Queen of Angels Parish SPRED Program
Julia Hess, CRW
SPRED Resource Satellite Queen of Angels Parish 4412 N. Western Ave. Chicago, IL 60625 Ph: 773-539-3634 |
Welcome to SPRED at Queen of Angels ParishSPRED (Special Religious Development) is a program, created in the Archdiocese of Chicago, which trains and guides parishes to provide faith formation to persons with developmental disabilities and/or learning problems and become integrated into parish life. This is accomplished through small communities of faith at the parish level. My name is Julia Hess, Community Religious Worker for SPRED. This website was created to provide information to those interested in offering spiritual enrichment to persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The SPRED program at Queen of Angels offers the opportunity to grow in faith to young adults and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in three small faith communities. To learn about the program at Queens, please click here Queen of Angels Parish SPRED Program or use the navigation menu above. SPRED Resource Satellite at Queen of Angels The SPRED Resource Satellite housed at Queen of Angels is a satellite of the Archdiocesan SPRED Center (see below) and supports the quality and development of SPRED programs in Vicariates I, II, and parts of III and IV in the Archdiocese of Chicago. Please feel free to explore by clicking here SPRED Resource Satellite or use the navigation menu above. |
What is SPRED?
SPRED or Special Religious Development is a program for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities begun in the Archdiocese of Chicago in the early 1960's. SPRED founder and director, Fr. James McCarthy was driven to find a way to enrich the life of those living with developmental disabilities by stirring an awareness of GOD in the midst of ordinary moments of their everyday life and bringing forth an awareness of themselves as persons of dignity who are loved by GOD. Sr. Mary Therese Harrington and Sr. Susanne Gallagher joined Fr. McCarthy in researching methods of catechesis and education and discovered the Method Vivre, a research project defining how persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities could grow in faith. SPRED is the practical application of the Method Vivre. Since its inception, SPRED has continued to evolve and grow through the direction and oversight of the founding SPRED staff.
Today in the Archdiocese of Chicago and beyond, the SPRED Agency sets up a contractual arrangement with a parish or another
diocese. The SPRED Agency provides training, supervision and materials in the form of a syllabus of sessions. The parish sets up a program for a given age group in accordance with SPRED standards. Each SPRED center has a team made up of volunteers: a chairperson, leader catechist, activity catechist and helper catechists (sponsors). Each helper catechist becomes a partner in faith for a child or adult with developmental disabilities. SPRED small communities of faith are comprised of up to 14 persons: 8 catechists and 6 friends. This ensures a personal experience for all. A welcoming space, the bonds of friendship, the proclamation of the WORD and inclusion in the sacramental life of the parish are essential for growth in faith.
Today in the Archdiocese of Chicago and beyond, the SPRED Agency sets up a contractual arrangement with a parish or another
diocese. The SPRED Agency provides training, supervision and materials in the form of a syllabus of sessions. The parish sets up a program for a given age group in accordance with SPRED standards. Each SPRED center has a team made up of volunteers: a chairperson, leader catechist, activity catechist and helper catechists (sponsors). Each helper catechist becomes a partner in faith for a child or adult with developmental disabilities. SPRED small communities of faith are comprised of up to 14 persons: 8 catechists and 6 friends. This ensures a personal experience for all. A welcoming space, the bonds of friendship, the proclamation of the WORD and inclusion in the sacramental life of the parish are essential for growth in faith.
SPRED Staff Receives 2013 Laetare Medal Award at Notre Dame
Sr. Mary Therese Harrington, Fr. Jim McCarthy and Sr. Susanne Gallagher receiving the 2013 Laetare Award with Notre Dame President
Fr. John Jenkins in recognition of 50 years of SPRED.
In a press release, University President Fr. John Jenkins praised SPRED’s commitment to educating people with disabilities.
“Insisting that a developmental disability
neither tempers Christ’s invitation
nor restricts one’s right to respond,
they have ushered countless people to their rightful place
at the Eucharistic table.”
Additional information can also be found by visiting the SPRED Agency website located at: www.spred-chicago.org/
SPRED - Archdiocese of Chicago
2956 S. Lowe Chicago, IL 60616
Phone: 312-842-1039
email: info@spred.org
SPRED - Archdiocese of Chicago
2956 S. Lowe Chicago, IL 60616
Phone: 312-842-1039
email: info@spred.org