Catholic convert has given a decade in dedicated service to the local Church

Friday, May. 15, 2015

DRAPER — In 2003, as a newly confirmed Catholic, Nancy Reading heard a homily that Father Jim McHugh gave about service to God and living the faith that gave her life a different direction. Wanting to get involved in her parish, Saint John the Baptist in Draper, Reading volunteered as chairperson of the bake sale for the Festival of Roses, the parish’s largest fundraiser. 

“I saw it as a way to meet fellow parishioners and contribute to something that had given me so much in my journey to find my faith. We also held the first Bake Off that year as an extension of the bake sale. I love to cook and bake, so this was a labor of love for me,” said Reading, who has been involved with the festival ever since; this year she chaired the inaugural Queen of Hearts Masquerade Ball.

Reading also is involved in organizations such as the parish’s Ladies Association, serving as the organization’s representative to the Wasatch Deanery of the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women. She also is the DCCW’s Leadership Commissioner. This year she was named the St. John the Baptist Woman of the Year.

“I love being a representative to the Wasatch Deanery,” said Reading, adding that she has had the opportunity to meet incredible women and feel a sense of solidarity with a group of women in faith and service. “This is just amazing!  The sense of being a part of something so much larger and with a very long reach provides unequaled opportunities to network between parishes members and ultimately share resources between parishes.”

In addition, Reading has been involved with scouting programs for 13 years, serving on many levels.

She was the Diocese of Salt Lake City liaison to the Great Salt Lake Council for five years and was recently appointed by Archbishop John C. Wester as the diocesan chairperson for scouting.

“I wanted to bring the message to the Catholic community that scouting is for everyone,” Reading said. “I also wanted to see more participation in the Catholic Committee on Scouting’s religious emblems programs. I want our scouts to have a true scouting experience and we can’t do that if, as adult leaders, we do not get out of our comfort zone and get trained and network with other Scout leaders. Being a woman and a Catholic should be daunting, but for me it is just the opposite.” She said that she respects her peers and also expects respect from them.

“I am just a little outspoken  – maybe that is an understatement – and I have no problem offering ideas and suggestions for change and improvement. I hope through my example, others will work together towards a common goal … taking care of our scouts,” said Reading.

She said that she thinks there is still a lot to do.

“There is still plenty of room for growth, especially in our Girl Scout programs and with our Hispanic communities,” said Reading, adding that “God gave each of us a unique set of talents and gifts. I believe that he gave those to us to use and not to bury. Live your faith and find your niche in service to God.”

“Nancy sees a need and meets it head on. She is quick to show gratitude to others. We at Saint John the Baptist are grateful to have her in our parish,” reads in the statement presented at the banquet honoring her as the 2015 Woman of the Year.