Contact Information
Catholic Family
Services Office
523 N. Duluth Ave.
Sioux Falls, SD 57104
605.988.3775
1.800.700.7867(STOP)
(FAX) 605.988.3747
Email
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Project Rachel...
is a program open to anyone from any religion, denomination, race, or age suffering
emotionally, physically or spiritually because of an abortion.
Women or men wishing to experience the healing of Project Rachel should call:
1-800-700-7867
(STOP) OR 1-605-988-3775
All information and names are held in strict confidence.
Healing from abortion
Abortion is a loss and must be grieved in order for healing
to occur. A significant part of the healing process is understanding and accepting
God’s unconditional love and forgiveness. Sensitive and trained clergy and counselors
are available to help individuals journey through this loss and pain to wholeness.
Women or men who are experiencing emotional, physical or spiritual distress, guilt,
reluctance to begin a new relationship or concern about your relationship with God
because of an abortion should consider Project Rachel. Symptoms of abortion aftermath
range from grief, shame and low self-esteem to post-traumatic stress disorder and
flashbacks. One can experience loss of sleep, suicidal thoughts, distrust of men
and distancing of family.
How did Project Rachel begin?
In October, 1999 the Diocese
of Sioux Falls, with the support and leadership of Bishop Robert Carlson, initiated
Project Rachel. Counselors of Catholic Family Services and numerous priests of the
Sioux Falls and Rapid City dioceses participated in a day long training program
conducted by Vickie Thorn and Rev. Blair Raum, the Archdiocesan Director of Project
Rachel in Baltimore, Maryland. Participants gained an understanding of a woman’s
after abortion experience and the impact of abortion on fathers, grandparents, siblings
and society. They were trained in a step by step process that has been used very
successfully with women who have had abortions to gain healing and reconciliation.
Project Rachel was founded by Vickie Thorn in 1984 in Milwaukee, WI, to minister
to women and men who have been wounded spiritually and psychologically by abortion.
Vickie is President and Executive Director of the National Office of Post-Abortion
Reconciliation and Healing, Inc. |
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