Cristina Zakis, of St. Stephen the Martyr Church, Lilburn, will be the guest speaker at the Magnificat breakfast for women to be held on Saturday, Aug. 18, at Holy Cross Church, Atlanta. The local chapter of the international Catholic women’s ministry sponsors the breakfast.

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

Cristina Zakis will share the journey God has led her on as she has answered his call in her life to serve, including as a wife, adoptive mother and biological mother. Most recently, this journey led her to be a kidney donor, when, through her parish, the paths of her family and that of a former college classmate crossed again and she was able to be the much-needed match as an organ donor.

She and her husband, Peter, have been married for 19 years and have two sons, Ricky and Paul. Currently she works as the Title III programs specialist for Gwinnett County public schools, serving English language learners. She taught earlier at St. John Neumann Regional Catholic School and several Gwinnett County schools. She joined the English language learners department in 2008 after taking time off from work to be a full-time mother and then to care for her family when Peter was mobilized to Afghanistan in 2007 and 2008.

The daughter of Deacon Evelio and Rosie Garcia-Carreras, she is a graduate of St. Pius X High School, Atlanta, and the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., with a graduate degree from Walden University.

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 was established in May 1992.

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 Aug. 11. No tickets will be returned. Check-in will be at the door 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.