Radio Maria England

In Part 2 of A Neurodivergent Christmas, Leela Seaton and Helena Judd turn their focus to the home, parish, and family traditions. Learn practical ways to reduce overwhelm, create calm spaces, and adjust festive expectations so that every loved one can enjoy Advent and Christmas. From “quiet Christmas corners” to simple accommodations and predictable routines, this episode offers heartfelt, practical advice to make the season more inclusive, joyful, and truly meaningful.Leela SeatonLeela is many things – and she juggles them all with humour and heart.She descibes herself as:A mother of four wonderful children, all ASD/ADHDA state-trained primary school teacherA writer (fiction, SEN topics, women’s health, and advocacy)The organiser of Surbiton’s Catholic Mothers' groupA liturgy teacherA leader of a Catholic women’s prayer groupAnd, in her own words, ‘slightly bonkers’ – a quality she brings with warmth and relatabilityLeela speaks openly from lived experience, offering practical ideas that help families maintain peace and joy throughout December.Why This Matters‘A Neurodivergent Christmas’ encourages us to reimagine the season not as a checklist of traditions, but as a time for love, connection and thoughtful care. Making space for neurodivergent needs doesn’t diminish Christmas – it deepens it.This year, may we all discover the gift of celebrating in ways that allow every loved one to feel seen, understood and welcomed.If you enjoyed this programme, please consider supporting us with a one-off or monthly donation. It is only through the generosity of our listeners that we can be a Christian voice by your side.   https://radiomariaengland.uk/donations/

Christmas is often called the “most wonderful time of the year,” but for many neurodivergent individuals, it can also be overwhelming. In Part 1 of A Neurodivergent Christmas, Deacon Mark Paine and Helena Judd explore how parishes can make Advent and Christmas liturgies more inclusive. From sensory-friendly adjustments to predictable routines, they share practical ideas to help everyone participate fully, feel welcomed, and experience the peace and joy of the season.Deacon Mark PaineDeacon Mark serves as a permanent deacon in the Catholic Church and has a particular heart for accompanying families, individuals with additional needs and those who feel on the margins. His pastoral approach is rooted in gentleness, patience, and practical wisdom. Mark regularly supports neurodivergent individuals and their families within parish life and offers thoughtful insights into how the Church can grow in welcome and understanding.Deacon Mark is pleased for his contact email address to be shared should you wish to contact him at: [email protected] This Matters‘A Neurodivergent Christmas’ encourages us to reimagine the season not as a checklist of traditions, but as a time for love, connection and thoughtful care. Making space for neurodivergent needs doesn’t diminish Christmas – it deepens it.This year, may we all discover the gift of celebrating in ways that allow every loved one to feel seen, understood and welcomed.If you enjoyed this programme, please consider supporting us with a one-off or monthly donation. It is only through the generosity of our listeners that we can be a Christian voice by your side.   https://radiomariaengland.uk/donations/

Join Rebecca Coyne, Paul Danon , and Henri-Pierre Koubaka from our news team as they look back on the top Catholic news stories and events from 2025 — from inspiring parish projects to key happenings across the UK.JUST LIFE is a human formation programme brought to you by Radio Maria, airing on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday at 10am and rebroadcast the same day at 10pm, as well as Saturday 11am and Sunday 00.30am. If you enjoyed this programme, please consider supporting us with a one-off or monthly donation. It is only through the generosity of our listeners that we are able to be a Christian voice by your side. ⁠www.radiomariaengland.uk⁠

Practical tips for everyday evangelisation.If you enjoyed this programme, please consider supporting us with a one-off or monthly donation. It is only through the generosity of our listeners that we are able to be a Christian voice by your side. ⁠www.radiomariaengland.uk⁠

On the Feast Day of St Stephen, Fr Bernardino helps us to unwrap the beautiful mystery of ChristmasFr Bernardino Soukup CFR is a Franciscan Friar of the Renewal, currently based at St Patrick's Friary, Limerick, in Ireland.CREDO is a programme that nourishes listeners in their Catholic faith. It airs live on Radio Maria every weekday at 4pm and is rebroadcast at 4am the following morning, as well as 4.15pm on Saturday and 5pm on Sunday. If you enjoyed this programme, please consider supporting us with a one-off or monthly donation. It is only through the generosity of our listeners that we are able to be a Christian voice by your side. ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.radiomariaengland.uk