Bishop Michael F. Burbidge and Father David Meng processed to the altar of St. Timothy Church in Chantilly for the annual SPRED Mass April 19, presumably with one word on both of their minds: inspiration.
SPRED is the special religious education program for children and young adults with developmental disabilities, such as Down syndrome, autism and learning disabilities.
“To our young people and young adults in the SPRED program — many who are very familiar to me — you are such a great gift, to me, the church and to our diocese,” Bishop Burbidge said during his homily. “You are an inspiration, a blessing to us. Thank you for your faithful witness.”
Father Meng, pastor of St. Timothy, has witnessed the positive effect of SPRED in his parish.
“It’s been wonderful, just an inspiration; the example that the moms and dads set, the joy of the kids,” he said. “Last year, 14 received confirmation. It shows God’s superabundant grace and generosity.”
A parish SPRED program meets 12 times a year, from September to April, featuring games, catechesis and fellowship. There is also preparation for the sacraments.
Jencarlos Campos, 8, will receive his first Holy Communion in May. This is his initial year in SPRED.
“He has been so happy, so joyful,” said his mother, Norma Campos, who attends St. Gabriel Mission in Manassas Park. “For me (SPRED) means a lot, makes me happy to see him grow up in faith with kids who are similar.”
While participants thrive in SPRED communities, parents also benefit from the camaraderie.
“It’s nice because you’re around other parents who get it,” said Erica Etringham, a member of St. Timothy, and mother of Maya, 14, who was recently confirmed.
“It’s like the atmosphere is less challenging. You can be yourself. The kids may not react the way a typical kid reacts, and it’s okay; the parents get it. It’s nice to still be able to learn and be around people who are understanding.”
Maya and her twin sister, Lily, helped bring up the offertory gifts during the Mass, along with SPRED participant Luke Fernandez, 11, and a program volunteer, Julia Schnabel, all parishioners of St. Timothy.
Schnabel, 17, has been volunteering for three years. “I was a little nervous (at first), but it is really nice, and so special. It’s good to see them grow in their faith,” and receive the sacraments.
Nancy Emanuel, diocesan coordinator of special needs ministries, said that three parishes had already incorporated SPRED when she joined the diocese eight years ago. Now, the program is at 13 parishes — catechizing close to 150 participants. Two more parishes will adopt SPRED in September.
“You really have to find a leader who is willing to manage the program,” Emanuel said. “It doesn’t take a lot, but you have to have one strong person who makes a commitment to be there every time, to have a real heart and spirit for the children.”
After Mass, there was a luncheon in the church hall, which Bishop Burbidge also attended. The bishop’s presence — in the celebration of the Mass and at the luncheon — demonstrates the priority of the program, Emanuel said.
“It gives us great validation and great surety. He wants (the program) to continue and expand,” Emanuel said. “His face lights up when he’s around the children. He will take the time to greet every family. He just is very involved in working with people with disabilities.”
“It is appropriate we celebrate this Mass in this Easter season, that we are united in the great truth that Jesus is alive and with us, reminding us that we all, without exception, are his beloved sons and daughters,” Bishop Burbidge said during his homily. “The SPRED program celebrates that great truth — the Gospel of life — in such a profound way.”
Thomas is a freelancer in Front Royal.
