PASTORAL CARE
CRISIS PREGNANCY
Pregnancy is always life altering, but can become a crisis if it is unexpected or is the result of rape. We believe that no matter how or when a child comes into existence, she or he has the right to life. We promise to support every woman who finds herself in this situation with emotional support and compassion, medical care and financial resources. Every pregnant woman has the right to know all of the options that are available to her which can help her through a difficult time.
HEALING AFTER ABORTION:
WOMEN
Women who have had an abortion may carry feelings of guilt, shame, despair and loss. Hearts are left broken and this devastation can effect all aspects of life, including marriage, familial relationships, friendships and work. Anxiety can seem overwhelming, and they may experience post partum depression symptoms for years. All hope is not lost. No sin is unforgivable. Healing and forgiveness are possible. There are ministries waiting to receive post abortive women with open arms- there are safe spaces that are confidential, supportive and restorative.
INFERTILITY & MISCARRIAGE
HEALING AFTER ABORTION:
MEN
Men are also profoundly affected by abortion. They experience loss, guilt and grief, especially if they were powerless to stop the abortion of their child. Healing after abortion for men is often overlooked, but its of utmost importance. Resources are available which can help men recover from emotional trauma, self destructive behaviors, and broken relationships. All hope is not lost. No sin is unforgivable. Healing and forgiveness are possible. There are ministries waiting to receive post abortive men with open arms- there are safe spaces that are confidential, supportive and restorative.
INFERTILITY & MISCARRIAGE
The longing for a child runs deep in the heart of spouses. When conception does not happen, it leaves feelings of despair, confusion and heartache. Many women who are post abortive experience infertility. Most often, no diagnosis is offered, and IVF or other artificial reproductive technologies are held as the gold standard. However, ARTs are ethically unsound and often tied to abortion. There is hope and healing with The Creighton Model of FertilityCare and NaProTECHNOLOGY, which uphold the dignity of marriage and the human person from the earliest stages, and assist married couples to conceive naturally.
ADVERSE PRE-NATAL
DIAGNOSIS
With the scientific and medial advancements of our time, testing is done during pregnancy that has never before been available. This can be beneficial, but also destructive to life. In the case of an adverse diagnosis, parents may hear from the doctor that their child is, "incompatible with life." They are given no alternative other than abortion. However, it has been found that pregnancy termination only adds to the pain and suffering of parents. Instead, they can continue pregnancy with the help of support, information and encouragement to carry to term. Support continues for raising a child with special needs after birth.
TERMINAL ILLNESS
The life of each person is valuable, and suffering unites us to Christ in a special way. The Church desires to care for and nourish the terminally ill through prayer and the Sacraments. We want those facing a terminal illness to know that there are resources and support networks available to help through a very difficult time. Life is meant to be lived until God calls a person home. We denounce any effort to hasten the end of life along with removal of ordinary means for survival.
ELDERLY
The elderly hold a special place in society- their wisdom, experiences and existence are important and irreplaceable. We hold that all life is sacred and that it must be protected and preserved until natural death. There are resources available to caretakers who may find themselves needing a network of support, relief and assistance.