SPRED- Special Religious Development
Overview
In the mid 1960’s Fr. James McCarthy, Sr. Mary Theresa Harrington, and Sr. Susanne Gallagher in the Archdiocese of Chicago created a process for those individuals with developmental disabilities to engage in faith formation in small faith communities. The work of these three came to be known as SPRED. This process seeks to facilitate opportunities for “those living with developmental disabilities to experience a sense of the sacred, a sense of church, a sense of the Christ, and a sense of God.” This process is present in parishes across the country. Presently, our diocese has two communities- one at St. Joseph in Jasper and one at All Saints in Evansville.
In its mission statement, SPRED lays out its hopes for those who gather – to form small faith communities, welcome persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and foster inclusion in liturgy. Those goals are accomplished by extending an invitation to parish communities. Individuals may be welcomed as a participant/ friend (age groups 6-10, 11-16, 17-21 and 22+), or in a catechist role (chair person, leader catechist, activity catechist, catechist helper).
Training is provided for each catechist role, as well as catechetical materials, and outside resources for each group for use during reflection weekends, and ongoing formation. Parishes in close proximity often work together and host different age groupings at different parishes.
The SPRED Model
The Spirit of SPRED
What People are Saying about SPRED
Catechist Roles
Want to know more? Fill out this form and we will be in touch! At this time, there is a group meeting in Jasper and a group re-starting in Evansville. You are welcome to contact Nancy Marks in Jasper at 812-631-2018 or Carol Ann Gaddis in Evansville at 812-760-7738 or cagaddis@evdio.org with questions. If there is enough interest, we may form groups in other areas.
In the mid 1960’s Fr. James McCarthy, Sr. Mary Theresa Harrington, and Sr. Susanne Gallagher in the Archdiocese of Chicago created a process for those individuals with developmental disabilities to engage in faith formation in small faith communities. The work of these three came to be known as SPRED. This process seeks to facilitate opportunities for “those living with developmental disabilities to experience a sense of the sacred, a sense of church, a sense of the Christ, and a sense of God.” This process is present in parishes across the country. Presently, our diocese has two communities- one at St. Joseph in Jasper and one at All Saints in Evansville.
In its mission statement, SPRED lays out its hopes for those who gather – to form small faith communities, welcome persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and foster inclusion in liturgy. Those goals are accomplished by extending an invitation to parish communities. Individuals may be welcomed as a participant/ friend (age groups 6-10, 11-16, 17-21 and 22+), or in a catechist role (chair person, leader catechist, activity catechist, catechist helper).
Training is provided for each catechist role, as well as catechetical materials, and outside resources for each group for use during reflection weekends, and ongoing formation. Parishes in close proximity often work together and host different age groupings at different parishes.
The SPRED Model
The Spirit of SPRED
What People are Saying about SPRED
Catechist Roles
Want to know more? Fill out this form and we will be in touch! At this time, there is a group meeting in Jasper and a group re-starting in Evansville. You are welcome to contact Nancy Marks in Jasper at 812-631-2018 or Carol Ann Gaddis in Evansville at 812-760-7738 or cagaddis@evdio.org with questions. If there is enough interest, we may form groups in other areas.