Let’s celebrate World Mission Month! Together, we have the power to create change and build a more just world for people everywhere. By supporting missionaries in their work, we can create life-changing opportunities for countless children, families, and communities worldwide. Join us in making a difference for our sisters and brothers.

All around Australia, schools are actively registering to take part in the challenge and learn more about the life-giving work of Mission.

This year, students will learn about the work of Mission in Mongolia and the reality of the people living there. They will focus on understanding the challenges of living in a country where the weather makes normal things a lot harder. As they learn about the Don Bosco Caring Center, a centre dedicated to being a welcoming home to children left to fend for themselves in the streets, students will focus their awareness and fundraising efforts towards building a brighter and more certain future for the children at the Caring Center.

“Every time I go to a school to engage with students, I can tell how excited they are to be part of Socktober and to be contributing to the great work of Mission,” says Sue Williams, Catholic Mission Queensland Youth and Schools Engagement Officer.

Socktober cultivates the passion of students, engages their local community, and takes action against poverty through the world game of soccer. It provides young people with the opportunity to lead in Mission, encouraging them to think not only about what they will do to help, but why they will do it. The challenge consists of setting goals based on the resource packs and being supported by families and friends towards reaching the goals.

“More than just being a fundraising program, we aim to engage students and raise their missionary vocations, which live in all of us,” says Sue, Queensland Youth and Schools Engagement Officer.

So let’s kick goals for good, and join us for this new edition of Socktober!

Focus on Mission: Mongolia

This year we invite you to discover one of the smallest Catholic communities in the world, the Church of Mongolia, and the missionaries creating pathways of hope and equality.

Located between Russia and China, Mongolia is known for its harsh weather, often dropping to -40 degrees Celsius in winter, creating tough conditions for its people.

Rich in culture and tradition, Mongolia is a country of diversity and religiosity. From only 14 Mongolian Catholics recognised in 1995, the community has grown to 1500 Catholics in 2022.

As the missionaries work toward building a stronger economy and society, there is a critical need for people in vulnerable situations to access social services.

Finding its space in the Mongolian landscape, the Catholic Church has become an essential social services provider, bringing hope to many thanks to the dedication of the missionaries on the ground. This year, we amplify their voices around the world.