OCEANIA/AUSTRALIA - More than 360 Catholic schools involved in the special Missionary Childhood Day

Friday, 23 October 2020 pontifical mission societies missionary animation missionary childhood

AUSTRALIA

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Sydney (Agenzia Fides) - World Mission Day for children was celebrated by the Pontifical Mission Societies in Australia (Catholic Mission) with the initiative "Socktober Day": the initiative, which combines the term "socks" and "October", based on the Australian saying "sock it to something", which means "to hit". Catholic Mission invites every child to make their contribution to solving social problems.
More than 360 Catholic schools in almost all Australian dioceses joined the "Socktober" initiative in 2020 and helped raise funds for children in need in Cambodia and other countries around the world. On October 21st, thousands of students took part in sports competitions.
"The day was dedicated to raising awareness among children about mission on a global scale", said Matt Poynting of Catholic Mission, "Despite the very difficult times, schools and families have experienced the generosity of Australian students and their parents to help people is a source of inspiration for everyone in need.
Missionary Childhood Day is an event that helps to recognize the missionary commitment of children, who do good to their brothers and sisters in other countries, even if it means sacrificing something of what they have".
Many schools also joined initiatives available on the website www.socktober.org.au and held their own Socktober Event Days with seminars or conferences based on study materials provided by Catholic Mission.
"Our educational team has put together a program to involve students' minds, hearts and hands in their school communities. The feedback from the teachers is that students really love the activities and reflection that takes place during the program", Poynting pointed out.
Schools across Australia are also running a fundraiser during World Mission Month. In 2020, over 50,000 AUD has already been raised for the Socktober event and the goal is to double that amount.
"Catholic Mission" is the Australian Direction of the Pontifical Mission Societies. Founded in Sydney in 1847 and supports pastoral and social projects in mission churches in Africa, Asia, Oceania and South America in relation to faith education, pastoral care, education, health, hygiene and agricultural development. (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 23/10/2020)