Catholic Charities Names Lorna Davis Disciple of Mercy
The Camden resident earns recognition for her two decades of service leading a local parish food program.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Philanthropy
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Catholic Charities of South Jersey has named Lorna Davis a 2026 Disciple of Mercy for her long-standing work in Camden. She has spent over 20 years leading the community outreach efforts at Sacred Heart Parish and School.
Why it matters
The recognition highlights the essential role that long-term volunteers play in sustaining local food security networks. Davis serves as a vital bridge between the parish and residents in need of basic necessities.
The Food Sharing program assists more than 100 people every fourth Saturday, while the parish provides nearly 1,000 Christmas meals annually. Davis has managed these efforts for more than 20 years.
The players
Lorna Davis
She is a part-time assistant at Sacred Heart Parish and School who has coordinated local food distribution programs for two decades.
Catholic Charities of South Jersey
This organization provides social services and support programs throughout the region including the Disciple of Mercy recognition.
Sacred Heart Parish and School
This is a local religious institution in Camden that serves as the primary site for community charitable programs.
The details
Davis operates the Food Sharing program out of Sacred Heart Parish and School and manages furniture donations from her home across the street. Her process involves distributing outreach pamphlets to neighbors one week before each monthly event to ensure residents are aware of the available resources.
Timeline
Lorna Davis received the 2026 Disciple of Mercy award.
The Food Sharing program distributes aid monthly on every fourth Saturday.
Market Landscape
This story reflects the Catholic Charities USA mission of individual community-based ministry by highlighting localized volunteer leadership. It underscores how decentralized, parish-led initiatives provide the backbone for regional social service delivery.
Residents seeking assistance can access the monthly Food Sharing program hosted at the parish on the fourth Saturday of each month. Those interested in supporting the initiative can coordinate furniture donations through the parish or direct community outreach.
The takeaway
Recognizing long-term volunteers illustrates the impact of consistent community engagement over decades. Residents can support local service efforts by staying informed on parish distribution schedules and contributing needed goods.
Further reading
For more on how local organizations support the region, visit the Camden Philanthropy section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Catholic Star Herald.
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