Pat Everett will be the guest speaker at the Magnificat breakfast for women on Saturday, May 19, for the 20th anniversary of the Atlanta chapter of the international Catholic women’s ministry.

Everett is the lead lecturer at St. John Neumann Women’s Catholic Bible Study in Lilburn, where she has served for 10 years. The Bible study draws over 100 women from many parishes.

All women are invited to attend the Magnificat, which is a morning of hospitality, reflection and faith sharing, held from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Holy Cross Catholic Church. Doors open early and attendees are encouraged to arrive by 9 a.m. Holy Cross is located at 3773 Chamblee Tucker Road, Atlanta.

Her own story will relate how as a cradle Catholic she was challenged by the many Protestants who were welcoming her to the Norcross area in 1968 after her husband, John, returned from the Vietnam War. Settling onto the family farm, leaving Catholic family and friends behind in Miami, at 21 she had an Emmaus experience that sent her on a lifelong and continuing journey of faith. The charismatic renewal awakened gifts and talents that God had placed in her. The story still unfolds as she and her husband, now married for 45 years and grandparents, are in a new ministry to young married couples.

In addition to the story of the guest speaker, every Magnificat includes a time of praise and prayer, music ministry, the opportunity to share a meal with other women in a relaxing, faith-filled environment, a time of intercessory prayer, a Catholic gift and book table, and the opportunity to receive the sacrament of reconciliation following the meal.

Magnificat is an international Catholic women’s ministry founded in the Archdiocese of New Orleans, with local chapters established with the approval of the bishop. The ministry is designed to help women to grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ and to experience the fullness of faith made possible by the work of the Holy Spirit.

The inspiration is found in the Magnificat of Mary, who said “yes” to the plan of God for her life, and in the friendship of Mary and her cousin, Elizabeth, who came together to support one another and to proclaim in faith the greatness of God and his miraculous works in their lives.

The Atlanta Joyful Visitation chapter of Magnificat hosted its first gathering in May 1992. There will be a special celebration at this meal in gratitude for the growth in faith God has given through the ministry.

All women are invited and encouraged to come and invite a friend to come with them. Reservations are $15 apiece and must be made in advance. Please send name, address, contact information and a check made payable to Magnificat Joyful Visitation to Kathy Timony, 6170 Rachel Ridge, Norcross, GA 30092. Reservations must be sent by May 12. No tickets will be returned. Check-in will be at the door on May 19 for those with reservations only.

Priests and religious are invited to attend free of charge, but reservations are still requested to plan for the meal.

Since the Magnificat is designed to speak to the hearts of women free of distractions, it is respectfully requested that young children not be in attendance.