Sister Perpetua Dickant, SSJ, was born in Ridgway, Pennsylvania. She received a bachelor’s in elementary education from Villa Maria College, Erie, in 1972. She participated in many seminars and workshops on early childhood education in Washington, DC, Richmond, VA, and Harrisburg, PA. Sr. Perpetua entered the Sisters of St. Joseph from her home parish, St. Leo Magnus, Ridgway, PA, on September 2, 1954, and professed her final vows on August 15, 1960. She taught at Sacred Heart Elementary School in Erie. Sister Perpetua always had a desire to care for and help children. From 1970 until its closing in 1981, Sister Perpetua was director of the former Erie Day Nursery Day Care Center. She then ministered at St. Joseph Home for Children as a housemother and nursery supervisor. Sister Perpetua also received a practical nursing certificate from the Erie School District in 1983. She ministered as a nurse’s aide and a licensed practical nurse in pediatrics at Saint Vincent Hospital. She served in pastoral ministry as a Eucharistic minister at St. Joseph/Bread of Life Community in Erie.