Our mission is to build a civilization of love and life which upholds the dignity
and inviolability of all innocent human life, seeks objective moral Truth,
embraces the value of redemptive suffering, and yearns for the fullness of life
in eternal communion with God the Creator.
Project Rachel is a network of specially trained, compassionate caregivers, who are prepared to assist those who suffer from abortion loss.
A Message from St. John Paul II
“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 yet have 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 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. Through your commitment to life, whether by accepting the birth of other children or by welcoming and caring for those most in need of someone to be close to them, you will become promoters of a new way of looking at human life. .” (Evangelium Vitae no. 99, John Paul II)
Learn more about Project Rachel from Vicki Thorn, foundress and the executive director of the National Office of Post-Abortion Reconciliation & Healing located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
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Hope after Abortion
Upcoming Opportunity for Prayer and Healing
All reservations and information will remain confidential.
For more information see frequently asked question tab below.
Confidential phoneline:
1-516-766-2538 or 1(888) 456-HOPE (4673) se habla espanol | Email projectrachel@drvc.org to begin healing after abortion loss.
One-call outreach program to provide assistance for an unexpected or crisis pregnancy call 1 (855) 301-4CHS or visit www.chsli.org/pregnancy-support-services
An Evening of Prayer for Men Suffering Abortion Loss
For more information see frequently asked question tab below.
An Evening of Prayer for Men Suffering Abortion Loss
An Evening of Prayer for Men is an opportunity to experience the loving mercy of God in a safe and sacred space. The evening is directed by a spiritual team who have a sensitivity and a heart for those who suffer.
For more information see frequently asked question tab below.
For more information call Project Rachel at 1-516-766-2538 or 1(888) 456-HOPE (4673).
Women's Ministry - Days of Prayer and Healing Frequently Asked Questions
What happens after I register on line?
Once you register on line you will receive an email from the Project Rachel team asking to set up a time to talk and complete your registration. All information is kept confidential.
What happens once I leave a message on the Project Rachel phone line?
Once you leave a message on the phone line, someone from the Project Rachel team will get back to you to answer questions and take your registration information.
What happens at a Day of Prayer and Healing?
A Day of Prayer and Healing is a full day retreat. The day begins with a witness speaker and includes prayer, group discussion, refreshments, lunch, a Holy Hour, an opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation or for non-Catholics an opportunity to talk with a priest, and the celebration of Mass.
I am not Catholic. Can I still attend a Day of Prayer and Healing?
Yes. All are welcome.
Is the Day of Prayer and Healing confidential?
Yes. We do not talk about the Day outside of the gathering. We ask all who attend to honor this confidentiality.
What if I do not want to share or talk in the group discussion?
That is perfectly fine. No one is pressured to speak. There is still a lot to be gained by being part of the group.
I have already been to confession about my abortion(s) but still don’t feel forgiven. Should I still come to the Day of Prayer and Healing?
Yes, you are welcome to attend a Day of Prayer and Healing. The journey to healing is a process that takes time. This retreat is an opportunity to experience the mercy of the Father and to open yourself up to His forgiveness. It is our hope that through this retreat you will find the peace you are seeking.
How long is a Day of Prayer and Healing?
The time varies but the day usually runs from 9:00am to 5:00pm. After you register you will get more specific times.
Do I need to bring lunch?
No. Lunch is provided, however, it you have special dietary needs please let us know. If we cannot accommodate your dietary need you many need to bring lunch.
Is there a fee?
No. Free will offerings are gratefully accepted.
Where is the Day of Prayer and Healing held?
Due to the confidentiality of this ministry we do not post or disclose the location of the Day of Prayer and Healing until after a woman has completed her registration.
What happens after a Day of Prayer and Healing?
After attending a Day of Prayer and Healing you are welcome to attend Gatherings that are held 6 times during the year. You will also have the opportunity to join a spirituality class if you choose.
Men's Ministry - Frequently Asked Questions
What happens after I register on line?
Once you register on line within a few days you will receive an email from the Project Rachel Ministry Coordinator with details about the event. All information is kept confidential.
What happens once I leave a message on the Project Rachel phone line?
Once you leave a message on the phone line, someone from the Project Rachel team will get back to you to answer questions and take your registration information.
Where is the location of the Evening of Prayer?
Due to the confidentiality of this ministry we do not post or disclose the location of the Evening of Prayer until after a man has completed his registration.
What happens at an Evening of Prayer for Men Suffering Abortion Loss?
The schedule for the evening is as follows:
6:45 pm Arrival
7:00 pm Celebration of Mass
7:45 pm Dinner
8:15 pm to 9:00 pm Adoration
8:30 pm Celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation
Who is presiding at the Mass and hearing confessions*?
The presider is Reverend Steven J. Pietrowski.
*If necessary other priests will assist in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. If you would like more information, please contact Project Rachel for further details.
I am not Catholic. Can I still attend and Evening of Prayer?
Yes. All are welcome to come and pray.
Is the Evening of Prayer for Men Suffering Abortion Loss confidential?
