By Kirsten Harberts

Recently, you may have seen some children using various faith tools (pictured above) in Mass. These are part of a new initiative, called Exceptional Sheep Resource Kits, that are being provided for use during Mass with the support of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. 

The development of the “Exceptional Sheep Resource Kits” evolved from my own Montessori studies and personal experiences as a mother trying to share my love for Jesus with my two sons. They both present as neurodivergent with behaviors that are excessive in nature. I began my profound appreciation and interest for the Montessori pedagogy and self-directed philosophies in the early 90’s. I completed the Montessori theoretical and practicum studies at the Academy for Social Pedagogy in Munich, Germany, where I also extensively studied Froebel and Waldorf philosophies and their respective practical applications. “Help me to do it myself,” is a Montessori approach that is still deeply embedded in my teaching practices to the present day. 

The goal of the kit is to assist children in becoming self-disciplined in church, and self-directed learners in the Catholic faith as they are growing in their relationship with Jesus. Exceptional children may have a different way of building a relationship and love for Christ, and learn best by incorporating all senses and catering to various learning modalities. The authored items in the kit are pure in God’s word and are simple and self-explanatory in nature to allow the child to make thoughtful choices. Through careful observations of the parent, it provides the opportunity to assess the need and growth of faith with fresh new eyes by the selection and purposeful use of materials. This is a wonderful opportunity to have the child share with you their journey with Jesus. 

“Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him.” The kit respects that each child is uniquely created and valued in the eyes of God. The items contained in the Exceptional Sheep Resource Kits are to assist individuals who may be neurodivergent, have difficulties with self-modulation, or mental health 

Exceptional Sheep Resource Kits, Continued

struggles that prevent them from participating in Catholic activities, rituals, and functions in a more traditional fashion. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these.” 

Personally speaking, there was a time where I used to be concerned about what other parishioners may think of me as a parent, who displays unconventional ways of building relationships with Jesus. I was also concerned as to how my sons presented in church. But the longer I spent time in Scripture, the more I found that my fear was not grounded in faith. God says: “Look at the birds! They don’t worry about what to eat - they don’t need to sow or reap or store up food - for your heavenly Father feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than they are.” To me, that also meant that God will also nourish my sons­—physically and spiritually—and that we must have faith in him. “Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For it is the one who is least among you all who is the greatest.” 

I invite other parents who are currently in the “quieting room” or are afraid to come to church because of optics, to please join my family in the pews on Sundays at 10 am. I will meet you in the Nave and provide you with an Exceptional Sheep Resource Kit that you can return at the end of Mass. My son has a love for music and enjoys watching the pianist at church. This may be a great place for us to sit and start. I personally disinfect the kits after each use. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at [email protected]. Sincerely in Christ, Kirsten Harberts. 

if you’re interested in donating to support these kits, contact Julie Dilley at [email protected] or 614.875.3322 ext 326.