Elizabeth English is a mother of two, a partner in a four-year relationship, a social worker.On Jan. 19, she will add one more title: Catholic priest.
English is a member of a small, independent Catholic church that does not recognize papal authority and ordains women to the priesthood.
In an elaborate ceremony, English will be the first woman to take priestly vows at her Sacramento church. She knows this will likely upset many Roman Catholics.
"That is not my goal," says English, 58. "I believe I am answering God's call."
English, who typically wears traditional priestly clothes, describes herself as "Catholic to the core." She was confirmed to the faith in 2004 but left the Roman Catholic Church eight months ago to attend Good Shepherd Parish, an independent congregation. About 30 people worship at the church, which meets at the Spiritual Life Center in downtown Sacramento.
English's ordination will be held at Atonement Lutheran Church in Sacramento and is open to the public.
The Catholic Diocese of Sacramento will not recognize the ordination.
"They're not part of our church," says the Rev. James Murphy, spokesman for the Catholic Diocese of Sacramento. "They do what they feel is right for them. Certainly, that would not be a valid ordination in the Roman Catholic Church."
English's church is affiliated with the Independent Catholic Church of the West, a district or diocese that has six parishes – one in Portland, four in Phoenix, and in Sacramento, according to Tony Prandini, pastor of Good Shepherd. He says 500 to 800 people attend church services throughout the independent diocese.
"We have people from all backgrounds, including the Roman Catholic Church," says Prandini, who started the Sacramento church two years ago. "Our community is open to everyone."
Members of the independent church believe anyone who wants to participate in worship services should be allowed to, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. Worship services are similar to Roman Catholic Masses, says Prandini. "The major difference is … our language is more inclusive."
And, of course, women serve as deacons and priests. About 10 currently serve as priests in the independent diocese, according to Prandini.
English says she didn't set out to be the first woman ordained to the Catholic priesthood in Sacramento.
Her children will attend the ordination, and her longtime partner, Diane Uebelhart, will read a statement during the ceremony.
"All my friends and family have been supportive," English says.
English also says her ordination as a Catholic priest is not a political statement about the Roman Catholic Church and the role of women.
"Absolutely not," she says. "I've had a spiritual calling all my life; being a priest is the next step."
She adds that the Independent Catholic Church is a different denomination from the Roman Catholic Church.
"In the same way that there are a lot of Protestant denominations," says English. "The Roman Catholic Church just happens to be a lot bigger."
To prepare for her ordination, English will attend a three-day retreat with her spiritual adviser and will spend the time reading and praying.
"There will be lots of time just to be with God," says English.
A small reception will be held afterward, but English's primary focus will be on the next day, when she will preside over her first Mass.
"My first as a priest," says English.
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