PROJECT RACHEL

Post-Abortion Reconciliation ~ A Loving and Forgiving Church

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Project Rachel:

What is Project Rachel?

Project Rachel is named after Rachel, a woman in the Hebrew Scriptures who wept bitterly over the loss of her child and "could not be consoled".  It was said that her tears were a prophecy of the mothers who wept when Herod slaughtered the Holy Innocents, when he sought to kill Jesus.

The heart of Project Rachel is a confidential and sensitive communication between a person whose life has been affected by abortion and a Catholic priest. 

Your conversation with the priest will include prayer and counseling, usually leading up to you receiving God's forgiveness in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Is Project Rachel confidential? 

We understand that many people have never spoken to anyone about their abortion experience before.  Not family, spouse, children or friends.  We understand that this is a very painful and very difficult subject for you.  Your participation in Project Rachel will always be kept in the strictest confidence.  

What can Project Rachel offer to help me?

Through Project Rachel you may also have the opportunity receive peer counseling, or attend retreats, to talk with other people who have experienced pain and loss in the aftermath of an abortion and the healing process offered by Project Rachel. Conversation with someone "who has already been there" can often help you to sort out feelings and deal with unresolved conflicts. 

Project Rachel can also refer you, if this seems appropriate, to a professional counselor who is sensitive to the special needs of those whose lives have been affected by abortion.

How do I get in touch with Project Rachel?

You can get in touch with Project Rachel by calling the Pro-Life Office of the Diocese of Springfield. You will not have to give your name. 

Just say, "I want to talk to someone about Project Rachel." 

You will be placed in contact with a priest, a peer counselor, or a therapist specially prepared to deal with a person whose life has been affected by abortion, and who is seeking healing and reconciliation.

If you are interested in obtaining more information about Project Rachel, you might like to contact us by clicking on our e-mail link below.  Again, we wish to assure you that, whether you are seeking information, reconciliation, or counseling, your communications with Project Rachel will always be treated with the utmost confidentiality, sensitivity, and respect.

Project Rachel - sponsored by the Diocesan Pro-Life Commission
65 Elliot Street - P.O. Box 1730
Springfield, MA 01101-1730

Telephone: 413 - 732-3175 ext. 662

ProjectRachel@rcn.com