February 16, 2024

Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat for abortion healing to be held March 1-3

REGIONAL
Staff report

SPRINGFIELD – A Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat for abortion healing will be held in the Diocese of Springfield, March 1-3. Because of confidentiality, the location is not made public. Rachel’s Vineyard, a ministry of the Respect Life Office of the Springfield Diocese, offers healing through weekend experiences. Participants gather to pray and share spiritual exercises focusing on God’s forgiveness, compassion, and mercy.

“This ministry is so important because Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat is God’s ministry of hope and healing to every person who is suffering terribly due to abortion,” said Joetta Dawson, who leads Rachel’s Vineyard for the Diocese of Springfield. Dawson also attended a retreat many years ago and experienced healing after suffering from the trauma of her own abortion.

“It’s for the women carrying terrible guilt, shame and self-loathing because they had an abortion or multiple abortions. It’s for the men, the fathers of those children who are angry and heartbroken because they had no choice and are grieving. It’s for the fathers who now regret the abortion or others who perhaps coerced or forced someone into having an abortion and are now living with overwhelming remorse,” she said.

Rachel’s Vineyard is an international ministry founded by Theresa Burke, Ph.D., a psychologist and pastoral associate for Priests for Life. There is always a therapist, facilitator and a priest at each retreat. There is also an adoration and prayer team that meets separately to pray for all of the participants. Dawson said grandparents and former abortion facility workers are also encouraged to attend. The retreats conclude with a memorial service and a Mass of Resurrection. 

“God’s love and Divine Mercy are bigger than any of our sins. We may not believe it or think we are worthy of it, but God will pour out his love and healing and filling all the broken places,” said Dawson.

“The wounded people who enter on Friday are not the same people leaving on Sunday. It’s truly beautiful,” she said.

Retreats are offered in both English and Spanish. For information on the English retreat contact Dawson at joettadawson@gmail.com (516)457-2838. For Spanish retreats, contact Mabeline Burgos at marzola67@gmail.com or call (413) 219-2573.