The Joseph Ministry
So many men with abortions in their past may often feel deep shame, regret, loss, or despair. Abortion goes against a man’s instinct to protect and provide. It is a deep wound that affects his very identity.
In most cases, men do not make the distinct connection between the abortion and the feelings and behaviors they may have: anger, anxiety, addictions, depression, fear (of failure, of rejection), grief, guilt, inability to bond with children, loneliness, numbness, relationship problems, sexual dysfunction, shame, sleeplessness and/or nightmares, and substance abuse.
The good news is that hope and healing are available to all who have suffered from abortion.
The Joseph Ministry is created and designed to provide compassionate, non-judgmental healing help and support for all men who have suffered a loss due to abortion. Priests, religious, counselors, and laypeople provide a team response of care that can help to heal those wounded by abortion. Individual mentoring, small groups, one-day and weekend retreats, professional counseling, and spiritual guidance referrals are available.
If you or someone you know is suffering after abortion, please call our Joseph Ministry Referral Line at 419-219-6660 or email thejosephministry@toledodiocese.org. We serve anyone regardless of religious background. Please contact us. We can help.
Entering Caanan Retreats
Entering Caanan Retreats are offered throughout the year to help anyone who has experienced grief, anxiety, depression or guilt after an abortion to find healing and peace. Separate retreats for men and women are offered to those who have experienced abortions recently or in the past. The retreats include Scripture reflection, prayer and an opportunity to connect with a support system. The cost is typically $25 and includes lunch. Scholarships are available, and pre-registration is required.
Volunteering
Feel called to serve in this ministry of love and mercy? Please contact Tyler Pakka at 419-299-6660 or thejosephministry@toledodiocese.org.
Testimonies of Hope and Healing
This week on "Faith Alive!" Kerstin Pakka, Catholic Charities Project Rachel Coordinator, shares upcoming ministry plans for a retreat this fall. Then Host Rodney Schuster, Executive Director of Catholic Charities Diocese of Toledo, discusses a variety of topics with Fr. Jeffrey Kirby, pastor at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church - Indian Land, SC in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charleston.
Kerstin Pakka, Catholic Charities Project Rachel Coordinator, shares the impact abortion can have on couples and the services offered to assist family members on their healing journey. Kevin J. Fitzpatrick MPS, MSCM, from the Office of Justice and Peace of Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans shares some of his program ministries there.
Does praying in front of an abortion clinic make a difference? Read the story of baby Justice we received from Bob Schoen who prayed in front of the Toledo abortion clinic during our 40 Days for Life campaign.
