Prince of Peace Center

On Good Friday, April 1, 1983, a rainbow appeared as Sister Benita Repasky,67, drove into the Shenango Valley to establish a new ministry to serve the poor. Her notes indicate, “I seemed to hear these words . . . ‘My child, take my hand, and I shall bring you into a new life and give you health as never before. I will give you vigor and radiant joy. Be not afraid. My love surrounds you, and my power preserves and protects you. You are starting out upon a ministry, the foundations of which no man has laid. It shall be a path to holiness, a way of miracles, and a life of glory. Lean on Me and trust Me wholly.’” That trust in God led to a ministry that has served the growing needs of the poor population in Sharon and Farrell, Pennsylvania for more than 30 years. First known as the St. Paul’s Catholic Center, Prince of Peace Center symbolized a dream fulfilled for Sr. Benita. Since 1991, the Prince of Peace Center has been an affiliate of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Erie. The Center is committed to strengthening families, building community, and reducing poverty among people of all races, faiths, ages, and backgrounds. It provides services that address the economic, emotional, and spiritual needs of those seeking help to achieve self-sufficiency. Its staff affirms the dignity of those in need by compassionately responding to their essential human needs through advocacy, education, and empowerment. The Prince of Peace Center provides emergency assistance, counseling, a food pantry, mentoring and advocacy, a soup kitchen, a thrift store and other services. The Sisters of St. Joseph, Sisters Benita Repasky and Clare Marie Beichner, and SSJ Associate Adrianne Ward are credited with having the vision and leadership that have resulted in this thriving and vital ministry. Though Sister Benita died in 1999, this ministry to the impoverished in the Shenango Valley endures.