood podcast. Jessica shares her personal journey, insights on setting realistic and meaningful goals, and the power of inviting God into our everyday lives. This episode is all about embracing the new year with faith, setting small but meaningful goals, and trusting that God is walking with us every step of the way. Let’s thrive in 2025 together!   Word of the year generator: http://www.wordoftheyear.me/ Listen to Jess's Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/universal-sisterhood-podcast/id1387840896 Follow Jess on Instagram: @universalsisterhood_   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 

In this episode of Growing Hearts, Claire and John Wall join us to share their experiences, favorite traditions, and insights on keeping Christ at the center of Christmas while managing the busyness of family life with young children. They offer practical tips for blending Catholic traditions with family celebrations, emphasizing ways to encourage generosity, kindness, and a spirit of gratitude throughout the holiday season.  We’d love to hear your Christmas traditions! How do you keep your celebrations Christ-centered? Do you have unique ways of helping your family focus on the true meaning of the season? Share with us on social media with #GrowingHeartsPodcast or send us a message!  Recommended book: God has Made a Bethlehem   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   Remember to hit SUBSCRIBE/FOLLOW so you don't miss out on any of our future episodes      

In today’s episode, we dive into Advent—a season of hope, preparation, and anticipation as we await Christmas. We’ll uncover the deeper meaning behind Advent traditions, explore ways to bring them into family life, and discuss how Advent serves as a reminder of the joy and peace that Christ brings. Our guests, Fr. Felix and Fr. Anthony, provide insights on how this season can transform our hearts and help us focus on what truly matters during the holidays.  We’d love to hear how your family celebrates Advent! Do you have any special traditions or ways of preparing your hearts for Christmas? Share your stories, ideas, or questions with us on social media or in the comments. Let’s inspire one another with creative ways to keep the focus on the true meaning of this season!    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   Remember to hit SUBSCRIBE/FOLLOW so you don't miss out on any of our future episodes     

In today’s episode, we dive into the powerful theme of service and generosity, exploring what it truly means to go beyond ourselves and why this selflessness is crucial for young people. Joined by Bernie James, a dedicated teacher, community service leader, husband, and father, and Seb Burfitt, a tax advisor, father, and husband, we discuss how encouraging kids to step out of their comfort zones to serve others fosters gratitude, empathy, and a stronger sense of community. It’s all about leading by example—starting with us!    The importance of service in today’s self-oriented world  Teaching kids the value of stepping out of their comfort zones  Cultivating gratitude and a sense of community through giving  Practical ideas for parents to engage kids in acts of service    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   Remember to hit FOLLOW so you don't miss out on any of our future episodes    

In this episode, we dive deep into the concept of freedom and its importance in shaping our lives, our children's lives, and their faith journeys. Freedom is often portrayed as the ability to do whatever we want, but true freedom is about making the best choices, using our freedom for good, and navigating the limits and responsibilities that come with it. As children grow into teenagers, they begin to make their own choices, and as parents, we must guide them toward understanding the true essence of freedom. Our guest helps us explore how freedom is tied to compassion, respect for others, and living our faith authentically.   ·     Freedom isn't just the ability to choose anything—it’s about choosing what’s right and good. How do we teach our children to navigate between good and bad choices, and how can they use their freedom for positive impact? ·      How can parents allow their children to make their own choices while providing enough space for them to take risks? Why is it important to show confidence and trust in their abilities, especially for teenagers? ·    What role does freedom play in living out our faith? How can parents create an environment where faith is joyful and freely chosen, rather than forced, allowing children to make their own decisions in regards to cultivating their faith?   Link Recommendations: Freedom: Raising your children to make meaningful choices   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  Remember to hit FOLLOW so you don't miss out on any of our future episodes 

In this episode, Clare Horsfall shares how stories and books can be powerful tools in helping children develop virtues, values, and an understanding of the world beyond themselves. We explore how books help children process emotions, build imagination, and introduce them to beauty, truth, and goodness. This episode is packed with actionable tips for instilling a love of reading and nurturing character through stories. How books help children process emotions and relate to characters' challenges. Why stories are essential for building imagination and fostering a sense of wonder. Practical tips for selecting the right books for different ages and interests. Balancing religious texts with other genres to promote holistic development. How family reading habits can shape a child's values, hope, and sense of compassion.   Recommendations: -  Year 3-5 Reading List - The Little House Series - Children's bible Golden Books - Catholic book store: Cardinal Newman Bookshop   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   Remember to hit FOLLOW so you don't miss out on any of our future episodes.