The Parish of S Peter, Folkestone
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THE PARISH OF S PETER, FOLKESTONE, KENT
Welcome to S Peters Folkestone, a church firmly rooted in the Catholic tradition of the Church of England. Although a "Forward in Faith" registered parish under the Episcopal oversight of the local Provincial Episcopal Visitor, S Peter's continues to play its part in the life of the local deanery and the wider Diocese.
Built in 1862 this Parish Church has stood on the East Cliff overlooking the town's harbour and beyond to the English Channel. Indeed on a clear day the coastline of France is clearly visible from the Vicarage garden! Originally built as a daughter Church to the ancient Parish Church of Folkestone, S Peters has always maintained close links with the local fishing community and is often titled 'The Mariners Church of Folkestone'. Since its opening daily worship has been offered on this site and in good times as well as in bad the Sacrifice of the Son has been pleaded before the Father at the Altars of this Church in the service we call the Mass. The daily Eucharist has taken place here almost every day since the building was first opened for worship.
However in the height of the summer of 1996, three arsonists desecrated this beautiful house of prayer, and the ensuing fire almost engulfed the west end of the building, the south aisle and the nave roof. The Sanctuary and side chapels remained relatively unscathed although damage here was sustained in the form of smoke as well as water from the firemans hoses. This rendered the building unusable and for two years the congregation worshipped in various locations nearby. The daily round of prayer was, however, unaffected.
On S Peter's Day - June 29th 1998 the congregation finally 'returned home' as the Parish Church was re-dedicated by our Bishop, Edwin of Richborough. Within a month of the rededication the then Parish Priest, Fr Michael Houghton announced that he had been appointed Bishop of Ebbsfleet. Fr Michael left the Parish in November 1998 after 81/2 years as Vicar and currently we await a new Priest to take us forward into the next millenium. These are exciting times for us in Folkestone and hopes for the future are high as the next chapter in our story begins. Meanwhile S Peter's Church, now restored to its former glory, welcomes all who enter its doors. We trust that you will find here a warm welcome and a place in which you can pray, remembering the words of the prophet Haggai:
"In this place will I give Peace."
WEEKDAY SERVICES at ST PETER'S
The Daily Offices of the Church are celebrated as follows.
Matins at 7.30am
Evensong at 6.00pm
Mass is celebrated as follows
Monday 7.30am (This Mass has been temporarily suspended for the duration of the Interregnum).
Tuesday 7.00pm
Wednesday 10.30am
Thursday 12.00pm
Friday 7.30pm
Saturday 8.00am.
1st Weds of the month - Evensong and Exposition of the Sacrament at 6.00pm followed by a Mass for Healing at 7.00pm.
Parish members of the Guild of All Souls meet to pray for the souls of the faithful departed and to celebrate a Requiem Mass monthly which is said on the last Friday at 7.30pm.
A local cell of the Society of Our Lady of Walsingham and members of the Society of Mary meet on the second Friday of each month for the Rosary at 7.15pm and a Votive Mass of Our Lady at 7.30pm.
The Confraternity of the Blessed Sacrament meets on the last Sunday of each month at 6.00pm for Solemn Vespers of the Blessed Sacrament and Benediction.
On major Solemnities High Mass is sung at 7.30pm
Confessions are heard on Saturdays between 5.30pm and 6pm or by appointment
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