Special to the Herald
On April 26-28, Lisa Shorba and her team marked their 30th Rachel’s Vineyard weekend retreat in Hawaii for post-abortive women and men.
Many women and men are impacted by abortion and carry this burden for many years.
We often think of the physical effects of an abortion, but the emotional, spiritual and psychological effects are even greater. Many women and men mention thoughts of regret, an inability to forgive themselves, flashbacks about the abortion, suicidal thoughts, increased alcohol/drug use, feelings of sadness or loss, guilt, anger, anxiety and depression.
Rachel’s Vineyard retreats offer a safe place to share one’s story, connect with others who share similar experiences and begin the healing process.
Rachel’s Vineyard retreats are based on Scripture and the carefully directed exercises help participants express and release painful feelings as they are led to forgive themselves and to receive the love and mercy of God.
Participants are given the opportunity to reconnect on a spiritual level with their children who have been aborted (including miscarried and stillborn children) and to give honor and dignity to them through a special memorial service and Mass of entrustment.
If you or anyone you know is hurting from an abortion, please contact Shorba, site leader for Hawaii, at (808) 490-4702 or email her at rvinhawaii@gmail.com. You can also visit rachelsvineyard.org for more information about the ministry.
The next Rachel’s Vineyard retreat will be held on Oct. 4-6; space is limited. Registrations are strictly confidential. The $175 registration fee covers three days and two nights at a private retreat center — including accommodations, meals/refreshments and retreat materials. Need-based scholarships are also available.
