SPRED-Archdiocese of Chicago

09/11/2026

Join us this Sunday as we kick off another year of Archdiocesan SPRED Family Masses!

📍 Saint Xavier University - McDonough Chapel
2700 W. 103rd St., Chicago, IL 60655
📅 September 13
⏰ 1 p.m.
In English

Also, take note of the SPRED Family Mass calendar for this semester, with options in English and Spanish.

09/03/2026

Recently, we had the opportunity to share about SPRED at the ministry fair at St. Joseph Church - Libertyville, IL, and we’re excited about what’s ahead!

For years, there has been a waitlist for an adult SPRED group (ages 22+) at St. Joseph. Now, we’re working toward launching a second adult group to help meet this need!

✨ We’re looking for catechists to join this new team!

Could you be part of making this new group possible? Or do you know someone who might be called to serve?

📣 Help us spread the word and share this post!

09/02/2026

The new SPRED session books are here!

These books provide a thoughtful framework for each session, helping catechists and friends move together through shared experiences, faith, Scripture, prayer, and personal expression.

But these books are about more than what happens on a page. They help create the space for what happens between people - the friendships that grow, the moments of discovery, the sharing of faith, and the deep sense of belonging that makes a SPRED community a true community.

✨ New books. New sessions. New memories. New ways of encountering God together.

We’re excited to see how these resources will support SPRED communities throughout the year as we continue to walk together in faith and belonging.

08/29/2026

Today, we gathered for our Leader Catechist commissioning service and 2026–27 SPRED session material distribution, celebrating all the faithful catechists who make our SPRED communities possible.

More than 90 SPRED communities were represented as our Leader Catechists received their session books and resources for the year ahead.

In honor of 60 years of SPRED, each community also gifted a special commemorative candle. The candle holders feature Pope Leo’s beautiful motto:
“In the One, we are one.”

Following the Gospel reading from Matthew 10:9–15, all those gathered heard this message from Jesus:

“Go! And proclaim good news of God’s great mercy and unconditional love for all. Have no anxiety, fears or doubts, for I am with you and will remain with you always.”

What a beautiful sending forth for a new year of faith, friendship, belonging, and accompaniment.

Blessings on a new SPRED year!

08/27/2026

Join us this weekend at St. Gianna Parish to hear more about how SPRED is growing there and how you can be a part of it!

This weekend, we are pleased to welcome Joseph Quane, Executive Director of SPRED (Special Religious Development) to Masses this weekend and on Monday for an information meeting. SPRED is a lifelong, parish-based ministry that helps children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities grow in faith and Joe will speak about bringing this important ministry to St. Gianna Parish.

We invite you to prayerfully consider getting involved as we build communities of faith, friendship, and belonging for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

📅 SPRED Information Meeting
🗓️ Monday, August 31
⏰ 6:30 p.m.
📍 St. Joseph’s Room

Come learn more about SPRED, ask questions, and discover how you can be part of this beautiful ministry! More information at spred.archchicago.org

08/25/2026

This past weekend, 30 SPRED catechists representing SPRED communities from across the Archdiocese of Chicago gathered for a day of reflection and prayer as they prepare to begin a new SPRED year. A special thank you to Fr. Adam MacDonald, SVD, for celebrating Mass with the community as they concluded their day of reflection and prayer.

It was a joy for Vocation Director Fr. Adam MacDonald to celebrate Mass together with a group of SPRED Catechists gathered for their annual day of prayer and reflection this past Saturday in Frankfort, Illinois. Please pray for these dedicated women and men who respond with generosity and love to the call to share the faith with our friends who have intellectual and developmental disabilities!

08/23/2026

Join St Padre Pio Parish - Chicago to celebrate SPRED Family Mass this Sunday!
📍 St. Padre Pio Parish
5600 N Fairfield Ave, Chicago, IL 60659
📅 August, 23
⏰ 11:30 a.m.
In Spanish

08/14/2026

Celebrate SPRED Family Mass with Queen of Apostles Parish worshipping at Queen of Angels Catholic Church this Sunday!
📍 Queen of Angels Church
2330 W Sunnyside Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
📅 August 16
⏰ 9 a.m.
In English

08/09/2026

Today we were able to share about SPRED at St. Cletus in La Grange in hopes to launch a SPRED community there! Join us tomorrow at any of their Mass times to hear more and join the movement!

Sunday at 7:15 AM
Sunday at 8:45 AM
Sunday at 10:30 AM
Sunday at 12:30 PM

08/08/2026

Join Our Lady Of The Heights Parish today for a SPRED Family Mass!

📍 Our Lady of the Heights
1501 Chicago Rd, Chicago Heights, IL 60411
📅 August 8
⏰ 4:30 p.m.
Bilingual - Spanish and English