On September 1, 2015, Pope Francis issued a letter concerning the Jubilee Year of Mercy. In that letter he extended "to all priests for the Jubilee Year the discretion to absolve of the sin of abortion those who have procured it and who with a contrite heart seek forgiveness for it." It should be known that for many years, the Archbishops of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis have extended that same faculty to priests in the Archdiocese. By extending this faculty to every priest throughout the world, Pope Francis is reminding us of the limitless power of God’s mercy and compassion. All who have suffered the pain of separation from the Church after committing the sin of abortion are invited to seek God’s forgiveness in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Opportunities for Healing
Rachel's Vineyard Retreats
Project Joseph - Men's After- Abortion Healing Retreat
Archdiocese of Indianapolis
Rachel's Vineyard Healing Retreat
Post - Abortive Healing Retreats for Women and Men
July 26- 28, 2024 - Greater Indianapolis Area
Call 317-452-0054 or email projectrachel@archindy.org for more information and to register
Flyer for Promotion
Flyer for General Promotion - no specific retreat dates
Project Joseph Healing Retreat
Post-Abortive Healing Retreats for Men
contact dlbangs1@gmail.com or 765-860-6006
Individual and Group Support
Healing Hidden Hurts, a Christ-centered, compassionate and free ministry to those who have been affected by abortion based in Indianapolis, offers a 10 step confidential individual post-abortion healing program on an as needed basis. Call (317)-490-1267 or click here to learn more.
Hearts Restored offers virtual and in-person care study groups—6-week or 10-week for women, and 6-week or 12-week for men—with locations in Columbus, Franklin, Greensburg, Greenwood, Mooresville, Nashville, North Vernon, Seymour and Shelbyville. Click here to learn more.
Support outside of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis
Diocese of Evansville
Project Rachel / Catholic Charities
812-483-7812
projetrachel@evdio.org
|
Diocese of Fort Wayne/
South Bend
Project Rachel
Contact 855-722-4354 or by e-mail |
Diocese of Gary Project Rachel
Contact 219-552-2944
or by e-mail |
Diocese of Lafayette
Project Rachel
David Bangs: 765-860-6006 or by e-mail
|
Diocese of Cincinnati
Project Rachel
Contact 513-784-0531
or by e-mail
by web here |
Diocese of Louisville
Project Rachel
Contact 502-471-2155 or by e-mail
by web here |
Words of Hope
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. - Saint Pope John Paul II
I think in particular of all the women who have resorted to abortion. I am well aware of the pressure that has led them to this decision. I know that it is an existential and moral ordeal. I have met so many women who bear in their heart the scar of this agonizing and painful decision. What has happened is profoundly unjust; yet only understanding the truth of it can enable one not to lose hope. The forgiveness of God cannot be denied to one who has repented, especially when that person approaches the Sacrament of Confession with a sincere heart in order to obtain reconciliation with the Father. - Pope Francis
What is Project Rachel?
Project Rachel, a compassionate and confidential ministry, extends God’s unconditional love and forgiveness to women and men who experience the tragedy of abortion. By offering a safe place for those suffering to be reconciled with God and his Church, Project Rachel helps those suffering after abortion experience mercy, forgiveness, and peace.
Is Project Rachel For You?
Project Rachel is for anyone affected by abortion:
- Women who have had an abortion
- Men whose significant others have had abortions
- Parents, children, siblings, other family members and friends of those who have had an abortion
- Anyone who has encouraged or helped someone else obtain an abortion
- Anyone who has worked in the abortion industry
Are you experiencing any of these symptoms?
- Low self-esteem
- Feeling alienated from God
- Feeling guilt or self-condemnation
- Experiencing anxiety, trouble sleeping or nightmares
- Feeling sad or depressed
What does Project Rachel Offer?
Weekend Retreats and Support Groups —Take time away from your everyday life to seek peace and healing at confidential retreats and groups led by a Project Rachel team.
Referrals to Priests—Receive guidance and the Sacrament of Reconciliation in a loving and confidential setting.
Licensed Professional Counselors—Receive a referral to someone who is sensitive to the needs of those hurting from a past abortion.
Contact Project Rachel today at (317) 452-0054 or projectrachel@archindy.org to share, request literature, or ask about our programs.
Promotional and Educational Materials
Parish staff and other individuals may request the above resources from Keri Carroll at 317-236-1521 or by e-mail.
The Project Rachel Ministry: A Post-Abortion Resource Manual for Priests and Project Rachel Leaders, available in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian, was developed by the Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life, and Vocations and by the Committee on Pro-Life Activities of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. This manual provides an overview of post-abortion suffering experienced by mothers, father, and others (grandparents, sibling, and extended family members) as well helpful suggestions for priests and others who help individuals experience healing after abortion.
General Resources on Post-Abortion Healing
Web-based healing resources
My Healing Choice (a course at your own pace)
Web Resources and Information
Books and Brochures
