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Lord,
Touch us with your tender grace. Fill us with your forgiveness.
Mary,
Bless us with peace and new life.
"I would like to say a special word to women who have had an abortion. The Church is aware of the many factors which may have influenced your decision, and she does not doubt that in many cases it was a painful and even shattering decision. The wound in your heart may not yet have healed. Certainly what happened was and remains terribly wrong. But do not give in to discouragement and do not lose hope. Try rather to understand what happened and face it honestly."
"If you have not already done so, give yourselves over with humility and trust to repentance. The Father of mercies is ready to give you his forgiveness and his peace in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. You will come to understand that nothing is definitely lost and you will also be able to ask forgiveness from your child, who is now living in the Lord."
"With the friendly and expert help and advice of other people, and as a result of your own painful experience, you can be among the most eloquent defenders of everyone's right to life. Through your commitment to life, whether by accepting the birth of other children or by welcoming and caring for those most in need of someone to be close to them, you will become promoters of a new way of looking at human life."
Project Rachel is a confidential healing ministry for the many people, both men and women, who have been touched by an abortion experience. The purpose of Project Rachel is post-abortion reconciliation and healing for the "other victims" of abortion. The woman who has had an abortion, the person who at one time provided the abortion, the man who has forced a daughter or spouse to have an abortion, the potential grandparents, brothers and sisters and all who have been denied. All of these people need the help of the Church to deal with the grief, anger and sense of responsibility for a great loss.
Common symptoms of Post-Abortion Stress are:
The Project Rachel Ministry helps people in a private, sensitive, confidential manner through the assistance of trained counselors, clergy, and companion/support. The support group program allow people to move toward healing and reconciliation through the guidance of trained facilitators, peers and clergy.
- 30 million women who were mothers and have aborted;
- 30 million men who were potential fathers;
- 60 million friends who supported, listened and possibly encouraged an abortion; and
- 60 million potential grandparents who have knowledge of the abortion (approximately half of the grandparents).
The numbers indicate that 180 million out of 240 million Americans have been touched by an abortion experience.
Who had I become? That was the question I always asked myself. As a young adult I always did what I was "supposed to do, the right thing." Then I was pregnant, no options, so afraid, and so confused! I allowed myself to believe that this was no big deal, it was only tissue! But I will never forget the pain and terror I felt when my child was ripped out from inside of me! No matter how I have tried it has never gone away! How could I have allowed this? Every day of my life it somehow pops into my mind.
For so long, I was so afraid of God and my church! I believe that I had committed the worst possible sin and that there was no place for a person who could murder their own child with God or in the Catholic Church. The decision that was supposed to fix everything in my life had not! In fact the decision to have an abortion not only took from me my child but my self respect as well. How could I not protect my own baby? One Saturday afternoon I went to church and the priest talked about the pain of women who had abortions. He said that he understood and would be there for those who needed help. I could only cry and left church early. I was so afraid!! Shortly after I saw an ad for Project Rachel. Terrified, I decided to call. I had convinced myself that I was the only person in my parish to have had an abortion. No one else could have been as terrible a person as I was.
After I spoke with the person at Project Rachel, I thought to myself, I can't believe that the Catholic Church cares! They were kind and understanding to me. The support person at Project Rachel spoke of her journey to healing. She gave me hope and encouraged me to try to begin my own healing. A support person began to work with me and I became involved with the support group program. I learned that there are so many people like me. It was so easy to have compassion for the others in your group but I continued to be so very unforgiving of myself. Rachel and the Catholic Church understood and as time progressed my sin began to be replaced with God's grace. I grieved the loss of my child and began to forgive myself. The pain and self hatred began to go away and my faith and understanding of God's love, forgiveness and healing power increased.
Rachel has been a miracle in my life! I can only encourage you to take the leap of faith and begin your own healing journey.
----- A Project Rachel Alumni & Volunteer
Constant promotion is the key! Often individuals must see and/or hear about post-abortion healing and Project Rachel several times before they have the courage to reach out for help. Please help us:
"A Path to Hope: For Parents of Aborted Children And Those Who Minister to Them" by Rev. John J. Dillon; Resurrection Press, Mineola, New York, Copyright 1990.
"Abortion & Healing, A Cry To Be Whole"; by Rev. Michael T. Mannion; Sheed & Ward Publishing (800)333-7373, Kansas City, MO, Copyright 1992.
"Catholic Women And Abortion, Stories of Healing"; edited by Pat King, Sheed & Ward Publishing, (800)333-7373, Kansas City, MO, Copyright 1994.
"Post-Abortion Aftermath: A Comprehensive Consideration"; edited by Rev. Michael T. Mannion, Sheed & Ward Publishing, (800)333-7373, Kansas City, MO, Copyright 1994.
"Aborted Women: Silent No More"; by David C. Reardon, Human Life Intl., Gaithersburg, MD, Copyright 1987.
Project Rachel in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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