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September 27, 2018Edmond author pens children’s faith guides
Jennifer Sharpe’s faith journey has been nothing short of remarkable, including the publication of three illustrated books meant to teach young children the symbols and significance of their Catholic faith.
After coming into the Catholic Church at Saint John in Edmond at Easter 2017, she felt a calling. The mother of five – who homeschools her children (ages 3 to 13) – had a new mission to produce Mass and prayer guides for children.
“I just was compelled to write. I couldn’t sleep,” she said. “Sometimes we assume our children learn about faith through osmosis and coming with us to Mass.”
Her latest book entitled, “The Mass Book for Catholic Children,” is for children ages 7 to 12. The guide is informational for youngsters and interactive. Among its features, is a checklist for getting ready for Mass, and a space to draw what they hear during the Gospel. The guide is good for 62 Masses.
Her companion book, “My First Interactive Mass Book for Catholic Kids,” is for kids ages 3 to 7. It also takes little ones through the various stages of a Mass, including “Profession of Faith,” and “The Lord’s Prayer.”
“Instead of sitting restless or playing with a toy car, they can follow along with the book,” she explained.
A third book, “Come, Let Us Adore,” is for ages 8 to 13. During adoration, children can write what they’re thankful for, what they’re repentant for and what they worry about that they can give to God.
Sharpe and her husband, Raymond, were devout Protestants living in Jones and regularly attending services. Married for 16 years, Sharpe became curious about the Eucharist.
“We sat in the back of Saint John’s once observing,” she recalled. As soon as she saw the congregation going to receive Holy Communion, her heart was touched, and she realized there was only one solution.
“I knew then I would become Catholic,” she said. “I fell in love with Jesus and the Eucharist. The first time in adoration I was kneeling and crying.”
Saint John’s Deacon George Butterfield marvels at what she’s done since coming into the Church.
“She and Raymond are authentic disciples of Christ,” he said. “She is one of the most creative people I have ever seen.”
In addition to her children’s faith books, the couple helps with RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) and baptism seminars.
Sharpe continues to embrace her decision to become Catholic although there was a cost involved.
“After awhile we didn’t hear any longer from our former church friends,” she said.
They went about making new friends at Saint John.
She said her hope is the books will bring children closer to their faith. Some of the information in the pages will also help to re-educate their parents.
“The kids need to know about the faith.”
Steve Gust is a freelance writer for the Sooner Catholic.
Find Jennifer Sharpe’s children’s faith guides at Trinity Mercantile Catholic bookstore, 23 S. Broadway in Edmond, or at www.amazon.com.
