I. What is Project Rachel? Project Rachel is the Catholic Church’s post-abortion healing ministry which operates through the Respect Life Office in the Archdiocese of Miami as a network of lay personnel, lay volunteers, priests, deacons, and licensed counselors who provide one-on-one spiritual and psychological support for those who are suffering from the trauma of abortion. 

History: Vicki Thorn founded Project Rachel in 1984 in Milwaukee. She designed a post-abortion ministry that offered anonymity, a strong spiritual element, and included psychotherapeutic components. The name “Project Rachel” was inspired by scripture, “Rachel mourns her children: she refuses to be consoled because her children are no more. Thus says the Lord: ‘Cease your cries of mourning…wipe the tears from your eyes. The sorrow you have shown shall have its reward. There is hope for your future.’” (Jeremiah 31:15-17.)  

In the Archdiocese of Miami, the Project Rachel program offers the following:

-Dedicated & confidential phone line (954-981-2984 or 888-456-4673) and email ProjectRachel@theadom.org answered by trained staff at Respect Life Administrative offices.

 -Peer-to-peer ministry program. Consists of 9 sessions with a trained facilitator, at one of our five pregnancy help centers or at a parish. The sessions are 60-90 minutes and include worksheets and dialogue which allows the participant to move towards healing and reconciliation with themselves, their unborn child, their family, the Church, and God. 

-Annual weekend retreats known as Rachel’s Vineyard www.rachelsvineyard.org 

-Referrals to priests for confession/counseling who are sensitive to the needs of the post-abortive. 

-Referrals to professional counselors. 

-Resources and brochures to provide awareness of post-abortion syndrome and steps to healing after pregnancy loss.