Post abortion ministry in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis
Project Rachel
Catholic women suffering from the aftermath of abortion are invited to find out about Project Rachel Programs in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. Through Project Rachel, you will be directed to a priest for spiritual counseling and the sacraments.
Call 317-236-1521 for more information. (All calls are completely confidential).
DOWNLOAD: Rachel's Companions Flyer | Post Abortion Ministry (PDF documents)
Rachel's Companions
Through Rachel’s Companions, you will journey with other women toward healing, reconciliation and peace. The three-month program involves a commitment to weekly two-hour sessions that include reflection, prayer, and spiritual formation in a
small group setting.
A priest serves as spiritual director for the group, and will be available for consultation and the sacraments. A social worker supervises the support group and is available for consultation. She will speak to you before you begin
the process of healing with Rachel’s Companions. The next Rachel’s Companions group will meet in March 2007.
Rachel's Vineyard Retreats
Through Rachel’s Vineyard Retreats, you will be immersed in a spiritual experience that lasts an entire weekend. The retreat addresses the spiritual wounds of abortion that run deep in men and women. Participants experience their sadness and
grief in the company of others who share their pain.
The retreat focuses on God’s unconditional love and forgiveness in a confidential atmosphere. Memories of abandonment, pain and confusion are replaced by reconciliation and peace.
The next retreat weekend will be offered on March 28-30, 2008 and July 25-27, 2008.
Rachel's Network
Rachel’s Network is made up of women from Rachel’s Companions or Rachel’s Vineyard Retreats.. Their desire to continue for ongoing spiritual formation motivated them to form a network that meets regularly. They pray and explore their faith
and spirituality together. They also reach out to women suffering from the aftermath of abortion.
To learn more about Rachel’s Companions, Rachel’s Network and Rachel’s Vineyard Retreats, contact Bernadette Roy at 317-831-2892 or Sister Diane at 317-236-1521. (All calls are completely confidential).
What does the Church say to women who are experiencing the aftermath of abortion?
Evangelium Vitae (The Gospel of Life) 1995, #99 "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."
What is Project Rachel?
Project Rachel is named for the Old Testament figure who wept over the loss of her child. Like Rachel, many women discover that the loss experienced after an abortion leaves them traumatized and inconsolable. In their experience of pain and regret, they long for a merciful and compassionate response from the Catholic Church. Project Rachel is such a response. It is an outreach of the Catholic Church to women who are struggling with the aftermath of abortion.
- Office of Pro Life Activities
- Sister Diane Carollo, Director
- 1400 N. Meridian St.
- Indianapolis, IN 46202
- 317-236-1521
- DCarollo@archindy.org