Ghadah Sabbagh and her family of five arrived early for the SPRED Mass at All Saints Catholic Church in Manassas.
“It’s such a beautiful thing,” said Sabbagh, whose 15-year-old son participates in SPRED at Nativity Catholic Church in Burke. “The bishop has seen us in these Masses several times. He knows us personally, and it’s such a blessing that he and the church are so integral and welcoming to families with such challenges.”
SPRED, the special religious education program offered at 12 diocesan churches, serves children and young adults with developmental and learning disabilities.
Bishop Michael F. Burbidge celebrated the Mass and welcomed families and SPRED volunteers. In his homily, he thanked those who help students “grow closer to Jesus, in prayer, in the sacraments, in the living and practicing of their faith.”.
Bishop Burbidge spoke directly to SPRED participants. “Thank you for the gift that you are to us,” he said. “For you so beautifully reflect the face of Christ. You are truly a gift to your families, to society and indeed, to the entire church. And we are so grateful to your parents, teachers and spiritual friends, who love and support you in drawing closer to the Lord.”
Msgr. Lee R. Roos, pastor of All Saints, said the success of SPRED is a positive sign that awareness of special education ministry is increasing. “We have a SPRED program here at All Saints so we are very well aware of the needs of all generations and of those with disabilities,” he said. “This is a day they can be with their bishop and see the unity of faith we have.”
Families of SPRED students attending the Mass at All Saints came from many different churches, but the familiar greetings, hugs with SPRED volunteers and the joyful smiles, demonstrated a strong bond. “They’re recognized, they’re seen in public,” said Nancy Emanuel, special needs coordinator in the diocesan Office of Evangelization and Faith Formation. “Sometimes people with disabilities are put to the side. It’s a wonderful thing that we have started in our diocese and Bishop Burbidge is a big supporter of our group and he wants it to grow.”
The program will expand to three more churches this fall. “I feel like our kids are getting more recognition,” said Erica Eltringham, whose daughter participates in SPRED at St. Timothy Church in Chantilly. “It’s a great beginning to have the diocese see these children and want to help them be included more.”
“Together may we promise anew to increase the SPRED program throughout our diocese,” said Bishop Burbidge. “As we look at all those associated with the SPRED program, what we see is a commitment to the Gospel of life, making sure that all of us cherish, celebrate and protect the gift of life of every human person. To celebrate the dignity that belongs to every human person as a child of God and to work together in showing his love to one and all.”
