Radio Maria England marks Autism Acceptance Month with special broadcasts on faith, inclusion and belonging

Source: Radio Maris England

This Autism Acceptance Month, Radio Maria England invites listeners across the country to tune in to a series of thoughtful and encouraging programmes exploring how our parishes can become places of deeper welcome, understanding and belonging for autistic people and their families.

Throughout April, Radio Maria England will highlight voices from across the Church who are working to support families and strengthen inclusion within parish life.

Rooted in the Catholic understanding that every person is created in the image of God and called to a life of grace, these conversations offer both practical guidance and spiritual encouragement for listeners seeking to build stronger, more compassionate communities.

Special Guest: Deacon Mark Paine - Monday 20 April, 10am and 10pm
Listeners are warmly invited to join Just Life with Fr Toby for a special conversation with Deacon Mark Paine, who serves at Our Lady and St Rose of Lima, Weoley Castle and St Peter, Bartley Green. Deacon Mark has helped develop autism-friendly Scripture resources through The God Who Speaks initiative and will share a powerful theological vision of "radical belonging" in parish life. His reflections will help listeners recognise the gifts already present within their communities and offer practical ideas for supporting children and young people in catechesis and worship.

Opportunities for Communities to Gather - Tuesday 21st April 9am and 9pm
The series continues with Emily Pugh and Fr Cecil Rogerson sharing insights into the monthly SEN Mass at Our Lady and St Brigid's, Northfield, including how accessible parish Mass kits help families participate more fully in liturgy.

Special Guest: Rev John Allister - Tuesday 28th April, 10am and 10pm
Later in the month, Rev John Allister reflects on his personal journey as an autistic vicar and discusses themes from his book Faith, Hope and Autism, offering honest and moving insight into how church life can become more welcoming for everyone.
See: www.indcatholicnews.com/news/54808

PACT's Support for families - Tuesday 28th April 9am and 9pm
Listeners are also invited to hear from Prison Advice and Care Trust (PACT), who will share how they support families with neurodivergent members navigating prison visits. The programme highlights the work of an award-winning volunteer at HMP Foston Hall and introduces new resources developed with KeyRing to help neurodiverse visitors prepare for visits. This encouraging conversation offers practical insight into how small changes can make a meaningful difference for families

Together, these programmes form a rich and hopeful invitation to listen, reflect and take practical steps toward building parish communities where every person feels recognised, supported and truly at home.

https://radiomariaengland.uk/radio-maria-celebrates-autism-acceptance-month/

How to Listen

Radio Maria England can be accessed through various platforms:

DAB+ Digital Radio: London, Cambridge, Bristol, Birmingham, Norwich,
King's Lynn, Peterborough, Stockport, Greater Manchester, Liverpool and Tameside areas.

Smart-Speakers: ask for 'Radio Maria England'.
Radio Maria Play App: available for smartphones and tablets.
Website: www.RadioMariaEngland.uk
Podcasts: Anchor, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and others.