Hurting from a past abortion? There are two opportunities available this fall within the Diocese of Gary for those affected by abortion to find healing within confidential, non-judgmental and Bible-based programs.
Save One, a 10-week support and healing group for women, will start Sept. 3 and continue to be held on Thursdays, from 6:30-8 p.m., at St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Student Center in Valparaiso until Nov. 19. In addition, a Rachel's Vineyard Retreat is scheduled for Sept. 25-27 in Michigan City. It’s open to any woman or man who has been affected by abortion.
Debora Revor attended her first Rachel’s Vineyard retreat three years ago. Even though her abortion was more than 40 years ago, and she had been through a post abortion healing Bible study, she realized at the retreat she still needed healing.
“My goal was to experience that healing and then transition into helping at future retreats,” Revor said. “I assisted at a retreat this past spring, which brought even deeper healing.”
Rachel’s Vineyard is a ministry that holds weekend retreats to help women and men come to terms with and heal from their abortions, finding wholeness through Christ. Revor explained that those who attend can expect a beautiful weekend filled with prayer, Scripture stories and journaling.
“They will find community with other individuals who share similar experiences,” she said. “The retreat concludes on the final day with a meaningful Mass and a memorial for their babies.”
Revor hopes that the women and men leave feeling more whole, experiencing the deep love and forgiveness that Christ offers, and finding the ability to forgive themselves.
Rosanne Kouris, coordinator for marriage and family life for the diocese, has been involved with the program in the Diocese of Gary for more than 20 years. She explained that abortion leaves a terrible wound in the soul of the mother and father. Kouris noted that as humans, we are wired to protect the innocent, particularly children.
“Most of us would not hesitate to put ourselves between a child and a dangerous situation,” she said. “This is even truer of a parent. This behavior is not taught. It is part of who we are; it is part of our humanity.”
Kouris continued, “To have an abortion, or to participate in one, means severing that part of one’s humanity. A person must say, ‘I will not protect that child,’ and even more, ‘I will not protect my child,’ finally ending with, ‘I will kill my child.’ No matter what belief system a person has, this severing of humanity leaves a deep wound in the soul and a bleeding hole in the heart.”
According to Kouris, the traumatic wound of abortion manifests itself in many ways. Women may find that they cry for no reason. They may develop eating disorders. They may have emotional numbness and low self-esteem. Some may use drugs or alcohol to cover the pain. Others may experience panic attacks, depression, or suicidal thoughts. Some may have repeat crisis pregnancies resulting in abortions in an effort to convince themselves that “it is nothing.” Others may find it difficult to form good relationships. Many feel God has condemned them. All find it impossible to forgive themselves.
Rachel’s Vineyard retreat was developed by Dr. Theresa Burke and a ministry of Priests for Life. It offers a safe and confidential place to let feelings of shame, anger and grief surface and be released.
Through biblical meditation and spiritual exercises, retreatants come to experience the immense mercy and grace of God. A chapel is set up where the Blessed Sacrament is reserved throughout the retreat for a personal encounter with Jesus. The sacrament of reconciliation is available. As the weekend progresses, retreatants are invited to name their child and to write a letter to them.
“They are able, for the first time, to openly grieve and to honor their child’s life,” Kouris said. “The retreat ends with a Mass and a memorial service for the retreatant’s child or children, including any miscarriages.”
Rachel’s Vineyard retreats are held on weekends – Friday night to Sunday afternoon – and are completely confidential. They are facilitated by trained volunteers, some who are post-abortive themselves, a Catholic priest and a counselor. They are open to anyone who is struggling with the emotional and spiritual pain of abortion, including married couples, grandparents, siblings and those involved in the abortion industry.
The weekend is Catholic in nature, but people of any religious denomination are welcome. To sign up to attend the upcoming Rachel's Vineyard Retreat, call or text 219-552-2944 or go to helpafterabortion.net for more information.
To register to attend the 10-week support group, contact Debora Revor at 219-840-0496 or drevor60@gmail.com.
The diocese's post-abortion healing ministry also has plans to expand. A Rachel's Vineyard retreat for Spanish-speaking women will take place on April 16-18, 2027, in Michigan City, the first within the diocese. Please call Maria at 219-671-7799 for more information. The diocese will also offer its first one-day retreat for men only in the spring. Date and registration details will be announced at a later time.
