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Project Rachel includes:
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Information and advice
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Return to the sacraments, particularly Reconciliation
and Eucharist
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Healing Masses, retreats, and spiritual guidance
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Individual counseling by telephone or in person
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Assessment and referral for medical or other
professional intervention
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Support groups
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For more information and confidential counseling, call
(713) 741-8728
Tears Speak But Spirits Soar
Abortion
destroys more than one life. A small group of women who
have suffered the experience of abortion gather once a month
to share, heal and grow. The purpose of the group is not to
provide professional counseling, but rather for these
mothers to provide each other with understanding and
comfort. Groups currently meet in the following parishes:
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St. Bernadette
- Madonna Haarman
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University of
St. Thomas - Dr. Rebecca LeBlanc
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St. Martha -
Bonnie Deville
Women experiencing abortion
aftermath are likely to report: grief, depression, sense
of loss, guilt, low self-esteem, suicidal ideation, alcohol
or chemical abuse, sexual dysfunction or promiscuity,
phobias, nightmares, “baby” dreams, flashbacks, intrusive
thoughts concerning the abortion, compulsion to become
pregnant again, involvement in abusive relationships, anger,
eating disorders, increased anxiety in subsequent
pregnancies, episodes of uncontrollable weeping, inability
to form intimate relationships, inability to adequately bond
with subsequent children; some experience Post-Traumatic
Stress Disorder.
Men experiencing abortion loss
exhibit rage, a sense of impotence, grief, and will often
describe risk taking behavior, alcohol or drug abuse and
sometimes become very involved in father’s rights issues.
Siblings will often develop the
symptoms of survivors syndrome, particularly guilt or
feelings of abandonment by their parents.
In addition, grandparents
sometimes suffer confusion and grief over the occurrence of
an abortion. In some cases, they feel responsible for the
abortion decision. Other times, they were unaware of the
pregnancy and the subsequent abortion, and this may lead to
a sense of inadequacy and anger at being overlooked in the
decision process. Grandparents often express deep concern
for their children who have procured an abortion. Some
experience a sense of outrage at having been denied the
opportunity to support their child and denied the much
desired experience of grandparenting.
The death of a preborn or born
child is a great sorrow for all involved, particularly for
the mother. The mother feels separated from God, the Church,
herself and her child. Offering a memorial Mass for such a
death can help bring comfort and God's healing presence for
those involved. A liturgy guide is available. To
arrange a memorial Mass in your parish, call Marcella
Colbert at (713) 741-8728
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