St.
Anthony Shrine
Tel. 617-542-6440 Website: http://www.StAnthonyShrine.org The Good Word Tel. 617-542-0502 Prayer Request Line Tel. 617-542-6826
100 Arch Street, Boston, MA 02110
& Ministry Center
Sunday, September 1 Saturday, September 7, 2013
SEPTEMBER
WHATS HAPPENING THIS WEEK
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
01 Sunday
Prison Ministry, SCHC, 8:15 to 11:30 a.m.
02 Monday
Pieta monthly Mass & Coffee, 10 a.m. Mass (See ad for details.) Shrine closes at 11 a.m. (See Legal Holiday schedule.) Labor Day Legal Holiday
On behalf of the Franciscan Friarsand our dedicated lay Partnerswho minister here at St. Anthony Shrine & Ministry Center, I sincerely welcome you. Please be sure to take one of our Bulletins home with you after Mass. It will list all the various Masses and programs available in the coming week(s). We are honored that you chose to worship your Loving God here with us. Fr. Jim Kelly, OFM Guardian and Executive Director
03 Tuesday
REGULAR EVENTS
Monday Tuesday
04 Wednesday
Blood pressure & Blood Sugar screening, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Wellness Center Blood pressure & Blood Sugar screening, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Wellness Center
Seniors Mass 10 a.m., Exercise 10:30 a.m., Bingo! 11 a.m., lunch Noon Fellowship & Fiesta, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. (See ad for details.)
05 Thursday
07 Saturday
No scheduled events
A.A. Step Meeting 5:45 p.m. Seniors Crafts Group 10:30 a.m. A.A. Open Meeting Noon Mens Cursillo Reunion 5:15 p.m. Wednesday Remembrance Day for Deceased (3rd Wed.) All Masses Womens Spiritual Refl. Group (2nd & 4th Wed) 12:30 p.m. Seniors Computer Lab 1:30 p.m. Grupo Hispano de Oracin 4:15 p.m. A.A. Open Meeting 5:45 p.m. Bread on the Common (2nd & 4th Wed.) 5:45 p.m. Anointing of the Sick Mass (2nd Wed.) TBA Thursday S.L.A.A. Meeting Noon Mens Spirituality Group (2nd & 4th Thurs.) 5:00 p.m. A.A. Big Book Meeting 5:45 p.m. Saturday Vietnamese Secular Franciscans (2nd Sat.) 9:30 a.m. Secular Franciscans (2nd Sat.) 10:50 a.m. Centering Prayer Group (1st & 3rd Sat.) Noon Sunday 20/30 Boston Young Adults Coffee (4th Sun.) 10:30 a.m. alt. Wine & Cheese Social (odd 4th Sun.) 4:30 p.m. Pieta Ministry Coffee (1st Sun.) 11:00 a.m. Healing Service (2nd Sun.) 1:00 p.m. Separated and Divorced Catholics 1:30 p.m. Hispanic Secular Franciscans (1st Sun.) 3:00 p.m.
20s/30s Second Sunday Social, after 4:00 and 5:30 p.m. Masses (See ad for details.)
Centering Prayer Group, Noon to 1:30 p.m.
READINGS FOR THE WEEK
Monday: Tuesday:
Cover: Happy Labor Day! Photos of construction sites & workers in Downtown Crossing.* Beginning upper left clockwise: (1) West on Arch St. above 7-Eleven, (2) Summer St. in front of 7-Eleven, (3 & 4) Filenes on Summer St., (5) West on Washington St./Lafayette Ave., (6) East on Washington St. - left of old Barnes & Nobles [hardhats], (7) Filenes South on Franklin St/Hawley Place, (8) West on Arch St./Franklin St. looking towards St. Anthony Shrine. Labor Day flag in
the center from hqwall.net Labor day wallpaper collection. *Construction photos taken 20 August 2013. Copyright 2013 Dr. Jacqueline Stewart
Wednesday: Thursday: Friday: Saturday: Sunday:
1 Thes 4:13-18; Ps 96:1, 3-5, 11-13; Lk 4:16-30 1 Thes 5:1-6, 9-11; Ps 27:1, 4, 13-14; Lk 4:31-37 Col 1:1-8; Ps 52:10-11; Lk 4:38-44 Col 1:9-14; Ps 98:2-6; Lk 5:1-11 Col 1:15-20; Ps 100:1b-5; Lk 5:33-39 Col 1:21-23; Ps 54:3-4, 6, 8; Lk 6:1-5 Wis 9:13-18b; Ps 90:3-6, 12-17; Phlm 9-10, 12-17; Lk 14:25-33
Pray for Peace in the Middle East!
