Read the latest news on the work of SPRED
The latest SPRED newsletter is out now and highlights its 25 years in the Archdiocese.
The editorial reads: "What a wonderful way to start our new SPRED year! Not only did we celebrate a new SPRED year with our Commissioning Mass on Wednesday 30 August but we also celebrated 25 years of SPRED in the Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh.
"We had the joy of gathering with old friends and new, guests from other SPRED groups and a really special guest, our founder Sister Cecilia Dowd.
"We were also delighted that our former director Emma Robertson joined us too. Archbishop Leo Cushley celebrated Mass and was joined by Fr Jeremy Milne, Fr Tony Lappin, Canon Brian Gowans, Fr Jamie Boyle, Fr Alex Davie and Deacon Tom McEvoy."
SPRED helps people with learning disabilities develop their faith and spirituality in the Archdiocese.
Read the SPRED September newsletter here. Read more about the Silver Jubilee Mass here.
GALLERY: SPRED celebrates 25 years in Archdiocese
Congratulations to the SPRED family, past and present, who celebrated the Silver Anniversary of its presence in the Archdiocese at the annual commissioning Mass recently.
It took place at St Kentigern's, and Archbishop Cushley was joined by parish priest Fr Jeremy Milne along with Fr Tony Lappin (St Joseph's, Peebles), Canon Brian Gowans (St Serf's, Kirkcaldy), Fr Jamie Boyle (St Mary's, Stirling), Fr Alex Davie (St Catherine's, Gilmerton) and Deacon Tom McEvoy (Sacred Heart, Penicuik).
SPRED has been helping people with learning disabilities develop their faith and spirituality in the Archdiocese for 25 years.
Archbishop Cushley said: "It was a pleasure to join the SPRED family at St Kentigern's in Edinburgh recently to celebrate their 25 years in the Archdiocese. Thank you for all you do."
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SPRED group's delight after first gathering in two years
The SPRED group based at George Square, Edinbrgh, recently hosted it's first face-to-face gathering after two whole years.
A spokesperson said: "It was a great evening with smiles galore as we greeted one another from a distance, shared Jesus’ message and all our news.
"We were able to sing Shalom together which was the highlight of the evening. We are back!"
SPRED (SPecial REligious Development) is a Christian spiritual programme for children and adults with special needs. It is open to all faiths and none.
The core leader's group, which includes Fr Tony Lappin of St Joseph's in Peebles, also held its first face to face meeting since February 2020 in George Square in February.
Read more in the Archdiocesan SPRED group's latest newsletter here.
SPRED groups stay connected throughout lockdown
The SPRED network has stayed connected throughout the pandemic via social media, Zoom, telephone, with letters and face-to-face. Read about its activities and updates in this month's newsletter here or below.
SPRED (Special Religious Development) is a parish based programme that catechises children and adults who have a learning disabilities. Read its March update here.
SPRED volunteers thanked for their dedication
The SPRED group for our Archdiocese has thanked three volunteers who have retired from their roles after many years of dedication.
Christine Pringle, leader of a group in George Square, Edinburgh, stepped down from her position after 22 years as catechist and leader catechist.
A spokesperson said: "Christine will be greatly missed by her fellow leader catechists, catechists and friends. Special thanks for her love, dedication, commitment and support to all the SPRED Family."
In October 2020 Lawrence Gilroy retired as catechist from the Tuesday 2 and Wednesday 1 groups at George Square.
"He too has devoted 22 years to SPRED, demonstrating his love and commitment to all his friends and Catechists. You will be greatly missed by all Lawrence.
"Also a special thanks to Betty Ingram who has decided to retire as a catechist after eight years in a group also at George Square. Betty has been a constant attender in her group and a loving and loyal friend to all."
SPRED (Special Religious Development) is a parish based programme that catechises children and adults who have a learning disabilities. Read its latest update below.
https://archedinburgh.org/wp-content/uploads/February-Newsletter.pdf
