The birth of their first grandchild in February, 2008 prompted them to get involved with the St. Matthew Parish Respect Life committee.  A homily by Fr. Paul Noble inspired them further as he talked about how abortion won’t end with legislation, but when hearts are changed.

Shortly afterward, they heard a presentation about the psychological impact of abortion from Bethesda Foundress Judy Schlueter. They began praying for the women who were healing and felt drawn to serve this ministry further.

They started by providing food to Bethesda Healing Ministry — as hospitality with the comfort of sharing meals is a tradition at Five Porticos for each gathering.

Judy then asked them to prayerfully consider a Board role — which they gladly accepted.

“It is really nice to share this ministry as a couple,” said Judeen. “And this is a diocesan-wide ministry, so we have met many wonderful people outside of our own parish.”

Frank was a recent Bethesda Dinner Concert co-chair along with Janet Donohue. The event was held in August at St. Charles Preparatory School.

“It was gratifying to see Judy’s vision unfold for this event,” said Frank. “We raised a record amount of money to continue to serve the women and families of Bethesda. We also enjoyed watching people from all different parishes come together for the evening in such a beautiful venue.”

Both Frank and Judeen cite the women’s testimonies as the most captivating moment of the evening. “You could have heard a pin drop,” said Frank.

The Hartges invite you to consider volunteering with Bethesda Healing Ministry.

Bethesda has ongoing needs for food, office, hospitality, landscaping, cleaning and pastoral care services. Please visit www.bethesdahealing.org for more information.

Dear Bethesda friends,

Something wonderful happened last Sunday (August 14).  Those of us who serve this Ministry of the Church at every level knew that we were called to honor the inspiration for the program with Daniel Cabanillas and colleagues through offering a full evening reflecting “A Celebration of God’s Mercy”. On the Eve of the Assumption of the Blessed Mother into heaven the spirit seemed to change. Our FUNDERS who worked tirelessly for almost a year, along with our board and ministry members thought we would be recipients of financial/ friendship support and we abundantly were. Yet it seemed to be a larger desire on the part of a God who cannot be outdone in generosity that not only would we be recipients, but also gift-givers of an opportunity to experience His grace, joy and beauty. The Spirit seemed to have embraced us all. Thank you for offering to Him and to us your gifts of self. We are forever grateful.

God bless you,

Bethesda Healing Ministry

Post by Kevin Volz, Written Impact Media Manager and Writer

When Judy Schlueter founded Bethesda Healing Ministry in 1993, she wanted to create a community that was not just a quick fix for those searching for post-abortion healing. She wanted a nurturing environment that would give constant love, trust and acceptance to those seeking help. Since its humble beginnings more than 15 years ago, Bethesda Healing Ministry has provided help and support to countless women who struggle with the emotions that develop after having an abortion.

Bethesda’s major challenge is finding ways to help women open up about their post-abortion feelings. Many women are ashamed of their choice and have a fear of others knowing that they are a post-abortion woman. Those involved in the ministry pray for those women taking the first step, those women who no longer go to the ministry and those women who will arrive in the future.

On Sunday, August 14 at 4:00 p.m. Bethesda will be hosting its tenth annual benefit dinner at St. Charles Preparatory School. The Ministry relies almost entirely on the proceeds from the benefit dinner for its operating budget. The purpose of the event is to share the stories of the women and men who have been wounded by abortion and how they found healing and restoration through the Ministry’s compassionate community. The evening includes cocktails, dinner, speakers and a concert. This year’s featured performer is Daniel Cabanillas.

Daniel is a pianist, tenor and organist. He lives in Erie, Pennsylvania, where he works at local colleges and churches. Daniel is an accomplished performer. Some of the organizations he has performed with include:

• The Erie Opera Theater
• The D’Angelo Opera Theater
• The Erie Chamber Orchestra (which selected him as the soloist for their 25^th anniversary concert)

Daniel’s passion lies in liturgical music and singing praise to God. His mission is to spread the word of God to all through his music. Daniel and his wife Emily are the directors of music at St. George’s Catholic Church in Erie and Daniel is also the Director of Liturgical Music at Mercyhurst College’s Christ the King Chapel.

As one of the busiest liturgical singers in the Erie area, we are grateful to have Daniel join us for our tenth benefit dinner. His inspiring lyrics and soaring voice will make the evening truly special for all involved.

Reservations are now being taken for this year’s benefit. To make a reservation, contact Diana at 614-898-9520. You can also send an email to ddicesaredavis@aol.com or email us via our contact page.

Last week I had the privilege of interviewing Dave Osborn, who is a member of the Bethesda Healing Ministry board. He gave some great insight into what it’s like to be involved with the ministry and the work they do.

Dave first heard about the ministry through Judy Schlueter, the founder of Bethesda Healing Ministry, at the ministry’s annual fundraiser dinner.

An invitation was extended to Dave to be on the board of the ministry, and after a substantial discernment process and a lot of prayer, he accepted. Dave said that he was very glad to be on the board to assist because he is not a counselor and therefore can’t be on front lines of the ministry.

This is a ministry which is so vital to our culture today. “Forty years of abortions have created the most immeasurable pain in our society and this is a way to find healing,“ said Dave.

A beautiful thing that Dave expressed about the Bethesda Healing Ministry is that it is available to women any time after an abortion. “Whether it’s a week after the abortion or twenty years later, Bethesda is right here for women,” said Dave.

And Bethesda does not only minister to women. The ministry also serves men who have been wounded by abortion and the Bethesda team eagerly welcomes them.

What does Dave enjoy the most about Bethesda Healing Ministry? He appreciates the completeness of the organization. “It’s a Catholic ministry, so we have the fullness of the Sacraments to bring to the healing process.” The ministry also welcomes people of any faith background who are seeking healing after abortion.

