Diaconal Ministries Resource Manual
13
Rachel's Vineyard
R
achel's Vineyard works with parents who
have suffered from an abortion proce-
dure. In the light of God's mercy and love,
participants are able to connect with others
who have experienced the same.
This three-day Catholic weekend retreat is
an extremely effective and efficient format
for post-abortion healing. There are numer-
ous advantages to doing grief work without
distraction or interruption from one's job,
family life and relationships, especially with
the direction of a priest, counselor and lay
facilitators.
The deacon assists with the promotion
of the retreats by asking other deacons to
encourage and endorse the retreats at their
parish and by speaking to the pastor. Dea-
cons help coordinate a visit by a Rachel's
Vineyard representative to speak at the
parishes. They have also assisted with the
preparation and facilitation of the retreats, in
a limited capacity.
i
www.rvcolorado.org
Gabriel House
G
abriel House is a network of 12 parishes
that assist families throughout Northern
Colorado. They are committed to providing
much-needed supplies to mothers and fam-
ilies with young children. Gabriel House also
helps new moms and their families in need
of love, care, spiritual, material and emotion-
al support. Gabriel House provides material
supplies, such as diapers, wipes, formula,
baby food and clothing. They also assist
with referrals to find housing, employment,
education, and parenting programs. Each
mother is connected with an angel volunteer
who becomes her advocate for both physical
and spiritual needs, along with becoming a
friend.
The deacon supports Gabriel House by
reaching out to the parish community by
asking for donations of the needed items,
collecting them, and recruiting volunteers
from the parish to assist at the house.
i
Deacon Henry Concha
concha@reagan.com
303.296.1024
"
"
I was naked, and you clothed me.
Mt. 25:36
