The Msgr. Michael Doyle and

Msgr. Robert McDermott Award

For Parish and Community Ministry

 Msgr. Michael Doyle, pastor of Sacred Heart Church in South Camden, has been ministering to this community since 1974.  He helped establish the Camden Churches Organized for People (CCOP), which asks congregations to work together through collective action to address the many problems facing families and congregations in the city. A committed pacifist, Msgr. Doyle was arrested and acquitted for raiding a draft board during the Vietnam conflict as part of the Camden 28. In 1984, Heart of Camden was established under Msgr. Doyle’s direction and has acquired and rehabilitated over 120 houses in South Camden for sale to low income residents.

Msgr. Robert McDermott is pastor of St. Joseph Pro Cathedral Church in East Camden. In addition to multiple parish responsibilities, Msgr. McDermott was responsible for the initiation of the St. Joseph Carpenter Society in 1985, which provides quality affordable housing to over 400 families in East Camden.  The St. Joseph Carpenter Society has rehabbed over 300 houses and also trains the community on responsible home ownership and maintenance programs.  He also was a catalyst in the formation of Camden Churches Organized for People (CCOP). The Oscar Romero Center, which provides justice education for adults, families, college and high school students, was another venture started under the direction of Msgr. McDermott.