Dave would like to encourage Catholics and non-Catholics alike to learn more about the ministry and to spread word of it to others who may be in need of healing. “Picking up the phone for the first time is the hardest step,” said Dave.

Do you have questions about the ministry? We are here to help!

Hold me Mother In your arms, Gently dry my tears, Comfort and console me, Chase away my fears.
Ask your son the healer to hold me in His heart. Shower me with all the love, Your Son the lamb imparts.

Mother of Mercy Help me to trust And know and love your Son, Who leaves the ninety-nine behind To go after … me, the one!

No matter the situation or circumstances surrounding a personal abortion experience, even if this experience is in spiritual or emotional isolation, the Father is always there and runs to meet this beloved child, wrap her/him in His arms and throw a party to celebrate his or her return.

Bethesda Healing Ministry works quietly and with great love. How do we describe the ministry when people ask us how they can help? The Bethesda response remains, “It is a miracle of God’s mercy that joy is birthed.”

Without marketing or promotion, the program and work of the Bethesda Healing Ministry is growing around the country. Seven diocese have requested formation support to duplicate what Bethesda offers to women and men seeking acceptance, healing and hope.

Priests and seminarians request that we increase our availability so that more might experience the gift and graces of this ministry. The Bethesda call is growing, numbers are increasing, our needs are great and our hope is bountiful.

Please mark your calendars to join us for ‘A CELEBRATION OF GOD’S MERCY’ Bethesda Healing Ministry Dinner and Concert at St. Charles Preparatory School – on Sunday, August 14, 2011 / 4:00 p.m. This Memorable Event features Keynote offered by Bishop Frederick Campbell and concert in the style of Josh Groban by International Tenor Daniel Cabanillas of Erie, PA.

DINNER, WINE, BEER AND CONCERT ARE COMPLIMENTARY. WE WILL APPEAL FOR YOUR FREEWILL SUPPORT AT THE CLOSE OF THE EVENING.

PLEASE RSVP BY AUGUST 7th Tables and Individual seats available. Call Diana at 898-9520 email: ddicesaredavis@aol.com

Judy Schlueter, LPC, MAPC, RN

For prayerful reflection and discussion:

Abby Johnson, author of the book “Unplanned,” and current popular talk show guest recently exited a staff position with planned parenthood. While holding the probe for an ultra-sound abortion procedure on a 13 week old pre-born child, Abby describes an epiphany experience. Abby departs planned parenthood and finds haven in the Life movement. It seems Abby has quickly become a “poster child’ for validating the horrible truth about the abortion industry, in this case: planned parenthood.

Questions: As an active participant in the abortion business with survival defenses still necessary until spiritual and emotional healing can take place, is it possible that those of us who rejoice in every victory for Truth might perhaps be using Abby without concern for the dignity of her personhood? Is she not a feminine woman with a sensitive spirit that has been violated over the years through participation in the abortion industry? Is it not possible that when the lights go out at night and Abby is alone with her thoughts, fears, shame, isolation, that she might indeed be grappling with some post traumatic stress disorder symptoms?

While Abby wants to atone and make restitution in her relationship with God and herself – is she denying and are we encouraging Abby to ‘step away’ from the past years taking from her the immediate opportunity and time to heal under the pastoral direction of a holy and wise priest who guides Abby away from the microphones of the public so that she might find spiritual respite for her recovery?

AND if Abby is the mother of aborted babies, in time, if not now, she will come face-to- face with the reality of signs and symptoms of post abortion syndrome? Will she know what they are?
Will she have a spiritually knowledgeable and experienced priest/pastoral professional present to allow Abby all the time she will require to rest in the healing presence of Jesus? Will she begin to see herself as a mother needing to grieve for her aborted children and begin to forgive herself?

Can we give Abby space and time to know that indeed she is a beloved daughter of the Father, thus has reason for hope and healing because ‘the favors of the Lord are not exhausted and his mercies are not spent; they are renewed each morning so great is faithfulness…and Abby deserves our consideration and respect to be allowed space and time and our prayers, that she truly can wait on the Lord in the peaceful quiet of hope. (Lamentations 3:22,23)

Judy Schlueter, LPC, MAPC, RN, is the Founder and Director of Bethesda Healing Ministry, Columbus OH. She has been personally involed in working with mothers in crisis pregnancies and those wounded by abortion for 38 years.

It was Jessica.

“Judy asked if I might like to speak with someone who’s been through this before and gave me your number.”

I asked her if she’d like to talk or listen.  She wanted to talk, so I listened.

Jessica and I went on to talk for about half-an-hour. Our stories had many similarities: Insomnia severe enough to require very strong sleep medication, which still, sometimes, doesn’t work. The need for a ‘replacement’ child – only to find out after the ‘replacement(s)’ are born – the pain doesn’t go away… That, in fact, the pain multiplies as you hold your new baby and realize what you’ve done to the other(s).  We had many more common experiences–all born out of the woundedness from our abortions.

As Jessica and I were ending our phone conversation, I invited her to come to our building at Five Porticos for a ministry meeting, and, also during the daytime, for a private conversation, and for private time in our chapel. She expressed interest in the ministry meeting, but said that she wasn’t feeling well enough to drive that day.

After we hung up, the phone rang again … “So much for Morning Prayer,” I thought. I started my business for the day, thinking that I would go to Mass at noon, next door at Christ the King.

Twenty minutes later, the phone rings again. It’s Jessica.

She says, “I’m in the parking lot outside your door now. Can I come in?”

“Certainly,” I said!

When she came in, we hugged, hung up her coat and I asked her, “Would you like to join me for Morning Prayer in our chapel?”

Seems that God was answering my Morning Prayer before it was even spoken.