A Cry for Help!

Details: 09 December 2011

Not long ago on a flight to somewhere, I found myself sitting in an aisle seat next to an individual sitting next to the window who seemed like they had an allergy to priests.

Not only did this person seem depressed and angry, this individual either looked out the window or downward - always away from me. After takeoff, I reached into my pocket and pulled out my concealed weapon which cleared security, my rosary beads. Does anyone else look upon these powerful beads as bullets that scatter demons and help us grow in holiness?

After 15 minutes or so I holstered my weapon and said to the person next to me, "I just said that rosary for you!" Then came a cry for help. Soon after the tears slowed, I found myself hearing the person’s confession. After some brief spiritual counsel and the words "I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit," I now gazed on a face that reflected peace and joy. I have often recalled this event in my mind and prayed for this individual since that providential meeting in the clouds and thought how much this person would have benefited from counseling that incorporates elements of the Catholic faith.

There are many reasons why individuals become wounded psychologically. Let us remember, not every individual responds the same way after the trauma of abuse, domestic violence, abortion, divorce, marital infidelity, or after one of the many other causes not listed.

Recently, the director of counseling services at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Counseling Center at Catholic Social Services, Dr. Aaron Stratman, attended the Healing Vision International Conference. This conference focused on deepening the understanding of the aftermath of abortion and was organized by Vicki Thorn, the foundress of Project Rachel. Dr. Stratman was able to attend, in part, by a generous contribution from the Knights of Columbus Council #10510 at St. Peter Church, of which he is a member.

The conference confirmed the overwhelming evidence of the devastating, severe, and long-lasting emotional, psychological and spiritual difficulties an abortion can have on mothers, fathers, and on society in general. While many of you probably know about these negative effects, the hope often lies in the services and the specialized counseling that the IHM Counseling Center provides throughout the state. I know that Dr. Stratman is planning to select the most interesting and palatable information from the conference and present that information to many parishes.

Remember, God’s ocean of mercy is infinite and available to anyone who seeks it. If you or someone you love, a mother, father, grandparent, sibling, or friend has been affected by an abortion, please call the Project Rachel hotline at 1-888-456-HOPE (4673) to schedule an appointment with one of our Project Rachel counselors. Not only will someone be willing to listen with love and empathy, they will also be able to direct the person to a priest who will offer God’s mercy through the sacraments. Sometimes it’s hard to accept God’s mercy unless we remove the psychological impediments. There is help. There is hope! Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pray for us!