Religious Dimension
Socktober: Kicking Goals for Good!
October is World Mission Month, a time to celebrate our faith and think about how we can support others around the world. Socktober, Catholic Mission’s school initiative, brings together learning, prayer, soccer and fundraising to help children experiencing poverty and disadvantage. In 2026, the campaign focuses on communities in Malawi, supporting children’s access to food and education.
One of Socktober’s most meaningful activities is making a sockball from socks and recycled materials. Many children around the world make their own balls using whatever they have available. Creating and playing with a sockball helps students explore resourcefulness, connect through play and reflect on the different opportunities children have. Schools can use their creations for soccer games and the popular Socktober Shootout!
For our St Joseph’s community, Socktober’s message connects closely with our Catholic commitment to compassion, fairness and respect for every person. It encourages children to look beyond their own experiences, recognise the needs of others and discover that they can make a difference.
Families can continue these conversations at home by asking: What does every child need to grow and thrive? How can we share what we have? What is one small action we could take to help someone else?
Through prayer, generosity and everyday acts of kindness, we can put our faith into action. Socktober reminds us that even small contributions, made together, can bring hope and opportunity to others.
Let’s kick goals for good and help build a world where every child has the chance to thrive!
Small Prayers, Big Hope: Praying for Peace
This October, we invite our St Joseph’s families to join children around the world in “One Million Children Praying the Rosary.” Supported by Pope Leo XIV and organised by Aid to the Church in Need, this initiative brings families, schools and parishes together to pray for peace.
The Rosary gives us time to slow down, reflect on the lives of Jesus and Mary, and think about people who need our prayers. As we pray, we ask Mary to help us grow closer to Jesus and bring more kindness, understanding and hope into our world.
A few quiet minutes together
Taking part can be simple. Before bed or after dinner, pause as a family and choose someone or something to pray for. You might pray for children affected by war, families facing difficulties, or peace in our own homes and community.
Start with the Sign of the Cross, then pray a Hail Mary together. If you would like to pray a decade of the Rosary, say one Our Father, ten Hail Marys and one Glory Be while reflecting on a moment in Jesus’ or Mary’s life.
The Hail Mary
Hail Mary, full of grace,
the Lord is with you.
Blessed are you among women,
and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners, now
and at the hour of our death.
Amen.
Our Family Prayer for Peace
Loving God,
please bring peace to our world.
Watch over children and families who are frightened,
hurting or far from home.
Help us to listen, speak kindly and include those who feel left out.
Mary, pray for usand help us follow Jesus’ example of love.
Amen.
At St Joseph’s, we can put our prayers into action every day by welcoming others, resolving disagreements gently and choosing kindness. Together, our small actions can help build a more peaceful world.
Jacqui Hayes
jhayes@sjsorrento.catholic.edu.au