Featured Voice: Lisa Tarker
Date postedJune 1, 2026
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Tell us a little about yourself and your scholarly interests.
My background is in liturgy, which is tangential to Scripture. The class that had the most impact on me during my graduate studies at CUA was 'The Prophets' with Joseph Jensen, O.S.B. Before coming to the CBA in 2013, I worked in the field of liturgy for 27 years, serving as a consultor to the USCCB Committee on Divine Worship for 11 of those years. During that time, we reviewed a revision of the Revised Lectionary for Mass and the Lectionary for Masses with Children. In addition to my work with CBA, I currently serve on the Commission on Sacred Art and Architecture for the Archdiocese of Washington.
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What project, publication, or question is most animating your work right now?
Since my position is administrative, the question animating my work right now is how best to support continuity in the CBA Office. In addition to the regular daily tasks, I have been writing notes on operating procedures for the myriad tasks I perform in support of membership, grants, the Executive Board, committees, publications, the website, and events.
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What has your involvement in the CBA meant for your scholarship, teaching, or professional community?
For the past 13 years, the CBA has been my professional community. I enjoy engaging with and serving the membership. The administration of the Association has transformed while I have been in the CBA Office. In 2013, we were converting the computer work from DOS to Microsoft Windows; the Executive Board was meeting in the spring and autumn via conference call instead of Zoom; and the CBA Office was mailing out CBQMS orders. It has been both a challenge and a joy to be part of the Association's administration.
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What is one passion, interest, or practice outside your academic work that you would like others to know about?
I am passionate about poetry and art. For me, connecting the two for my friends on social media is a form of meditation. I have curated collections for much of the liturgical sanctoral cycle and major feasts.