A Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat for women and men struggling with the psychological or spiritual pain of abortion will be offered April 30-May 2 at a confidential location in the rolling hills between Helena and Missoula.

The retreat team includes a pastor, a licensed counselor and facilitators skilled in the Rachel’s Vineyard post-abortion outreach. The atmosphere is nonjudgmental and gentle, but intense in the extent of the healing achieved, retreat organizers said. Healing is the focus of the entire weekend. Retreat participants will have the use of full-service, modern facilities with private rooms. Many women and men seek help from five to 20 years after an abortion, and have suffered for years in confusion and silence, said Rachel’s Vineyard founder Theresa Burke, who holds a doctorate in counseling psychology.

“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,” Burke said.

“Do not continue to live in shame, fear or numbness,” she 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 suggested retreat fee of $175 includes accommodations, meals and materials.

Participation is confidential and open to all. No one is turned away for financial reasons.

For more information or to register, contact Rachel’s Hope by calling 888-456-4673 or 406-442-0607, or by e-mail to SusanMTRV@msn.com.

Information about symptoms of post-abortion trauma is on the Rachel’s Vineyard website at www.rachelsvineyard.org.


Published in The Montana Catholic Online, Volume 26, No. 3, March 19, 2010.