SPRED
The SPRED program at St. Francis de Sales offers the opportunity to grow in faith for children and teens with intellectual and developmental disabilities in a small faith community. Together we develop an awareness of GOD in the midst of ordinary moments of our everyday life and bring forth an awareness of ourselves as persons of dignity who are loved by GOD.
SPRED serves individuals ages 6 on upwards. SPRED's mission is to form parish-based small faith communities where catechists and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities accompany one another as they deepen their awareness of God in their everyday lives and cultivate a sense of belonging within local parish communities and the universal Catholic Church. We do this by providing faith formation, spiritual nourishment, and a welcoming environment that fosters a sense of belonging within their parish community that prepares friends to participate in the liturgical life of their parish.
SPRED at St. Francis de Sales, welcomes children and teens ages 6-16 with intellectual and developmental disabilities to grow in faith with us, and strives to place all individuals ages 17+ with age appropriate neighboring SPRED Parishes. We also serve as an Observation and Training Center supporting families and parishes in the Northwest Suburbs, aiding families seeking a small faith group for a family member or a parish looking to start a SPRED community in their own parish.
We are always looking to welcome new catechists and friends to our groups. Those wishing to serve as catechists in the SPRED Ministry do not need any educational or special needs experience. Many of our catechists have never worked with children with special needs. They have quickly discovered the joy and love that our friends give us during each session we share together. It is clear to see that Christ is present in the hearts of everyone in the SPRED room. SPRED is not just a ministry of serving others, but a ministry that fulfills all our spiritual needs of growing closer to Christ.
In keeping with the requirements of the Archdiocese for Chicago, all catechists are required to have a background check and complete Virtus Training for Protecting God's Children.
For more information on SPRED check out: www.Spred.archchicago.org
For more information on joining St. Francis de Sales' SPRED or to schedule an observation please contact:
Kelly L. Smith at (847) 287-8640, kellylyn60@gmail.com
or Jackie Bathery at (847) 438-9136, jnj1229@aol.com