SPRED is a network of services designed to assist persons with developmental disabilities and or learning problems to become integrated into parish assemblies of worship through the process of education in faith.

Our parish is working to establishing a SPRED Center here to serve those FRIENDS in the age range of 17 to 21 years of age. These FRIENDS have been gifted by their developmental or intellectual challenges, learning problems, autism and its spectrum, cerebral palsy with a developmental delay, to name a few. WE NEED ALSO VOLUNTEERS!!!

The SPRED program is slowly taking root in our parish. We now have six friends with special needs; however, we have also identified others in our parish who may benefit from the SPRED programs offered in our neighboring parishes. These parishes offer SPRED for friends in different age groupings than the group offered here at St Giles.

Parents of people with Down Syndrome, autism spectrum disorders, learning problems, developmental and intellectual challenges, cerebral palsy and seizure disorders of any age or abilities are welcome to attend our:

SPRED Informational Gathering
on Wednesday, June 6th at 7 pm in the Dore Parish Center

Come and hear about this unique program that has been part of the Archdiocese of Chicago since 1967 and is offered in over 156 parishes.

The ministry of SPRED is based on the faith of the adults who volunteer as catechists. Each SPRED group has eight adult catechists and six friends. So how does SPRED work?

There is a catechist evening every other week just for the eight people to have faith formation. On the alternative weeks there is a session with our friends with special needs, intellectual challenges, autism and its spectrum, cognitive impairments, developmental challenges, and learning problems.

SPRED is a like a mini-retreat for those who volunteer and for our friends.

Here at St. Giles we are looking for those eight adult catechists open to friendships and faith. Training is provided so all are comfortable in this unique method called Vivre/life.

Contact Colleen Johnson for more information or to volunteer at 708-383-4185 ext. 102 or cj@stgilesparish.org.