From Father Steven - November 22nd

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

We as Catholic Christians are called to help each other. In addition to our response to the latest develop- ments in the Roe Amendment, I also wanted to speak to you about the importance of our pastoral response in:

1. Acknowledging the pain of abortion that effects so many people today; 2. Sharing how we can take action to help those who are hurting heal; and 3. Preventing further destruction of lives by helping people chose life.

In discussing the sanctity of human life we look to Pope St John Paul the Great who was a champion for life. Pope Saint John Paul II speaks in Evangelium Vitae (the Gospel of Life): “.... I would like to say a spe- cial word to women who have had an abortion. The Church is aware of the many factors which may have influenced your decision, and she does not doubt that in many cases it was a painful and even shattering decision.” (EV, 99)

I would like to make you aware of two ministries of The Archdiocese of Boston Pro-Life Office.
First, Project Rachel which is a confidential ministry of the Catholic Church that offers hope and healing for women (and men) in pain from past abortions. Project Rachel takes both its name and mission from the Old Testament passage of “Rachel Weeping” (cf Jer 31:15-17) – Rachel weeping for her children “who are no more”. In the Scripture passage, the weeping Rachel encounters the merciful love of God who wipes the tears from her eyes and offers her the promise of hope for her future.

Today, through the Church’s Project Rachel ministry, God’s tender love and mercy is offered to those expe- riencing post-abortion pain, regret and grief. Project Rachel offers both one-on-one and small group oppor- tunities for healing. For more info please go to: https://www.projectrachelboston.com or call 508.651.3100, email: help@projectrachelboston.com.

I have asked Mary Jo Kriz to assist in writing this letter as she has served in the Project Rachel Ministry and presently is a nurse in one of the three Pregnancy Resource Centers sponsored by the Archdiocese - Pregnancy Help (Brighton, Brockton, Natick), https://www.pregnancyhelpboston.org
“In my work with Project Rachel, I witness firsthand the depth of physical, mental, emotional and spir itual pain and suffering that the women have indured for years. They come to the retreat and through the Sacraments and stories of others who have obtained healing, experience a Resurrection. This is life-giving and lifesaving. If they chose, they may continue with the support group that is offered.”
“Pregnancy Help serves anyone facing crisis pregnancy situations. Our staff of nurses and case work ers is trained to give individualized care to help those in need through this difficult time. There is much pressure on a woman to have an abortion. She is often alone, overwhelmed and frightened. When I receive a call, I invite her to come in for a pregnancy test and to talk about her situation and how we can help. If appropriate I also take her for an ultrasound to see the baby’s heartbeat and gestational size. 90% of our clients after hearing how we can help and seeing the baby’s heartbeat choose to continue the pregnancy. They often leave saying “I now have hope and confidence. Once the baby is born they are given the option of staying on as parenting clients for up to three years.”
Please visit the website upholdingthedignityoflife.com which offers information on how you can help with this most tragic situation of abortion.

God bless,
​Fr. Steven