From 1970 the numbers of Catholics in the Bearsted area were increasing, but parishioners had difficulty travelling to Harrietsham or Maidstone for Mass.

In January 1977, Mass began to be said on Saturday evening at the Methodist Church and Sunday morning at the Bearsted King George Memorial Hall, with weekday Masses being said in Fr John’s home and those of parishioners. Holy days of obligation were celebrated at Bearsted Parish Church, Holy Cross.

Late in 1977, the Diocese concluded that the numbers attending Mass at Bearsted and Harrietsham were sufficient to earn for us the status of a Parish.

The need for a new church was obvious but only in 1983 did it become possible to secure suitable land and planning permission for a church, which was consecrated on 4 November 1984.

A real sense of community within our parish with founding parishioner generous with their time, talents and donations.  The original ambo was crafted by John Donlon RIP, the pottery chalices and cruets were made by Len Richardson RIP, the beautiful statue of Our Lady was donated by a parishioner and imported from Rome and the crucifix which hangs above the altar was also gifted to the parish.

Learn more about the history of the Parish here 

St Peter’s is fully accessible and benefits from a hearing loop