Saint Anthony Shrine The Church on Arch Street
The recently restored 8:00 a.m. daily Mass has turned out to attract a very, very low attendance, definitively indicating that it is not an optimum time for our Shrine worship Patrons. Therefore, on Tuesday, September 3, 2013 it will be discontinued. We attempted to reach out to those rushing for a 9:00 a.m. workday start, but it just wasnt needed. Fr. Jim Kelly, OFM Guardian and Executive Director Events This Week Pieta Ministry Serving the Spiritual
Sunday, September 1, 2013 Join us at our 10 a.m. Mass Followed by a Coffee with other grieving parents. [Or, if you prefer, join us for the Coffee Social only]
SAINTS AND SPECIAL OBSERVANCES
Sunday: Monday: Tuesday: Friday: Saturday:
Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time Labor Day St. Gregory the Great; Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year 5774) begins at sunset First Friday Blessed Virgin Mary; First Saturday
Upcoming Events
For more information, please contact [email protected].
20s/30s Boston Young Adults
Second Sunday Social
Monthly Mass and Coffee Social
Needs of Grieving Parents
Saturday, September 7 after 4:00 and 5:30 p.m. Masses Sunday, September 8 after all Masses. (2nd fl. classroom)
Join other parents in a warm and comforting place for a short Scripture reading, discussion, fellowship, and refreshments. All are Welcome! Contact: Fr. Jim Czerwinski, OFM, 617-542-6440, ext. 215.
Fellowship & Fiesta!!
Wednesday, September 4, 2013. 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. 4th floor Clare Room Pre-registration required by Noon Sept. 3
A time for small group discussion, Bible study, reflection and fellowship in a relaxed setting. Potluck supper - food will be provided courtesy of participants. Contact Dr. Jackie Stewart at 617-542-6440, ext. 143 or email [email protected]. Leave your name & telephone no. and (optional) what food/ dessert/beverage items, if any, you plan on bringing.
Offered by Evangelization
If you are a man between 21 and 38 years of age considering a religious vocation, we invite you to join us here at the Shrine on Sept. 20, 21 and 22 to get a taste of Franciscan life and ministry. Youll meet our friar community one of the largest in our Province and share in conversation, meals, and prayer. Youll also learn about our great variety of ministries, including the Food Center, Bread on the Common, Kids Program, 20s and 30s Young Adult Group, Seniors Program, Wellness Center, Prison Ministry, and many more. There will also be an opportunity for quiet time and reflection. Cant spend the whole weekend? Make a day out of it and join us for Saturday only! For further information or to register for this event, please contact the Franciscan Vocation Ministry, Franciscan Friars of Holy Name Province, at 1-800677-7788 or [email protected]. Or, if you prefer, visit our website at BeAFranciscan.org (Upcoming Events). Register by Friday, September 13.
Interested in Franciscan Life? Join us for a Weekend and Get to Know Us Better!
100 Arch Street Boston, Massachusetts 02110 617.542.6440
The Canticle
Franciscana
Volume 32 No. 9 September 2013 a monthly publication of St. Anthony Shrine
various movements developing. He became an obvious choice. The Franciscan tent continued to stretch. Friars now spoke various languages. The talent Elias would bring to the office would keep events from getting out of hand. But what began with such high hopes, and which proceeded initially with such success, ended in tragedy and scandal.
In 1228, the Church declared Francis a saint. Pope Gregory IX gave Thomas of Celano the task of writing his life story. To Elias the same Pope gave the responsibility of building a large church in Assisi to honor the newly canonized Assisian. By 1232 the necessities of the Order began to take priority over this building project, which Elias had almost miraculously moved into its second stage. Now the brothers needed his firm and organizing hand on the
4
The horror of scandal also exploded within the Franciscan Order as it worked its way into its second generation. St. Francis was dead. Those leaders who immediately succeeded him had not lived long. Their short-term leadership left the young but quickly expanding fraternity exposed to costly neglect and mistakes. Therefore in 1232, the fraternity elected Elias of Cortona General Minister of the whole Order. It seemed an inevitable choice. Elias had functioned as Francis second-in-command from 1221 to 1227. In that role, he demonstrated enormous talent for administration. He began organizing friar membership that was expanding and making chaos begin to look like an up-coming international event.
