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

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.

ELIGIBILITY

SPRED is open and available to children who are at least 6 years-old through adulthood who have a developmental disability (i.e. autism, cerebral palsy, intellectual disability etc.) and are Roman Catholic or who would like to convert and become a member of the Roman Catholic faith.
SPRED prepares our Friends with developmental disabilities not only to receive their sacraments, but also to continue in their faith formation. Due to limited resources we can only accept people under these circumstances.

FORMATION

Faith Formation is done over a life time. Friends may or may not receive their sacraments at the same rate as typically developing children and adolescents due to their gradual spiritual maturation. The family is always the most important catechist in their Friend’s life. Praying and
discussing God’s love with your family member at home helps them grow in their faith. Another aspect of this formation is consistency in attending weekly Mass with the family.

ATTENDANCE OF FRIENDS

Regular attendance is highly encouraged due to an active wait list. SPRED would like to stress that unless the Friend is ill or there is a family emergency, the participant must attend all SPRED sessions. The spiritual maturation process takes time and experience within a small community of faith in order for maturity and growth in faith to take place. If a Friend is unable to make the majority of the SPRED sessions, he/she must consider opting out of the group for the year. They are welcome back the following year, if their schedule permits and there is room in a
group. Please inform the SPRED center of your decision.

MASS ATTENDANCE

SPRED supplements the Friends’ faith formation, but it does not replace attendance at Mass. It is highly encouraged that the Friend and their family attend weekly Mass to encounter God’s love. If the family needs assistance in how to facilitate taking their family member to Mass, they are free to ask their SPRED catechists and/or call the SPRED office.

BEHAVIORAL ISSUES

Some participants may have behavioral issues that are beyond the scope of what SPRED volunteer catechists can handle. A family or caregiver may be asked to become a catechist in the group. If a family member cannot take this role and/or cannot help with behavioral issues, the Friend may be asked to be removed from the program. If the family member agrees to be a SPRED catechist, they must abide by the SPRED Contract and Standards.

SPRED abides by the Guidelines for the Sacraments for Disabled People under the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Since
individual progress varies, the family and catechists have to agree on whether the Friend is willing and able to take the sacraments, discerning the appropriate time for the Friend. If you would like a copy of the guidelines please refer to the USCCB website.