On 22 September, Catholic Mission, in collaboration with Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) and the staff of St John XXIII Catholic College, Stanhope Gardens, proudly hosted the 2025 Socktober Launch.
The event brought together more than 150 students from over 30 schools across the Diocese of Parramatta, marking the beginning of this year’s Socktober journey.
According to Catholic Mission, Socktober allows students to take action against poverty through the world game of soccer, raising funds and connecting with the lived experience of children in developing countries.
“This important initiative from Catholic Mission helps raise money and awareness for children in need by doing something fun,” said Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, of Socktober.
“We are all called to be channels of God’s mercy, to open our hearts to the poor, the needy and the marginalised.
“It’s time to ‘Kick Goals for Good’ and support children in need.”
Students were invited into the story of this year’s fundraising initiative, focused on supporting the people of Zambia. Irene Baik, Youth and Schools Engagement Officer for NSW/ACT at Catholic Mission, shared insights from her experience of visiting Zambia, giving students a glimpse into the realities faced by communities there and the resilience with which they respond. Together, students reflected on the significance of the ‘five basic needs’ that every person deserves and were encouraged to consider how they could put their faith into action, both locally and globally.
Irene Balik, Youth and Schools Engagement Officer for NSW/ACT at Catholic Mission, speaks to students during the launch of Socktober 2025 at St John XXIII Catholic College, Stanhope Gardens. Image: Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
A highlight of the day was the hands-on activity of creating “sockballs”, soccer balls made from recycled materials that symbolise the resilience and creativity of children in mission communities. Students put their sockballs to the test, showcasing them in front of peers and celebrating their efforts with laughter and encouragement.
Students shared that the Socktober Launch was not only fun and interactive but also deeply meaningful, leaving many students feeling inspired to continue living out their faith through action. Emma Marsden from Our Lady of the Angels Primary, Rouse Hill, said, “I learnt that Socktober is about supporting those who struggle to have food, water, education, shelter, and health.
“The launch helped me see how my actions can make a difference by helping others and changing their lives,” Emma said.
Students play with sockballs during the launch of Catholic Mission’s Socktober 2025 at St John XXIII Catholic College, Stanhope Gardens. Image: Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
The day concluded with a celebration of Mass, presided over by Fr Robert Riedling, Vicar for Education and Dean of St Patrick’s Cathedral Parish, Parramatta, and concelebrated by Fr Jolly Chacko, Parish Priest of St John XXIII.
In his homily, Fr Robert reminded students that the Beatitudes challenge us to hunger and thirst for right relationships, to be peacemakers, and to be pure of heart. He encouraged all present to embody these values in their daily lives, with family, friends, peers, and especially in solidarity with those most in need, both in Australia and overseas, through initiatives like Socktober and this year’s focus on Zambia.
The Socktober Launch was not only a celebration of community but also a powerful call to mission. By gathering in prayer, learning, and action, students across the Diocese of Parramatta began their journey of making a difference, one sockball at a time.
The presence of the CSPD Mission Team, the Chancery Office of the Diocese of Parramatta, Catholic Mission and A-League side the Western Sydney Wanderers highlighted the spirit of partnership that underpinned the success of the launch.
Representatives from Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese, the Western Sydney Wanderers and Catholic Mission during the launch of Catholic Mission’s Socktober 2025 at St John XXIII Catholic College, Stanhope Gardens. Image: Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
CSPD’s collaboration with Catholic Mission aligns with the Diocesan Pastoral Plan priorities of Mission and Community and a Church that reaches to the margins.
Ryan Reyes is a Mission Partner at Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese.
Learn more about Catholic Mission’s Socktober initiative and to learn more about Parramatta Catholic Schools, visit Find a Catholic School Near You.
With thanks to Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese.
