HENRY — A Rachel’s Vineyard retreat for women and men struggling with the psychological or spiritual pain of abortion is being sponsored by the Diocese of Peoria Oct. 15-17 at Nazareth House in Henry.

The retreat is open to all and confidential. Cost is $140 for room, meals, and retreat materials. Partial scholarships are available.

Many women and men seek help five to 20 years after an abortion, suffering for years in confusion and silence, according to Dr. Theresa Burke, retreat author.

“Rachel’s Vineyard offers a chance to get away from all the daily pressures of work and family and focus on this painful time in your life through a supportive and non-judgmental process,” she said.
Married couples, mothers, fathers, grandparents, siblings and persons who have been involved in the abortion industry also come to Rachel’s Vineyard in search of peace and inner healing, she added.

Opportunities for the sacraments of reconciliation and Eucharist will be offered as the retreat combines psychological and spiritual healing.
For more information or to register, call Colleen Harmon at (815) 303-1184 or the diocesan Office of Family Life, (309) 671-1550. All communication is kept confidential.

For more on the symptoms of post-abortion trauma or for confidential e-mail, visit www.rachelsvineyard.org.