Second Diocesan Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat Offered Columbus Day Weekend
The Respect Life office is offering a Rachel’s Vineyard retreat October 10, 11 & 12 (Columbus Day Weekend) at the Guggenheim Lodge in Saranac Lake. This, the Diocese’s second retreat for post-abortive women and men, will be conducted by the same retreat team as the first retreat which was offered last Columbus Day weekend. Team members trained for this much-needed ministry include: facilitator Rita Mawn, psychiatrist Dr. Nancy Dvorak, Fr. Mark Reilly, Fr. Bryan Stitt, Mrs. Sandra Izzo and Respect Life directors John & Colleen Miner. “We are very fortunate to have a caring, compassionate, dedicated team. Our first retreat was simply amazing and very uplifting – not only for the retreatants, who we are there to serve but also for us as part of the family of Christ.” said Miner. Rachel’s Vineyard is a National program open to mothers, fathers, grandparents and siblings of aborted children as well as those who have worked in the abortion industry. The weekend helps retreatants begin healing from their loss through scripture, group sharing and a memorial service. The three days include perpetual adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, daily Mass and an opportunity for the sacrament of Reconciliation. The weekend is intense emotionally, mentally and spiritually but the results of God’s mercy and forgiveness are apparent. The retreat in our Diocese will begin the evening of Friday, October 10 and conclude Sunday afternoon, October 12th. Space is limited so early registration is encouraged. The cost of $100 includes food, lodging and materials. Scholarships are available. For more information about the national program, please visit www.rachelsvineyard.org. For information about the Diocesan retreat, speak with your pastor or contact the Respect Life office to register.