The Service Team of Mary, Woman of Faith Chapter of Magnificat invites the women of the diocese to its Magnificat luncheon on Saturday, Feb. 22, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Our Lady of Sorrows’ Parish Hall.

The luncheon will feature Christina Fritz as the speaker. She was born in Oshawa, Canada, and was raised by loving and faithful Catholic parents. She attended Catholic schools through high school before attending the University of Florida. In her early childhood, she started gymnastics and became very serious, traveling the world as a teen eventually participating in the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, Korea. 

Fritz’s very intense athletic path in childhood and college caused her to lean deeply into her faith. Following her college gymnastics career, she experienced a physical breakdown and had to once again lean heavily on the providence of God and His original identity for her. As she fought for her physical health, fellow Catholics and friendly Protestants helped her build back spiritually. 

Overcoming her physical issues, Fritz was able to obtain a green card and settled in Birmingham. She has worked as a gymnastics coach and as an associate producer at EWTN. 17 years ago, she married her husband, Jerry. The two share one daughter. For the last 8 years, the couple has been assisting the core team of the Arise Ministry, learning how to deepen their relationship with the Holy Spirit as lay Catholics. The ministry has provided an opportunity to promote intercessory prayer, which the Fritzes have always joyfully done.

Fritz’s message to Magnificat guests will be from Revelation 12:11: “They conquered him by the Blood of the Lamb and word of their testimony: love for life did not deter them from death!”  

Tickets, which include a catered luncheon, are on sale through Feb. 16 at a cost of $20 each and are available online at BirminghamMagnificat.org or by e-mail at magnificat0296@gmail.com. If purchasing a ticket by regular mail, please send a check by Feb. 12 payable to Magnificat to: Magnificat Tickets, 2744 Aspen Lake Road, Helena, AL 35022. Tickets are also available at Alpha Church Supply and Gifts and Holy Roses Flowers and Gifts. Priests, deacons, and religious brothers and sisters can receive complimentary tickets, but a reservation is required. No tickets will be sold after Feb. 16 or at the door. Our Lady of Sorrows is located at 1728 Oxmoor Road in Homewood. For additional information, please call or text 205-529-0259.