Project Rachel Post-Abortion Healing Ministry
Project Rachel is healing ministry to help women and men struggling with feelings of sorrow, regret, grief, isolation or confusion after an abortion – whether the abortion was recent or many years ago.
Local confidential help is available to anyone and trained volunteers are ready to help you find peace and healing. Options include individual guidance, retreats, a monthly support group, and referrals to clergy and licensed counselors. If you feel ready to talk with someone, we invite you to call the confidential help line.
For local confidential help, please call the Project Rachel Helpline at 1-888-456-HOPE or contact Project Rachel Coordinator Tara Woodbury at 419-654-4886 or twoodbury@toledodiocese.org. To learn more about Project Rachel, please visit www.HopeAfterAbortion.org.
Read More About Project Rachel
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27 “My husband was on and off from his job. I was at home with my youngest son when he came home and wanted out of our... Read more
I had my abortion over thirty years ago. I never talked to anyone about it, I just pushed it further and further inside of myself but it would come out and slap me in the face and surface as anger and insecurities. I looked at myself as a nothing, not having any worth and I ended up... Read more
I had an abortion my senior year in high school. I found out I was pregnant and was petrified to tell my family, so I didn't. My boyfriend at the time said maybe I should have an abortion. I was so scared and felt so alone in my decision. I called an abortion clinic and skipped school to meet... Read more
Upcoming Events:
Come to the Waters of Healing Retreat
The retreat is offered to help women who experience grief, anxiety, depression or guilt after an abortion to find healing and peace. The event is open to women who have had an abortion recently or in the past. The retreat will include Scripture reflection, prayer and an opportunity to connect with a support system. The cost is $20 and includes lunch. Scholarships are available, and pre-registration is required.
To register for the retreat or for more information about Project Rachel, please contact Tara Woodbury at 1-888-456-HOPE or projectrachel@toledodiocese.org.
For upcoming dates and times, please go to catholiccharitiesnwo.org/event-calendar.
Fountain of Mercy Support Group
Fountain of Mercy support group meetings will be held every second Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon for women who struggle with feelings of sorrow, regret, grief, isolation or confusion after an abortion. For meeting locations, please contact Tara Woodbury at twoodbury@toledodiocese.org or 1-888-456-HOPE.
For upcoming dates and times, please go to catholiccharitiesnwo.org/event-calendar.
Additional resources:
“I would now like to say a special word to women who have had an abortion. The church is aware of the many factors which may have influenced your decision, and she does not doubt that in many cases it was a painful and even shattering decision. The wound in your heart may not have yet healed. Certainly what happened was and remains terribly wrong. But do not give in to discouragement and do not lose hope. Try rather to understand what happened and face it honestly. If you have not already done so, give yourselves over with humility and trust to repentance. The Father of mercies is ready to give you his forgiveness and his peace in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
To the same Father and to his mercy you can with sure hope entrust your child. With the friendly and expert help and advice of other people, and as a result of your own painful experience, you can be among the most eloquent defenders of everyone’s right to life.”
Pope John Paul II, Gospel of Life, 99
