Women's group to host meal

The first Magnificat Meal in the Albany Diocese will be held Nov. 11 with a guest speaker who will share the story of her faith journey.

Magnificat, born from the Catholic Charismatic Renewal, aims to help women open themselves to the Holy Spirit through a deeper commitment to Jesus Christ.

"This is a woman-to-woman ministry," Marie Grigaitis noted. "Magnificat ministers to women both in and out of the Church, so you can also say that it is an evangelical effort."

Background

Mrs. Grigaitis -- who is co-liaison with her husband, Deacon Jerry Grigaitis, to the Albany Diocesan Service Committee of the Charismatic Renewal -- attended a Magnificat Meal in Pittsburgh several years ago and decided to start a chapter in the Albany Diocese.

She got in touch with other interested women, and they met for a year for prayer and sharing before founding a chapter.

There are hundreds of Magnificat chapters around the word; four are now in New York State: Buffalo, Rochester, Rockville Centre and Albany.

Objectives

Because it is a spiritual ministry, there are no dues for Magnificat, she said, "but everyone must pledge to support the objectives."

Magnificat's website (www.magnificat-ministry.org) lists four goals: living out the mystery of Mary's visit to Elizabeth; helping Catholic women be open to the Holy Spirit; providing opportunities that foster growth in holiness; and sponsoring a Magnificat Meal.

"The Magnificat Meal can be compared to the Eucharist at liturgy," she continued. "The Eucharist is the essential reason for coming together in faith and in community. At the Magnificat Meal, we come together to share our faith with each other, and for fellowship, prayer and service."

(The Magnificat Meal, at Phelan's Restaurant in Clifton Park, is open to all interested women. For reservations, call Marie at 371-7911, Ruth at 785-1084 or Anne at 235-8132. The deadline is Oct. 28. There is no registration at the door.)

(10/12/06)