Rachel’s Vineyard works with parents who have suffered from an abortion procedure. In the light of God’s mercy and love, participants are able to connect with others who have experienced the same.

This three-day Catholic weekend retreat is an extremely effective and efficient format for post-abortion healing. There are numerous advantages to doing grief work without distraction or interruption from one’s job, family life and relationships, especially with the direction of a priest, counselor and lay facilitators.

The deacon assists with the promotion of the retreats by asking other deacons to encourage and endorse the retreats at their parish and by speaking to the pastor. Deacons help coordinate a visit by a Rachel’s Vineyard representative to speak at the parishes. They have also assisted with the preparation and facilitation of the retreats, in a limited capacity.