Rachel's Vineyard

A post abortion healing retreat called Rachel's Vineyard co-sponsored by Catholic Charities and the Diocese of Pittsburgh.

The retreat is an opportunity for you to escape the daily pressures of your life so you can focus on grieving and all the ways abortion may have affected you. The environment is nurturing and supportive and is open to individuals, married couples, parents, grandparents… anyone who has experienced the pain and loss of abortion.

A spiritual process is followed throughout the weekend using rituals, meditations, a memorial service and Mass of Resurrection with the hope that peace and acceptance may eventually replace anger, remorse and sorrow.

Why would I need to attend the Rachel's Vineyard?
Since abortion is usually a carefully guarded secret, many people fail to allow themselves to process their experience. Feelings are usually buried away and can eventually cause other problems.

Features of the Retreat Weekend:

• Single occupancy room
  Married Couples are encouraged to attend the retreat together and can generally share a room.
• All meals provided
  If you have any dietary restrictions, please be sure to mention this during your registration phone call.
• Time for reflection and prayer
  The retreat weekend is designed to give you an array of opportunities for reflection, prayer, reconciliation and dialogue. Though the weekend takes a Catholic Christian perspective, persons of all faith backgrounds are welcome.
• Safe and nurturing environment
  The goal of the weekend is to provide a supportive and non-judgmental environment for a journey toward healing.
• Mass & Memorial Service
  You will have an opportunity to invite close family and/or friends to the service.

Rachel's Vineyard retreats are held twice a year at the Spiritan Retreat Center in Bethel Park. The cost is $150 per person with all meals and lodging included.
Scholarships and financial aid are available by calling 412-456-6999.

Registration for February 26-28, 2010 retreat