Submitted photo
By Andie Gunter
A PLACE FOR ALL
Adam Schwartz says he enjoys being in the Jasper Special Religious Development group. “Everyone is so nice to me. I like the games and playing bingo.” Betty Beckman says she likes “being with the friends and the crafts and activities.”
Mary Reyling is a new catechist with the SPRED program and says what impresses her the most is the strong friendships the friends and catechists have with each other. She says, “Everyone has such joy and enthusiasm for sharing and learning our beautiful Catholic faith. You feel genuine love when the group gathers together.”
The group began in 1982. Rosina Schuler and Mary Miller were two leaders who helped guide the program in the early years. Other Jasper-area parishes had groups at the time, but those have since consolidated into this group.
The SPRED group meets at St. Joseph Parish in Jasper once a month for about an hour and a half. The group comprises about 15 participants and seven volunteers. The SPRED group prays together,r and may do a craft or coloring page at each session. Each session focuses on a theme, which the volunteers take turns planning. The group’s theme this year is prayer.
Those in the group range in age from 23-70, and the participants have a variety of disabilities – including autism and Down syndrome. Parents and caregivers of the participants are welcome to stay for the sessions if they wish, but it’s their preference. The group celebrates birthdays and has other special activities like picnics and a Christmas party. The group recently celebrated a Mass, during which group members shared their talents by, among other things, serving as lectors and being altar servers. For Valentine’s Day, the group made prayer banners telling Jesus they love him.
The Jasper group is open to new members if you or someone you know are interested in being a participant or volunteer. There also are hopes to begin other SPRED groups in the diocese. If you or someone you know is interested in being part of a group, please fill out the questionnaire at evdio.org/spred.