How difficult it is to understand the personality of Judas. His doings cast a shadow that still darkens the good news of the Gospels. His sobering image stands in complete contrast to the Light of Christ we proclaim at Easter Vigils. Judas betrayed that light. At the lowest level of Dantes Inferno, the author casts those guilty of betrayal: Brutus, Cassius and Judas. As a betrayer of the Lord, the one-time Apostle became an embarrassment to the early Christian community; but a fact that stood there before them, needing their acceptance. This constant admission made missionary activity somewhat difficult. If the example and preaching of Jesus contained so compelling a message, how could one of his inner circle do such a thing? Judas fits the tag as the original Christian scandal.
Elias of Cortona
The two biographies of St. Francis which Thomas of Celano wrote give strong hints of how the reputation of Elias had slipped into the shadows. Between those two writings a world of difference opens up. The hero becomes a villain, and therefore shunned. In his first life of Francis, Celano paints the figure of Elias in bright colors. He portrays him as the Saints right-hand man. The daily running of the Order from 1221 to 1227 was left up to Elias. Francis remained spiritual head but Elias made the engine go. Francis respect for him left all major decisions in the hands of someone whose competence the Saint admired.
Elias also became the major force in convincing Francis to seek medical help. He received a special blessing from Francis before he died. He took total charge of the Order at the death of the Founder and his leadership voice announced that death to all the friars. Celano describes these details, acknowledging someone who had quickly taken up a position of leadership and who knew exactly what to do. That account was written in 1228. By 1246, the second life of the Saint tells another story. The author never mentions the name of Elias. When his presence must be acknowledged, Celano merely refers to the Saints Vicar. Elias had become a scandal and source of shame to all the friars. Someone so respected had turned and turned into someone whose very name was omitted with the hope of forgetfulness. Its very mention could unleash such dark feelings.
What had he done? Following Celanos silence, other authors have listed his faults and mistakes down through the centuries. Some have been dead wrong. An element of scapegoating can be detected. Probably the core issue would come from the core value of the Franciscan Order itself that he betrayed. Elias would not relinquish the power given to him when it was time. Which points to the essence of the name which St. Francis deliberately chose for his fraternity Lesser Brothers. Brothers called to avoid positions of power unless necessary. And if chosen, to carry out those duties as a servants. Power should never be ones personal property.
Saint Anthony Shrine The Church on Arch Street
From 1232 to 1239 Elias ruled the Order with no thoughts of calling for the election of a replacement. Only at the insistence of the Papacy was such a meeting called. He was then ordered to step down. A grave mistake but forgivable in the long run. What happened next brought the affair to another level. On his own, he left the Order and joined the court of the Roman Emperor without permission and began to serve him. Now he suffered excommunication not only from the Order but also from the Church. Here lay the juice of the scandal: the one-time General Minister of the whole Order now in rebellion against his religious superiors and the Papacy as well. The tension between Pope and Emperor had reached such a pitch where anyone joining the court of Fredrick II brought with that choice a Church penalty as well.
Elias spent time working for the Emperor, carrying out diplomatic missions (being well-known as leader of a large Religious Order); and pursuing various architectural projects, as might serve military needs. He brought upon himself the classical fall from grace. Having reached so high a plateau, his fall involved deep implications. That jump into tragedy came determined by his inability to relinquish the power given to him for only a determined length of time. He possessed power in such a way that it possessed him. And no St. Francis stood at his side to speak for the spiritual journey. His ship had lost its guiding star. Without the mysticism of the Founder, Elias became a secular ruler completely convinced no one could do the job as well as he could. His hands had grasped so tightly the instruments of control that they had to be pried apart to the shame of all.
