Special Religious Development (SPRED)

About

The Special Religious Development (SPRED) Program in the Diocese of Arlington serves children and young adults with developmental disabilities such as Down syndrome, autism, and learning disabilities. Faith and sacramental instruction is provided and is based on readiness of the individual.

The Basilica’s Office of Religious Education will offer SPRED during the September-May school year. We welcome children, ages 6-13 years old. SPRED volunteers help children learn about Jesus and discover God’s action and presence in their lives. Because the Church affirms the dignity of every human person, each is invited to participate in the sacramental life and be a faithful witness to the Gospel. By sharing in catechesis and joyful activities with volunteer adults called “friends” in 12 classes (Sept-May), SPRED prepares children for the Sacraments of Reconciliation, First Eucharist, and Confirmation. The ability to read is not a requirement.

We call on Mary, Seat of Wisdom, Sedes Sapientiae, to guide this program. Interested parish families are asked to contact Mrs. Yunchong Boyle at yboyle@stmaryoldtown.org or call 703-836-4100 ext. 3033.

SPRED will meet 12 times during the school year for an hour long class. Also, the Diocese of Arlington will host several Masses/gatherings for all SPRED families. Additionally, all are welcome to attend the 1:00 p.m. monthly sensory Mass on the second Sunday of the month at Nativity Catholic Church in Burke, VA.

For the 2025-2026 SPRED Program, we will meet on Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

  • September 23, 2025
  • October 14, 28
  • November 18
  • December 2, 16
  • January 6, 27, 2026
  • February 17
  • March 3, 24
  • April 21
  • May 5 (backup/makeup)

Learn more: Guidelines for the Celebration of the Sacraments with Persons with Disabilities (PDF) and National Catholic Partnership on Disability

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Contact the apostolate leader Susan Gray by using this form.

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