SPRED-Archdiocese of Chicago

06/03/2026

“The Church is truly your home! … Everyone has a part to play; no one is a mere extra.” – Pope Francis

At SPRED, we believe this with our whole hearts.

Our new website shares how SPRED communities cultivate belonging in parishes and prepare our Friends to participate fully in the life of the Church.

Discover how we are building communities of faith rooted in friendship.

Join us!

spred.archchicago.org

05/29/2026

Last week, three of our SPRED catechists were ordained to the priesthood. Congratulations to Fr. Baruch Zinthe Maoudjlo Zinsou, SVD, Fr. Brian M. Junkes, SVD, and Fr. Thong Dinh Tran, SVD on their ordination. Please keep them in your prayers as they begin their new assignments in the United States and Australia.

We are grateful for their years of service, their joyful presence in our SPRED communities, and the many ways they have shared God’s love with our friends with IDD. May God continue to bless their ministry as they begin this new chapter of priestly life.

05/26/2026

Save the Date - June 28!

Two chances to join us for SPRED Family Masses:

📌 SPRED Summer Mass & Picnic, sponsored by SPRED Foundation
🕦 June 28, 12 - 3 pm
📍 National Grove – South
8100 29th Street, Riverside, IL, 60546
⛪ Presider: Fr. Mike Nacius
🗣 Mass in English
Mass at 12pm, followed by food, music and games
Register for food - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfAQgHsZvnx8_BxMPFw9qc2Tmg_DGRmblbLXlLe_Q1jPtK3yQ/viewform

📌 SPRED Mass & Picnic, sponsored by Notre Dame Club of Lake County
🕦June 28, 11 am
📍 University of Saint Mary of the Lake, Chapel of the Immaculate Conception
⛪ Presider: Fr. Chris Gustafson
🗣 Mass in English
Picnic following the Mass

05/23/2026

The Parish Community of St. James warmly invites the entire SPRED community to join them in celebrating the Feast of Pentecost. All are welcome. Come, Holy Spirit!

🔥 PENTECOST SUNDAY CELEBRATION 🔥
🕊 CELEBRACIÓN DE PENTECOSTÉS 🕊

📅 Sunday, May 24 / Domingo 24 de mayo
⏰ One Bilingual Mass at 10:30 AM
⏰ Una sola misa bilingüe a las 10:30 AM

Join us as we celebrate Pentecost Sunday together as one parish family!
¡Acompáñanos a celebrar Pentecostés juntos como una sola familia parroquial!

Potluck & Fellowship After Mass
Bring a favorite dish to share!
🍽 Convivio y comida después de misa
¡Traiga un platillo para compartir!

📸 Group Picture Outside After Mass
📸 Foto grupal afuera después de misa

🎶 Food • Music • Community
🎶 Comida • Música • Comunidad

❤️ All Are Welcome
❤️ Todos son bienvenidos

📍 St. James Catholic Church

05/22/2026

Each spring, we have the pleasure of meeting with representatives from our SPRED communities all over the archdiocese. Together, we reflect, dream and plan for how to sustain and grow ministry to reach more people with disabilities in every parish. We are excited for what is to come!

05/19/2026

Are you feeling called to deepen your faith in community? Volunteer as a SPRED catechist!

- Accompany people with disabilities on their faith journeys and allow their witnesses and insights to shape your own spiritual journey in return.

- Assist your parish community in fostering a sense of belonging for people with disabilities.

- Honor the dignity of people with disabilities by entering into mutual, authentic friendship.

- Adhere to the call to become a missionary disciple by sharing the Gospel message with marginalized and vulnerable members of your community.

- Develop a stronger sense of community life by being part of a small community of faith.

- Enhance and nourish your own spiritual life.

No prior experience required — training is provided.

Visit our website to learn how you can become a catechist.
https://spred.archchicago.org/en/become-a-catechist

05/15/2026

Join us for our SPRED Family Mass this Sunday!
📍 St. James Catholic Church
21 E. 29th St., Chicago, IL 60616
📅 May 17
⏰ 11:30 a.m.
⛪ Presider: Fr. Rodrigo Ulloa, MM
In Spanish

Social following Mass. Welcome to all!

Last call!
SPRED ANNUAL SPRING CASH RAFFLE FUNDRAISER

The Spring 2026 raffle is now underway! All proceeds from the raffle will directly support SPRED ministry throughout the Archdiocese of Chicago.

There are three chances to win a cash prize!
1st Prize: $2,000
2nd Prize: $1,500
3rd Prize: $1,000
The raffle drawing will take place on May 17, immediately following the 11:30 a.m. SPRED Family Mass at St. James.

Please contact the SPRED Office at 312-842-1039, or [email protected] for assistance.

05/11/2026

Congrats to the First Communicants from SPRED Glasgow!

05/07/2026

Last weekend, our Spanish‑speaking catechists from across the Archdiocese gathered for a day of reflection entitled “United through Agape.” It was a beautiful and grace‑filled day of prayer, community, and spiritual renewal. We are grateful to Br. Johnathan Ramos, CP, for facilitating such a meaningful and inspiring day of reflection.

05/04/2026

Start SPRED at Your Parish

Is your parish ready to respond to the Gospel call of inclusion?

Our new website outlines the simple steps to start a SPRED community:
✔ Form a small faith community of catechists
✔ Welcome persons with disabilities
✔ Foster belonging within the parish

SPRED staff walk with you every step of the way.

🌱 Learn how to begin!
https://spred.archchicago.org/spred-at-your-parish