I recently became aware of a new ministry that is starting up in my parish (St. Joseph's Fitchburg). Called SPRED it is an effort to provide religious education for people with learning disabilities. What follows is more detailed information about the program:

Information Sheet for Spred

What is Spred?

SPRED is a SPecial REligious Development program serving the spiritual needs of persons with developmental or learning disabilities in our parishes.

Who is the program for?

It's for children, teens and adults who have serious learning disabilities. A few examples are autism, Down syndrome, attention deficit disorder and hyperactivity attention deficit disorder, seizure disorder, and a wide array of learning and developmental disabilities. These disabilities should be so serious that the child or adult cannot function in a typical religious education class.

How does a Spred session differ from a CCD class?

1.Spred is not a class at all! There are no intellectual components, such as reading or writing. There is no lecturing.

2. Spred is a gathering of people, catechists and friends, who become a small faith community by sharing stories, song, and prayer. They also share a quiet, self-directed activity time and "agape" which means a love-feast. At the end of each session the community gathers for the agape, to share food (a snack and a drink).

3. The groups are small. There are usually no more than 6 children. Each child has a helper catechist. The helper catechist simply is a model and a support person. If the child is agitated and needs to walk around, then his one-on-one catechist is there to be sure the child is safe, and to help the child to become calm and refocused. Over time a bond of love and friendship happens between the helper, and the child, as well as among all the members of the group. The helper catechist should come from the child’s own parish, and must attend at least one training session before starting in that role.

4. Besides the children and the one-on-one helpers, there is a leader catechist and an activity catechist. I'll explain more about them later.

5. The Spred sessions occur every other week for twelve times during the school year. Each session lasts approximately an hour and 45 minutes.

What happens during a typical Spred session?

1. The Gathering & Preparation

Persons with varying learning abilities arrive and are warmly greeted by the catechists and other friends.

A time of preparation follows, during which each person with learning disabilities and each Helper Catechist, silently enjoys individual, sensorial activities such as painting, building, weaving, using clay, sorting items etc.

The Activity Catechist prepares the activities and assists all participants in their use. The purpose of this period of preparation is to become calm and ready for prayer. It lasts approximately 30 minutes or until each one is calm and enjoying an activity.

2. The Celebration of Life and God’s Word

Next, everyone moves to the celebration room. Here the Leader Catechist presents a symbol that will evoke a meaningful memory from everyone in the group. The symbol could be a seashell, a bird's nest, or a beautiful picture. After a time of exploring the symbol and sharing memories, the leader catechist gathers the memories that have been shared and connects them to the liturgy of the Mass and to a gospel message. The Gospel message is proclaimed and becomes an experience of God’s Word. The celebration concludes with silent reflection, movement, and song.

3. The Agape / Sharing of Food

The final segment of the SPRED session is called Agape. Agape is a communal meal held by a Christian community. All the SPRED participants, and catechists set the table, share food, and good conversation as the session draws to a close.

Is there anything else that is unique about Spred?

One thing that is different is the setting. The Spred space is designed to be beautiful, calming, and homelike. In the preparation area the activities are arranged neatly on shelves around the room. The tables and chairs are beautiful wood, the lighting is soft and from lamps. There are fresh flowers in the room. Soft music may be playing.

During Agape, this same area is set with cloth placemats, and cloth napkins. Everyone helps to set the table with glasses and plates. (No paper goods). The fresh flowers and treats are placed on the tables.

As a parent, how can I help?

1. Finding a great helper catechist for your child is important. If you know someone with whom your child already has a warm relationship, ask him/her to be your child's helper. The helper catechist must complete at least one training session.

2. Share your child's likes, interests, and favorite activities with the Spred leader and activity catechist. The Spred preparation area can have your child's favorite activities on the shelves to be used by him. (A child can use as many activities as they want during a session.)

3. You can volunteer to be a Spred catechist. Training is provided for all catechists.

How long has the Spred program been in existence?

Spred began in the early 1960’s in the Archdiocese of Chicago, IL. It is now implemented internationally to provide religious development for people with developmental disabilities.

It began in the Worcester Diocese in 2007. There is one center at St. Andrew the Apostle Church in Worcester, and another center at St. Luke the Evangelist Church in Westborough. A third center is about to be established at Madonna of the Holy Rosary, in Fitchburg.

The local parishioners, and those of nearby congregations can use Spred Centers.