Healing Outreach for Men Impacted by Abortion

For Men Who have Participated in Abortion

You are not alone

Many men carry hidden wounds from abortion—whether through direct involvement, pressure, silence, or absence. The Joseph Ministry, through Catholic Charities Diocese of Toledo, offers confidential accompaniment, resources, and pathways of healing in Christ for men who seek peace and reconciliation.

Available Resources - In Development

• Healing in Relationships – Guidance for wives and family members on how to support a man who is struggling after abortion.
• Counseling Referrals – Access to Catholic and pro-life counselors trained in post-abortion healing.
• Spiritual Healing Materials – Prayer cards, Scripture passages, and devotions designed to help families invite God’s mercy into painful memories.
• Support for Fathers and Grandfathers – Recognizing that grief can extend across generations, resources are available for men of all ages who were involved or affected.

For Parishes and Ministries

Parish Resources

Parishes are on the frontlines of mercy. The Joseph Ministry provides materials to help parishes walk with men in need of healing.

Available Resources - In Development

• Bulletin Inserts & Flyers – Ready-to-use materials to promote awareness of The Joseph Ministry.
• Small Group Discussion Guides – Faith-based resources to help men’s groups address the topic of abortion and healing.
• Pastoral Guides – How parish staff and lay leaders can compassionately respond when someone discloses past involvement in abortion.
• Confession Cards – Parishes can re-order pocket-sized confession cards with prayers and a link to The Joseph Ministry webpage for men seeking ongoing support. Re-order by emailing TheJosephMinistry@toledodiocese.org.

For Clergy and Pastoral Ministers

Clergy Resources

Priests and deacons are uniquely positioned to be instruments of God’s mercy. The Joseph Ministry equips clergy with tools for pastoral care:

Suggested Resources - In Development

• Clergy Resource Packet – Homily helps, pastoral approaches, and suggested language for preaching on abortion and healing without shame.
• Confession Companion Guide – Practical advice for responding with gentleness and clarity to men confessing involvement in abortion.
• Retreat & Referral Information – Details on Project Rachel retreats and one-on-one opportunities for ongoing healing.
• Re-order Confession Cards – Clergy may request additional cards for the confessional or for distribution in pastoral settings. Re-order by emailing TheJosephMinistry@toledodiocese.org.

The Joseph Ministry is a ministry of Catholic Charities Northwest Ohio developed in collaboration with Project Rachel Ministry.