Special Religious development program assists the developmentally disabled

Special Religious Development (SPRED) is a national program that helps the developmentally disabled come closer to God. Catechists and persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities accompany one another in parish-based, small faith communities. In these communities, the members deepen their awareness of God in their everyday lives and cultivate a sense of belonging within local parish communities and the universal Catholic Church. These communities serve ages 6-22 and older, broken up by age groups. SPRED is currently offered at St. Patrick and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton parishes in Anchorage.  

According to Robyn Rehmann, who coordinated SPRED for over 10 years at St. Patrick parish, “SPRED is an amazing ministry to support individuals experiencing developmental challenges in an inclusive faith community within the local parish.” 

Fr. Leo Walsh, current pastor at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton says SPRED “saw there was a whole group of people not receiving the sacraments because they had developmental disabilities. That’s not a barrier to the sacraments. So, what was necessary was to come up with a way for them to be formed and receive the sacraments.” This formation prepares them to receive Baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation. 

At St. Patrick parish, the SPRED community gathers to do activities, such as painting and puzzles. They discuss ways to connect with others and Jesus Christ, learning they can develop their relationship with God like they would with another person. 

Following a recent SPRED Mass, members of the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton parish SPRED community enjoyed a reception with other members of the congregation. (Courtesy of Amy Locke)

According to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton SPRED Coordinator Amber Ellis, the SPRED curriculum divides each session into “preparation,” “catechesis,” and “agape.” 

Preparation engages each member in creative work with “a generous offering of art materials, sensorial and tactile works, as well as activities of daily life,” Ellis says. “Each person is invited to select a work that will draw their attention, spark creativity and draw them into harmony with others in the environment. Concentrated creative work draws us toward an inner peace and brings us to anticipation of more.”

Catechesis begins with the “Celebration Circle,” where an item, such as a picture or piece of music, is presented to the community. About the item, “each person is allowed the time to share their stories, respective various ways of communication and the sensitivities of our friends,” Ellis says. The community is then made aware of Jesus’s presence with them and in them. Then, they are each given a message that points to the intention behind the session. After this, the community celebrates by singing and gesturing, and reflects as music plays. 

For agape, the community prepares a table of food and drink together. “Gathered together around the table, we share the joy of life through conversation and song,” Ellis says. “A successful agape prepares us to enter the celebration of the Eucharist with a deeper appreciation.” 

Following a recent SPRED Mass, members of the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton parish SPRED community enjoyed a reception with other members of the congregation. (Courtesy of Amy Locke)

At parishes with a SPRED program, each SPRED community gathers to celebrate with the whole Church. They do this to “feel comfortable, welcomed, and loved,” says Activity Catechist Connie Rickard. 

Since SPRED was established at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton three years ago, a consistent small community has formed. Ellis says, “We have seen that the ministry deeply enriches both our friends and the catechists who serve. Through these relationships, the community has become a source of joy, belonging, and genuine connection for all involved.” 

Ellis says her hope is that SPRED continues to grow at her parish and around the archdiocese. She says, “At this time, we are only able to serve adults ages 22 and up, but we recognize there are individuals in the younger age groups within our parish and neighboring parishes who would also benefit from being part of a SPRED community.” 

Following a recent SPRED Mass, members of the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton parish SPRED community enjoyed a reception with other members of the congregation. (Courtesy of Amy Locke)

Margie Falsey and her son, Mark, who is a member of the SPRED ministry at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, shared their experience. 

“Mark is 40 years old and experiences autism and obsessive-compulsive disorder. He totally enjoys attending the SPRED gatherings at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton because he frequently asks us to go to church,” Margie says. 

According to Margie, Mark says he “listens to stories and learns about Jesus” while listening to presentations and sharing with the group “things that support the theme of the night.” 

“While it is very hard for him to express what his relationship is with Jesus, I believe SPRED connects Jesus’s teachings and Mark’s everyday life,” Margie says. 

For parishes interested in starting their own SPRED ministries, Ellis says to pray for “catechists discerning a call to serve.” SPRED is a rewarding ministry to help those with developmental disabilities deepen their faith lives. For more information on the SPRED program, please contact Director of Faith Formation Liz Loeffler at the Archdiocese of Anchorage-Juneau.