In the Diocese of Providence, many parishioners have intellectual and developmental special needs. SPRED responds to the needs of our brothers and sisters in Christ on the Autism Spectrum, and who experience Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, and Seizure Disorders, as well as those with other special needs.
Originating in 1980 in the Diocese of Providence, the SPRED program assists parishes in deepening the faith of our special needs friends helping them to participate fully in the work and liturgical life of the church.
As a resource to parishes, SPRED provides training, observation, a syllabus, SPRED Newsletters, enrichment opportunities, mentoring, supervision, and a network of support to catechists and families.
Research and experience both prove that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are educable in faith, if faith is seen as experiential. They can realize, sense, and experience Jesus Christ, the Sacred, and the fullness of the Church.
The Gospel is always the same:
SPRED Catechesis is an effective method of proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ to our special needs friends in a way that effectively resonates with them.