Who runs the retreats?
The Phoenix/Scottsdale team is sponsored by St. Patrick’s Church in Scottsdale, AZ. The team consists of a professional counselor, a trained lay spiritual director, women and men who have also experienced abortion, loving and nonjudgemental lay volunteers, and a representative of God — a priest or deacon. All team members have been trained in the Rachel’s Vineyard process. These individuals volunteer their time freely because they understand the importance of healing and recovery surrounding the pain of abortion They are competent and caring individuals who will respect where you are in the grief process and help you move into a deeper level of healing.
In the Diocese of Bridgeport, each weekend is composed of a group of people who have been trained in the Rachel’s Vineyard process. They include a team consisting of a professional counselor, a trained lay spiritual director, women and men who have also experienced abortion, loving and nonjudgmental lay volunteers, and a representative of God — a minister or priest. These individuals volunteer their time freely, because they understand the importance of healing and recovery surrounding the pain of abortion. They are competent and caring individuals who will respect where you are in the grief process and help you move into a deeper level of healing. Each exercise is an invitation to explore your feelings and emotions. Nothing will be forced on you at any time. The process is respective of different faith traditions and cultural heritage. You are invited to share with the group, but you can also process this experience privately within the silence of your own heart. There will be no eff
