PROJECT RACHEL: Providing Essential Care and Support for Those Impacted by Abortion

The Catholic Church is pro-life. In turn, there are many ministries across the United States to promote the pro-life message. And many dioceses across the United States, including the Diocese of Raleigh, have a ministry to support those who have experienced or been impacted by abortion. Project Rachel Central and Eastern North Carolina has served those suffering from the abortion experience for more than 25 years. Even though the Catholic Church is pro-life, we still must serve those who are grieving an abortion. Project Rachel includes regular support groups and a retreat twice per year.

Jackie Bonk has been a director for this diocesan ministry for many years.

“Abortion is unnatural — it’s a trauma,” she says. “Women who experience this are traumatized, and they don’t know it. It’s a lot of pain and suffering.”

Jackie calls Project Rachel a “ministry of accompaniment.” Many of the volunteer companions have been through an abortion. One main component of this ministry is that it is absolutely confidential. Many of the details of the retreats are held in confidence to protect those who attend.

“There is so much grief and shame,” Jackie says. “We want those who attend to walk away free from that.”

The retreats always have at least one priest to assist. A team of volunteers takes care of the rest. The goal is to let attendees mourn the loss of their child or children. Participants can hopefully leave free and forgiven. Men who have been affected by abortion and healthcare workers are welcome to participate in Project Rachel.

“It is hard for those who have experienced abortion to move on,” Jackie says. “Society tells them it’s no big deal, so they may wonder why they are grieving.”

Jackie originally became involved in Project Rachel after a meeting at Our Lady of Lourdes. This work really touched her heart, so she stepped forward to help. All these years later, she’s still involved. She recognizes this is more of an invisible apostolate. We often don’t think of the people who have had an abortion and how it still impacts them.

“Being part of Project Rachel has been a great gift to me,” she says. “It’s been amazing to witness the mercy and love of God. Many of these women and men say this is the worst thing they have ever done and something they could never forgive themselves for. When they leave, they are transformed and changed.”

About one in four women experience abortion. That number is probably higher than most of us realize. So, there are many Catholics, even in our parish, who are suffering. That’s why Project Rachel is such a gift.

“This gives the baby dignity and a chance for the parent or parents to grieve for them,” Jackie says. “They name the child and make them real.”

Project Rachel keeps a book of all the children memorialized in their time running the program, and it’s at about 700 names. The group usually holds retreats in January and June. Although this isn’t a ministry of our parish, there are several parish members who serve as companions.

When Jackie thinks back to her years with Project Rachel, one word comes to mind — miracles. She says being involved in this ministry has been one of the most profound parts of her life beyond her family.

“I get to witness God’s loving mercy, over and over,” Jackie says. “There is so much beauty in the healing and spiritual renewal. Participants recognize that their child is with Christ and accept His gift of forgiveness. They are reborn.”

In this month of Mary, Jackie also wants to recognize our mother’s role in this ministry. She always wants to draw us to Jesus.

“Mary is our spiritual mother,” she says. “She is always desiring our healing so we can experience the love of Jesus.”

Learn more and contact Project Rachel at rachelnc.org. Support groups are held all year, and another retreat will be held in June.

The Project Rachel teams decorates for the bi-annual retreats.

The Project Rachel teams decorates for the bi-annual retreats.