Project Rachel Ministry leaders from across the country gathered outside Baltimore April 10-12 for training to develop their diocesan post-abortion healing ministries. Mass was offered by Bishop Michael F. Burbidge to open the conference.
Abortions mean suffering, and Mary McClusky, the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops’ assistant director of Project Rachel Development, is calling for a corresponding outpouring of mercy. “We’re still basking in the glow of Divine Mercy Sunday,” said McClusky. “This message of mercy cannot be said enough. It needs to be proclaimed more strongly, more often and with increasing trust in God’s abundant mercy.”
Since its founding in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee in 1984, the Project Rachel Ministry is a diocesan-based network of specially trained priests, religious, counselors and laypeople who provide care for those suffering in the aftermath of abortion.
“Many people don’t know that there’s help afterward,” said Sarah LaPierre, Project Rachel Ministry director in the Arlington diocese. “We want to help heal them so they won’t pass it on to the next generation or experience it over and over again.”
The process of healing often doesn’t begin for years, or even decades. LaPierre said that many women don’t realize how consumed they are with grief. “You have to come up with these self-protective mechanisms and coping skills or else,” she said. “That’s why it’s so nice to be with others. When they come with a gentle invitation to these group healing events, it’s totally confidential. They’re with other women, and they hear each other’s stories.”
“The pain, the suffering and the shame runs deep,” said Thérèse Bermpohl, executive director of marriage, family and respect life in the diocese. “If you’ve had an abortion and you’re suffering, the Lord our God is merciful, and we are here to help anyone because we want you to be whole. The Lord wants to heal your brokenness.”
McClusky cautions pro-lifers not to let their zeal for the unborn overpower the message of mercy because the prevalence of abortion means that its victims can be found everywhere. “Anywhere we go, we know statistically that someone who has participated in or had an abortion themselves, is present and watching us,” she said.
The theme of this year’s conference is from the Gospel of John 13:15, defining the mission of the Project Rachel Ministry: “I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do.”
As Jesus ministered to those in need of healing, the Project Rachel ministry surrounds grieving women with other women who have healed after having abortions. “We’ve really built up a community, a sisterhood for these women,” said LaPierre. “Many of these women are leading in so many areas of the church in the pro-life movement and the church. They’re on fire once they have a taste of God’s healing.”
“God takes our worst moments and turns it into his glory,” said Bermpohl. “It’s so exciting. This is the good news, the news of the Gospel.”
Find out more
Go to helpafterabortion.org or call the confidential helpline (703) 841-2504
