Media coverage of Pope Francis' announcement that priests worldwide will be able to absolve women who had abortions caused widespread confusion since, according to Bishop Thomas John Paprocki, most priests in the United States, including the Springfield diocese, already have such authority in the sacrament of reconciliation.
"Here, the faculty, or permission, to remit the excommunication attached to the procurement of an abortion (per canon 1398 of the Code of Canon Law) was delegated to all priests in 1989," said Bishop Paprocki in a statement Sept. 2. "Pope Francis has generously extended this faculty to all Catholic priests everywhere in the world so that the reality of God's abiding mercy in the Sacrament of Penance may be more widely experienced."
As part of the outreach of the Year of Mercy, Pope Francis will now grant the faculty to all priests worldwide. The Jubilee Year begins on Dec. 8, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, and continues through to the Solemnity of Christ the King in November 2016.
Mary E. McClusky, assistant director of Project Rachel ministry development in the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities, said it has been frustrating for her to see reports in the secular media that perpetuate "the false notion that the church excommunicates anyone" who has an abortion.
"They are making it sound like something new," she said, "but the church has welcomed all sinners since the time of Jesus. ... It is at the heart of what it means to be a priest to extend that forgiveness."
"Looking at the positive side of the confusion, it allowed churches an opportunity to clarify practices, promote the upcoming Year of Mercy and inform post-abortive women about the healing they can receive through Project Rachel," said Donna Moore, director of the diocesan Office for Pro-Life Activities and Special Ministries. "Aborting a child is a grave act that wounds a woman deeply."
Moore said the Catholic Church offers hope and healing for women and men, both Catholic and non-Catholic, through Project Rachel. Support groups or retreats, as well as referrals to licensed mental health professionals if needed, are some of the way Project Rachel offers a confidential and safe place for someone who suffers from involvement in an abortion.
"Project Rachel is a safe place to tell their story and heal," continued Moore. Those in need of healing from abortion can call 1 (877) Rachel-5, and talk to a trusted volunteer who will listen and start the healing process.
Project Rachel, which has existed since 1975, was taken under the umbrella of the bishops' conference in 2005.