PORTLAND — Rachel’s Vineyard retreats aim to offer solace, peace and inner healing to any individual connected to an abortion, regardless of the role they played. The retreat provides a safe place to grieve the loss and to understand how abortion has affected them, so they can grow beyond it.

The next Rachel’s Vineyard retreat in Maine is scheduled for Friday-Sunday, April 14-16, in southern Maine. The location will be known only to those involved to ensure they feel secure.

The retreat will start at 5 p.m. Friday and conclude at 1:30 p.m. on Divine Mercy Sunday. The weekend will include Scripture meditations, the opportunity for the sacrament of reconciliation, a memorial service, Mass, and sharing with others personally affected by abortion, according to a news release from Dave Guthro, communications director, Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland.

One does not need to be Catholic to register for the weekend.

To talk about attending a retreat, leave a confidential message at 207-321-7897, email projectrachel@portlanddiocese.org or submit a confidential online form at portlanddiocese.org.

To learn more about the program or hear more from past participants, visit portlanddiocese.org.

Check out other upcoming area events!