Reclaiming Our Children: A Blog About Healing After Abortion

Message of Mercy • Franciscan Friar of the Renewal Mariusz Koch, at the podium, along with Theresa Bonapartis addressed priests of the Diocese on post abortion healing. Lois Rogers photos Providing Care and Support • Father John Bogacz, parochial vicar of St. Justin the Martyr Parish, Toms River, talks with Deanna Sass, left, diocesan director of the Department of Pastoral Care, and Donna Goodwin, diocesan coordinator of Respect Life Ministry, on what priests can do to minister to those who have experienced abortion.

Story by Lois Rogers, Correspondent

The pain and suffering experienced by those who have been involved in abortion, and the importance of the Church to extend its mercy to such individuals who seek repentance, were topics discussed when priests of the Diocese gathered for a special presentation April 28.

Presented by Franciscan Father Mariusz Koch and Theresa Bonapartis, who have long been involved in post-abortion ministry, the “Lunch and Learn on Post Abortion Healing in the Year of Mercy” was sponsored by the Respect Life Ministry in the Diocesan Department of Pastoral Care.

The program was scheduled in response to the renewed emphasis on pastoral outreach to those involved with an abortion, said Donna Goodwin, coordinator of Respect Life Ministries.

Its goal was to provide speakers  who could share deeper insights with priests on the unique effects of post-abortion syndrome and the need for healing.

It consisted of an overview of post-abortion stress by Theresa Bonapartis and a focus on the Sacraments as invitation to healing by Franciscan Friar of the Renewal Mariusz Koch, as well as boundaries to be mindful of when counseling.

For more than two, very focused hours, Father Koch and Bonapartis shared their insights on the necessity of assisting in post-abortion healing in a Year of Mercy in a country where nearly 58 million unborn children have perished since Roe v. Wade became law in 1973.

They noted the impact abortion has had in the United States, with Guttmacher reporting that in 2014 alone, 21 percent of all pregnancies that ended in abortions were performed on women who have already had more than one.