A Loving, Forgiving Church
Without a doubt, abortion is one of the most traumatic experiences a person can have. Both before and after abortion, feelings of fear, anxiety, guilt, panic and pressure are common - not only for the woman who undergoes the abortion but also for the father of the unborn child, relatives, close friends and even medical personnel.
For some, the pain can be intensified by a sense of alienation from God and church.
If you are in this position, we want you to know that the Christian community understands and cares. As believers in a loving and forgiving God, we reach out to you in compassion and concern.
Above all, we want to help you through the healing process. The Family Ministry Office of the Diocese of Hamilton invites you to participate in Project Rachel a post-abortion program offered by certified counselors and trained clergy. We are ready to help all who have been involved in an abortion.
Project Rachel
- is a sensitive, private confidential experience.
- provides you with an opportunity to receive the healing grace of God and to move forward in a caring and hope-filled atmosphere toward reconciliation with yourself, your unborn child, your church and your God.
- connects you with a priest who will focus on preparation for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Generally, the process will include counseling, prayer and scripture.
- is, regardless of your faith, counseling with specially trained professional counselors. Such counseling can help you sort through your feelings and deal with unresolved conflicts.
Take the beginning step by calling our Project Rachel number. The person who answers the phone will give you a courteous and confidential referral to a specially trained priest or counselor.
HOW TO CONTACT Project Rachel
To initiate your participation in Project Rachel or to get further information,
Please call: 905- 528-7988 ext. 250 or 251
SYMPTOMS OF POST-ABORTION DISTRESS..
Depression **** Eating and sleeping disorders **** Flashbacks **** Loss of self-esteem **** Nightmares **** Spiritual divorce from God **** Self-blame **** Anger **** Denial **** Guilt **** Prolonged grief **** About Project Rachel ****
Project Rachel is a ministry of healing for women and men who have had a past abortion experience. It seeks to engage all whose lives have been scarred by the loss of a child through abortion. For some, the choice of having an abortion has left them feeling that they are no longer welcome in their worshipping community, and are perhaps even beyond God’s love and mercy. For others, having to live with the choices made by a loved one can be a source of great pain, profound loss or even anger. For many, abortion is a source of grief and regret. Project Rachel seeks to invite all those whose lives have been affected by abortion to a journey of healing and reconciliation with God, their church community and themselves.
Project Rachel is named by the Old Testament figure who wept inconsolably over the loss of her children, her cries echo into the New Testament as Matthew applies her mourning of “Holy Innocents” (Matt.2:18). The Lord assures Rachel that her children will return from exile and that families will be reunited through the embrace of a loving God. Such is the vision of Project Rachel
This ministry was created by the National Office of Post-Abortion Reconciliation and Healing, Archdiocese of Milwaukee, WI. USA. This program enjoys the support and active participation of several Christian denominations.