Maria House Project
Maria House Project is a home mission in the Diocese of Erie, founded by Fr. James Peterson in 1971, providing small group living for 30-35 men needing community to heal.
Maria House Project residents are recovering from addictions, incarceration, homelessness, mental and emotional illness, probation and parole, war and isolation. Maria House Project is a non-profit organization which is blessed to have over one hundred dedicated volunteers serving an average of 100 men annually.
Spiritual-Based Recovery
Maria House Project
A Community of Hope & Healing
Maria House Project
A Haven for Healing & New Beginnings
Maria House Project is more than a place—it’s a lifeline, a sanctuary, and a beacon of hope for those seeking recovery and renewal. With compassion at its core, this program embraces souls facing addiction, offering not just support but a path forward—one rooted in dignity, empowerment, and the belief that transformation is possible.
Here, healing begins with community. Through guidance, understanding, and unwavering encouragement, Maria House Project helps people rebuild their lives, rediscover their strength, and step into a future filled with possibility. Hope is waiting. You are not alone. We are here to help. Reach out today.
The Lodge
The Lodge is the heart of healing at Maria House Project—a safe, supportive space where individuals seeking recovery can rebuild their lives with faith, structure, and guidance. Through live-in Christian recovery programs, residents find not only shelter but a path to renewal, surrounded by a community that uplifts, encourages, and fosters lasting transformation.
Here, recovery is more than overcoming addiction—it’s rediscovering hope, restoring dignity, and stepping into a future filled with possibility.
The Office
The Office is the brains of the body of service that comprises the Maria House Project. Behind every life-changing recovery journey, there’s a team ensuring everything runs smoothly. The Office is where the mission comes to life—coordinating programs, providing resources, and ensuring individuals receive the support they need. From outreach to logistics, this dedicated space keeps Maria House Project’s work moving forward with care, compassion, and purpose.
Maria House Project –
A Sanctuary of Healing, Hope, and Redemption
At Maria House Project, we believe that no life is beyond God’s grace, no soul is too lost to be found, and no struggle is stronger than the power of redemption. Addiction does not define a person—faith, healing, and renewal do.
In this sacred space, suffering souls on the journey to recovery find refuge, restoration, and a renewed sense of purpose. Through compassionate guidance, spiritual nourishment, and unwavering support, Maria House Project serves as more than a treatment center—it is a home where brokenness meets mercy, where isolation transforms into fellowship, and where despair is replaced by hope.
Through faith-based programs, counseling, and community gatherings, lives are rebuilt from the ground up. The Lodge provides shelter, healing, and the strength to walk the path of recovery, while the chapel and spiritual leaders ensure that every individual is led closer to Christ. Weekly Masses, Bible studies, and guided reflections offer renewal, while heartfelt fellowship reminds each person that they are never alone in their journey.
Here, dignity is restored, chains are broken, and new beginnings are embraced. Maria House Project is more than a mission—it is a beacon of God’s love, a light in the darkness, and a testament to the power of faith and transformation.
Join us. Support us. Help us heal lives and lead souls home to Christ.
Philippians 4:13
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
What The People Say
“I owe the Maria House Project my life. I am alive today because of them. I am so grateful for my second chance at life through Christ!”
D.B.
“Thank you to everyone who serves, donates, and volunteers at the Maria House. You are saving lives!”
L.M.
“Recovery through Christ is legit The Way. He is The Way. This is The Way. Thank you Maria House for showing me The Way.”
R.J.
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
1 Peter 4:10
Let us Pray
Prayer for Maria House
Heavenly Father,
Bless the men of Maria House – past, present, and future – with your grace and perseverance to fulfill the lives they were created to live.
Bless Father Pete’s Ministry with the financial resources, the support of selfless volunteers, and the dedication of committed staff to continue creating a beautiful community of hope and healing for our men. Through Christ our Lord and Father Pete’s intercession, we pray. Amen.
Pray With us
Reflections & Prayers:
A Sacred Space for Healing
Recovery is a journey of renewal, strength, and grace—a path that leads from struggle to peace, from despair to hope. In this sacred space, we offer reflections, prayers, and words of encouragement to uplift the heart and soul.
