The negative impact that an abortion has on both women and men can last a life time. It is a secret that carries great shame. It is the one thing that an individual will never talk about, yet may think about daily. Studies are showing a significant correlation between abortion and depression, suicidal ideations, eating disorders, domestic violence and unhealthy relationships personal relationships.

Locally, for more than ten years, Project Rachel that has reached out and helped many post abortive men and women. Now, we also have Rachel's Vineyard which is supported by Project Rachel. Rachel's Vineyard is a retreat weekend that helps men and woman heal from abortion. Throughout the weekend, Scripture passages are used to help people understand and accept God's love and mercy. Opportunities are given to every person to share their story. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a very important part of the weekend along with a Memorial Service and a beautiful Sunday Liturgy of Resurrection.

Our next retreat is scheduled for November 30 through December 2, 2007 in Rochester. I have attached announcements (created by past retreatants) that could be used in the bulletin or shared from the pulpit and a participant's letter that you may want to use on the cover or the inside of your bulletin. Many women have told us that they look for these announcements and the support of their Church leaders before they choose to attend a retreat. This retreat has the power to change their lives and has a profound impact on the relationships that they have with themselves, their family and friends, the Church and with God.

The Rachel's Vineyard Team (therapists, spiritual directors, priests and others) would be very grateful if you would make sure that these announcements were part of your weekly bulletin leading up to the retreat. We would also appreciate it if you would speak publicly to your parishioners about this retreat and encourage those who are in need to attend. I would also be very happy to help you formulate your message or to come and talk at your Sunday Liturgies. It takes tremendous courage for a person to come to the Vineyard. They will only come if they know about it, feel encouraged by leaders within the Church, respond to God's grace and if we pray them there.

Thank you so much for your consideration of this request. Please feel free to call me at 585-328-0648 or on my cell phone at - 585-313-7100. You may also reach me by e-mail – eamac@frontiernet.net.

Many women and men suffer silently for years after they have had an abortion. God’s love’s is very powerful and healing. If you are in need of healing after an abortion please consider attending Rachel’s Vineyard, a confidential retreat being held in the Diocese of Rochester from Nov. 30 – Dec. 2, 2007. Call Betsy at (585) 328-0648 or e-mail at eamac@frontiernet.net The following letter is from a woman who attended this wonderful healing weekend.

Dear Retreatant,

Hello. A couple of years ago I made the Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat in Rochester. What a wonderful weekend that was for me. It has changed my life in ways that I never thought were possible. When I made the call to register I was so afraid. What was this person going to think of me? Was I really worthy to make this retreat? I felt like such a terrible person.

My anxiety only increased on the day that the retreat started – I never thought I could walk through the doors of the retreat center. I knew that I had to. I had been holding on to so much pain because of this dark secret for so long. I was a person who was always hurting from the inside out. People never saw anything wrong with me but I knew something was wrong. I would look at my family and say to myself – “this family is not complete….I am missing two children”. Other times I would tell myself what a terrible person I was and that I was not worthy of being loved.

On Friday I came to the retreat center broken, in pain and lost. On Sunday when I left I had changed in a very real and profound way. I felt forgiven, healed and loved by God and by my children! I felt worthy again. I felt like a good person ….a person who could love more and was lovable! The retreat team was just great. What warm, loving and accepting people….special people. They were there for me and they will be there for you!

It is a big step to admit to yourself that you need to go to the Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat. It takes so much courage to make the call or send the e-mail. You will be happy that you did. Go to the retreat – you may be anxious, frightened or very sad. All of that can change and God wants it to change for you. No one will judge you. God and others only want what is good for you. The retreat was a miracle for me. My life is fuller….I am a better person. My relationships have grown and I feel that I can do almost anything. Life now has hope and joy.

You are in my special prayers as you make this journey of healing and of accepting God’s love. You are a good person and so worthy of love. Have a great retreat. It will be a blessed one.

Love,
A Loving Mom and Woman