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Turning a parishioner into a priest

Deacon Maria Eitz, 72, of San Francisco, left, receives the cup of wine from the Rev. Victoria Rue during Mass for the Catholic congregation Sophia in Trinity inside Mary's Chapel at Trinity Episcopal Church.

Deacon Maria Eitz, 72, of San Francisco, left, receives the cup of wine from the Rev. Victoria Rue during Mass for the Catholic congregation Sophia in Trinity inside Mary’s Chapel at Trinity Episcopal Church.  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

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On Sunday, Maria Eitz, 72, of San Francisco, will become one of a small number of Roman Catholic women ignoring the ban on female priests and being ordained without the Vatican’s acknowledgment.

In prayer

The Sophia in Trinity congregants raise their arms in prayer at Trinity Episcopal Church in San Francisco.  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Before the service

Maria Eitz opens her arms to greet a friend before the Sophia in Trinity service at Trinity Episcopal Church.  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

One of their own

Congregants praise Maria Eitz after a Sophia in Trinity service.  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Controversial decision

Maria Eitz, here after a Sophia in Trinity service, says she ignores the Vatican’s threats of excommunication.  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Peace at home

A labyrinth in her San Francisco backyard is a spot that Maria Eitz uses for prayer.  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Preparation

Maria Eitz prepares ribbons for the next day’s Sophia in Trinity service.  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

A bigger goal

Maria Eitz, now a deacon, plans to become a priest because “it is right and just.”   (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

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