SPRED

SPRED is a network of services designed to assist persons with developmental disabilities and/or learning problems to become integrated into parish assemblies of worship through the process of education in their faith. SPRED services are provided through the leadership of the Special Religious Education Agency of the Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago.

Over 100 parish centers serve children, adolescents and adults who have developmental disabilities and children with learning disabilities in the Archdiocese. Through a contract with the State of Illinois, SPRED serves the residents of a state facility.

SPRED's mission is an ongoing process of training and action. SPRED sets up a contractual arrangement with a parish, a facility or another diocese. SPRED binds itself to provide training, supervision and materials in the form of private manuscripts. The other party sets up a program for a given group of persons that meets SPRED standards.

Each center has a core team and helpers. The core team is made up of a parish or a church representative, a leader, and an activity catechist. There is a helper/sponsor for each person with disabilities in the center.

The Chicago SPRED communities also prepare and support SPRED communities of faith in: