The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is an approach to the religious formation of children ages 3 – 12.  Based on the educational principals of Dr. Maria Montessori, Sofian Cavalletti, a Hebrew and Scripture scholar, and Gianna Gobbi a Montessori-trained educator, developed this program which is based on Scripture and Liturgy.  They began this work in 1954 in Rome and today the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is found throughout the world.
St. Vincent Martyr offers the following programs rooted in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd tradition:
Level 1 for grades PK3, PK4, K
-Held specific Sunday mornings during the 9 am Mass
-Held specific school days for PK4 and K as part of the SVMS program
Level 2 for grades 1-5
-Held specific Sunday mornings from 10:15-11:30 am
Each Level holds sessions in a specially prepared space called an “atrium”.  The atrium is not a traditional classroom, but resembles a small retreat center.  In the ancient church, the atrium was where people would prepare to enter the church from the outside world.  Within the sacred space of the atrium, Good Shepherd catechists prepare the environment and give selected presentations from Scripture and Liturgy that ‘call forth’ the child’s response rather than ‘pour in’ information.  The child’s work in the atrium nurtures the deep bond between God and child and helps respond to the plea of the young child.  “Help me to come closer to God by myself.”
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is an option for children who might otherwise attend traditional religious education programs.  Catechists who serve in the Good Shepherd Program must be certified by the National Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.  SVM is in search of additional trained Catechists, if you are interested in being trained as a CGS catechist please contact at denise.stefanelli@svmnj.org.
Children are welcomed into the Good Shepherd program in Level 1 (ages 3- 6).  Registration is currently being accepted for new 3, 4, 5 and 6-year-old children who are entering their Kindergarten year as well and children returning to the CGS program through fifth grade.  Sessions are held on Sunday mornings.
To register your child for the Good Shepherd Program, please select this program on the Faith Formation form(s). 
The Level 1 Good Shepherd Program is open to all 3 – 6-year-old children of registered SVM Parishioners.  To learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Program please see the website of The National Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd in the United States at www.cgsusa.org or contact Julia Crimmins (crimminsja@yahoo.com) or Christine Farner (christinefarner@yahoo.com).