Special Religious Education
SPRED
"Now I want to touch your hearts and your spirits to become aware
that persons with developmental disabilities, regardless of age,
need nourishment for their spiritual life as well as opportunities to give glory to God."
-Joseph Cardinal Bernardin, Archbishop of Chicago
SPRED is a program of religious education specifically designed to meet the spiritual needs of persons with developmental disabilties. SPRED invites and trains volunteers to prepare a special place where they can welcome persons with developmental disabilities.
SPRED assists children or adults with disabilities to develop an awareness of God in their lives, an awareness of themselves as persons of dignity who are loved by God, an awareness of themselves as an integral part of the parish community and the entire Church.
SPRED is for persons with all developmental disabilities that range from mild to severe. SPRED provides a catechesis to develop a sense of the sacred, a sense of the Church and a sense of God.
The process used is to help each one to enter into communion with Jesus Christ within the Christian community of faith. Sacramental initiation takes place according to the personal rhythm of each one.
SPRED at St. Mary's offers two age groups:
- Adolescents: ages 11-16
- Adults: ages 21 and up
If you or someone you know would like more information, please contact the Parish Center at 847.234.0205.
Click here to learn more about SPRED in the Archdiocese of Chicago.