There is no cost to attend our Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat.

The retreat will begin at 5 pm on Friday, October 7 and end at 3 pm on Sunday, October 9.

The Project Rachel, a Pregnancy Services program at Catholic Charities of East Tennessee, is the coordinator of this Rachel’s Vineyard retreat

You are not required to practice any faith in order to attend the retreat weekend, however, to get the best experience from Rachel’s Vineyard, you should be comfortable in a spiritual setting.

Generally, we cap participation at 10 participants to allow for a small group. However, depending on interest, we may allow more participants.

We see abortion as a trauma. Traumatic events are often aggravated by the need to keep it a carefully guarded secret whereby your feelings have no voice. Healing for victims of trauma can be accomplished by establishing safety, reconstructing the traumatic story, and restoring the connection between survivors and the community. A group context is very cathartic because others who "have been there" can provide validation of symptoms and a supportive, healing element to the process. This does not negate the value of individual counseling and support, however, an experience of group process, particularly when family support can be introduced, often provides a deeper more complete level of healing. Read about the experiences of others who have experienced Rachel's Vineyard here.

Yes! After abortion, men can often struggle with a sense of powerlessness. This can lead to a deep anger and resentment that needs to find a voice, and be healed. Many men have attended the Rachel's Vineyard weekend and have found deep emotional and spiritual healing. Men are most welcome to attend our Rachel's Vineyard retreat. Read about the experiences of other men who have experienced Rachel's Vineyard here.

Yes, you are welcome to invite a support person to the retreat. However, there are no observers at the Rachel’s Vineyard retreat weekend, and everyone is required to participate

The weekend can be especially helpful to couples who have not been able to grieve together. The inability for husbands and wives to acknowledge this loss can create distance, bitterness and resentment. When couples both join in the healing journey, it opens the door to a dramatic increase in physical and emotional intimacy.

Yes. Rachel’s Vineyard is completely confidential. When you sign up for the retreat, your name will not be given to any other individual or group for any circumstance. If you choose to be listed on a contact list for the other members of your weekend group, that is your decision. You can inquire about this program by e-mail or telephone, and you can specify how you would like to receive any information.

At this time, our Rachel’s Vineyard retreat is primarily for those who have had an abortion or been affected by an abortion. There may be other Rachel’s Vineyard retreats that allow attendance for other forms of pregnancy loss. You can search for them here.

After your weekend, you will have met some wonderful people whom you may become very close with. If you wish to participate, an optional email address exchange is done for those wishing to stay in contact. Referrals are also given for aftercare.

NO photography of the participants will be taken during the retreat weekend. However, general photography of the retreat space may be taken.