Family Life Office

Post Abortion Ministry
Archbishop Daniel E. Pilarczyk states in Twelve Tough Issues: what the Church Teaches- And Why: “Abortion is a tough issue at the level of the individual…sometimes the decision to get an abortion is made in panic and desperation. That does not make it a right decision, of course, but it reminds us that Christian love and compassion are not offered only to those who have never made a wrong choice.

In your counseling of people who have had abortions, remind them it is healthy to feel guilty for wrongdoing and to feel guilty when we act selfishly. But teach them that the purpose of guilt is to produce change, to help make new pledges for tomorrow. Encourage them to seek reconciliation with the Church after resolutions are made. You will notice in your work with people that many of us choose to wallow in guilty feelings rather than to accept the challenger of inner change. Your task as a helper is to bring the person to meet that inner challenger.”

Pope John Paul II in The Gospel of Life, #99 states: I would like to say a special word to women who have had an abortion. The Church is aware of the many factors which have influenced your decision, and she does not doubt that in many cases it was a painful 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 into discouragement and do not lose hope. Try rather to understand what happened and face it honestly. If you have not already done so, give yourself 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 definitively lost and you will be able to ask for 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 personal 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

A post-abortion Healing Ministry in the Catholic Church

513-784-0531 – Helpline

1-800-593-2273 – National Helpline

Project Rachel was founded nationally in Milwaukee in 1984, and in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati in 1994, and is presently is in 140 dioceses internationally. For women and men who have lost a child through abortion. “I made a private choice, but it became a secret burden” It is …Time for a second choice…Choose to Accept God’s Love and Forgive Yourself.

“I didn’t think anyone would understand how I felt. I was so relieved to be able to share my experience with someone who understood what I was going through. No one condemned me. They understood and helped me forgive myself.”

Support Groups - call 513-784-0531 for more information

Retreats – Bergamo Spiritual Center, March 12-14, 2010 Registrations available 513- 784-0531 - Men’s Program – call 513-784-0531

Sanctuary - A unique process for MEN who are experiencing hurt due to the loss of a child through:

ABORTION (including exclusion from the decision)
MISCARRIAGE, or
STILLBIRTH

The process will provide a “safe place” for men to explore their issues and, recognize the cause and effects, and begin healing in what ever way healing is necessary….the process…is designed for participants from any, all or no faith background. While not exclusive to a specific faith tradition the program does acknowledge God as the Supreme Healer. Every participant is guaranteed anonymity…they will be free from pressure, judgment, and condemnation.