Society
Of The Divine Word

The recent Jubilee Celebration for Persons with Disabilities, held in Rome on April 28–29, 2025, was a beautiful affirmation of the Church’s growing commitment to inclusion. Pope Francis reminded us all that persons with disabilities are not on the margins, but at the center of the Church’s life and mission. For those of us in formation, this message echoed deeply. It confirmed that we are being prepared to serve a Church that must be radically inclusive—where everyone belongs, and where no one’s dignity is ever overlooked.

I had the grace this year to return to SPRED as a helper catechist, working with children aged 6 to 10. Though it’s my first time ministering to children this young, the experience has already been deeply joyful and spiritually rich. Within the Archdiocese of Chicago, SPRED offers a pastoral and catechetical response to a group often underserved in the Church—those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, whom we lovingly refer to as “Friends.”

SPRED is structured around two types of gatherings: (1) Catechist Preparation Sessions, where we meet in advance to pray, prepare, and reflect; (2) Total Community Sessions, where we come together with our Friends to share life, faith, and presence in a gentle and intentional way.

SPRED’s mission says it best: “Through small communities, we accompany our brothers and sisters with intellectual and developmental disabilities as we deepen our awareness of God in our everyday lives and cultivate a sense of belonging within local parish communities and our universal Catholic Church.”

This ministry has shaped the way I think about God, mission, community, and liturgy. It’s helped me see that inclusion isn’t just about accommodation, it’s about presence, relationship, and mutual transformation. SPRED has stretched me beyond my comfort zone and helped me live out the SVD vision of a Church that welcomes all.

Even more personally, SPRED has become a place of peace for me where I can slow down, reflect, and grow spiritually. It’s a community where I’m not just a catechist, but a companion. We share life, joys, and even struggles in a way that is real and grace filled.

One of the highlights of SPRED are the monthly bilingual liturgies, celebrated in English and Spanish. These Masses are adapted so that our Friends can participate fully—not only as attendees, but also as active ministers. Following the liturgy, we gather for Agape, a meal shared in friendship with catechists, families, and guests. These moments of shared table and conversation are sacred and powerful—building bonds that last well beyond the sessions.

By attending both English and Spanish SPRED Masses this year, I’ve come to better understand the diverse needs and experiences of our Friends. That awareness has helped me be more present and compassionate during our catechetical sessions.

As the number of participants in SPRED continues to grow, I’m convinced that this ministry is not only essential to the Church in Chicago but also vital for us as SVD seminarians preparing for global mission. It challenges us to go beyond traditional notions of ministry and see mission as relationship—built on trust, humility, and inclusion.

In the light of the Jubilee for Persons with Disabilities, SPRED stands as a living example of what an inclusive Church can be. Through adaptive catechesis, inclusive liturgy, and personal accompaniment, SPRED helps us become missionaries who serve not from a distance, but from alongside—missionaries who walk with, listen deeply, and bear witness to the dignity of every human being.

As the Jubilee celebrations reminded us, this is the Church we are called to build. And as missionaries of the Divine Word, this is the Church we are being formed to serve—a Church where all belong, all are needed, and all are loved.