Advertise on podcast: Growing Hearts Podcast

In this episode of Growing Hearts, we explore what Pope Leo XIV's encyclical Magnifica Humanitas has to say about artificial intelligence—and, more importantly, what it means for family life. For parents, this raises important questions about the habits we are forming in our children.  How do we teach them to use AI as a tool rather than a replacement for thinking? How do we encourage honesty, responsibility, wonder and creativity in a world where information and answers are always just a click away?  Joining us are Martin Fitzgerald and Charbel Doumit, teachers at Redfield College, who unpack the key messages of Magnifica Humanitas and explore the role of parents and schools in helping young people navigate this rapidly changing world, sharing practical ideas for healthy boundaries around technology.  Key Topics Discussed:  How Pope Leo XIV's encyclical helps us reflect on the opportunities and challenges of this new technological age. How technology can be a valuable tool when it is guided by wisdom and keeps human dignity at the center. Why giving children opportunities to think, wonder, create and work things out for themselves is so important. Forming children in honesty and responsibility: Helping young people use AI in ways that support genuine learning and allow them to take ownership of their work. Practical ways families can create space for conversation, relationships, reflection, reading, prayer and time away from devices. Helping children use AI wisely: Encouraging young people to ask good questions, think critically, check information and use AI to extend rather than replace their thinking.    Join the Conversation  AI is becoming part of everyday family and school life. How can we help our children navigate it without losing sight of what makes us human?  If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Growing Hearts, leave a review, and share it with someone who might find encouragement in today's conversation.  References:  Arthur Brooks YouTube channel  Brooks, Arthur. The meaning of your life: Finding purpose in an Age of Emptiness  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

Family life isn't built on grand gestures - it's shaped by the small, ordinary moments we repeat every day.  In this episode, we are joined by Elizabeth Leyden, mentor at Tangara School for Girls, wife, mum of two and former lawyer, to explore how simple family habits and routines become the foundation for lasting relationships, joyful homes and a living faith.  Together they discuss why family dinners matter, how couples can create their own family culture, the importance of investing in marriage, and practical ways to make faith a natural part of everyday life. Elizabeth also shares how understanding each child's temperament, spending intentional one-on-one time, and embracing ordinary moments can have an extraordinary impact on family life.  Whether you're raising toddlers, navigating busy family schedules, or simply looking for ways to be more intentional at home, this conversation offers practical encouragement to start small, stay consistent, and focus on what truly matters.  Discussion Points: Creating your family's unique style: building traditions and values together as a couple instead of simply copying your own upbringing.  Making faith part of everyday life: practical ways to integrate prayer, church visits and conversations about God into daily family routines.  Investing in marriage first: why a strong, united marriage provides the foundation for raising children with confidence and consistency.  Helping children grow through responsibility and service: encouraging children to contribute at home, notice others' needs and develop a generous outlook.  The importance of family rest and togetherness, rediscovering joy through shared meals, outdoor adventures, games and quality time without distractions.  Starting small and staying consistent: simple, achievable habits that help families build lasting routines without striving for perfection.  Join the Conversation  What routines or traditions have helped your family grow closer?  We'd love to hear from you. Share your thoughts, favorite family traditions, or practical habits that have made a difference in your home.  Connect with us on social media or send us your questions and suggestions for future episodes. Your stories may inspire other families on their own journey of growing hearts.  If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Growing Hearts, leave a review, and share it with someone who might find encouragement in today's conversation.  References:  Online Postgraduate Studies in Marriage, Education and Family  Parenting For Character, 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

What does it really mean to live a generous life—and why does it matter for our happiness?  In this episode, we speak with Michael Mendieta, Chief Advancement Officer at the Pared Foundation and father of six, about how generosity, faith, and stepping out of our comfort zones are deeply connected to purpose and fulfilment. Drawing from his personal journey, work in philanthropy, and family life, Michael shares how a "giving spirit" isn't just about money - it's about how we live, love, and show up daily. From finding God in ordinary moments to building a culture of generosity at home, this conversation offers practical insights for families navigating busy, modern life.  Discussion points: Living generously, especially beyond comfort, leads to deeper fulfilment by aligning daily life with purpose and faith.  Faith becomes real when it is lived in ordinary moments, where small intentional actions shape a meaningful relationship with God.  The family is the primary place where generosity is learned through everyday acts like patience, presence, and sharing.  Creating space for hospitality and shared time with others strengthens connection, joy, and a sense of belonging in busy modern life.  True generosity is sustained by balance, where intentional rest allows individuals and families to keep giving without burnout.  Join the Conversation  What does generosity look like in your family right now?  What's one small way you can step out of your comfort zone this week?  How can you create more space for meaningful connection at home?  When was the last time you invited someone into your everyday life?  We'd love to hear from you—share your thoughts, stories, or family practices as we continue growing together.  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

