St Cuthbert's parish was founded in 1928, located in what then was called West Hartlepool, as distinct from 'old Hartlepool'. The first parish priest was John Paul O'Sullivan, and during his 21years the parish hall was built and used for Mass as well as social functions. Fr. J.P. O'Sullivan retired because of ill-health in 1949 and was succeeded by Fr. Bernard Sharratt.

The present church was built in 1955. Fr. Sharratt served the people of St. Cuthbert's until 1980 when he retired after 31years. Fr. Cornelius Horan was appointed to succeed Fr. Sharratt and developed the pastoral care activities of the parish until 1986. Wellfield House, which had been acquired by Fr. Sharratt, was converted into St. Bridget's Nursing Home. The annex of the parish hall was developed into St Cuthbert's Day Centre. Benedict House was established as a Home for homeless men.

In 1986, the present parish priest, Fr Stephen Johnson was appointed to St. Cuthbert's by Bishop Hugh Lindsay. During the celebrations for the Millenium we wrote the following:

"St. Cuthbert's is a church with a simple and homely atmosphere, a place of prayer and worship. The parishioners have a longstanding and affectionate regard for 'Cuthies', both the school and parish. Sadly, the social life, once a strong feature of the parish has declined in recent years; still a small group continue the long tradition of Bingo in the parish hall for the local community. The parish is rightly proud of the broader mission of the church, to the poor and those in need with Benedict House a hostel for men, and especially the care of the elderly with St Bridget's Nursing Home and the Day Centre. While we have seen a decline in numbers and an ageing of the community, the school continues to prosper in terms of a healthy intake each year. The millennium has been marked by the commissioning of the hanging Cross of 'the Crucified and Risen Lord' as a symbol of our faith and hope in the future of our parish."

The artist was Kieran O'Donoghue of the Isle of Wight. Sadly Kieran died in April 1999, not quite having finished the Cross. R.I.P. The Cross was hung and dedicated on 15th September 1999, the feast of the Exaltation of the Cross.