Individuals cannot be cloned. Francis was Francis. He could inspire others to discover in themselves values similar to those he himself embraced, but he could not create perfect reproductions of himself, or of his intuition. Lady Poverty can have many lovers, but each 100 Arch Street Boston, Massachusetts 02110 617.542.6440
Caesar had his Brutus, Charles, I his Cromwell, and George III... may profit from their example. Thus did Patrick Henry summarize the history of treachery that prefaced the situation requiring the revolt of the American colonies. In our situation, as Jesus had his Judas, so Francis had his Elias. And we...?
Response
So Jesus and Francis were betrayed, but they were not therefore rendered ineffective. Jesus rose from the dead; Francis was kept alive in spirit, by his Friars who somehow remained true enough to his insight to insure his spirit came down through the centuries, even to our present Bishop of Rome.
Judas meant well as he saw it. Elias also had good intentions, but they turned out to really pave hell for him. Sometimes, we think, good folks must be saved from themselves. Judas thought that Jesus had lost sight of his true identity; Elias thought Francis mixed things up: it was actually by building great churches and doing great things that the Kingdom of God was advanced. Little people accomplish little or so says the world; Mother Teresa of Calcutta Gods little pencil stub as she called herself worked person to person. So did Jesus: he spoke to each one in the multitudes. Francis kissed one leper, and then dealt one by one with the many who came to him. The Friar who preaches speaks to each one in the congregation. In preparing his words he must remember that they must be heard by many, in may different ways and therefore he must proceed in fear and trembling, relying on the Spirit to insure that he is all things to all.
When the Friars refused to accept Elias vision of success, he turned his attention to the powerful, putting his considerable powers of accomplishment at their disposal. Just as Judas desired Jesus to become the Messiah of Power, so Elias wanted the Friars to become the monitors of success. Just as Judas sold Jesus to those he believed held the power in their hands, so Elias sold Francis to a world that would seek to make him patron par excellence. Why do we always try to shape Gods work to our purposes? Why do we think we can please God by doing the things we think are good? We are too quick to conclude the God agrees with us; we are too slow to admit that it is we who must agree with God.
will acquit himself uniquely. Elias saw great potential in the insight of Francis, but he interpreted that potential quite differently. Francis sought to be poor; Elias called upon the poor to become rich and powerful as he called upon the influential to employ the poor in their pursuits, to infect the nobodies with the desire to ally themselves with the important. Let the rich have their palaces; the poor will have their churches wherein they can strut about as if they owned the place. Judas believed in Jesus, but not in the Gospel; Elias followed Francis, but not his charism. Francis called the poor to greatness; Elias allowed the poor to feel rich. Francis called upon his Friars to proclaim that God is enough; Elias proposed to circumscribe that sufficiency with concrete demonstrations of its dimensions.
SAINT ANTHONY SHRINE & MINISTRY CENTER ~ All Are Welcome ~
Masses The Arch Street Band
SATURDAY AFTERNOON VIGIL MASSES ** Music
Second Floor Chapel 6:00 a.m. 7:30 a.m. 9:00 a.m. Following Masses ** Music 10:00 a.m. 11:15 a.m. 12:30 Noon 4:00 p.m. 5:30 p.m. Second Floor Chapel
LEGAL HOLIDAY MASSES
4:00 p.m. ** 5:30 p.m. **
Second Floor Chapel
First Floor Chapel
4:15 p.m.
SUNDAY MASSES
6:00 a.m. 7:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 11:45 a.m. 12:30 p.m. 1:15 p.m. 5:15 p.m. Second WednesdayAnointing Mass: time to be announced Third WednesdayDay of Remembrance Tuesdays: St. Anthony Devotions Wednesdays: Spanish Mass - 5:15 p.m. Thursdays: St. Jude Devotions MISA EN ESPAOL Cada mircoles a las 5:15 de la tarde
SATURDAY MASSES
Celebrated in Second Floor Chapel
WEEKDAY MASSES
Celebrated in First Floor Chapel Weekdays: 6:30 to 8:00 a.m.; 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.; 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday: 6:30 to 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Seasonal Communal Penance Service: (to be announced) Sunday: 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Legal Holiday: 8:30 to 10:00 a.m. CONTACT US: Phone: 1-617-542-6440 Fax: 1-617-542-4225 Website: http://www.StAnthonyShrine.org Address: 100 Arch Street Downtown Crossing Boston, MA 02110
SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION
8:00 a.m.
