SPRED (Special Religious Development) is a faith-based program made up of volunteer catechists and persons with developmental disabilities. SPRED serves individuals of all ages in the Chicago area and throughout the world.

The SPRED model uses symbols, life experiences, songs and gestures to foster faith-sharing and growth, honoring each group member as gifted and equal in the process. Its purpose is not religious education, but mutual learning as catechists and friends journey together.

St. John XXIII has 3 SPRED groups (there are others in the Chicagoland area for other ages):
  • Adults 22 and Over — St. Nicholas Campus
  • Adults 22 and Over — St. Mary Campus
  • Youth Bilingual 6-10 yrs old — St. Nicholas Campus

We meet weekly during the academic year (late September-early May), with breaks during holidays, welcoming our “friends” bi-monthly. We host several annual events for our SPRED members. In addition, we join the wider St. Nicholas community for a special “SPRED Mass” at a regular parish Mass time. Members serve regularly in liturgical ministries.
“Rooted in the rich soil of our faith, love nourishes and connects us. Time allows us the capability of understanding how valuable God’s love is.”
No experience is necessary to be a catechist. A desire to share your life and your friendship is at the core of the SPRED program. Training in the SPRED method of faith sharing and development is provided.

Come with an open heart and willingness to embrace silence, sharing, symbol, gesture and song in a group in which everyone is equal at the table. There is a profound sense of the sacred each time we gather as a community.

Through meaningful one-on-one relationships within the group, sharing of life experiences, quiet moments and with the proclamation of the Word, the SPRED community responds in praise and thanksgiving, aware that God is always present.

For further information, please contact:     

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