FAQ's
How long are the retreats?
Most Rachel's Vineyard Retreats begin on Friday between 5 p.m. & 6 p.m. and run until Sunday late afternoon between 3 p.m. & 4 p.m.
For those who are unable to attend on a weekend, the same retreat is offered mid-week in the Glasgow Area.
You are invited to come and spend the entire retreat with us, have all your meals on the retreat, and you will have a private room for sleeping.
What do the retreats cost?
Please call the leader of the retreat that you wish to attend for the retreat cost. The price includes accommodation, all meals, and retreat materials.
We are able to provide financial assistance or we can work out a monthly payment plan so that money is not an obstacle for your participation. If you do need help with the finances do not hesitate to contact us.
Do I need to be a practicing Catholic to attend?
Absolutely not! We welcome participants from all faiths or no faith that are suffering after an abortion experience and would be comfortable sharing in a Christian setting.
How many people will be there?
Rachel's Vineyard retreats typically have around 6-10 participants. At some sites the size may be smaller or larger, depending on the facility. The group maintains a small and intimate size to allow each participant time for sharing and processing the exercises together. There is also a team of helpers and retreat team members who help facilitate the actual weekend, conduct the exercises, serve meals and attend to any special needs you may have.
Who runs each retreat?
Each retreat is composed of a group of people who have been trained in the Rachel's Vineyard process. They include a team comprising a trained counselor, women and men who have also experienced abortion, loving and non-judgemental volunteers and a priest.
These individuals volunteer their time freely, because they understand the importance of healing and recovery surrounding the pain of abortion. They are competent and caring individuals who will respect where you are in the grief process and help you move into a deeper level of healing.
Why is it important to work through trauma in a group setting?
We see abortion as a trauma. Traumatic events are often aggravated by the need to keep it a carefully guarded secret whereby the shameful feelings have no voice. Healing for victims of trauma can be accomplished by establishing safety, reconstructing the trauma story, and restoring the connection between survivors and the community. A group context is very cathartic because others who "have been there" can provide validation of symptoms and a supportive, healing element to the process.
This does not negate the value of individual counselling and support, however, an experience of group process often provides a deeper more complete level of healing.
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Any other questions?
If you have any other questions about Rachel's Vineyard or our retreats, please don't hesitate to contact us at rachel@rachelsvineyard.org.uk and a member of the team will be in touch.