10:00 a.m.
Celebrated in Second Floor Chapel 8:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 12:00 Noon Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament (First Floor Chapel) Weekdays at 1:45 p.m. Saturdays at 12:30 p.m. Sundays at 1:00 p.m. Benediction (First Floor Chapel) Weekdays: 5:00 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays: 3:30 p.m. Vespers Sundays: 3:15 p.m.
EXECUTIVE STAFF
Holy Rosary of Mary Sundays: 2:45 p.m. Chaplet of Divine Mercy Sundays: 3:00 p.m.
Fr. James Patrick Kelly, OFM, PhD Guardian and Executive Director Fr. Brian Cullinane, OFM Assistant Executive Director of Ministries
MINISTRIES OF SAINT ANTHONY SHRINE WORSHIP/YOUR SPIRITUAL HOME RECONCILIATION MUSIC LAzARUS PROGRAM WELLNESS CENTER SAINT ANTHONY BREAD FOR THE POOR BREAD ON THE COMMON FRANCISCAN SPIRITUAL COMPANIONSHIP MINISTRY THE KIDS PROGRAM SENIORS ON ARCH STREET MYCHAL JUDGE CENTER FOR RECOVERY FRANCISCAN FOOD CENTER EVANGELIzATION GOOD WORD: (617) 542-0502 HISPANIC MINISTRY FRANCISCAN ADULT SCHOOL PIETA MINISTRY 20S/30S BOSTON COME HOME PROGRAM PRISON MINISTRY LGBT MINISTRY GRIEF MINISTRY
6 Saint Anthony Shrine The Church on Arch Street
The kind that are provocative, inviting discussion
Inconvenient Film Series For My Father
Faith Encounters the Ecological Crisis (Just Matters Study Module)
a Franciscan Intermezzo event beginning Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Series of Eight Tuesday sessions (2 hrs. each) 2013: Oct. 1, 15; Nov. 12, 26; Dec. 10 2014: Jan. 7, 21; Feb. 4 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. 2nd floor classroom Pre-registration required by Monday, Sept. 16 to order books & receive preparatory materials. Cost: $5 per session. Plus $16 for books.
September 14, 2013*, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. 2nd fl classroom Cost: $5.
Terek, a Palestinian forced on a suicide mission in Tel Aviv to redeem his father's honor, is given a second chance when the fuse on his explosive vest fails to detonate. Forced to spend the weekend in Tel Aviv awaiting its repair, Terek must live amongst the people he was planning to kill. To his surprise he connects with several Israelis on the outskirts of society, including the beautiful Keren, who has cut off contact with her Orthodox family and upbringing. With nothing to lose, Terek and Keren open up to one another, and an unlikely love blooms between two isolated and damaged individuals, raised to be enemies.
However, with the deadly load of explosives still strapped to him, he must spend 48 hours in the city, caught between the men that sent him who can blow up his bomb remotely, the Israeli police patrolling the streets and his new-found companions. Spending this time with Keren and his new friends, Terek discovers the spark of life returning to fill his soul, but when the weekend ends, Terek must make the decision of his life. *Yom Kippur, Jewish Day of Atonement begins Sundown, Friday, Sept. 13, 2013 Contact: Dr. Jackie Stewart, St. Anthony Shrine, 617542-6440, ext. 143 or email [email protected]. Offered by Franciscan Adult School
Tonys Travelers
Day Trips with a Purpose
Join Us for A Day of Fun & Gambling at Foxwoods Casino!!
Sunday, September 22, 2013 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. $20 per person! Includes Casino Package of $10 Meal Voucher & $10 for bets at Keno
Fill out form in lobby flyer and leave at front desk or contact Fr. Barry Langley, OFM at 617-542-6440, ext. 241 for more information about this program.
The module has a strong focus on Catholic social teaching and asks very big questions about our priorities, our moral values, what we owe the world now and the future generations that come after us, and what God intended for this creation. The material is challenging and likely to raise some troubling questions and emotions. This is good! It is necessary! It is also necessary that participants enter the process with the desire to listen to one another and to learn from one another.
