SPRED – Special Religious Education

Faith Formation and Inclusion for Children and Adults with Developmental Disabilities.

SPRED  (Special Religious Development) created by the Archdiocese of Chicago is a unique program offering spiritual enrichment, for persons with developmental disabilities and/or learning problems including autism and ADHD. With the support of the SPRED Agency, a parish welcomes these children and adults into small faith community where they form friendships with people from the parish who journey with them in faith. SPRED helps each participant to know God and prepare them for full participation in the sacramental life of the parish.

There are four particular age groups in the SPRED Archdiocese program with each parish focusing on a certain age group. The groups are: 6-10 year old children; 11-16 year old teens; 17-21 year old young people; and adults (22 years and older). The SPRED program at St. Faustina Kowalska Parish offers the opportunity to young adults and adults.   Our group consists of eight adult volunteer and seven friends.  Through prayer, activities, stories, Scripture reading, song and a simple meal, our catechists’ help our special friends learn and understand about our faith.

If you are a parent with a special needs child or adult we welcome you to further explore this unique program.  For additional information please contact Deacon Ron or Maria Borzecki.

The first SPRED meeting for friends & catechists is MONDAY, September 20, 2021 at 7:00 pm on the first floor of the school building. Please park in the lot on the east side of the school.

We are also in need of volunteers.

Are you thinking of possibly getting involved in parish ministry?

Are you looking for something meaningful, spiritual, a ministry where you can make a real difference in someone’s life?

Then please consider SPRED.

Please note that You Do Not Need Experience or feel that you must have prior knowledge of what this is about.  The only requirement is that you are over 21 years of age and have a love for working with people!  Believe me when I say, SPRED is a very worthwhile ministry where the rewards far outweigh the benefits.  To learn more about Spred please call and leave a message at the parish office.

SPRED – Communities of Faith and Friends

Inclusion of Persons with Developmental or Intellectual Challenges at St. Faustina Kowalska Parish

            SPRED is a parish-based program that serves all children, ages 6 and up, and adults with developmental and cognitive disabilities such as Down’s Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, anyone on the Autism Spectrum, and learning disabilities. SPRED provides a comfortable setting that fosters an environment to grow in faith friendship and become more deeply aware of God’s love in their lives. If you have a family member or friend who might benefit from this program, or would like to volunteer, please don’t hesitate to ask questions and explore this marvelous opportunity. The SPRED Program generally runs from September through May. For more information please contact Maria Borzecki at 708-793-6073.