Pittsburgh, PA – Abortion is a life-altering experience. Because of the emotional numbness and secrecy that often surrounds the experience, those who have had an abortion may have buried feelings of grief, sorrow and anger. In an effort to reach out to those distressed by past abortions, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Pittsburgh is offering a Rachel’s Vineyard post-abortion healing weekend retreat April 28 – 30, 2006 at the Spiritan Center in Bethel Park.  

Rachel’s Vineyard was established 11 years ago to provide those impacted by abortion with an opportunity to explore and release painful feelings about their experience through psychological and spiritual exercises. It is a supportive, confidential and non-judgmental outlet for post-abortive women and men. Married couples, mothers, fathers, grandparents and siblings of aborted children, as well as persons who have been involved in the abortion industry, can find peace and inner healing at this weekend retreat.

“Women and men of any religious background can benefit from Rachel’s Vineyard,” said Ann Depner, Director of Family Services for Catholic Charities. “The weekend-long retreat incorporates meditation, scripture readings, exercises and group discussions to replace traumatic memories and images with ones of compassion, forgiveness and acceptance.”

Depner and Karen LaFrance, both licensed clinical social workers for Catholic Charities, will facilitate the retreat. Father Edward Kunco, parochial vicar at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Carnegie, will serve as the spiritual director.

Rachel’s Vineyard retreats are offered throughout the United States and Canada, with additional sites in Portugal, Australia and New Zealand. Each site is independently operated by the sponsoring organization.

There is a $135.00 per person fee to attend the Rachel’s Vineyard retreat, which includes room and board, meals and materials. Financial help is available through the Diocese of Pittsburgh. The registration deadline is April 21, 2006. Please call 412-456-6999 for more information.

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March 16, 2006

Contact: Angie Wagner

For Immediate Release (412) 456-6968