A circle of love.
That is what Lorna Davis calls the community of Sacred Heart Parish and school in Camden.
Though she helps to coordinate the parish’s Food Sharing program and annual Christmas Basket and Toy Store program, she says it’s the volunteers, local community and parishioners past and present who make it all possible.
“It’s not just me,” she says. “Everybody here at the parish helps out.”
Davis, a part-time assistant in both the parish and Sacred Heart School, has been named a 2026 Disciple of Mercy by Catholic Charities of South Jersey.
Parish pastor Father Vince Guest, who nominated her for the award, first met Davis more than 20 years ago. At the time, he was working as a lawyer in Camden, and Davis was working alongside then-pastor Msgr. Michael Doyle.
“I knew then that she was respected by the community,” Father Guest says.
Davis lives across the street from the church, and as such, knows almost everyone around. She listens to their stories, celebrates their successes and sorrows, helps them find food and clothing, and even accepts furniture donations at her home.
For more than 20 years, she has helped coordinate the Food Sharing program. Every fourth Saturday of the month, more than 100 people receive bags of food and clothing. The week prior, she walks the neighborhood and delivers pamphlets to remind the neighbors.
“If a person does not show up, she will save a [bag] and deliver it herself,” Father Guest says.
Davis also helps run the school lunch program.
“She makes sure no child goes hungry,” Father Guest says, explaining that whenever Davis hears of a school family in need, she makes sure parish and school staff know so they can help. “She cares for the children at Sacred Heart School as if they were her own.”
Davis is especially busy around Christmastime, when she helps ensure children and families don’t go without. In the weeks before Christmas, parents visit the lower level of the church to shop for new toys at low prices. Plus, the parish provides nearly 1,000 Christmas meals.
“Many good volunteers make this happen, but Lorna is at the center of it all,” Father Guest says. “In many ways, Lorna Davis is the eyes and ears of Sacred Heart Parish.”
Seeing her neighbors is something Davis is indeed passionate about.
“I see their needs and their wants,” she says. “I never turn away from a person. It’s important to always make time to listen because for a minute, you’re saving their life.”
In the same way, she makes sure to always turn toward the Lord, too. “I’m never too busy to say ‘Thank God’ for that day.”
When asked where her strength comes from, Davis immediately puts her hands together, bows her head and prays.
“I lift up my eyes toward the mountains,” she begins, reciting Psalm 121:1-3, which continues, “Our help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.”
“My faith comes from hearing the Word of God,” she says.
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