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For
over 30 years now, SPRED (the Special Religious Education Department of the Archdiocese of Chicago) has ministered to a growing number of developmentally disabled members of the Chicago parish family. While the number of
persons enrolled in the SPRED movement has steadily increased, the core administrative
team has remarkably remained a small, hardworking trio, supported by dedicated workers in the field and a growing number of
SPRED catechetical teams in far flung parishes.
We
could list their educational backgrounds and degrees, catalogue their awards and the books and articles they have authored,
and index the speeches and presentations they have made. And while these accomplishments are certainly notable and worthy
of respect, they do not eminently qualify the SPRED staff members for the vital work they
perform in God's service through the SPRED ministry. Our Father called each of them and
-- fortunately for all those who have benefitted from their dedication -- they willingly undertook the task of developing
small Faith communities for the developmentally challenged.
What
DOES admirably qualify them for their work are the open, loving hearts with which they welcome every person who comes to SPRED. They possess almost limitless patience in the warm acceptance they extend to those they
train and teach. The sense of humor with which they face the challenges presented to them each day helps to fuel the spirit
of love that pervades the SPRED program. With that in mind, please meet our staff.
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Father James H. McCarthy
Father McCarthy began the formal ministry of the Special Religious Education
Division of the Archdiocese of Chicago (SPRED) as an outgrowth of his work with parents,
special educators and volunteers in assisting persons with developmental disabilities. As director of SPRED,
Father Jim is the quiet, energetic force behind this caring ministry to integrate persons with developmental and learning
disabilities into parish assemblies of worship.
He works untiringly to educate families, parishes, and clergy in the vital
work of the SPRED program in order to strengthen the overall Christian community by providing
education in faith for an important – and sometimes overlooked – segment of the community, the developmentally
disabled. Father oversees the day-to-day operation of SPRED for the ever growing number
of centers in Chicago, other U.S. dioceses, and an expanding roster of international dioceses.
Betty is the Community Religious Worker (CRW) for the residents of Elizabeth
Ludeman Developmental Center, a large facility in southwest Cook County. Betty also promotes the establishment of SPRED Centers in Catholic parishes in the South City, Southwest and Western Suburban areas.
Julie is the Community Religious Worker (CRW) who animates the parishes of
the Northern and Northwestern Suburban areas and the North City parishes in the Archdiocese of Chicago in establishing SPRED Centers.
| Community Religious Workers coordinate a pastoral plan on behalf of people with developmental disabilities who live
in residential facilities. Their ministry involves: |
- meeting with administrators of facilities
to introduce them to SPRED as a way to ensure integration into local communities
of worship respecting the religious preference of each person.
- assisting facility staff in gathering data
concernng the religious identity and sacramental histories of the persons in their care.
- approaching the leaders of local parishes
and churches to bring them to an awareness of the presence of persons with disabilities who wish to participate in worship
experiences.
- working to help church leaders to designate
a person as the SPRED Chairperson who gathers adult believers to form a small community
of faith to welcome those with special needs who wish to belong.
- working with volunteers who want to establish a community of faith in their church.
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Armando Cuaya
Because many of the Catholic parishes in the Chicagoland area have large
Hispanic memberships, the Mamre board has made significant efforts to produce all SPRED
publications, training materials, and catechetical sessions in Spanish as well as English. Armando Cuaya is the fluent translator
on the Chicago SPRED team who devotes long hours to the translation process. Armando also
helps train Hispanic volunteers for the Center.
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Sister Susanne Gallagher, S.P.
Sister Susanne, a member of the Sisters of Providence, has been an invaluable
member of the SPRED family since 1967, assisting Father McCarthy with the operation of SPRED and the training of new core team members. In addition to her administrative duties, Sister
Susanne is a member of a SPRED catechist team. Her infectious laughter and patient, peaceful
spirituality radiate to the catechists she trains and the special Friends with whom she lovingly interacts.
Sister Mary Therese Harrington, S.H.
Since 1963, Sister Mary Therese, a member of the Society of Helpers, has
been a member of the primary SPRED administrative staff. In addition to her office duties
at the SPRED headquarters, she is a SPRED catechist for
one of the groups at the Center. Sister has authored many articles and pamphlets to better disseminate the important message
of the SPRED program. Her commitment to the ideals of SPRED
illuminates her writing and personal presentations.
As the Staff Support person, Mary Ann collects and maintains data, answers
and redirects phone calls and facilitates mailings to families, facility personnel, parish leaders and all who support SPRED ministry. Many are familiar with Mary Ann's energetic, generous spirit and look forward to
hearing her voice when they call the SPRED office. Mary Ann is an activity catechist at
the Observation and Training Center in a SPRED community that welcomes children ages 6-10.
In addition to working with SPRED groups at the SPRED Center, Ramiro and
Eva work with Armando Cuaya to help train Hispanic volunteers for the Center.
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