Rachel's Vineyard - Healing Retreats

Rachel's Vineyard is a two day retreat designed to bring spiritual and psychological healing to women and men suffering the effects of a past abortion experience.

When?

Who is it for?

Rachel's Vineyard Retreat is a confidential healing ministry for the many people who have been touched by an abortion experience. The purpose of the retreat is post-abortion reconciliation and healing  for the "other victims" of abortion. The woman who has had an abortion, the person who at one time provided the abortion, the man or woman who has forced a daughter, spouse or girlfriend to have an abortion, the potential grandparents and all who have been denied. All of these people need the help of the Church to deal with the grief, anger and sense of responsibility for a great loss.

What do others say about this retreat?

Here are some comments from women and men who have already experienced a Rachel's Vineyard Retreat:

What is your overall impression of this retreat?

"I would not have been able to achieve, anywhere else, the level of spiritual healing I have received this weekend."

"Incredibly meaningful -- freeing, uplifting -- after so many years of silence our pain could find release." (This was written by a woman who had lived in deep shame for over 40 years.)

".... the pouring out of griefs, sorrows, brokenness of women; the betrayal they felt by partners, parents and from society in general..."

A Rachel's Vineyard  Retreat provides you with an opportunity to receive the healing grace of God and to move forward in a caring and hope-filled atmosphere toward reconciliation with yourself, your  unborn child and God. Take the first step.

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Poems from Retreat Participants

Remembering Erin
Sweet child of mine,
Lost one, lovely one,
Child who was, is and
Will always be
My Erin.

You graced my life
For such a brief time,
Your star burning within me.
So tiny, but your presence
Ever clear.

I heard you whisper
You needed me.
But you were whisked away
To a place you know
As warm and safe.

It is like the womb
That once nurtured you.
It is home.
You live now in your
Brothers and sister.
If you were here now
You would be cherished
Beyond words.

If it is no burden,
Carry my heart with you
On your journey.
It beats with the knowledge
That one day
We will embrace forever,
The tears of sadness
Will turn to joy
And you will know
This is where
We belong,
And that I needed you too.

Lisa, Sept. 2002

Who to contact?

Call (02) 9440 7980 and leave a message on our confidential voice mail or email our confidential address info@rachelsvineyard.org.au

You will be contacted by a non-judgemental, compassionate counsellor.