The university years bring new freedoms, new friendships, and often new challenges to living the faith. In this episode, Denis Setiyo shares practical insights on navigating faith during this important stage of life, from dealing with peer pressure and setbacks to building a personal relationship with God. Together, we explore how parents can continue to support their children through these transitions with prayer, example, and trust. Discussion Points Common faith challenges faced by university students Why faith grows through both understanding and practice Navigating peer pressure, independence, and personal responsibility How parents can support young adults without trying to control them The power of prayer and example in family life Helping young people find their way back when they feel they've drifted from their faith The role of spiritual direction, confession, and trusted mentors Why vulnerability is often the first step towards growth Sharing faith authentically in a university environment Join the Conversation What has helped your child stay connected to their faith during times of transition? 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

What happens when children begin to spread their wings — moving from primary school to high school, into university, and eventually the workforce? How can parents support growing independence while helping young people stay grounded in their faith?  In this episode of Growing Hearts, we speak with Denis Setiyo — healthcare professional, mentor, and old boy of Redfield College — about navigating life's major transitions and the role parents play in helping young people grow through seasons of change. Together we unpack some challenges young people face during these transitions, including growing responsibility, time management, freedom, and character growth.  Denis shares practical habits that have helped him — fitness, faith, and family — and reflects on what can provide stability during seasons of growth and uncertainty. This episode offers practical wisdom for supporting young people as they navigate new stages of life, grow in responsibility, and take meaningful steps into adulthood with purpose and confidence.  Key Topics Discussed:  Parents' role in supporting independence through life transitions The importance of trust and healthy dialogue Letting children grow through responsibility Living faith through changing seasons Navigating the transition to university life Join the Conversation  Growing up involves increasing independence, responsibility, and confidence, while still feeling supported and connected at home. This episode invites us to reflect on how we can accompany young people through these transitions and help them build resilience, character, and faith in everyday 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   Remember to hit SUBSCRIBE/FOLLOW so you don't miss out on any of our future episodes

In this episode of Growing Hearts, Fr. Paul and Fr. Phil explore the deep connection between a child's relationship with their parents and their understanding of God. They discuss the weight of expectations—how children internalise them, how they shape their sense of self-worth, and how parents can navigate them in a healthy way.  At the heart of the conversation is the theme of hope, inspired by last year's Jubilee message: A Hope That Does Not Disappoint. The discussion dives into false hopes, the dangers of misplaced expectations, and the true foundation of hope—God's grace.    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

