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Iron County Right to Life
PO Box 107 Caspian, Michigan 49915
A letter of hope from the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Marquette
My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
It is estimated that one out of four women (aged 15 and up) in the United States has undergone an abortion. Society tells young women that abortion will solve their problem, but it says nothing about the problems that abortion creates. Those who support abortion tell women that it is a simple procedure with no lasting impact; however, the reality for most women is life scarred by grief, toss, shame, regret, anger, emptiness, sadness, isolation and a sense of worthlessness.
Because little publicity is given to this subject, many women think their grief is abnormal and that there is nowhere to turn for help. Often their grief becomes manifest through alcoholism, drug abuse, depression, chronic anxiety, fragmented relationships, marital unhappiness, loss of joy in life and spiritual alienation.
The Church recognizes the impact abortion has on women and their families. In 1984 a program was organized to help women, men and families suffering the aftermath of abortion. The program is called Project Rachel, designed to offer confidential and skilled help to any individual who comes for help. Upon request, referral is made to a network of trained counselors, priests and spiritual directors who are trained in post-abortion counseling and reconciliation.
Project Rachel is now found in 140 dioceses, including our own. As members of the Church, we are all part of the healing ministry of Project Rachel. We are called to follow the example of Christ and bring his message of unconditional love and forgiveness to anyone who is hurting from abortion. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. (Eph 4:31-33).
In his 1995 encyclical The Gospel of Life, our Holy Father said to these suffering women:
"The Church is aware of the many factors which may have influenced your decision (to have an abortion), 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.. .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.
You will come to understand that nothing is definitively lost and you will also be able to ask forgiveness from your child. who is now living in the Lord."
During this Respect Life month (October), remember not only the millions of babies who have lost their lives through abortion, but remember all the people affected by abortion. Be a part of the healing ministry of the Church. If you know of someone who is suffering from abortion, please let him or her know help is available through Project Rachel. Have them contact our Project Rachel office at 1-866-789-2604.
Sincerely yours in Christ. |