Archbishop Chaput Announces Launch of Project Rachel Ministry to Benefit Women and Men Who Suffer with Post Abortion Trauma
Today at a news conference at the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center, Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. announced the launch of Project Rachel, a post-abortion ministry that seeks to provide healing to women whose lives have been affected by the decision to abort a child.
In addition to Sacramental Reconciliation, the diocesan based ministry provides a broad range of services including pastoral counseling, spiritual direction, support groups, referrals to licensed therapists, and healing retreats such as Rachel’s Vineyard and the Samson Retreat for men.
Project Rachel is composed of a network of specially trained clergy, spiritual directors and therapists who provide compassionate one-on-one care to men and women who are struggling with the aftermath of abortion and seek emotional and psychological healing. In the Archdiocese of Philadelphia this program will be a collaborative effort between Catholic Social Services and the Office for Life and Family.
“The universal call of the Church is to bring healing to those who seek it; not just in the Year of Mercy, but always.” said Steve Bozza, Director of the Archdiocesan Office for Life and Family. “Project Rachel gives participants a range of opportunities to break through the cycle of guilt, anger, or depression and restore their lives and sense of hope for the future.”
Over the past three decades, the Archdiocese has offered Rachel’s Vineyard retreats and the services of a licensed mental health professional to those who have experienced ongoing trauma as the result of an abortion. Over the past five years, the Office for Life and Family of the Archdiocese has worked to establish this comprehensive ministry that will offer an individualized dimension of care for the unique needs of the individuals seeking help.
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Editor’s Note: Project Rachel was founded in 1984 in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. The ministry is now active in more than 110 dioceses across the United States. For more information, please visit www.HopeAfterAbortion.org.
