1) volunteers meet together to become more aware of their God through everyday
life experiences. By remembering simple stories from their lives, they see
how these stories are connected to their worship experiences and to the life
of the Lord through the Bible.
2) these volunteers then welcome a small group of no more than 6 people with
developmental and intellectual challenges (mental retardation, autism, cerebral
palsy, epilepsy, and learning problems) to share an evening of remembering
simple stories from their life experiences in a similar way.
HOW OFTEN?
SPRED provides 24 gatherings in a September to May year giving us many weeks off:
12 are with the volunteers
12 are with everyone (volunteers and our friends with challenges)
Basis:
SPRED is a unique program based on the method called LIFE. It is different than a
program of religious education because it is not about teaching.
The ministry
-creates an environment of warmth and welcome through lamp lighting,
comfortable chairs, carpeting, classical music, with the Bible given a special
place surrounded by flowers and a candle.
-provides opportunities for quiet which is so needed in today's world to
respond to the Lord deep within us.
It offers a one on one relationship with each person with challenges. There are four roles in a SPRED group and the training varies depending on the role:
Spred chairperson, leader catechist, activity catechist, and helper catechist.
We are trying a new meeting day with the hope of having more of our parents/guardians of people of any age with developmental & intellectual challenges & learning problems join us. We also welcome people who work with our friends in any capacity. You have much to offer these families. Just being together & sharing our needs, concerns & experiences in the context of prayer can be very helpful.
WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT SPRED:
Contact:
Joanna Baxter 773-320-2703
Norine Abramovic 708-256-4303
SPRED welcomes children, chronological ages:
6 to 10 years old; teenagers~ 11 to 16;
young adults ~17 to 21; and adults, 22 and older.
Sacraments and inclusion in worship are a part of this ministry .
Meet Our Friends
Our friends 22 and older who meet THURSDAYS in Narthex:
Albert- He has a wonderful sense of humor and enjoys baseball.
Anthony- Warm and welcoming and loves to participate in parish events.
Peter- Energetic and hard-working. He can also be seen coaching St. Rene football.
Joey- All smiles. He takes pleasure in singing his heart out.
Judy- Heart of gold. Remembers everyones birthdays and her hugs warm your heart.
Orlando- loves to joke and is very smart. Enjoys watching movies and can tell you when the newest are coming out.
Bob- Very faithful to our program even though he works full time at FedEx. He plays the guitar and sings beautifully.
Hello! This is our SPRED group here at St. Rene.
Our group is 22 and older consisting of 7 special friends and 8 catechists. Please contact me, Joanna Baxter at 773-320-2703, if you are interested in learning more about our group. Your commitment would make Bob and our group complete.
Thank you!
"Friends are kisses blown to us by angels." Anonymous
We have had another succesful year in SPRED. Our friends are the most amazing adults in the world. Lots of changes have happened this year but we enjoyed every minute of our time spent together. Thank you to everyone who has supported us and continued this journey with us spiritually, physically, or financially. We are grateful to the entire parish!
1) volunteers meet together to become more aware of their God through everyday
