“I would now like to say a special word to women who have had an abortion. The Church is aware of the many factors which may have influenced your decision, and she does not doubt that in many cases it was a painful and even shattering decision. The wound in your heart 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. If you have not already done so, give yourselves over with humility and trust to repentance. The Father of mercies is ready to give you his forgiveness and his peace in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. To the same Father and his mercy you can with sure hope entrust your child. With the friendly and expert help and advice of other people, and as a result of your own painful experience, you can be among the most eloquent defenders of everyone's right to life. Through your commitment to life, whether by accepting the birth of other children or by welcoming and caring for those most in need of someone to be close to them, you will become promoters of a new way of looking at human life.”
--St. John Paul II
More than forty five years have passed since Roe V Wade made abortion legal in the United States. With the passage of time, we are now more aware of the many ways abortion can hurt us.
Are you:
Struggling with guilt?
Living with grief?
Depressed?
Afraid of God's judgment?
Struggling with intimacy?
Having difficulty bonding with other children?
Angry?
Not sleeping well?
Stuggling with drug or alcohol abuse?
All of these may be the result of a previous abortion.
The Salt Lake Diocese' Project Rachel program is part of a nationwide effort to help women who are suffering from an abortion. If you have been hurt by an abortion, you may want to speak to your parish priest or deacon for spiritual healing. You are also welcome to call our Project Rachel therapist for mental health needs. Confidential appointments can be made by calling 801-328-8641 and leaving a message. The Project Rachel therapist will contact you to schedule your appointment.
The Project Rachel ministry welcomes your prayer support. We are expanding our ministry to include those who would like to participate in this crucial way. If you are interested in being part of the Project Rachel prayer team, please send an email to: diocesanrespectlifecommission@dioslc.org.
For more information, you can also visit the following:
