Healing Retreats

Two friends talking
After an Abortion, We Are By Your Side

Each day, approximately 225 abortions take place in Southern California. Half are to women who have aborted previously. These women are members of our families, fellow parishioners, co-workers, friends. Many experience severe depression and trauma following abortion. They, and the men and other family members touched by abortion, are in great need of healing mercy.

 

For healing after abortion:
Call By Your Side LA at 877-301-9684
By Your Side LA is the Archdiocese’s official ministry journeying with women and men affected by abortion. By Your Side is a comprehensive, bilingual ministry that includes a beautiful website, professional call center, trained lay Merciful Companions, and referrals to healing resources including sacraments, retreats, support groups, bible studies, mental health professionals, and more. We want to be by the side of each person journeying from pain following abortion to a new place of forgiveness and peace. 



May Resources: 
*Click on Link to Open and Download PDF

Priest Tool Kits on Pregnancy Loss During the Month of May


Get Involved:
You can share these at your parish with your pastor, deacons, DRE, youth minister, confirmation coordinator, principal, teachers, and parish secretary. You can also leave some in the confessionals, the back of the church, and the parish office. And take them to prayer and ask Our Lady of Guadalupe to bless this ministry.

 

Become a Merciful Companion
Consider being trained as a Merciful Companion — lay women and men who journey with those healing from the effects of abortion. Merciful Companions are carefully trained and supported by a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Most of the accompaniment of those in need takes place through life-changing phone conversations. 
Training dates are available throughout the year.There is a special need for men and for bilingual speakers to participate in this ministry as well.

 

The time commitment is not great, but the healing that can be provided to those in need is immense. If you feel called to share Christ’s mercy and help those suffering from a past abortion find hope and healing, please contact Sharon at Sharon@mercifulcompanions.org .
Educate Students with Respect Life Week Curriculum
https://respectlifeweek.com/​​
Our annual Respect Life Week includes information for TK-12 about post-abortion healing and how God’s mercy is truly meant for each of us.

 

Educate Yourself and Your Parish with Angelus News Articles:

So Abortion Doesn’t Harm Women’s Mental Health? Experts Disagree
Merciful Companions Needed to Support Post-abortive Women and Those Affected by Abortion