special religious education "To integrate people with developmental disabilities to the faith and life of the church."

A volunteer, 18 years or older, has agreed to complete Safe Environment (fingerprints and Safe Environment training) before joining the group. Additionally, it is necessary to take the SPRED trainings before the SPRED year begins or within one year of joining SPRED. The volunteer catechist agrees to attend 12 catechist preparation sessions and 12 integrated sessions (total community) from October to May (approximately 2-3 hours per session) and SPRED Liturgies, both the Diocesan and within the parish. The volunteer also agrees to abide by the SPRED standards, contract and policies in SPRED.

HELPER CATECHIST TRAININGS

• A one-day training course required for all SPRED Catechists
• Standards and expectations for serving in SPRED ministry
• Importance of preparation phase within a small community of faith
• Meaning & purpose of Agape

INTRODUCTION TO SPRED (2-1)

A two-day training course taken on consecutive Saturdays required for Leader Catechists, Activity Catechists, and Parish Chairpersons:

• Part A
  • Pastoral Statement of U.S. Catholic Bishops on Persons with Disabilities
  • History of SPRED Chicago/Oakland & specialized catechetics
  • Method Vivre & meeting in a small community of faith
• Part B
  • Roles & Standards of SPRED 
  • Total Community of catechists & Friends 
  • Meaning of Faith and Revelation in specialized catechetics

Friend- A person with a developmental disability and participant in SPRED.

Helper Catechist- An adult who wishes to share his/her faith in a small faith group comprised of other Helper Catechists and Friends.

SPRED Parish Center- Small faith sharing group comprised of Friends and Catechists. They are located in different parishes throughout the Diocese. Centers are usually no bigger than 16 Catechists and Friends.

Method Vivre- A type of symbolic catechesis method used by SPRED to help Friends and Catechists grow in their faith.

Age Groups- SPRED divides the Centers by age. There are four different age groups- 6-10, 11-16, 17-21 and 22 and older.