All women are invited to attend the meal, which is a morning of shared faith, reflection and hospitality. The event sponsored by the Magnificat Joyful Visitation Chapter in Atlanta will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Holy Cross Church, 3773 Chamblee Tucker Road, Atlanta. Doors open early and attendees are asked to arrive by 9 a.m.

Kari Beckman will speak about her journey in faith, which has drawn her from a childhood in which she was not a part of any church or formal religion to a vibrant faith life as a Catholic. A high school mentor who was Catholic nurtured her childhood sense of right and wrong and introduced her to the faith.

Through the presence of the Holy Spirit, she converted to Catholicism around the birth of her first child, beginning a journey that would take her places she never imagined. After experiencing a miracle cure for lifelong infertility challenges, she has been blessed with eight children ranging in age from three to 18.

As she grew in her knowledge of the faith, she became very active in the Atlanta area in both pro-life and educational arenas, co-founding a pro-life lock-in for youth and opening Regina Caeli Academy, a private hybrid school operating in the Catholic tradition for home school families.

She will speak about how her story can be anyone’s story with a simple “yes” to God.

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

Magnificat is an international Catholic women’s ministry 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, becoming the servant elevated by God’s mighty works through her assent.

Reservations are $15 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 postmarked by Nov. 9. No tickets will be returned. Check-in will be at the door on Nov. 19 for those with reservations only.

Priests and religious are invited to attend free of charge, but reservations are 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.