Here, you will find guidance from the Holy Father and spiritual wisdom that reminds us that healing is never walked alone. God’s love surrounds us, offering mercy, redemption, and the promise of a new beginning.
As you read through these reflections, let them be a source of light and comfort. May they inspire you to embrace each moment with faith, lean on the Lord’s strength, and discover the joy of restoration.
You are not alone. You are deeply loved. And you are made for new life.
Lives Impacted Forever
“Maria House is a culmination of God’s guidance of people in a way that gives them freedom and purpose and the situations to which they share the sense of working with God.
At first, it was convened with a few living situations that required working together for people who were not accustomed to working together.
The needs were so extensive that MHP became a new way of life that enveloped so much of life, the planning for it was rooted in Divine Plan which we call ‘providential’.”
– Fr. Pete
Upcoming Events
Join us at our upcoming events!
Upcoming Event
Leisure In The Spirit: A Retreat of Renewal and Divine Encounter
In the stillness of sacred space, the heart awakens to the gentle movement of the Holy Spirit. Leisure In The Spirit is a retreat designed to cultivate deep spiritual renewal, guiding participants into a profound experience of God’s presence.
Through prayer, meditation, and mindfulness, attendees are invited to embrace the peace that surpasses understanding, drawing closer to the Kingdom of Heaven that is already in our midst. The retreat fosters an environment of openness and surrender, allowing the soul to receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit through the laying of hands—a sacred act of blessing and empowerment.
This transformative experience is not merely about rest, but about spiritual awakening—a call to step into divine grace, to listen, to heal, and to be renewed. Whether seeking restoration, clarity, or a deeper connection with God, Leisure In The Spirit offers a sanctuary where faith is strengthened, hearts are uplifted, and the presence of the Holy Spirit is profoundly felt.
Come as you are, and leave with a renewed spirit, ready to walk in the fullness of God’s love.
UpComing event
Weekly Bible Study & Fellowship Meal
Thursdays 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Our Lady of Peace Parish Cafeteria (or Picnic Pavilion)
Each Thursday evening, we gather as a community in faith, opening our hearts to Scripture, reflection, and shared fellowship. Through thoughtful study and discussion, we explore God’s Word, seeking wisdom, encouragement, and spiritual renewal.
This sacred time is not only about learning—it’s about connection. Over a nourishing meal, we share our lives, our stories, and our journeys, knowing that healing, transformation, and strength are found in both Scripture and the bonds we build with one another.
Whether you are new to the faith or have walked this path for years, all are welcome to come, listen, reflect, and grow together in Christ. Join us for an evening of faith, food, and fellowship—where the table is set and hearts are open.
UpComing event
Cursillo
Cursillo is a transformative three-day retreat designed to deepen one’s relationship with Christ and strengthen their commitment to Christian living. The word Cursillo means “short course in Christianity”, and the experience provides participants with spiritual renewal, fellowship, and practical guidance on living out their faith in daily life.
During the retreat, attendees engage in prayer, Mass, sacraments, and small-group discussions, where they reflect on key aspects of Christian discipleship. Talks are led by both clergy and laypeople, offering personal testimonies and insights into grace, sacraments, Christian leadership, and evangelization. The weekend fosters a strong sense of community, encouraging participants to support one another in their faith journey.
Cursillo is not just an event—it is a movement that continues beyond the retreat, inspiring souls to bring Christ into their homes, workplaces, and communities. Many participants leave with a renewed sense of purpose, knowing they are called to spread the Gospel and live as witnesses of God’s love.
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”
Romans 12:2
Maria House Project
Come As You Are
Join Us in Faith, Fellowship, and Healing
Whether you are seeking spiritual renewal, strength in recovery, or simply a place to belong, we invite you to gather with us in worship, fellowship, and healing.
Masses, Retreats, and Community Gatherings offer moments of grace and reflection, bringing us closer to Christ and to one another. Fellowship meals and Bible studies create space to share our stories, lift each other up, and grow in faith. Events and prayer gatherings strengthen the spirit of community, reminding us that we are never alone on this journey. Come be part of something greater than ourselves—a movement of faith, transformation, and redemption. Whether you’ve walked this path for years or are just beginning, you are welcome. Join us. Find healing. Walk in grace. Come to a gathering, celebrate Mass, and take the next step toward renewal.