HELPER CATECHIST TRAINING

The purpose of training in SPRED is to provide volunteers a foundation in the use of symbol in our sessions as well as a feeling of security as catechists enter into new relationships with their SPRED Friends with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. Training highlights the importance of environment, pacing, reverence, respect, hospitality, bonding, trust, commitment and openness to the journey. Helper Catechist Training is for the first time catechist or anyone needing a refresher by walking through a SPRED session with only the role of the helper catechist and their SPRED Friend in mind.   

The afternoon introduces the journey of a SPRED session by discussion and hand's on activity.  The day is designed to leave participants strengthened in their understanding of the SPRED method, the SPRED standards and the role of the helper catechist in ensuring quality catechesis with our Friends. 

Helper Catechist Training occurs in fall and spring of each year at Queen of Apostles and the Archdiocesan SPRED Center at 30th and Lowe in Chicago.  St. Francis de Sales in Lake Zurich is a Northwest suburban site that offers training and observation. 

​Next HC Training at Queen of Apostles:            

Helper Catechist Training
Saturday, October 1st, 2022
​Saturday, April 1st, 2023
11am to 4pm​ 
​Queen of Apostles Parish Center (one half block south of the school, directly across from Welles Park) 
4412 N. Western Ave., 2nd Floor, Chicago, IL 60625  
Parking is available in the school lot or on the street.

Additional Training Locations

​Archdiocesan SPRED Center
2959 S. Lowe
Chicago, IL 60616

To register phone: 312-842-1039 ext. 211 
Located in Bridgeport area, exit 31st St. off Dan Ryan

St. Francis De Sales
135 S. Buesching
Lake Zurich, IL  60047
Feb. 18, 2022  11am to 4pm

Registration for any above location is requested to accommodate all participants.

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SPRED at Queen of Apostles Parish Center is located near the intersection of Montrose and Western on the north side of Chicago in the Lincoln Square neighborhood.  The Parish Center is located directly across from Welles Park, and within a short walk from public transporation.  (The school and church are separate buildings from the parish center).  Parking is available either on the street or in the school lot on Western and Sunnyside which is one half block north of the Parish Center.