Cathedral to celebrate Mass for those who have lost a child

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SALT LAKE CITY – On Nov. 17, the Cathedral of the Madeleine and the diocesan Respect for Life Commission will hold a Mass for Hope and Healing.

The Mass will focus on providing comfort and offering prayers for those who have experienced early fetal loss through abortion or miscarriage, those who have lost a child, and others impacted by that loss.

“We want them to know we are praying for them and that we invite them to be present to join everyone in prayer in that unique setting,” Respect for Life Commission Chairperson Catherine Stokes said.

The Mass will include prayers for hope and healing from abortion and other losses. The celebrant will be Father Dominic Sternhagen, the cathedral’s parochial vicar.

For those suffering in the aftermath of abortion, the diocese now sponsors Project Rachel, a ministry where confidential, one-on-one sessions are offered by Amy Davis, a licensed professional clinical counselor.

“One of the hopes we have is that there would be greater awareness of Project Rachel in our diocese,” Stokes said. “The more that people know about Amy as a resource, the better. ... A lot of women don’t know where to turn when they are in crisis and we do have a place of healing in our diocese.”

Stokes and Davis will be available after the Mass to answer questions and provide information about Project Rachel, the commission’s prayer ministry and other resources. This is the second year that the diocese has celebrated a Mass for Hope and Healing. Last year’s Mass was celebrated at St. Ambrose Catholic Church. For information, visit dioslc.org under Hope and Healing after Abortion.

WHAT: Mass for Hope and Healing

WHEN: Wednesday, Nov. 17, 7 p.m.

WHERE: Cathedral of the Madeleine, 309 E. South Temple, SLC

All are welcome.