St. Peter

Introduction

Saint Peter's Church in Hove was designed by architect Claude Kelly in the Romanesque Revival style, with plans submitted in 1913. The foundation stone was laid in March 1914 and the church opened in August 1915, costing £9,000. In 1988 St Peter's became a Grade II listed building, described by English Heritage as 'startling' for its similarity to an Italian-style basilica.

History

Mgr Canon Arthur Cocks was appointed priest in charge, and St Peter's became a separate parish in 1920. The church was consecrated in June 1927. During the 1950s land was purchased for a new church in West Blatchington, leading to the construction of St George's church in 1968. The adjoining house in Shelley Road was purchased to accommodate the priests living in the presbytery.

Architecture and furnishings

In 1991 the sanctuary was reordered so Mass could be said with the priest facing the congregation; the high altar was removed, the tabernacle re-sited in the original Lady Chapel, the font moved, and the pulpit removed. In 2004 the original porch was removed and a glass screen inserted between the nave and lobby, with a new side doorway and a covered passage linking church and hall. In 1929 a fund was started to raise money for 36 new oak benches and a matching pulpit.

Parish life

The parish supports four main charities: Reaching the Unreached, Sussex Night Stop, The St Thomas Fund for the Homeless and CAFOD. The parish has about 25 rest or nursing homes within its boundaries.

Catholic women join the Union of Catholic Mothers for fellowship and a blend of social and spiritual activities. Children in the Children’s Liturgy group leave the Mass after it begins and return during the offertory to show their work.

The parish holds regular evening meetings called 'Talks on the Faith' for those interested in the Catholic faith. The parish holds regular Bereavement Masses and Holy Hours for those who have died. A dedicated team is specially trained to assist at funerals and support the bereaved family and mourners.

Sacraments and pastoral care

Couples are required to give twelve months' notice of marriage in the diocese, allowing time for preparation. Couples prepare for marriage through a course run by Brighton & Hove Catholic Marriage Preparation Team.

The parish hopes to establish a team of volunteer bereavement befrienders to support those struggling with grief. The RCIA programme is led by a coordinator and aims to help those thinking about becoming Catholic. Baptism, First Holy Communion and Confirmation certificates can be requested from the Archive Team.

Notable people and events

Mgr Canon Arthur Cocks served as rector from 1915 to 1920. Mgr Ernest Moodie served as rector from 1920 to 1938. Canon Richard O'Regan served as rector from 1938 to 1943.