What if our limitations weren't something to fight—but something to receive? In this episode, we are joined by psychologist and mother of five, Katherine McFarlane, to explore the reality of coming up against our limits in life and in parenting. Together, we unpack how these moments—of impatience, exhaustion, and vulnerability—can become opportunities for growth, deeper relationships, and greater reliance on God. With practical wisdom and honest insights, this conversation invites parents to see their limitations not as failures, but as part of the path to love. Key Topics Discussed: Reframing limitations as "skills not yet learned" The connection between our weaknesses and our gifts Why asking for help is essential in family life The role of faith and stillness (Martha & Mary) in daily parenting Recognising physical and emotional limits Supporting each other as spouses and modelling this for children Letting go of perfection and embracing the mess of family life Join the Conversation  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 explore the transformative power of truth, honesty, and authenticity in family life and personal growth. Our guest, Sr Mariam, a Dominican Sister of Saint Cecilia and alumni at Tangara School for Girls in Sydney, shares her personal vocation story and her insights into how truth — lived with love — brings freedom, healing, and deeper relationships.  The conversation reflects on the role of honesty in the home, the importance of authentic relationships between parents and children, and how living in truth shapes character and fosters holiness in everyday life. Sr Mariam explains how even difficult truths, when communicated with love, can become opportunities for growth and trust.  Drawing from her experience in education and spiritual formation, she highlights the family as a privileged place where children learn sincerity, integrity, and self-gift. The discussion encourages parents to model authenticity, create spaces of trust, and guide children toward a deeper understanding of who they are and who they are called to be.    Key Topics Discussed:  1. The freedom of living in truth – paths towards healing relationships and a real grow in authenticity and holiness.   2. Honesty in family life – the primary place where children learn sincerity, trust, and how to relate to others with authenticity.  3. Forming character through virtue - living truthfully helps shape character, strengthen relationships, and develop personal integrity.  4. Authenticity in relationships - genuine encounters — marked by openness and trust — create the conditions for growth and deeper connection.      Join the Conversation  Living in truth can sometimes feel challenging, yet it opens the door to freedom, trust, and deeper relationships. This episode invites us to reflect on how honesty shapes our family culture and how authenticity helps children grow in confidence and character.  How do you create an environment of openness and trust at home?   What does living authentically look like in your family life?   In what ways do you model sincerity and integrity for your children?  How can we communicate difficult truths with love?  We'd love to hear your insights and experiences. Join the conversation and share how your family nurtures honesty, trust, and authentic relationships.    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 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 this episode of the Growing Hearts Podcast, host Lucia sits down with Margeaux Valdez, Religion Teacher and Mentor at Tangara School for Girls, to reflect on the powerful lessons from a recent service project in Cebu, Philippines.  Mags shares how travelling with 14 Year 11 girls to help local schools and communities opened their eyes to the deeper meaning of joy, gratitude, and service. From teaching hygiene lessons in mountain schools to painting murals and visiting orphanages, the trip offered moments of reflection and transformation — both for the students and their teacher.  Together, Lucia and Mags explore how authentic joy comes from relationships, community, and faith rather than material possessions, and how parents can help their children develop a generous heart and a spirit of gratitude in everyday life.    Key Topics Discussed:  1. The Power of Service in Education: How hands-on service projects help students grow in empathy, perspective, and gratitude.  2. Lessons in Joy and Gratitude: Discovering joy among people who have little, and learning how gratitude transforms our mindset.  3. Faith as the Source of True Happiness: Reflections on how faith and trust in God provide strength and joy, even in hardship.  4. Rethinking Success and Possessions: Why comfort and material comfort don't necessarily lead to happiness — and how parents can model detachment and simplicity.  5. Building Gratitude at Home: Practical ways to cultivate daily gratitude and resilience in children, through conversations, reflection, and simple habits.  6. Teaching the Value of Work and Sacrifice: Encouraging children to appreciate effort and responsibility, and to understand that blessings are meant to be shared.  7. The Gift of Being Present: How disconnecting from screens during the trip reminded students of the beauty of human connection.    Join the Conversation  We'd love to hear from you! How do you help your children develop gratitude and empathy?  What small acts of service have made a difference in your family life?  Do you think your children understand where true happiness comes from?    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 of Growing Hearts, we are joined by Lourdes Mejia, Principal of Montgrove College, to explore how parents can accompany their children through the joys and challenges of growing up — while making their faith truly their own.  Drawing on more than a decade of experience, Lourdes shares wisdom on fostering authentic relationships with God, balancing freedom with family prayer, and helping children gradually take ownership of their faith. This conversation highlights how faith is first nurtured at home and how schools and parents can work hand in hand to create opportunities for young people to encounter Christ in a personal and lasting way.    Key Topics Discussed:  Faith begins at home – why the family environment is the first school of love and the foundation of a child's relationship with God. Freedom and ownership – helping children grow in faith without it feeling imposed, and encouraging them to discover personal meaning in prayer and practice. Connecting faith and family life – breaking down the divide between "religious practices" and daily family relationships, so that loving God feels natural. Navigating the teenage years – how to embrace questions, challenges, and moments of doubt as opportunities for growth rather than setbacks. The role of listening – why attentive listening and guiding with gentle suggestions helps children discover their own path to God. Hope for the future – Lourdes' vision that students grow into happy, hopeful people who know how to love, serve, and face life's challenges with courage.    Join the Conversation  Faith is a journey we walk together as families. It grows not just through routines, but through the everyday love, conversations, and examples children experience at home. It's something children learn to make their own, step by step. Lourdes reminds us that when parents live their faith with joy and openness, they give their children the strongest foundation to build their own relationship with God.    As you reflect on this episode, consider:  How can I make prayer and faith practices in my home more meaningful and personal for my children?  In what ways can I encourage freedom and ownership in my child's relationship with God?  How can I create intentional moments of connection — whether over a meal, during a car ride, or on a simple walk — to really listen to my child?  Do I trust that God is guiding my child's heart, even when I can't see the results right away?    We'd love to hear your thoughts! How do you accompany your children in their faith journey? Share your experiences and continue the conversation with us.    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 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   Remember to hit SUBSCRIBE/FOLLOW so you don't miss out on any of our future episodes

