Can you please introduce yourself and tell us about your role at Catholic Mission?
Greetings from the Sunshine State of Queensland!
My name is Maria Sole, and I serve as the Schools Engagement Coordinator for Queensland with Catholic Mission. In this role, I work alongside schools and young people across the state to strengthen their engagement with Catholic Mission and the wider mission of the global Catholic Church.
My role focuses on building meaningful partnerships with school communities, delivering student and staff formation. I also coordinate our schools annual campaign Socktober, deliver workshops, and immersion experiences, empowering students to become leaders who put their faith into action. Through service, advocacy, fundraising, and global solidarity, I support schools in inspiring young people to live the Gospel and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
A big part of your role is empowering young people to become leaders who inspire others. Why do you think investing in the next generation is so important?
I truly believe that young people are not just the future of the Church, they are the Church right now. When we invest in them, we're investing in compassionate leaders who will shape our schools, parishes, communities, and world for years to come.
I've seen firsthand what happens when young people are trusted, encouraged, and given opportunities to lead. They grow in confidence, discover their gifts, and realise they have the ability to make a real difference. Sometimes all they need is someone to believe in them before they believe in themselves.
In today's world, how can we continue to inspire young people to be signs of hope and put their faith into action?
Young people don't need another lecture; they need authentic encounters.
They are incredibly passionate about justice and making a difference. When they see the connection between their faith and real-world issues like poverty, education, access to clean water, or healthcare, they begin to understand that faith isn't just something we believe, it's something we live.
We inspire hope by inviting them into experiences where they can encounter others, hear real stories, and see the impact of their actions. Whether it's participating in Socktober, leading a fundraiser, speaking at their parish, or learning about our partner communities, they begin to see that even small acts of kindness can have a global impact.
Hope grows when young people realise they are not powerless; they can be part of the solution.
From a faith perspective, what have young people taught you about hope, mission and living the Gospel?
Young people constantly remind me that hope is active.
They aren't afraid to ask difficult questions, challenge the status quo, or dream about a better world. They have an incredible ability to see possibility where others sometimes only see problems.
They've taught me that living the Gospel doesn't always require grand gestures. Often, it begins with listening, showing compassion, standing up for what's right, and choosing to care for others.
Working alongside young people has strengthened my own faith because they remind me that mission isn't something we do once, it's a way of living every single day.
Can you tell us about Socktober and the important role it plays in engaging schools and their communities in mission, justice and solidarity?
Socktober is so much more than kicking a soccer ball around.
It's Catholic Mission's schools’ campaign that invites students to encounter the realities faced by children and families around the world while discovering how they can make a meaningful difference.
Each year we share the story of one of our partner communities, in 2026 that's Malawi, where students learn about the challenges families face, but also the resilience, hope, and strength that exists within those communities.
Through classroom resources, prayer, fundraising, advocacy, and creative activities, students begin to understand that mission isn't about feeling sorry for others, it's about standing alongside them in solidarity.
Socktober gives schools a practical and engaging way to live out the Gospel by turning compassion into action, while reminding students that no matter their age, they have the power to create lasting change.
This year, Catholic Mission is launching a brand new iconic Socktober sockball competition. Can you tell us more about the initiative and why schools should get involved?
We're really excited to launch our very first Socktober sockball competition!
This initiative invites students to design a sockball that captures the spirit of Socktober, joy, hope, mission, and making a difference. It's a wonderful opportunity for students to express their creativity while engaging more deeply with the values behind the campaign.
It's not just about creating a fun ball; it's about helping students reflect on what mission means and how they can inspire others to get involved.
We know schools are full of incredibly talented young people, and this competition is a fantastic way to celebrate those gifts while building excitement around Socktober.
We can't wait to see the imagination, creativity, and heart that students across the country will bring to their creations. It's another reminder that everyone has something unique to contribute to mission, and sometimes a simple idea can inspire an entire community.
