A Church for Everyone: Deacon Mark Paine at Knock Shrine

Yesterday, on the penultimate day of the National Novena at Knock Shrine, we were graced with a profoundly moving witness. The theme for Day Eight – Thursday, 20th August – was “A Church for Everyone.” Our guest speaker for the 3pm and 8pm sessions was Deacon Mark Paine from the Archdiocese of Birmingham. It was a day that many pilgrims will carry home with them for a long time. Who is Deacon Mark Paine? Deacon Mark is a Permanent Deacon in the Archdiocese of Birmingham, serving the Catholic Church with a focus on inclusive, welcoming communities. He is part of the Catholic Stream disability theology network and advocates for neurodivergence. He is autistic himself and a father of autistic children, and brings 28 years’ experience in primary education and special educational needs to his ministry. He serves at Our Lady and St Rose of Lima, Weoley Castle and St Peter, Bartley Green, and is currently Lead Officer of Birmingham SENDIASS. He is also the author of new autism-friendly resources for teachers and catechists, developed with The God Who Speaks Scripture initiative, built around a powerful theological vision of “radical belonging”. It was this vision he brought to Knock. Building a Community of Welcome In addition to his main homilies, Deacon Mark led the Novena Workshop at 12.45pm in the Prayer Centre: ‘A Church for Everyone: Building a Community of Welcome’. His message was simple, challenging, and deeply Gospel-centred: belonging is not an add-on to Church – it is Church. Speaking as an autistic Catholic, as a father, as an educator, and as a deacon, he reminded us that welcome is more than a ramp or a quiet space – though those matter. It is about being seen, being heard, being valued as God made us. A Church for everyone means that neurodivergent people, disabled people, families who feel on the edge, are not just accommodated, but are essential to the Body of Christ. Their presence reveals something of God that no one else can. He spoke of the pain many families feel when Mass feels impossible, when they feel judged, when they quietly slip away. And he spoke of the joy when a parish says, “You belong here, exactly as you are.” This year’s National Novena is themed ‘Sheltered in God’s Love’ and marks the 50th anniversary of Knock Basilica, a place that has offered welcome for generations. Deacon Mark’s message fitted that shelter perfectly – a shelter wide enough for every temperament, every sensory need, every way of praying, every way of being human. 190b In Deacon Mark's Own Words After his day at Knock, Deacon Mark shared this beautiful reflection: I have had a wonderful day at Knock Shrine. The welcome, the people who shared their stories and worries with me, the beautiful liturgies, the Faith that is of the people and of the land itself. Every time I come to Ireland, I feel like I have come home. Today, I was invited into Ireland’s spiritual home – it was the greatest privilege of my life. We thank Deacon Mark for coming home to Knock, and for reminding us that Ireland’s spiritual home has room for everyone. The National Novena continues through to today, 21st August – the Anniversary of the Apparition. If you were at the workshop or the 3pm and 8pm sessions, we’d love to hear what spoke to you. What does ‘A Church for Everyone’ mean in your parish? Our Lady of Knock, Queen of Ireland, pray for us.