Beth Mappes, a mother, former Catholic school teacher and ministry leader in children’s music and performing arts, will be the guest speaker at the Magnificat breakfast for women to be held on Saturday, Feb. 25, at Holy Cross Church in Atlanta.

All women are invited to attend the Magnificat, which is a morning of hospitality, reflection and faith-sharing. The Magnificat Joyful Visitation Chapter in Atlanta sponsors the gathering, which 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 encouraged to arrive by 9 a.m.

Beth Mappes, her husband, Scott, and their three sons are members of St. Oliver Plunkett Church in Snellville, where she has served in the past as the youth minister, director of the children’s choir and director of the drama ministry. She is currently teaching performing arts classes to home-school students and home-schooling her sons. She also taught in the past at St. John Neumann Regional School in Lilburn.

An avid member of the Catholic Church growing up, and a product of local Catholic schools, Beth fell away from her Catholic faith in her early 20s and was involved in an alternative religion. She will speak on the faith journey she has experienced and how, by the grace of God, she was called back to her faith and led in directions in her spirituality that she did not think were possible, with the help and love of the Church and her spiritual “family.”

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.

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.

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 Feb. 18. No tickets will be returned. Check-in will be at the door on Feb. 25 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.