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.

June 27, 2023

Healing Ministries are the Focus of This Week's "Faith Alive!"

byDeborah Boyce

Listen on demand to archived "Faith Alive" programs on Annunciation Radio's mobile app or on their website at https://www.annunciationradio.com/faith-alive

Tune in to this week's "Faith Alive" on Annunciation Radio of Northwest Ohio as Host Rodney Schuster, Executive Director of Catholic Charities Diocese of Toledo, welcomes Kerstin Pakka, Catholic Charities Project Rachel Coordinator, who shares the impact losing a child can have and the services offered to assist family members on their healing journey.

Then Kevin J. Fitzpatrick MPS, MSCM, from the Office of Justice and Peace of Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans shares some of the healing justice prison ministries he is involved with there with the incarcerated, especially those in solitary confinement, and the plight of reentering citizens once released.

Listen on demand to this and other archived "Faith Alive" programs on Annunciation Radio's mobile app or on their website at https://www.annunciationradio.com/faith-alive

Catholic Charities Diocese of Toledo’s hour-long program airs weekly on Tuesdays at 4 p.m. and is re-broadcast at 3 p.m. on Saturdays. Tune in to WNOC 89.7 FM Toledo / Bowling Green, WHRQ 88.1 FM Sandusky / Port Clinton, WFOT 89.5 FM Mansfield / Lexington, WSHB 90.9 FM Willard, and WRRO 89.9 FM in Bryan are Northwest and North Central Ohio's Catholic Radio Stations.

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