Spred began in 1960 when Fr. James McCarthy from the Archdiocese of Chicago began to work with parents, special educators and catechist volunteers. Since that beginning Spred ministry has been incorporated into the system of Diocesan ministries under the direction of Father McCarthy. The following shows the path of Spred since its beginnings in the Archdiocese.

1966 Spred was established as an agency of the Archdiocese and was designated as one of seven divisions of the office called the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine or CCD Office.

1968 The Spred Observation Center was established. Observation became a way of encouraging or animating others to start centers. It became a way to gain insight into the symbolic method of catechesis.

1973 Spred became parish based at St. John Nepomucene parish. Fr. McCarthy became pastor while continuing as Director of Spred. The space of the former school became the new Observation and Training Center.

1983 Spred was incorporated into the Department of Community Services, one of several departments created following the arrival of Cardinal Bernardin to the Archdiocese of Chicago.

1987 Mamre Inc. was established as the fundraising arm of Spred thanks to the generosity of an avid supporter of Spred ministry. Mamre provides financial support for a Spred Community Religious Worker and for the translation of Spred sessions and publications into Spanish. Fundraising events and donations received from appeal letters raise money for these needs. The goal is to establish Spred communities of faith so that all persons with developmental disabilities can be prepared for full belonging in their parish/church community.

1990 The parish of St. John Nepomucene was closed. Spred remains at the site. Without parish funds Spred relies on donations for capital expenses to secure a Diocesan training and resource center for families, persons with special needs, catechists and parish leaders.

1993 The agencies of the Archdiocese were realigned and Spred was incorporated into the Department of Evangelization and Christian Life.

1994 The Mamre board committed itself to financially support the development of Spred ministry for Hispanic persons with developmental disabilities. A Spred catechist was hired to translate Spred publications, training materials and catechetical sessions for the development of Spred communities of faith. Hispanic Spred catechists have formed a team to train new Spanish speaking catechists.

1997 Agencies were realigned and Spred was placed in the Department of Education.