We welcome you to the webpage of the Gentle Woman of Praise Chapter of Magnificat in Albany, New York. These are exciting times that we live in and Magnificat was begun in 1981 for such as time as this. There are now over 100 chapters throughout the United States and its territories and in many foreign countries.
Magnificat Meal
Hosted by the Gentle Woman of Praise Albany, NY, Chapter
Saturday, November 14, 2026
Breakfast
9:00 am – 12:00 pm
8:30 am – check-in
Location:
The Vista Restaurant at Van Patten Golf Club
924 Main St.
Clifton Park, NY 12065
Guest Speaker: Mary Powers
Mary was born in Lindenhurst, L.I., and raised in a strong Catholic family. Mary has been married to her husband, Gil, for 39 years. They live in Glenville, NY. They have a daughter and 2 grandsons. Mary’s passion is sharing the word of God, praying for others, her family and gardening.
In July 2017, Mary was seriously ill and hospitalized with sepsis shock. It was after a coma, and while on life support for two months, that Mary encountered Our Lady. Mary’s life was forever changed. The next 7 years were extremely difficult and at times dark. Mary underwent 26 abdominal surgeries, had limited walking capability, and was fed intravenously all the while battling blood clots, heart failure and depression.
A doctor stated, “Mary is nothing short of a walking and breathing miracle.” She overcame the darkness and challenges of this world through her faith and God’s infinite love. Mary gives God all the praise and glory!
“Seek first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” – Matthew 6:33
Tickets & Reservations
Tickets for this prayer meal may be purchased using the mail-in registration form or via online link.
FOR MAIL-IN REGISTRATION PLEASE USE THE RESERVATION FORM BELOW:
Mail-In: Complete the form below (include the names and phone numbers of other ticket holders in your group).
Reservations CANNOT be accepted after October 30. Registration fee is $33.00 per person – $23.00 per student (cash/check only).
MAIL-IN REGISTRATION FORM
Please Mail Reservation Form with check payable to “Albany Magnificat” at:
Albany Magnificat – c/o Bonnie Hause
74 Meadow Rue Pl.
Ballston Spa, NY 12020
Questions: Email Diane at albanymagnificat@gmail.com or call Marie at 518-621-7376
Meal Flyer
Online: click on the Pay Now link below. Select pay by Debit Card or Credit Card. You will receive a confirmation email from PayPal.
Meal Flyer
Upcoming Events for Our Chapter — 2027
March 6, 2027 – Wolferts Roost Country Club, Albany, NY – Speaker: TBA
Rosary Blanket of Prayer
Remember our chapter’s commitment to Eucharistic Adoration and to pray the Rosary on the 11th of each month for the intentions of Magnificat, Church, Clergy, Religious, Sanctity of Life, Marriage and Family, and World Peace.
Our Prayer Groups
Evenings: 1st Wednesday of the month at 7:00 PM
April – October – Clubhouse at the Residence at Lexington Hills, Cohoes. Contact Laureen Sharp – laureliz51@gmail.com for directions.
November – March – on Zoom (link below).
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85061604786?pwd=RGVWN2tMSjI5RmkrTXozbTU3OXM3QT09
Afternoons: 3rd Thursday of the month at 1:30 PM – Coburg Village, Rexford, NY. Contact Mary Curry – 518-243-6402 directions.
Albany Catholic Charismatic Renewal website: https://albanyccr.org/
Service Team Members
Diane Bigos, Coordinator – bigosdiane@gmail.com or albanymagnificat@gmail.com
Nancy Hooley, Assistant Coordinator – nancyhooley24@gmail.com
Denise Fraioli, Secretary – teamfraioli@gmail.com
Kelly Stiffen,Treasurer – kastiffen@gmail.com
Bonnie Hause, Historian – hauseb@gmail.com
Rev. Kyle Gorenski, Spiritual Advisor – kyle.gorenski@rcda.org
If you would like to help with a Ministry of Magnificat, or if you have a question or comment for our Service Team, please contact one of our service team members listed above.
History of Gentle Women of Praise Magnificat Chapter – A Ministry to Catholic Women
The Gentle Women of Praise Chapter of Magnificat had its origins in the Diocese of Albany, New York, as several women were becoming aware of Magnificat in 1999-2000. The Holy Spirit gently moved them to learn more about this international ministry to Catholic Women. A feasibility assessment and discernment process began in 2001 by the Albany NY Diocesan Service Committee of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal.
During 2002-2003, the CCR liaison appointed a contact person to continue the discernment and formation process for the the Magnificat Chapter in Albany, NY, as required by the CST in Metairie, LA. The Rochester Chapter was assigned by CST to assist in the discernment process. A few women from the Albany Diocese attended a meal sponsored by the Rochester Magnificat Chapter. The women were very joyful in pursuing this ministry further. The Contact Person stepped down from the process and the liaison of the CCR took over as Contact Person. Bishop Hubbard was informed of the desire of the women in the Albany NY Diocese to form a Magnificat Chapter.
During 2004-2005, a Service Team was formed, the office and popular names were finalized. A spiritual advisor was appointed by the Bishop. The legal formation of the chapter to be a licensed, incorporated, non-profit, tax exempt organization was completed. The chapter became licensed under the Magnificat organization. The chapter hosted one invitational tea.
In 2006, the chapter hosted 2 mornings of intercessory rosary and adoration and our 1st breakfast – 200 women attended.
In 2007, the chapter hosted 2 mornings of intercessory rosary an adoration and 2 Magnificat meals. The chapter replaced 2 service team members. Due to several unfortunate circumstances, with the loss of 2 more service team members and the Spiritual Advisor, the Albany NY Chapter of Magnificat became inactive at the end of the year.
In 2008, the Albany NY Chapter of Magificat formed a new ST composed of three members and Advisory Team of 11 women who answered the call to serve as Chairwomen. The Albany NY Chapter regained an active status. The Bishop appointed a new Spiritual Advisor. A financial audit committee was elected. The Chapter started our first Rosary Intercessory prayer group in Oct.
In February 2009, we had our first meal. Since that time, the Albany NY Chapter continues to grow. We now have 2 Rosary Intercessory prayer groups that meet on the 1st Wednesday evening and the 3rd Thursday afternoon of the month. Since 2009, we have hosted 3 to 4 meals a year. We have had the opportunity to help our Bishop, Edward Scharfenberger, by hosting Fr. Michael Gaitley, MIC, author of 33 Days to Morning Glory. as he shared with us the importance of consecrating ourselves to Jesus through Mary. Bishop Scharfenberger wanted the people of Albany Diocese to make the Consecration to the Blessed Mother on the Feast Day of our Diocese, December 8. In 2018, author and speaker Susan Conroy was our guest speaker sharing her experiences and friendship with St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta and 23 women participated in the Magnificat Scripture Study – The Women in the Bible.
Last Updated on September 1, 2026.
