Catholic Mission News

August 2, 2023

Socktober 2023: Uniting Catholic Schools in Australia to Score Big for Social Justice in Timor-Leste

As the superstars of the FIFA Women’s World Cup kick their goals, the launch of Socktober 2023 this week will have students across Australia kicking their own, and for a good cause. The schools-based community engagement initiative of Catholic Mission, which launched on August 1, seeks to show students and their families the injustice of global poverty, especially for young children, through the unifying power of the world game.

“All eyes have been on the Matildas, but Socktober is a reminder for students and their families that there are children around the world who love this game just as much as us, but that is sometimes where the equality ends,” said Matt Poynting, the campaign lead.

This year’s campaign, which reaches its peak during World Mission Month in October, spotlights the issues of health, wellbeing and education in the community of Venilale, Timor-Leste, a country still struggling with poverty, health crises, and trauma from their struggle for independence. Read more:

Bishop Paul encourages schools and parishes to be involved:

July 6, 2023

Catholic Mission and Cardinal Marengo Discuss Deepening Ties and Pope Francis’ Landmark Visit to Mongolia

Last month, Pisey Soeurn, Catholic Mission’s International Programs Coordinator, based out of the Regional Mission Development office in Cambodia, traveled to meet with Cardinal Giorgio Marengo, Apostolic Prefect of Ulaanbaatar, in the capital of Mongolia, to discuss their long‐term partnership in the country. Cardinal Marengo, who first arrived in Mongolia as a missionary in 2003, is the youngest Cardinal in the Catholic Church, ordained in August 2022, at just 49 years of age. Read more.

Pisey Soeurn, Catholic Mission’s International Programs Coordinator, meeting with Cardinal Giorgio Marengo, Apostolic Prefect of Ulaanbaatar, in the capital of Mongolia in June

June 27, 2023

Igniting Change and Empowering Youth in Timor‐Leste through Education

As we approach the end of the financial year, we can all make a difference and bring hope to communities around the world by supportng them to flourish.

Fr Brian Lucas shared:

“Giving is not a question of means, but a question of believing it will make a difference for something that is close to our hearts. When I discuss with parishioners, many of them share with me their reason why it is important for them to give to a not-for-profit. For many of them, it is their own way to contribute to the great work of Mission, to set themselves in action, and to respond to their burning passion and love for others”.

Madalena, a young girl of Venilale, learning culinary skills in the kitchen of the school.

June 22, 2023

Catholic Mission Calls for Parish Support for Refugee Families Sponsorship Initiative for a New Life in Australia

On the occasion of Refugee Week, Catholic Mission is inviting parishes to take action and open their hearts and arms to sponsor refugee families to help them to settle into their new life in Australia. Read more.

St Vincent’s Parish Ashfield, sponsor group members Sr Mary Walsh, Sheila Gooding and Jenny Collins-White with mentee Shukria Mahdawi and baby Emaad.

May 25, 2023

Youth Optimism Fuels Transformation in Timor-Leste: The Role of Vocational Education for the Future of the Nation

As the elections which will define the future of Timor-Leste are currently taking place, there is an air of optimism among the younger generation. As they are hopeful to witness their nation progress and tackle important challenges at hand. The President of the Bishops’ Conference of Timor-Leste, Bishop Norberto do Amaral of Maliana, in a public message, calls on politicians to promote peace and work for stability and the common good. Read more.