FAMILIES AND CAREGIVERS
The following are the most frequently asked questions of our SPRED staff and volunteers. Feel free to browse other sections of our site to learn more about SPRED.
Who is served by SPRED?
SPRED serves children and adults with various developmental and cognitive disabilities such as Down's Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, anyone in the Autism Spectrum, seizure disorders, learning disabilities, etc. Participation starts at the age of 6 and may continue throughout adulthood.
How can faith be nourished in those with developmental disabilities?
A relationship with God is accessible to all. Friendship is the human experience closest to understanding the presence of God in life. By calling to mind life experiences, sharing these experiences in a circle of friendship, the small community of faith becomes aware of the sacredness of all life and then returns to life changed.
Why SPRED?
In SPRED, each person is partnered with a catechist, a model of faith and friendship. As trust is established and friendship deepens, we all become aware of our place in the family of God and celebrate it in our community of faith that extends to the greater parish community.
Can my son or daughter or the person in my care participate liturgically and sacramentally in the church?
Sacraments and liturgy are a right of all people and are accessible to all. Participation in a SPRED community helps to facilitate readiness to enjoy the Sacraments with reverence and a new awareness.
How can I my child participate in SPRED program?
Call your parish and ask if there is a SPRED Program or a SPRED Chairperson and request to be connected with them. The Chairperson will facilitate placement to ensure an age appropriate setting. Participation begins with a home visit from the Chairperson and/or Leader Catechist to initiate dialogue with the family and address any questions or concerns. It is important that you and your family feel comfortable and the relationship begins even before the first session.
If there is not a Parish Chairperson in place at your parish, then contact Julia Hess at the SPRED Regional Resource Center as indicated at the bottom of this page. If you are located anywhere outside the Archdiocese of Chicago, click the email address below for the link to the Archdiocesan SPRED Center in the Bridgeport neighborhood of Chicago. Their full contact information is:
SPRED
Archdiocese of Chicago
2956 S. Lowe Chicago, IL 60616
Phone: 312-842-1039
email: info@spred.org
www.spred-chicago.org
SPRED Centers continue to develop where there is interest by families, parishioners, parish staff and need. Many parish SPRED centers are started due to parental efforts to establish a program.
What can I do to support my family member in SPRED?
Observation: Observe a SPRED session at a SPRED observation center in order to understand more fully the experience of your child or person in your care. See the Observation Tab on this site for upcoming available dates at Queen of Angels. For dates of observation at the Central SPRED Center, go to http://www.spred-chicago.org/#!observationcalendar/chsk
Regular SPRED Attendance: In order to instill a sense of belonging, understand the importance of regular attendance at SPRED sessions. There are a total of 12 sessions per SPRED year. Time and commitment are necessary for friendships and trust to develop. Faith communities that value their time together develop strong bonds and lasting friendships.
Communication: Be open to communication. The catechist partnered with your family member or person in your care may contact you to learn of an experience their SPRED Friend has had, that ties in with the session. This is especially important for those who have difficulty in expressing themselves or are unable to speak. The lived experiences that we share help us all become aware of God's presence in our lives.
Mass Attendance: Bring your son, daughter or the person in your care to church and sacrament as often as can be tolerated. This builds familiarity with the rites and symbols and deepens the understanding of the mystery. SPRED family masses are available to respect and enhance the experience for a person with special needs.
If the above has stirred your interest and you have additional questions,
please email by clicking here: jhess@archchicago.org
Who is served by SPRED?
SPRED serves children and adults with various developmental and cognitive disabilities such as Down's Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, anyone in the Autism Spectrum, seizure disorders, learning disabilities, etc. Participation starts at the age of 6 and may continue throughout adulthood.
How can faith be nourished in those with developmental disabilities?
A relationship with God is accessible to all. Friendship is the human experience closest to understanding the presence of God in life. By calling to mind life experiences, sharing these experiences in a circle of friendship, the small community of faith becomes aware of the sacredness of all life and then returns to life changed.
Why SPRED?
In SPRED, each person is partnered with a catechist, a model of faith and friendship. As trust is established and friendship deepens, we all become aware of our place in the family of God and celebrate it in our community of faith that extends to the greater parish community.
Can my son or daughter or the person in my care participate liturgically and sacramentally in the church?
Sacraments and liturgy are a right of all people and are accessible to all. Participation in a SPRED community helps to facilitate readiness to enjoy the Sacraments with reverence and a new awareness.
How can I my child participate in SPRED program?
Call your parish and ask if there is a SPRED Program or a SPRED Chairperson and request to be connected with them. The Chairperson will facilitate placement to ensure an age appropriate setting. Participation begins with a home visit from the Chairperson and/or Leader Catechist to initiate dialogue with the family and address any questions or concerns. It is important that you and your family feel comfortable and the relationship begins even before the first session.
If there is not a Parish Chairperson in place at your parish, then contact Julia Hess at the SPRED Regional Resource Center as indicated at the bottom of this page. If you are located anywhere outside the Archdiocese of Chicago, click the email address below for the link to the Archdiocesan SPRED Center in the Bridgeport neighborhood of Chicago. Their full contact information is:
SPRED
Archdiocese of Chicago
2956 S. Lowe Chicago, IL 60616
Phone: 312-842-1039
email: info@spred.org
www.spred-chicago.org
SPRED Centers continue to develop where there is interest by families, parishioners, parish staff and need. Many parish SPRED centers are started due to parental efforts to establish a program.
What can I do to support my family member in SPRED?
Observation: Observe a SPRED session at a SPRED observation center in order to understand more fully the experience of your child or person in your care. See the Observation Tab on this site for upcoming available dates at Queen of Angels. For dates of observation at the Central SPRED Center, go to http://www.spred-chicago.org/#!observationcalendar/chsk
Regular SPRED Attendance: In order to instill a sense of belonging, understand the importance of regular attendance at SPRED sessions. There are a total of 12 sessions per SPRED year. Time and commitment are necessary for friendships and trust to develop. Faith communities that value their time together develop strong bonds and lasting friendships.
Communication: Be open to communication. The catechist partnered with your family member or person in your care may contact you to learn of an experience their SPRED Friend has had, that ties in with the session. This is especially important for those who have difficulty in expressing themselves or are unable to speak. The lived experiences that we share help us all become aware of God's presence in our lives.
Mass Attendance: Bring your son, daughter or the person in your care to church and sacrament as often as can be tolerated. This builds familiarity with the rites and symbols and deepens the understanding of the mystery. SPRED family masses are available to respect and enhance the experience for a person with special needs.
If the above has stirred your interest and you have additional questions,
please email by clicking here: jhess@archchicago.org