The Archdiocese of San Francisco is inviting women and men who have been wounded by abortion to come to a healing retreat in December that offers the sacraments, counseling, and a supportive community of others with similar experiences.
According to its website, the retreat is free and put on by Project Rachel, an outreach ministry sponsored by the archdiocese. The goal of the retreat is to give a “compassionate, faith‑filled bridge back to peace” to individuals who need healing after an abortion. Project Rachel offers retreats, pastoral care, and “a confidential, judgment-free space.”
The retreat will be held from Dec. 12-14 in English and Spanish and will provide Mass, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, spiritual direction and counseling, and “a safe, confidential, and supportive environment.”
“No matter how long it has been, this retreat is an opportunity to encounter God’s infinite love and forgiveness, and to begin the journey toward peace and restoration,” the website states.
Gloria Gutierrez, a social worker and volunteer with Project Rachel, said in an informational video that the retreats are an important opportunity for women to heal from the trauma of abortion, no matter how long ago the abortion occurred.
“Many women carry the guilt and burden and have not spoken to anyone for many, many years,” she said. “And so this is an opportunity to speak about their stories, if they would like to do that.”
Gutierrez said that priests direct the retreat, and family and marriage therapists, psychologists, and clinical social workers are available for information and therapy sessions during the weekend. The retreat places a special focus on the healing power of the Word of God, she added, and delves into scripture passages such as the Prodigal Son to emphasize God’s unconditional love for every person.
“God still loves you and has a plan for you,” she said.
Gutierrez added that in therapy sessions with women who have had abortions, she reminds them that “that was the past, this is the present.”
She said, “I think that’s part of the healing process, to know that God loves them unconditionally and that they are forgiven.”
The post San Francisco archdiocese offers healing retreat to parents hurt by abortion appeared first on CatholicVote org.