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Every “Life
Issue” is a Family Life Issue Project Rachel has been in the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City for about 20 years. For most men and women, having an abortion is a terrible experience. They think that the problem will go away, but they soon come to realize they cannot forget the child they created and allowed to be destroyed. In 1999 we added Rachel’s Vineyard Retreats. These retreats offer a safe place for women and men to grieve, to tell their stories, and to develop a relationship with their child whom they learn to entrust to a merciful Heavenly Father. The retreat includes the Reconciliation, Memorial Service and Mass to honor and name their children. For more information visit www.rachelsvineyard.org. Project Gabriel is an outreach by parishes to mothers who find themselves in crisis due to a surprise pregnancy. Since 2001, there are 14 parishes participating in the ministry and more than 150 volunteers trained. The parish puts up a sign along with the Family Life number and okcgabriel@yahoo.com address. Hundreds of women have called and are matched with a parish near them. Volunteers offer spiritual support, friendship and referrals for resources within the community. Project Gabriel offers a place in the community, finds ways to empower them and loves them and their babies. The help continues as long as necessary. Project Gabriel assists crisis pregnancy centers, DHS and the Health Department. Natural Family Planning Classes give info-rmation about the heart of the Church’s teaching on conjugal love: both life giving and love giving. The newest scientific method of NFP, the Marquette Model, Is 99 percent effective in family planning, simple, flexible and easy to use. Cost of instructions and materials for one year is $50 per couple (scholarships available). Classes throughout the Archdiocese are also offered by certified Ovulation Method teachers, Couple to Couple League and Creighton Model (Enid). For information call the Office of Family Life at (405) 721 8944 or email oknfp@yahoo.com. Susan Lepak, |
