Staff report

SPRED — the Special Religious Education Department of the Diocese of Oakland — plans two information nights for parents, guardians and interested volunteers who would like to learn more about SPRED for their child, sibling or friend.

The first meeting will be from 6:45 to 8:30 p.m. April 24 in the Henessy Room at Queen of All Saints Parish, 2390 Grant St., Concord. A second meeting is scheduled from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. June 26 at St. Anthony Parish, 971 O'Hara Ave., Oakley.

SPRED assists parishes to reach out and integrate children, teens and adults with special needs into the parish family. Volunteer catechists assist individuals with autism, intellectual disabilities, severe cerebral palsy and severe epilepsy so they may grow spiritually among friends, receive faith formation and participate in the liturgical and community life of the church.

The date has been set for SPRED the Word XXI, the annual dinner and dance fundraiser. It will be June 2 at St. Lawrence O'Toole — St. Cyril, 3725 High St. Oakland. The liturgy is scheduled for 5 p.m., followed by dinner at 7 p.m. More information is available at www.oakdiocese.org/education/spred.

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