Saturday, September 25, 2004
Project offers women help after abortion
Faith Matters
By Karen Vance
Enquirer contributor
In 1984, Vicki Thorn had a calling - to help women who struggled after having an abortion. She began Project Rachel. "I honestly thought it was going to be a nice local ministry, but I became an expert in a field that didn't exist," said Thorn, 54, of Milwaukee, who will speak in Middletown Wednesday and Dayton on Thursday.
Since 1984, the program, which includes support groups, retreats and one-on-one counseling, has spread all over the country. The Archdiocese of Cincinnati has had the ministry for 10 years, and this year expanded to include a support group for men.
"The people in this ministry are there to be a gentle presence to walk through this process. (Women shouldn't) be afraid. The people of Project Rachel aren't there to judge," Thorn said.
She will speak to professional social workers, nurses and counselors in Middletown, and then to clergy, pastoral associates and seminarians in Dayton.
"Hopefully, she'll bring a wealth of knowledge to the people who work with those who've had an abortion experience," said Mary Anne Boyd of the Archdiocese Family Life Office. "She's a wealth of knowledge on the experience of abortion and how it's impacted our society as well as individuals."
Medical professionals interested in the Wednesday talk should contact the Pregnancy Center East at (513) 321-3100. Clergy of any denomination interested in Thursday's talk should contact the Archdiocese Family Life Office at (513) 421-3131.
Anyone looking for post-abortion counseling, regardless of faith, can contact the Archdiocese's Project Rachel confidential help line at (513) 784-0531.
Transformation event
EVANSTON - When members of Transformation Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky gather for their fourth regional prayer event, they'll be praying for more than just the region.
The event, which is 4 p.m. Oct. 3 at Xavier University's Cintas Center, coincides with the International Day of Prayer for the Peace of Jerusalem.
"We believe we are not replacement of the Jews as God's people," said D.J. Weiss, a member of Transformation. "Christians are blessed to be added to the kingdom of God. We believe Biblically we should pray for Jerusalem."
In addition to those who will come to the Transformation event, more than 40,000 churches globally will participate in the day of prayer, and thousands are expected to gather in Jerusalem for the prayer.
For Rabbi Michael Wolf of Beth Messiah Congregation, a Messianic synagogue in Deerfield Township, praying with other followers of Jesus, especially for Israel, is a special experience.
"I think they had it in their hearts already to pray for Jerusalem," Wolf said. "I felt it was important that there be a Messianic Jewish presence in Transformation Cincinnati because it really has a heart to see changes in our city. We care about our city, and we believe God cares about our city."
For information about Transformation Cincinnati, visit www.transformationcincinnati.com or call 665-9100.
Churches to bless animals
Churches all over the city will take time next Saturday to bless pets and working animals in honor of the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi.
St. Francis Seraph Church, at the corner of Liberty and Vine streets in Over-the-Rhine, will host its blessing ceremony at 10 a.m. St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, at 9191 Daly Road, Springfield Township, will host its ceremony at 2 p.m.
"I think pets are an extension of our family, and because most people can't and don't have an opportunity to bring their pets to church, this is a real chance for them to bring God and our pets together," said Cathy Skiba of New Burlington, who has helped organize St. Stephen's ceremony.
Mercy Franciscan at Shroder, a retirement community at 1302 Millville Ave., Hamilton, will host its blessing ceremony at 10:30 a.m. with all pets invited as well as the Butler County Sheriff's Department Mounted Patrol and City of Hamilton Police Canine Unit.
