SPecial REligious Development

What is SPRED?

SPRED is an international religious education program designed for persons with developmental disabilities. It brings religion to those who might have difficulty being included in traditional religious education. At SPRED sessions, a small community of faith is a shared experience with catechists and special friends.

Who can participate in SPRED?

Anyone with developmental disabilities ages six and older may participate. Age groups include 6-10, 11-16, 17-21, and 22 years and over. Each special friend is paired up with a helper catechist from his or her local Church. Generally, a group has up to six special friends each paired with a helper catechist; an activity catechist; and a leader catechist. At our parish we currently have a group for persons who are 22 years and older.

Do I have to be from Our Lady of Good Help Parish to join?

No. This program serves as a center for several area parishes. Currently there are members from St. Patrick in Harrisville, St. Joseph in Pascoag, St. Eugene in Chepachet and Our Lady of Good Help in Mapleville, RI.

How can I become a catechist?

Helper catechists are needed for each person with disabilities. Ideally, he/she will be a member of the same parish as his/her special friend. What is required of the helper catechist is respect for each person in the community, a willingness to share stories of lived experiences, a willingness to serve as a model of quiet absorption in an activity, and a commitment to 12 preparation sessions with other catechists and 12 whole group sessions. Additionally, one may be asked to bring food, drink, a birthday cake, or something to taste at the tasting table for some sessions. Many catechists find that participating in this program is a personally rewarding experience and look forward to coming back each year.

Is there any training needed to become a catechist?

Training is provided on two to three Saturdays in September. The training is usually in Cumberland at St. Joan of Arc Church. All materials are provided. An observation of a session in progress sometime during the year is also of great benefit in learning the process. In addition to helper catechists for each friend, each group has an activity catechist and a leader catechist. There is also a chairperson for each parish represented. You may be interested in learning more about these roles.

How many weeks does the program meet?

The program usually starts in the beginning of October (after training) and runs through May. There are twelve lessons. For each lesson, the catechists meet one week to plan for the session and to spiritually enrich each other. The following week is a whole group session, which involves the catechists and friends for the actual lesson Each session lasts two and a half to three hours. In addition, there are vacation weeks scattered throughout the schedule as well as some planned liturgies.

What night does the group meet?

The time and day of group meetings is determined by the group at the beginning of each year. This is flexible based on the needs of the group and the availability of the “SPRED room”. We currently meet at 6:45 p.m. on Wednesdays. The group has been meeting since 1989.

Where does the group meet?

We meet at Our Lady of Good Help School. Enter from the rear, going up the stairs (or by the front, if need be, where there are just a couple of steps). The room is on the left. There are bathrooms on the same floor.

What happens at a planning session?

The planning session includes welcoming each other, discussion of the previous session, listening to a short literary passage, 20 minutes of silent reflection to meditative music, individual sharing of an experience based on a question stemming from the literary piece, listening to a short reading from the Bible, receiving a brief message, listening to music, gesturing to music, short quiet meditation, planning the session for our friends, and enjoying agape (food and drink) together.

What happens at a whole group session?

Catechists arrive early to prepare rooms and to get settled with an activity. After welcoming each other, the catechists absorb themselves in a work activity. Activities may include tasting, listening, touching, smelling, and looking . . ., thus awakening the senses of our being. Tasks are not worked on to end with a finished product, but rather to enjoy the experience of the moment while working.Each special friend arrives and greets each person, both catechists and friends.Each friend and catechist chooses his or her own activity and sit across from each other. It is a time of quiet work . . ., getting absorbed in an activity and putting the cares of the day behind as we all enter into the quietness of the moment, getting ready to receive the Word of God. After 30-45 minutes of “work”, the room is cleaned up and people gather in a circle to be welcomed. Each one is invited into the “Celebration room” or the prayer area. Each person is called by name by the activity catechist . . .,catechist, then friend, catechist, then friend and so on to enter into the special area which has been prepared. There is a chair for each person, flowers, a candle, a symbol (springboard for stories . . .), the Bible as the focal point, and music. Each person is led to share a story or personal experience based on the symbol. A passage is read from the Bible. A message is given to each person as his/her hands are held. Everyone listens to the music. Everyone gestures to the music. Everyone rests and reflects. Then everyone works together to prepare the agape to eat, drink, and talk with each other. The evening is a time of a living experience of faith, together with friends, in a reverent and welcoming space.

Who do I contact for more information?