A Rachel’s Vineyard retreat for women and men struggling with the psychological or spiritual pain of abortion is planned for Oct. 23-25 at a private location between Helena and Missoula.

According to Theresa Burke, who founded Rachel’s Vineyard Ministries and wrote The Rachel’s Vineyard Weekend Retreat Manuals, many women and men seek help between five and 20 years after their abortion and have suffered in confusion and silence.

“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 Burke, who 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.

“Do not continue to live in shame, fear or numbness,” said Burke, who holds a doctorate in counseling psychology.

“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.”

The suggested retreat fee of $170 includes accommodations, meals and materials. Participation is confidential, open to all and no one is turned away for financial reasons. Please call to discuss.

For more information, or to register, call Susan Gliko at (406) 442-0607 or e-mail SusanMTRV@msn.com.

For more information about the symptoms of post-abortion trauma, visit the Rachel’s Vineyard website at www.rachelsvineyard.org.


Published in The Montana Catholic Online, Vol. 25, No. 9, September 18, 2009.