In this episode of the Growing Hearts Podcast, Lucia Garcia is joined once again by Fr Sam for a deep dive into the sacrament of confession. Building on last episode's discussion on forgiveness, Fr Sam helps us understand why confession is not just about "telling God directly," but about loving Him in the way He asks to be loved.    Discussion Points: Why confession is more than a formality — it's God's chosen way of healing us.  The "battle at the confessional door" and why saying our sins out loud matters.  How confession restores us completely — as if the sin never happened.  The power of hearing the words of absolution spoken aloud.  Practical tips for overcoming hesitation, shame, or nerves when approaching the sacrament.  Confession as a doorway to spiritual direction and growing deeper in love with God.  Fr Sam also shares insights on how going to confession regularly helps us live a freer, humbler, and more merciful life. He reminds us that confession isn't about perfectionism but about being at peace with who we are, trusting in God's boundless mercy.    Join the Conversation  Confession can feel intimidating, but it's one of the most profound ways we encounter God's love. As Fr Sam reminds us, God doesn't just forgive reluctantly — He restores us completely.  Take a moment to reflect:  What holds me back from going to confession more regularly?  How have I experienced healing or peace after confession?  In what ways can I encourage others to see confession as a gift rather than a burden?  We'd love to hear your thoughts! Share your reflections with us and join the conversation.    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 are joined by Chehade Richa, a father, mentor, and teacher. Together, we delve into how parental reactions influence children's emotional development and worldview. We discuss the significance of consistency and authenticity in parenting to prevent fostering a 'two-faced' nature in kids. Discover how building trust and open communication, along with virtues like charity and patience, can create a nurturing environment for your children.   Parental Reactions as a crucial factor in shaping children's emotional development and worldview.  The importance of being truly present, investing time, and sharing personal stories to build trust.  Integrating virtues, such as charity, patience, and forgiveness into parenting practices to nurture character and resilience in children, balancing love and expectations.     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 of the Growing Hearts Podcast, Father Sam explores the deeply human and deeply divine reality of forgiveness. He talks about why forgiveness is so central to the Christian faith, why it can feel so hard, and how it shapes our relationships — especially in family life.  Father Sam shares personal reflections, gospel stories, and practical insights to help us see forgiveness not just as a duty, but as a path to healing and true freedom.    Discussion Points:  Why Forgiveness Is Necessary  Without forgiveness, we remain tied to the people or events that hurt us, trapped in what Father Sam calls a "victim mentality."  Forgiveness in the Christian Faith  At the heart of Christianity is God's unconditional forgiveness, most powerfully shown on the cross.  Christians are called to forgive without limits, because we have first been forgiven.  Divine Forgiveness vs. Human Forgiveness  God forgives fully, restores us completely, and forgets our sins because of His love.  Human forgiveness can be incomplete; we often struggle to truly let go.  The Role of Feelings and the Challenge of Letting Go  Forgiveness isn't always about feeling ready; it's often a choice before it becomes a feeling.  Sometimes people hold on to hurt because it gives a sense of identity or emotional power.  Forgiveness in the Family  The home is the first place children learn what forgiveness looks like.  True forgiveness in families includes mercy and helping each other grow into better people.  Parents shouldn't fear hurting their kids by setting expectations — children need to see love, joy, and a call to something greater.    Join the Conversation  Forgiveness isn't just about forgetting or excusing what happened — it's about choosing freedom and love over resentment. Father Sam invites us to see forgiveness not as a one-time decision, but as a process that draws us closer to God and makes us more like Him.  Reflect on these questions and share your thoughts with us:  When have I experienced real forgiveness — either giving or receiving — and how did it change me?  What does forgiveness look like in my family? Do we make space for both mercy and growth?  How can I help my children — or those around me — experience forgiveness as something healing and hopeful?  We'd love to hear your stories. Share your reflections and keep the conversation going with us!    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