Faith Encounters the Ecological Crisis identifies that ways in which we are already living beyond the biocapacity of the planet and challenges participants to identify elements of a spirituality for living through the ecological crisis. Participants will view several films, engage in small and large group discussion, and meet with several guest speakers as they consider various aspects of the ecological crisis. Participants will also identify ways to live beyond the end of this world with a rich and vibrant Earth community still intact, still able to support life.
Every day, we experience the many ways the ecology of our communities is changing and even breaking down toxins in our air, waters, and food, extinction rates unseen since the end of the dinosaur age, changes in weather patterns, diseases impacting our forests, the rise in human diseases like cancer, asthma, and diabetes, invasive species, and more.
Limited Seats Available - get your registration in early!
Contact: Dr. Jackie Stewart, St. Anthony Shrine, 617542-6440, ext. 143 or email [email protected]. Offered by Franciscan Adult School Just Matters Group
By the end of the process, participants will have seen what the crisis has to teach us about how to live faithfully in this moment in time, brought Gospel values to the forefront of their reflections on the state of the Earth, gained a sense of empowerment within the context of community, and explored options for making a commitment to action.
100 Arch Street Boston, Massachusetts 02110 617.542.6440
The New LGBT Fall Gathering Meet & Greet Wine & Cheese Social
Thursday, September 12, 2013 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. For Registrations contact Fr. Joe Quinn, OFM, 617-542-6440, ext. 239 Join our mailing list to hear about upcoming events: [email protected]
LGBT MinistryLesbians, Gays, Bi-sexual and Transgendered Catholics, Families & Friends
more Upcoming Events
New Eucharistic Ministers Workshop
Saturday, October 5, 2013 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Leaders: Fr.Frank McHugh, OFM & Worship Committee
New Lectors Workshop
Saturday, October 19, 2013 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Plus A follow-on practicum session of 2 hours to be arranged. Leaders: Fr. Emeric Meier, OFM & Worship Committee Registration for these workshops is requested by Monday, September 30, 2013.
Members of the Shrine Community who are in their twenties (20s) and thirties (30s), are invited to join us for the following events. RSVP to [email protected]
20s/30s Boston
Commissioning following successful completion of the workshop and practicum:
Masses on Saturday, October 26 at 4 p.m. & Sunday, October 27 at 10 a.m.
Apple-Picking & Wine Tasting Trip!!
Saturday, September 21, 2013 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
11 a.m. - Leave Shrine 12 p.m. - Arrive Nashoba Valley Winery 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. - Choose your own options: -Take Winery Tour with Wine Tasting ($10), -Wine Tasting only ($5), -Apple Picking ($15/peck; $25/bushel), -Picnic Lunch ($12.50should pre-order on-line at http://www.nashobawinery.com/events/ and follow instructions OR Bring your own lunch 4 p.m. - Mass at outdoor picnic table 5 p.m. - Leave for Shrine 6 p.m. - Arrive at Shrine
For new Worship Ministers, a program of theology and practicum and public commissioning for service. To register for these workshops, please fill out form found in the lobbies of the Shrine or email [email protected]. Questions? Contact Fr. Frank McHugh, OFM via email [email protected] or at 617-542-6440, ext. 170.
Offered by the Franciscan Adult School
Please note: We will be carpooling to Nashoba Winery let us know when you register whether you need a ride or can provide a ride in your car.
The Franciscan Spirituality of Thomas Merton*: Changing Hearts, Living Faith
Annual Weekend Retreat
October 11 13, 2013 at Glastonbury Abbey Retreat leader; Fr. Dan Horan, OFM Cost: $145 per person includes two nights accommodations, all meals. $50 deposit required. Final payment due Monday, Sept. 30.
After my abortion, I was broken and desperate for help. I turned to Project Rachel. After the experience, I left feeling like a whole person again. Forgiveness became a reality for me, a feeling I never imagined was possible. The pain of abortion haunts many women. Retreats offered by the Project Rachel ministry of the Archdiocese of Boston can help women find hope, healing and reconciliation after abortion. If you or a loved one is suffering from post-abortion pain, contact Project Rachel about upcoming Come to the Waters of Healing retreats to be held September 21, October 26 and November 23, 2013. For more information and to register for the date of your choice, call Project Rachel at 508.651.3100 or email [email protected]. All inquiries are confidential.
Project Rachel
