Rachel's Vineyard founder to present workshop

Theresa Burke, founding director of Rachel’s Vineyard, will lead a training seminar for the Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat Ministries on Sept. 23-24 at St. Peter, Prince of the Apostles Parish located at 3901 Violet Road in Corpus Christi.

Rachel’s Vineyard retreats offer a safe place to renew and redeem hearts broken by abortion, said Deacon Stephen Nolte, director of the Diocese Office of Life, Justice and Human Dignity. They provide a supportive and non-judgmental environment where men and women can begin the process of restoring and healing the wounds of emotional pain and guilt they often carry for years.

“The retreats foster an atmosphere where women and men can encounter God’s love and compassion in a profound manner,” Deacon Nolte said. “They find forgiveness and hope as they dismantle the defenses that bury their brokenness in their deepest feelings about their abortion.”

Deacon Nolte said the nature of abortion trauma requires a team approach to treatment with clergy, counselors and laity working together.

Because of the sensitive nature of this ministry and the depth of the emotional trauma experienced by post-aborted persons, all team members must first attend a Rachel’s Vineyard retreat and certification through a set training regimen. Additionally, they must be re-certified every three years to continue ministering at the retreats.

Burke began working with men and women in post-abortion counseling as early as 1986 when she started one of the first therapeutic support groups for post-aborted women. In 1994, she published “Rachel’s Vineyard: A Psychological and Spiritual Journey for Post Abortion Healing” as a support group model for counselors.

The following year, the book provided the stimulus for the “Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat.” In the ensuing 16 years, Rachel’s Vineyard has grown to more than 700 retreats offered annually across the United States and Canada.

The ministry takes its name from books of Jeremiah and John.

Rachel, the wife of Jacob, is considered the matriarch of Israel, and Jeremiah refers to her weeping and mourning for the children of Israel who had turned away from God and were suffering in bitter exile.

In John, we read Jesus’ description of himself as the vine with the people being the branches.

Together these readings speak to times of grief over future promises that were cut short due to human brokenness and of the possibility of life when we are connected to Christ, Deacon Nolte said.

“The retreat offers a powerful testimony to the power of reconciliation and hope in the midst of pain and despair,” Deacon Nolte said.

Abortion is a relational wound that has far-reaching effects on marriages, family life and every relationship entered into following its act.

“This seminar is designed to explore the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and its effects on the brain,” Deacon Nolte said.

Attendees will learn how to assist post-abortive women and men to put first things first in their quest for healing. Reclaiming the gift of sexual dignity will bring focus to the difficulties they suffer.

The roles of priests, deacons and professional counselors are also examined.

“If you or someone you know could benefit by learning more about the pain and despair that results from abortion, please consider attending the training and bringing your friend,” Deacon Nolte said. “You might discover that inner voice that brings healing to others, or you may experience it yourself.”

Participants are asked to contribute $50 for the Friday session, which includes lunch. Attendance at the Saturday session is limited to persons who are current team members or who feel they may have a calling to be a part of this healing ministry. There is an additional $25 charge for those attending Saturday. Current team members will receive re-certification for their attendance at both days.