SPRED – SPecial REligious Development – is a ministry of evangelisation and belonging that has fostered the spiritual life of people living with intellectual disabilities in the Toowoomba Diocese for nearly 40 years.
Lisbeth Raeside, director of SPRED Glasgow, is in the middle of a two-week visit with SPRED Toowoomba diocesan staff and catechists.
At the weekend, Ms Raeside guided staff, catechist leaders and catechists in a masterclass in slowing down the pace as a way of enriching the catechetical process.
Inspired by a road sign that read “SLOW YOU DOWN”, spotted during a trip through Norfolk in the UK, Ms Raeside invited attendees to “slow you down” and reflect on what makes SPRED sessions spiritual experiences.
“We live fast-paced lives, always on the move,” Ms Raeside said. “SPRED is an invitation to slow down.”
She explained that catechists should be guided by and adapt to the pace of their friends who live with an intellectual disability.
“If we allow their pace to guide us, it affirms their natural way of being, and gives everyone space; it’s their gift to us. And it’s this space that can allow each of us to encounter God.”
In the coming week, Ms Raeside will visit individual SPRED groups.
“Lisbeth’s workshops with our catechists have been priceless learning opportunities but these one-on-one sessions will really bring these lessons to life,” Toowoomba SPRED Coordinator Loretta Coman said.
“She is incredibly knowledgeable about the SPRED method, and her gentleness is infectious. We are very grateful to have this time with her.
“Lisbeth reminded us that everything in SPRED is an invitation into a relationship with God, then gently invited us to explore the importance of our own spirituality which shapes our role as catechists.
“An important component of this role, while always remaining open to deepening our own awareness of God in our lives, is to walk with people, both with and without intellectual disability, encouraging and empowering them to become attuned to the experience of God in their lives.”
FULL STORY
Slowing Down to Encounter God: The mission of SPRED (Toowoomba Diocese)
