WYOMING CATHOLIC FAMILY AND RESPECT LIFE MINISTRIES

RACHEL'S HOPE & RACHEL'S VINEYARD

"Rachel mourns her children: she refuses to be consoled because her children are no more. Thus says the Lord: 'Cease your cries of mourning. Wipe the tears from your eyes. The sorrow you have shown shall have its reward. There is hope for your future.'" Jeremiah31:15-17

Post-Abortion Ministries
If you are Troubled by a Past Abortion...Rachel's Vineyard, retreats, and Rachel's Hope, one -on -one counselling, are diocesan post-abortion reconciliation ministries offered to you in select locations throughout the state of Wyoming by the Catholic Diocese of Cheyenne.

If abortion has been a part of your life (you, your wife, a daughter or a friend), Rachel's Vineyard or Rachel's Hope can help.

Trauma from an abortion is often expressed through
feelings of guilt, anxiety, depression, despair, helplessness, fear, anger, suicidal thoughts, low self-esteem, self-destructive behavior, substance abuse, nightmares or flashbacks, anger at God and Church and many others

Rachel's Vineyard and Rachel's Hope are unique programs
which recognize the fact that abortion is one of the most traumatic experiences a person can have. They are grounded on the premise that post-abortive parents and families have a right to grieve and to work through feelings of regret and guilt. With the help of priests and pastoral ministers, they offer you understanding guidance to help you work through your pain.

The healing process offered through Rachel's Vineyard or Rachel's Hope can include
private and confidential consultation with a member of the Rachel's Vineyard team, an opportunity to visit with a priest who can minister to you through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and a chance to be a part of a small support group where available.

We invite you to make a start toward healing
by calling Sharie at 1-800-823-5923 or 1-307-322-4742
and asking about Rachel's Vineyard. This initial contact will help you begin the journey toward healing which is offered to you through the care and compassion of the Catholic Church. If you would prefer you can e-mail ranchmom5@cognifast.com or call Pat at the Mariage, Family and Respect Life Ministry Offfice, 307-237-2723, or e-amil her at pat@dioceseofcheyenne.org. The next retreat for Rachel's Vineyard will be October 13-15, 2006.

Throughout history, the Catholic community has consistently encountered the grace of Jesus Christ through scripture, sacraments, and the Church. It is precisely these dimensions of the community's faith life which can be the most valuable instruments of reconciliaton and healing for the parent or relative of an aborted child.
Rachel's Vineyard and Rachel's Hope reinforce the Catholic Church's teaching on forgiveness and help post-abortive parents return to full communion with the Church. All priests of the diocese have general faculties to minister the Sacrament of Reconciliation following abortion.

Bible Verses
from Rachel's Vineyard
a Retreat

Therefore, I am now going to allure her;
I will lead her into the desert and speak tenderly to her.
There I will give her back her vineyards,
and transform her Valley of Trouble into a Door of Hope. Hosea 2:16-17

There she will sing with joy as in days long ago in her youth,
after I had freed her from captivity.
Then you will lie down in peace and safety, unafraid;
and I will bind you to me
forever with chains of righteousness and justice, love and mercy.
I will betroth you to me in faithfulness and love,
and you will really know me then as you never have before. Hosea 2:21-22

You can also contact the National Organization on Rachel's Vineyard at www.rachelsvineyard.org, or by calling 1-877-HOPE-4-Me (1-877-467-3463)