SPRED (Special Religious Development) is an Archdiocese religious education program specifically designed to meet the spiritual needs of children and adults with developmental disabilities.

Through the experience of friendship in one-to-one relationships, our friends with special needs discover a place where they belong and can enjoy meaningful relationships which help them realize their own giftedness and dignity. Through participation in a SPRED community of faith, our friends are better able to celebrate the sacraments and enter into the worshipping experiences of the whole church. The program touches the lives of many people—volunteers, participants, and their families. It is a unique gift for all.

For general information, contact the Archdiocese of Chicago’s SPRED Center main office at 312-842-1039 or visit their website at spred-chicago.org.

For information on program registration, volunteering, or making a contribution to ICSJ’s SPRED program, please scroll down.

Registration

The SPRED program serves four age groups comprising individuals age 6 and up. ICSJ Parish works in collaboration with the three parishes in our Parish Grouping—St. Vincent De Paul, St. Teresa of Avila, and St. Josaphat—to serve these groups.

To register, or for more information, please contact one of the SPRED coordinators listed below.

SPRED: Ages 6-10

St. Vincent De Paul Parish
1010 W. Webster Avenue, Chicago, 60614   
Coordinator: Tracy Mathison
tracynader@yahoo.com
773-472-1065

SPRED: Ages 11-16

St. Teresa of Avila Parish
1950 N. Kenmore, Chicago, 60614   
Coordinator: Adriana Correa Cherry
adreana30k@gmail.com
773-759-0608

SPRED: Ages 17-21

St. Josaphat Parish
2311 N. Southport Avenue, Chicago, 60614   
Coordinator: Laura Burstein
lauraburstein12@gmail.com
773-590-2222

SPRED: Ages 22 and older

ICSJ Parish (meets at IC Church)
1431 N. North Park Avenue, Chicago, 60610   
Coordinator: Greg and Janice Raclaw
gdraclaw@verizon.net
janiceraclaw@verizon.net
312-640-1950

Make a Gift to ICSJ’s SPRED Program

Become a SPRED Volunteer

If you’re 21 years or older, have a willingness to participate in friendship with a person with developmental disabilities, and can offer personal time to share faith with other members of the community, SPRED is for you! No previous experience is required. This is an opportunity to examine your personal response to the message of our Holy Father for justice and compassion for all. You will be surprised. You will be touched. You will discover something special that can grace your life.

For more information on becoming a SPRED Volunteer, please contact one of the coordinators listed above.