ATLANTA—A retired U.S. Army colonel who had a life-changing spiritual conversion will be the guest speaker at the Magnificat breakfast for women on Saturday, Nov.  16, at Holy Cross Church, Atlanta.

Pat Forest served as a U.S. Army officer for 28 years, with assignments worldwide as a leader in administration, recruiting, and personnel, including at the Pentagon. She earned a master’s degree in business and graduated from the U.S. Army War College. She also completed a two-year Bible college.

Pat Forest

Concurrent with her Army retirement as a colonel, Forest gave her life to the Lord and, in her words, became a soldier in his army, now using the gifts the Lord gave her and honed during her career for his purposes.

A mother and grandmother, she and her husband, Jonathan, live in Peachtree City. Pat serves her parish, Holy Trinity, in music and liturgy, teaching Bible studies for women and for seniors, and speaking at Life in the Spirit seminars and conferences. She also leads worship for a number of ministries. She has a passion for evangelism and Christian unity.

Forest will share her story of God’s great mercy and love, of being healed and restored by Jesus. She hopes her testimony will assist others in living an abundant life through the power of the Holy Spirit.

The Atlanta Joyful Visitation chapter of the international Catholic women’s ministry hosts the breakfast. All women are invited to attend this morning of faith sharing from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. with others who take this time to recharge their spiritual lives.

Magnificat is an international Catholic women’s ministry 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. Chapters are approved by the local bishop.

The Magnificat breakfast is held in Atlanta four times a year. Doors open early and guests are encouraged to arrive by 9 a.m. Holy Cross Church is located at 3773 Chamblee Tucker Road, Atlanta, near the Interstate 285 exit of Chamblee-Tucker Road.

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 catered breakfast 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.

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 Nov. 9. 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.