I was asked recently by a parishioner, “What is this Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat I hear you speaking about?” With that question, I thought I would take this week’s Pastor’s Note and highlight some things about this retreat program. Some background: when I was in the seminary, there were frequent discussions of the Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat Program as part of our class on Reconciliation and Anointing, two sacraments that are unique to our Catholic priesthood. Rachel’s Vineyard has a strong focus on the healing and reconciliation of those women and men who have been wounded by participation in an abortion.

When we think about the passionate prayers from a perspective of grief that we each offer in support of the Right to Life, we might from time to time think about how those prayers are being answered by God right now; since 1974 this has been a campaign of prayer a information sharing in the United States, and the work is not done.  But when we think of the occasions when we hear or read of someone embedded in the abortion industry as turning around, and becoming zealous in their realization of the brokenness of their past actions, we are seeing the fruits of our prayers.

We also see the fruits of those prayers when individuals find themselves drawn to a deeper relationship with God in order to discover healing.  I have served as a chaplain to the Rachel’s Vineyard Retreats for over nine years now, beginning this role early in my priesthood.  The overwhelming experience I have on every retreat is that I am privileged to watch and be part of Jesus’ miracle of healing. The women and men who are seeking this healing have carried wounds and scars inside their hearts, some for a few years, some for decades.  Each and every one of them deserves to receive God’s healing, and to be reconciled to His love for them, just as He loves their lost children.

Rachel’s Vineyard was created by Dr. Theresa Burke, a psychologist, some 30+ years ago, and this has helped thousands of people to find healing and to be reconciled with Jesus.  In the Diocese of Trenton, this ministry is led by Judy Warenkiewicz (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) for about 20 years; each retreatant is welcomed with compassion, and the process is highly confidential. In the Diocese of Trenton, we like to offer this program twice each year.

Each retreat begins on a Friday evening, and continues through early afternoon on Sunday. Over roughly 40 hours, the retreat team guides participants through challenging, tearful conversations, and prayers of healing. Each retreat team includes counselors and a priest, and while not required, often participants enter into the Sacrament of Reconciliation during these days. Currently these are hosted at Francis House of Prayer, about 45 minutes away. The next retreat will begin on November 13^th, and I encourage all parishioners to pray for those who will be on that retreat weekend from Friday through Sunday, the 15^th.

If someone wants more information, for yourself or a friend, reach out to Judy confidentially. She will help you understand if you are ready for this consoling experience, and if not, how other help may be available to you.