Mercy of the Lord is waiting in the sacrament, says bishop

by Jeanne Gorman
Special to The Leaven

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Deathbed confessions about aborting a child are not uncommon.

Maybe the act wasn’t confessed because the penitent did not feel the act was forgivable, or the guilt was too strong or embarrassing, or they feared judgment.

Yet, by delaying this reconciliation with God and his church, these people have been denied the mercy the Lord wishes to show them and their ability to participate fully in the faith life of the church.

Bishop Daniel Thomas, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities, recognizing the challenges for some to seek forgiveness for their act, has issued an invitation for all burdened by an abortion experience to come home to the Catholic Church this Lent. He is asking all diocesan priests to join him in this crusade.

Why Lent? Traditionally known as a time of repentance and forgiveness, Lent provides a particularly appropriate opportunity to reach out to those who may have had an abortion “experience.”  

This includes the woman who has had an abortion, the man who may have influenced or precipitated the abortion, the family and friends who may have aided the abortion, and the medical personnel who facilitated the abortion.

In his invitation, Bishop Thomas said: “As we approach Lent, please allow me to speak to all who carry the unbearable sadness and guilt of an abortion experience. Be assured that Jesus keeps on loving you, no matter what. . . . Jesus’ voice is calling out to you as his beloved daughters and sons and he is waiting to meet you in the sacrament of reconciliation. He desires a relationship with you. This Lent, I personally invite you to come home to the church.” 

He goes on to encourage those who have had an abortion experience to find hope in God’s mercy and remember that God loves them unconditionally.

Deacon Ron Zishka of Sacred Heart Parish in Tonganoxie, has been active in pro-life activities even before he was ordained a deacon. He first became involved as a member of the Knights of Columbus and after he was ordained in 2017, was assigned to ministry in the pro-life office.

Deacon Zishka recognizes that not everyone who has had an abortion experience may be ready for such reconciliation. However, they may be interested in learning how to deal with their deep pain, sadness and guilt.

“Many think that abortion is an unforgivable sin,” he explained, “so they stay away from the church.”

But the sacrament is not the only thing the church has to offer.

“Men and women who are not ready to confess but who are interested in learning to deal with their guilt are invited to contact their parish priest or Project Rachel,” he said.

Project Rachel — and Project Joseph for men — is a confidential ministry of the Catholic Church that offers hope and healing for those suffering from past abortions (See sidebar.) These groups provide nonjudgmental support through counseling, accompaniment and more. 

 If you know someone who has had an abortion, said Deacon Zishka, he recommends you pray for them and avoid judging them because you may not know their full story. Encourage them to have hope and to seek reconciliation if they have not already done so.

“I remind everyone that the mercy of God is beyond anything we can do,” said Deacon Zishka. “We find that mercy in reconciliation.” 

And he hopes those impacted by abortion will seek the Lord’s mercy and forgiveness this Lent.

“Regardless of when or the circumstances surrounding the abortion, please come back to the church,” he said.

How to contact Project Rachel and Project Joseph

Email: projectrachelkc@archkck.org
Phone: (913) 621-2199 (call or text)
3021 N. 54th St.
Kansas City, KS 66104
Or visit on Facebook — Project Rachel in KC, KS
Information may also be accessed through the website of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas at: archkck.org.
The programs are open to everyone, regardless of faith.