‘With you, there’s nothing I cannot do’

VINELAND — As the pianist played the opening chords of singer Britt Nicole’s “Set the World on Fire” here in Saint Padre Pio Church, Felicia Navarro led the 200 standing youth in the pews with her voice and her outstretched arms, seeking their assistance in song and motion. As the piano picked up the pace, their praise was seen and heard.

“I wanna set the world on fire, until it’s burning bright for you … take my dreams, come and give them wings. Lord with you, there’s nothing I cannot do.”

The praise and worship with the parish director of Lifelong Faith Formation, preceded by a Trinity talk from Father Robert Sinatra, parish pastor, capped off just one day of the three-week Summer Intensive Program here at the parish, running from June 21-July 7 for first through eighth graders throughout Vineland.

“Hosted by Saint Padre Pio Parish, this is part of the Vineland Catholic Collaborative” that includes, in addition to Saint Padre Pio, Divine Mercy Parish and Christ the Good Shepherd Parish, said Father Sinatra.

For three weeks this summer, youth are given religious instruction under outdoor tents on the campus of Saint Padre Pio Parish, learning about the Trinity, the sacraments and the Kingdom of God. Art, music and sports are also incorporated into the curriculum.

“This summertime program gives us a wonderful opportunity to express the faith in a different setting, and proclaim the Gospel to these youth in a unique and engaging way,” Father Sinatra remarked, emphasizing that “this is not Catholic summer camp,” and that the lessons learned in the three weeks will be reinforced later not only to Vineland’s youth, but to Cumberland County’s families.

“This is formation, and catechesis, in a different form of transmittal,” he added.