What is Rachel’s Vineyard
“A voice is heard in Ramah, lamentation and bitter weeping. Rachel is weeping for her children; she refuses to be consoled for her children, because they are no more.”
— Jeremiah 31:15
What is a Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat
Rachel’s Vineyard is a weekend retreat for women and men who have participated in or been effected by abortion to find hope and healing. Rachel’s Vineyard retreats help resolve issues of guilt, shame, pain, grief, loss, and anxiety caused by abortion. The retreat provides a safe, supportive, confidential, non-judgmental, and sacred place for you to open up to our Lord and unburden yourself of painful post-abortive emotions. You will be able to grieve, work on anger, forgive yourself, and reconcile with God and your child.
“Thus says the Lord: cease your cries of weeping, hold back your tears. The sorrow you have shown has it’s reward… there is hope for your future…”
— Jeremiah 31:16-17
Who is a Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat for
A Rachel’s Vineyard retreat is for any person who has been wounded by abortion; a single person, couples, mothers, fathers, grandparents, and siblings of aborted children, as well as anyone who has been involved in the abortion industry.
If you have been wounded by abortion, you should consider attending a retreat.
What to Expect on the Retreat
The retreat begins on Friday evening at 5 pm and ends on Sunday around 4 pm. The size of our retreat varies between 4-8 participants. The team size is selected to ensure we are able to give each person the time and attention that he or she needs.
The cost is $150 and covers your room, all retreat materials, meals, and snacks. If you are unable to pay, please let us know and we will work with you. No one is ever turned away for financial reasons.
Catholic and Interdenominational Retreats
Rachel’s Vineyard Retreats are offered as either Catholic or Christian/ interdenominational retreats. Both retreats are rooted in the Christian faith and Scriptures, with our focus on Jesus Christ and our relationship with Him. For Catholic retreats, a priest joins the weekend team, we have Holy Mass each day and opportunities for confession and Eucharistic adoration.
Retreat Teams
Rachel’s Vineyard Rockford retreat teams are comprised of compassionate volunteers from around the Rockford Diocese. There will be 3-5 trained team members, a minister, and a professional counselor on each retreat team. All retreat team members are held to the strictest confidentiality and many are past retreatants themselves.
The ministry is run by The Mission of Cor Jesu and the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary of the Madonna Renewal Center.