Photo by Pared Academy

Last Sunday, 130 fathers came together for a day of reflection, renewal, and connection at the Growing Hearts for Fathers event. Held at Redfield College, this unique gathering provided dads with a much-needed opportunity to step away from daily pressures and focus on the heart of their fatherhood journey.

A Day to Pause and Reconnect

Led by the Chaplains of both schools, Fr. Paul Muller and Fr. Phil Elias, alongside experienced fathers, the day was carefully structured to blend spiritual reflection with practical insights. Through guided meditations, personal reflection time, and engaging discussions, participants explored what it means to be a strong and present father.

The event’s schedule included impactful sessions such as Superman vs. Real Dad: Finding Strength in Fatherhood, The Nail: Connecting Emotionally with Your Wife & Kids, and The Calm Dad: Responding with Strength, Not Anger. Fathers were encouraged to take a step back and reflect on their relationships with their children and spouses, gaining valuable tools to enhance their family life.

Powerful Insights & Lasting Impact

Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive. Many fathers appreciated the balance between spiritual guidance and practical application. Two participants shared:

“Reflections from Father Paul and Father Phil were very insightful and incredibly useful”. “I thought Father Paul’s meditation was amazing—really hard-hitting and so relatable. I took away many great ideas about allowing Jesus to come into my fatherly relationship and turning to Him in prayer often for my wife and kids.”

Another dad highlighted the importance of quiet reflection, stating: “The chance to reflect was valuable, especially given the busyness of life. I also enjoyed the practical focus of the communication session in addition to the psychological insights.”

The sessions on patience, emotional connection, and the psychology of fatherhood resonated deeply. Many dads found the discussions on avoiding frustration particularly insightful, with one attendee noting: “The priests spoke very well, particularly about avoiding frustration and responding with patience.”

Looking Ahead: A Similar Event for Mothers

Encouraged by the success of this event, the Pared Academy is now planning a Growing Hearts for Mothers gathering on Sunday, 15th June.