St. Brigid Roman Catholic Church
Rachel's Hope
After-Abortion Healing Retreats
(A Catholic ministry (Or Catholic-friendly))"Not Judged, not lectured, just healed"
Rachel's Hope ministry conducts after-abortion healing retreats which offers help, healing and hope to women and men who have been involved in an abortion of their child. Rachel's Hope Ministry reaches out to those whose lives are directly impacted by shame, guilt, grief and loss, to whatever degree. This ministry offers assistance to anyone who has lost hope that they can do anything to halt the downward spiral of depression, sadness, self-hatred, etc.. Hundreds of women have benefited by the intervention of thie group retreats which some have said was the missing component of the treatment system (individual conseling, prayers, repeated confessions, receiving the Eucharist, medication, reading scripture, etc.) that has substantially increased their ability for recovery and a more optimistic outlook for the future.
Women's Weekend Retreats $45
[Scholorships available]
Men's One-Day Workshop $25
(Faciliatated by Jim Benefield, Lic. Psychotherapist)
Rachel's Hope, P.O. Box 17363,
San Diego, CA 92177Director: Rosemary Benefield, RN, MA, MPC
Call for dates; (858) 581-3022
(confidentially maintained)
www.RachelsHope.org
For Spanish-speaking Healing Retreats
Maria De La Rosa (619) 929-1919
Rita Lopez (619) 474-1652
Flerida Calkins (858) 272-6326**************************************************
"No one ever told me I would have this
much pain from my decision for the rest
of my life. It's been 14 years, but my
grief continues. Will the pain ever go?"
**************************************************Here are the facts!
Each year over one million women have abortions which seems to be "the right choice" at the time. But, these women are almost never told about the physical, spiritual and psychological effects which may haunt them for the rest of their lives.
Some effects are:
Depression and Suicidal Impulses; Sense of Loss/Unfulfillment; Mourning with Regret and Remorse; Isolation and Low Self-esteem; Hostility, Anger and Rage; Self-destructive Behavior; Endless Guilt and Despair; Preoccupation with Death; Difficulties with Being in Relationships; Panic Attacks and Nightmares; Feeling Estranged From God and Church; etc...
Pope Speaks to Post-Abortive Women
Excerpt from encyclical "Evangelium Vitae" of Pope John Paul II released March 25th, 1995. "The church is aware of the many factors which may have influenced your decision, and she does not doubt the in many cases it was a painful and even shattering decision. The wound in your heart may 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...The Father of Mercies is ready to give you His forgiveness... With the friendly and expert help of others and as a result of your own painful experience, you can be among the most eloquent defenders of everyone's right to life."
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"Rachel mourns her children, she refuses to be consoled
because her children are no more. Thus says the Lord:
Cease your cries of mourning. Wipe the tears from your
eyes. The sorrow you have shown shall have its reward
There is hope for your future." (Jeremiah 31:15-17) *************************************************************************For more information, visit www.RachelsHope.org
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