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June 3, 2021Rachel’s Vineyard, a worldwide ministry of Priests for Life, offers a healing first step for women and men who have been involved in abortion.
The weekend-long retreat provides opportunities for discussions, spiritual exercises, prayer and reflection. Combined with the Sacrament of Reconciliation, a memorial service honoring their child(ren), and a Mass of Resurrection, this confidential weekend opens the door for participants to experience God’s love, forgiveness and compassion.
Because of the emotional numbness and secrecy that often surrounds an abortion experience, conflicting emotions both during and after the event may remain unresolved. These buried feelings can surface later and may be symptoms of post-abortion trauma.
A Rachel’s Vineyard retreat is an opportunity to examine one’s abortion experience, identify ways loss has impacted one’s life, past and present, and acknowledge unresolved post-abortion feelings.
Two local retreats are offered annually, one in English and one in Spanish, including access to a licensed counselor and priest on-site as part of the program.
Currently, Rachel's Vineyard has grown to more than 1,000 retreats annually, is held in 49 states and 70 countries, with many new sites in development.
According to their national website, Rachel's Vineyard healing models are used by mental health professionals, post-abortion ministries, crisis pregnancy centers, pastoral care and faith-based outreach programs.
Sally Crowe Nash, co-coordinator of Rachel’s Vineyard in Oklahoma City, began her work in 2010 after she said she was inspired by reading an article on the courage of its founder, Dr. Theresa Burke.
“I think the most important thing to communicate to people is that the Rachel’s Vineyard ministry is about restoration. It is a beginning of healing that is not just for women, but for anyone who has been involved in abortion.”
Nash said many people suffer long-term damage from abortion, which is a solution to pregnancy they are told is convenient, maybe expedient at the time, but oftentimes leads to regret with long-standing consequences.
“This is a very Christian, Catholic way of approaching (healing after abortion). Everyone can receive forgiveness from Jesus; that is the real heart of the message.”
Barbara Smith, a Rachel’s Vineyard Oklahoma City team member, says it’s important to reflect on why someone wants to come on a retreat.
“Eating disorders, alcohol, drug abuse, post-traumatic syndrome, all that goes with (post abortion trauma).”
Smith and the team help women and men on retreat take an honest look at their lives and accept the grace and resources needed to move past the wounds.
Kellie Deluth, co-coordinator of Rachel’s Vineyard for Oklahoma City, said the retreats open opportunities for participants to give themselves grace that many withhold for years.
“There is huge aftermath from abortions. Like the moment you have your abortion, you are a different person. It changes you. You are not the same anymore. Part of you goes as well,” she said.
Deluth said society makes abortion seem like a bad period, cramping, they tell women about the physical aspects of the procedure.
“They don’t tell you it will hurt the rest of your life.”
Deluth said she carried the emotional pain of her abortion 30 years before she sought help.
“I am not worthy. I am not worthy.” Deluth said she told herself. “At the retreat, a lightbulb came on and I realized it wasn’t God that didn’t forgive me, it was myself.”
Many have had abortions and don’t talk about it, she said. “Some people carry it five years, 12 years, 40 years before seeking help. Getting there is the main thing, God takes it from there.”
Rachel’s Vineyard
(405) 438-0265
Toll-free (877) 476-3463)
[email protected]
rachelsvineyard.org
English retreat – June 15-20
Spanish retreat – Oct. 29-31
Catholic Pastoral Center
