DEACON FOR LIFE

Were there to be no support in the whole history of ethical and moral thought, were there no acknowledged confirmation from medical science, were the history of legal opinion to the contrary, we would still have to conclude on the basis of God's Holy Word that the unborn child is a person in the sight of God. He is protected by the sanctity of life graciously given to each individual by the Creator, Who alone places His image upon man and grants them any right to life which they have.

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

From Rachel's Vineyard

Promote Healing After Abortion: www.RachelsVineyard.org, 877-HOPE-4-ME, A Ministry of Priests for Life.

Rachel's Vineyard on the Road: Post Abortion Training Days held at Dioceses across the U.S.

The last few months have been a busy but fruitful time for Pastoral Associates Kevin and Theresa Burke, founders of Rachel's Vineyard (a ministry of Priests for Life) and leaders in post abortion education. They offered training for dioceses in Pennsylvania, Florida, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Wisconsin, Virginia, North Dakota, and Michigan addressing nearly 1000 counselors, clergy, health care professionals, RV volunteers and interested lay people.

Presentations included "Sharing the Heart of Christ," "Post Traumatic Stress Disorder," "How Emotional Trauma Impacts the Brain," and other presentations including how men deal with abortion loss, the impact of abortion on relationships and families, and how clergy, clinicians, nurses can best attend to those in their care dealing with the aftermath of abortion.

The Clinical conferences and Rachel's Vineyard Regional Team Trainings were well received. To quote Sue Williams of the Office of Family Life in Norwich, CT, "all the feedback received thus far has been overwhelmingly positive for the insightfulness of the information on such an important ministry." The word "excellent" can be found on virtually every comment card, along with praises like "Very compelling...very eye-opening"; "a powerful, training and spiritual experience."

Another key element for the consistent success of these training days is revealed as one attendee expressed in "the ability of the Burkes to take technical psychological information and present the material in a very understandable format." Everyone from the local clinical psychologist to the eager volunteer can walk away from a Clinical Training with the Burkes feeling informed and armed with knowledge to help spread the healing message of Rachel's Vineyard.

Michael Petrides of Connecticut shared:

"Theresa and Kevin Burke understand that the abortion healing that they champion is necessary for our societal transformation and survival. The emotional wounds of fathers, mothers, siblings, grandparents, cousins, and friends are too deep.... The Burkes integrate therapeutic clinical and pastoral information and answers in a truly sensitive, compassionate model."

Kevin and Theresa bring their passion for healing with them everywhere they go, spreading deep roots for a vineyard that will continue the mission to heal the pain of abortion - one weekend at a time.

If you are interested in having the Burkes present in your community please contact:

Kathryn Boyle, speakers@rachelsvineyard.org, 610-354-0555.