Yes. We do not talk about the evening outside of the gathering. We ask all who attend to honor this confidentiality.
Is there a fee?
No.
Who do I contact for more information?
If you would like additional information, please contact Project Rachel at 1-516-766-2538 or 1(888) 456-HOPE (4673), projectrachel@drvc.org. All information is kept confidential.
For additional information please visit:
Hope After Abortion
hopeafterabortion.com | En Español: Esperanzaposaborto.org
Sisters of Life
866.575.0075 (toll free) | hopeandhealing@sistersoflife.org | www.sistersoflife.org
Theresa Bonopartis
877.586.4621 (toll free) | Lumina@postabortionhelp.org
Project Rachel Materials
Brochures and Bulletin Inserts
Diocese of Rockville Centre Day of Prayer and Healing for Women Bulletin Inserts and Flyers
- Day of Prayer and Healing Full Page Flyer
Project Rachel Brochure | Proyecto Raquel
Day of Prayer and Healing Bulletin Insert
Prayers and Blessings
Prayer for the Ministry of Project Rachel
Father, source of healing and forgiveness, we pray for all parents overwhelmed by grief and sorrow at the loss of their son or daughter to abortion: You never abandon those who hope in you; so we pray that the hearts of those wounded by their abortion might be open to your Divine Mercy that they would know the grace of repentance and so experience the embrace of the Father. We pray that Jesus, the Good Shepherd, so rich in love and compassion, may hear the cry and see the tears of each of these mothers and fathers so He may heal their broken hearts and restore them to life. Give these grieving mothers and fathers the consolation of believing and trusting that her child is now living in the Lord that this may soothe the terror of their soul. We pray that the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of all tenderness and our Mother, may strengthen their faith in You. We ask this through Christ our Lord, who conquered sin and death, and who lives with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
- Project Rachel Prayer – Printable Prayer 8.5 x 11 | Printable Prayer Card
- A Prayer To Our Lady Of Guadalupe – (En Español)
- Prayer for Healing – (Oración de sanación)
Prayer: Trust in God’s Mercy
Gracious Father, I thank you for the mercy you have shown in forgiving my sins and for the peace that comes from being reconciled with you and with your Church. O God, you are faithful, and you never abandon those who hope in you. I know that my redemption from sin and death has been purchased at the cost of your Son’s blood. In return for this priceless gift, I resolve today to renew my trust in your unfailing mercy. In times of doubt, when painful memories of past sins threaten to destroy the peace you have given, let the power of your Holy Spirit cast out all self-condemnation and give me greater confidence in your word of pardon. Teach me to encourage others so they, too, may seek your tender compassion and come to know your peace, which nothing can take away. I pray this in the name of Jesus, your Son, in whom you have restored me to life. Amen.
Books and Articles
- Bridges of Mercy for Post-Abortion Healing – ( Vías De Misericordia Para La Sanación Posaborto )
- How to Talk to a Friend Who’s Had An Abortion – (Cómo hablarle a una amiga que ha tenido un aborto)
- Healing within Marriage from an Abortion – (La sanación en el matrimonio después de un aborto)
- Forgiveness And Healing After Abortion – (En Español)
- Pregnancy From Rape – (En Español)
- Portraits of Grief in the Aftermath of Abortion – (Retratos de sufrimiento por las secuelas del aborto)
- My Thoughts on Project Rachel – Blog (En Español)
- Project Rachel: In the Heart of the Church – Proyecto raquel: en el corazón de la iglesia
- Long Island Catholic Article – Project Rachel: Post Abortion Healing
- “The Hollow Men”: Male Grief and Trauma Following Abortion, Vincent M. Rue, Ph.D., Respect Life Program, 2008 (en español)
- Project Rachel: In the Heart of the Church, USCCB, 2007 (en español)
- Reclaiming Fatherhood, Life Insight, September/October 2007
- Divine Mercy in My Soul, by Theresa Bonopartis, 2000 (en español)
No One Told Me I Could Cry by Connie Corso Nykiel – Connie Corso Nykiel writes from her wealth of experience as a nurse working with pregnant young women and grieving women. Hers is a message of joy and hope for those who have experienced abortion. She reveals how it is only in grieving that they can find healing and truly be reconciled to God and their child. Through the guidance of an experienced professional, they can learn to cry and find fullness of life. This books is a treasured guide to healing for those who have experienced abortion. It also provides an abundance of information for teachers, counselors, pastors, social workers, health care workers and all those who work with post abortive and/or pregnant teens.
Church Documents and Teachings
“Life is always a good. …The life which God gives man is quite different from the life of all other living creatures, inasmuch as man … is a manifestation of God in the world, a sign of his presence, a trace of his glory. … Man has been given a sublime dignity, based on the intimate bond which unites him to his Creator: in man there shines forth a reflection of God himself.”2
Each human being is unique, unrepeatable, and infinitely precious to God. In becoming man and by his death on the cross, Jesus showed us the incomparable value of each human life, making his human life the “instrument of the salvation of all humanity!” (The Gospel of Life, no. 33).
