Our Clergy

Luis Gomez was ordained a minister in the Independent Catholic Church of the West/United Catholic Church in 2006. Born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, México, he holds a BA in Architecture and a Masters degree in Philosophy and Social Sciences. Educated in Catholic schools dedicated to Saint Ignatius of Loyola and the Salesians of Don Bosco, Luis later joined the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) and moved to the United States. He left the Society of Jesus to follow his heart, where he found the Independent Catholic Church movement. During his tenure as a Jesuit seminarian, he worked extensively with the vocations office, directed retreats for prospective Jesuits, and served at parishes in the suburbs of México City. Luis has a strong Ignatian spirituality. Currently, he serves as Pastor at St. Michael’s Parish.

Jeff was ordained a minister in the Independent Catholic Church of the West/United Catholic Church in 2006 and consecrated bishop in 2023. Jeff’s academic background includes a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and a Master of Education in Inner-City Educational Administration from Holy Names University, graduate work in Systematic Theology at Fordham University, and ongoing doctoral studies (DMin) with a focus on Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging in the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures. An experienced educator, chaplain, and ordained minister, he has dedicated his career to servant leadership, inclusive and affirming theology, and public service. While at Jesuit High School, Jeff developed curriculum and taught courses in Catholic Christianity and the Philosophy of God, while serving on the Behavioral Health Committee. As a Jesuit scholastic at Fordham University, he ministered as a chaplain at St. Barnabas Hospital, supported University Ministries, and co-directed the Ignatian Society. His formation as a Jesuit novice included Clinical Pastoral Education at California Pacific Hospital, chaplaincy at Daniel Freeman Hospital, and pastoral care for detainees at the INS Detention Center in San Pedro. Currently, Jeff serves as the Statewide Learning Manager for the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) and leads the Statewide Learning Center, managing a team who designs and delivers innovative, hybrid, and in-person leadership development programs across the state.

Judy was born and raised in Sacramento, California, and attended Bishop Manogue High School. She is an alumna of Dominican College of San Rafael, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Movement Education, focusing on a developmental approach to academic and physical education. Judy continued her education at California State University, Sacramento, where she earned a Master’s degree in Special Education. She holds credentials in both General Education and Special Education, as well as a certification as a Resource Specialist in Education.

Judy worked in the public school system since 1987, primarily with the Sacramento City Unified School District in various roles, contributing to both general and special education programs. She officially retired in 2015 but still substitutes occasionally. Judy is also an active volunteer in several community charity organizations. She joined the Good Shepherd Community in late Spring 2006 and was ordained to the diaconate on September 16, 2007. She was a professed member of the Ecumenical Order of Saints Francis and Clare.

Elizabeth is a mother and grandmother. She has a BA in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Social Work. She has been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor since 2000 and has spent more than twenty years working with men and women who were homeless, using substances and suffering from mental illness. Elizabeth has a private psychotherapy practice and volunteers with the American Red Cross. She feels grateful that God has allowed her to follow her calling as a priest in the Independent Catholic faith.  Elizabeth was ordained as a Deacon on September 16th, 2007 and a priest in January 2008.  Mother Elizabeth guides the local Grey Robe Benedictine Community as Abbess and is supported in following her calling by her two children and her loving partner, Diane Uebelhart.