Diocese of Bismarck Offers Retreat for Men & Women Suffering After Abortion

For those who may have in some way been touched by the pain of abortion, there is great healing and peace to be found in the work being done by Rachel’s Vineyard. The following landed in my mailbox. Please share with anyone you know who may be supported by this retreat. Lisa

BISMARCK, N.D. – A Rachel’s Vineyard retreat will be offered Nov. 14-16 for men and women struggling with the psychological or spiritual pain of abortion. The retreat will be held in the Bismarck area and is sponsored by the Catholic Diocese of Bismarck. (The location is released upon registration.)

“Rachel’s Vineyard offers a chance to get away from all the daily pressures of work and family and focus on this painful time in your life through a supportive and non‑judgmental process,” said Dr. Theresa Burke, author of the Rachel’s Vineyard weekend retreat manuals. Burke added that married couples, mothers, fathers, grandparents and siblings, as well as persons who have been involved in the abortion industry have come to Rachel’s Vineyard in search of peace and inner healing. Many women and men seek help five to 20 years after their abortion after suffering for years in confusion and silence, she said.

“Do not continue to live in shame, fear or numbness,” Burke said. “This is a beautiful gift you can give to yourself. The weekend is a unique process designed to release deep feelings of anger, ambivalence, grief and guilt that frequently accompany an abortion experience. The process is extremely helpful for those who struggle to forgive themselves or others. The weekend will help your soul find a voice and transform the pain of the past into hope.”

Participation in a Rachel’s Vineyard retreat is confidential and open to individuals of all faith denominations. For more information or to register, contact Carol at 605-374-5639 or cklong@sdplains.com.

For more information, visit the Rachel’s Vineyard website at rachelsvineyard.org or the Bismarck Diocese website.