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.
Day of Reflection
Hosted by the Gentle Woman of Praise Albany, NY, Chapter
Saturday, September 12, 2026
10:00 am – 2:30 pm
9:30 am – check in
Location:
Sisters of the Resurrection Provincial House
35 Boltwood Avenue
Castleton-On-Hudson, NY 12033
Guest Speaker: Deacon Gary Riggi
Theme: Birthing Jesus In Our Life
Deacon Gary Riggi provides pastoral care for survivors of abuse in the Diocese of Albany and is on the board of Joshua Mountain Ministries. He has worked for years with those struggling with homelessness and addiction in Schenectady County and the Albany Diocese and beyond. Deacon Gary has marshaled talent and resources to rebuild homes destroyed in regional flooding. He has founded programs such as the Joshua Project, and the Wellness Center, which provide services and much needed resources to those in need and suffering from trauma. He is involved with Rachels Vineyard and is a Retreat Director and the Director of the Joshua Foundation Retreat House. Deacon Gary is Formator for those discerning the diaconate and a spiritual director trained in the Ignatian Exercises. He is currently on the Board of Directors for the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation (MCHF) and Director of Engagement for the City Mission in Schenectady.
The Day of Reflection will include Adoration, Rosary, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Mass, Reflection by Deacon Gary, Prayer and Praise. Bring a bag lunch and beverage. Dessert, lemonade and bottle water provided.
Reservations – RSVP: Friday, August 28, 2026
Reservation – Day of Reflection – Registration link – Day of Reflection 9/12/26
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED – SEATING IS LIMITED TO 70 PEOPLE
Cost: Free Will Donation
Questions: Email albanymagnificat@gmail.com or call Diane at 518-810-1310
FOR MEALS ONLY (Online: click on the Pay Now link below. Select pay by Debit Card or Credit Card. You will receive a confirmation email from PayPal.)
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 ________. Registration fee is $30 per person (cash/check only).
Please Mail Reservation Form with check payable to “Albany Magnificat” at:
Albany Magnificat – c/o
5 Valleywood Drive
Glenville, NY 12302
For registration questions contact:
Diane Bigos at 518-810-1310 or albanymagnificat@gmail.com
Meal Flyer
Upcoming Events for Our Chapter — 2026
November 14, 2026 – The Vista Restaurant, 924 Main Street, Clifton Park, NY 12065 – Speaker: Mary Powers
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 June 16, 2026.
