The priory adjoining the Basilica of Ss. Peter & Paul in Lewiston, which served as the home for Dominican Fathers for more than a century, is getting a facelift and a fresh start. Catholic Charities Maine has entered into a long-term lease agreement with Prince of Peace Parish and will be relocating some of its offices and services there.

“I am so pleased that the Church could use parish property and that it will be placed at the service of those in need in our community and state,” says Father Daniel Greenleaf, pastor of Prince of Peace Parish and rector of the basilica. “Partnering with Catholic Charities allows us as a parish to assist in their ministry and to make visible to our own parishioners and the greater Lewiston community the great work done by them.”

“This is an ideal partnership that will deepen our connection to serving the greater Lewiston/Auburn area, while affording us the opportunity to grow and expand our service offerings in Maine,” says Steve Letourneau, CEO of Catholic Charities Maine. 

A ceremonial groundbreaking was held in December to mark the beginning of extensive renovation work that will be done to modernize the 130-year-old priory and make it ADA compliant. The four-story building is expected to be ready for Catholic Charities in the fall.

In addition to moving its administrative offices from Portland to the priory, Catholic Charities Maine plans to relocate some programs from Auburn to Lewiston, including Parish Social Ministry, Education Services for Blind and Visually Impaired Children, SEARCH, which is a senior companionship program, and Independent Support Services, which provides homemaker services to seniors and adults with disabilities. The St. Francis Recovery Center will remain in Auburn, and behavioral health services and Freedom Place, which serves women struggling with addiction and poverty, will remain in the greater Portland area. 

Letourneau says there are many reasons the priory is a good fit. Lewiston is an area in need of services but is a bit more centrally located than Portland, important since Catholic Charities Maine serves people statewide. It is near the basilica, one of the diocese’s signature churches. There is a hall that can be used for indoor gatherings, plus an outdoor courtyard. There is also ample parking and room to expand. 

For the parish, it’s an opportunity to revitalize an unused building for the benefit of the community.

“This partnership between Catholic Charities Maine and Prince of Peace Parish is rooted in shared mission and values,” says Father Greenleaf. “I believe this arrangement will foster collaboration, enable joint events, and create shared space for community engagement.”

In addition to Portland and Lewiston/Auburn, Catholic Charities also has programs based in Brewer and in northern Maine.