The latest episode of the All Kinds of Catholic podcast is out today (Ash Wednesday, March 2025) and features Deacon Mark Paine of Our Lady and St Rose of Lima, Weoley Castle and St Peter’s, Bartley Green.

Deacon Mark was ordained in September 2021 at St Chad’s Cathedral and has a career in teaching.

In this 40th episode of All Kinds of Catholic he talks to Podcast Owner and Host Theresa Alessandro.

We hear how Deacon Mark’s journey to become a deacon was a little on the unusual side – he describes it as a ‘pincer movement’ by his wife and parish priest – but a role which he has truly embraced.

He shares that whilst in formation he felt the odd one out, he worried he wouldn’t make the cut and thought his autism could be a deal-breaker.

But that couldn’t be further from the truth as in the last 12 months he has finally discovered why he became a deacon – to advocate for fellow disabled Catholics. He is heavily involved in a monthly adapted Mass at Our Lady and St Brigid’s and is working on autism guidelines for parishes.

Deacon Mark recalls his Catholic faith really developed at university. He gets his ‘faith kicks’ from what’s going on around him, the natural world. St Francis is his favourite Saint. He loves Pope Francis’ theology and the expressive Laudato Si’. 

He might not be so confident with the liturgy but he loves the one-to-one interaction with parishioners.

“My diaconate, my service, is to advocate for my fellow disabled Catholics,” said Deacon Mark. “That has given me a sense of purpose in my vocation.

“We are all made in the image and likeness of God. We are who we are all supposed to be.”