The morning sun comes in through the windows. It casts a thin thread of light onto a blue-beaded rosary, dotting the weathered carpet with small freckles of color. As Johnson twists the key, a five-foot ceramic statue of Jesus Christ standing in the front window welcomes Johnson in with open arms.

"He's a big attraction here," Johnson said, peeking back at the ceramic figure.

The door shuts behind her. Johnson illuminates the room with a flick of a light switch. Ceiling fans begin to hum. Inside, it smells of aged books and polished jewelry.

For the next eight hours, Johnson's day will be driven by her faith and the faith of others. It is her job.

Crucifixes made of wood and stone line the walls. Medals bearing the titles of blessed saints fill the aisles. Acoustic worship music softy streams out through the speakers overhead. It is here where Johnson goes to work.

Nine years ago, a local man named Richard Weigans opened up the Catholic Store, which sits at 3398 S. Broadway in Englewood where he still operates it today. His intention was to provide the community with a friendly business that still acts as a growing religious hub for citizens looking to rejuvenate their faith.

Johnson, who has known Weigans for more than 15 years, said it was a bodily injury two years ago that somehow led to her post at the Catholic Store. The duo is responsible for running the place.

"It's kind of interesting how it all worked out," she said. "I was 56 years old at the time and had never, ever hurt myself like this."

Out walking her then 3-year-old golden retriever, Bear, she suddenly slipped on a wet sprinkler head while on her way to the Catholic Store to buy a book. As a result of the fall, she suffered a broken ankle and was ordered by physicians to use a walker for the next six months.

"When I finally made it back to the store for my book, Richard looked at me, then my ankle and offered me a job there," Johnson said. "I accepted and have been here ever since."

As an avid parishioner and volunteer for St. Francis Cabrini Catholic Parish in Littleton, the Catholic Store was more than a perfect fit for her.

By noon, the place was filled with people. The business does see its share of repeat customers, but a lot of citizens "from the street" come in looking to share a story, Johnson explained. Some of them might make a purchase, but more times than not, they want to talk.

"They look at the outside and maybe think it's a church-like atmosphere in here," she said. "I hear a lot of good stories, but I listen to a lot of sad stories, too."

To Johnson, working at the Catholic Store has been a blessing from God. It truly is about helping others, not in a material sense, but spiritually, she said.

"Customers at the Catholic store generally want something to satisfy - not to sound corny - their souls," she said. "They want something to help progress them with their faith."

The Catholic Store, 3398 S. Broadway in Englewood is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For more information, call 303-762-8385 or visit www.catholicstore.com.