Healing After Abortion

There are several post-abortion ministries in the US.The most well-known may be Project Rachel (hopeafterabortion.com), founded in Milwaukee in 1984, which has been nationwide since 1990. Its website states: "It's normal to grieve a pregnancy loss, including the loss of a child by abortion. It can form a hole in one's heart, a hole so deep that sometimes it seems nothing can fill the emptiness."

The National Office of Post-Abortion Reconciliation & Healing can be reached at www.noparh.org in complete confidentiality. It provides training for care providers, maintains a 1-800-5WeCare  referral line for those seeking assistance in reconciling an abortion experience, and publishes the international Post-Abortion Support Services Directory.

Rachel's Vineyard, www.rachelsvineyard.org, is a Catholic ministry that offers non-denominational retreats for men and women who are dealing with the lingering effects of abortion.

Rachel's Vineyard Retreat

Following an abortion many women suffer a deep regret: inside there is a hurt that will never go away, and only through God’s help can she begin the healing process. A Rachel’s Vineyard retreat can help her in her recovery.
 
In the Diocese of Trenton there are two retreats each year held at the Upper Room Retreat Center in Neptune, NJ. Father Jay had the privilege of being the priest member of the team for several years; now a younger priest has stepped into this wonderful position. The weekend is a very compassionate, healing weekend for women who have suffered the pain of one, or multiple, abortions sometime in their life. Men who have been connected with a woman’s abortion(s) are welcome to the retreat as well.
 
Everything and everyone connected to the retreat is held in strict confidentiality. A large part of the retreat consists in beautiful guided Scripture meditation readings, followed by sharing on the part of those retreatants who care to share. There is a truly touching video with the witness of several women (of varying ages) and one man concerning the abortions they were part of, and are healing from.

If you would like to register for an upcoming retreat, or simply want more information before you decide, call Rachel’s Vineyard leader, Judy at 732-536-6871. Judy can let you know when the next retreat is in NJ, or get you in touch with retreats in other NJ Dioceses. Father Jay can also speak to you personally and privately about the retreat.