Funerals

Large floral arrangements of white and yellow flowers on pedestals inside St Peter's Catholic Parish, Toorak

Organising a Funeral

Funeral arrangements are made by contacting the Parish Office and speaking with the Parish Priest. Please see this page for more information. To begin the process, please contact the Parish Office directly.

Our Parish Churches

Funerals can be held at either of our churches:

Our Lady of Lourdes 631 High St, East Prahran
St Peter’s Toorak 581 Toorak Rd, Toorak

St Peter's Catholic Church, Toorak. Part of the parish of St John Paul II, serving the communities of Armadale and Toorak, Melbourne, VIC
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Armadale. Part of the parish of St John Paul II, serving the communities of Armadale and Toorak, Melbourne, VIC
Our sacred music program

Our Funeral Music Policy

Both churches are equipped with organs, with St Peter’s featuring one of the finest pipe organs in Melbourne. In keeping with the sacredness of the liturgy and the beauty of our churches, only liturgical music is permitted. As such, secular songs, portable keyboards, acoustic guitars and pre-recorded tracks cannot be used. Music must be approved and coordinated through our Director of Music, Conrad Helfrich. Conrad’s fee is to be discussed directly with him.

An ornate wooden tabernacle, with two large arrangements of pink and white lilies, roses, and greenery, set against stained glass windows depicting religious figures in a church.

Floral Guidelines

Flowers offer an expression of beauty, hope, and reverence during a funeral. They can help create a respectful and prayerful atmosphere in the church. All floral arrangements for funerals are organised through our parish florist, Leigh Clark (Florian Florist), who will ensure they are suitable for the space and in keeping with the liturgical season.

Important Funeral Planning Details

Liturgy & Ceremony

  • You may choose a:

    • Funeral Service (without Mass)

    • Requiem Mass (with Holy Communion)

    Your celebrant will guide you through the liturgy options, scripture readings, and how to prepare a booklet (Order of Service). If Fr Dean is your celebrant, he’ll provide a booklet template during your meeting.

  • Most families choose their parish priest, but another Catholic priest or deacon may celebrate the service, provided they are registered and have permission from the Archdiocese. Please let us know your chosen celebrant when submitting your application.

  • Funerals are celebrated according to the rites of the Church. At least one person must be a baptised Catholic (this does not need to include the deceased person.)

    • Your celebrant as well as your funeral director will assist you with preparing the booklet

    • A draft must be submitted for parish approval before printing

    • All hymns must include copyright acknowledgements

    • A Copy of your funeral booklet must be sent to the parish office for archiving purposes.

Practical & Logistics

  • Our churches can accommodate the following numbers:

    -Our Lady of Lourdes: 260
    -St Peter’s: 240

    Please note, funerals are not celebrated on Sundays, Holy Days of Obligation: Christmas (24 & 25 December) and the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Vrgin Mary (15 August), Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, Easter Sunday. 

    Funerals can be organised for times after Parish Masses during the week. 

    • A donation of $300 for the Church goes towards the restoration, maintenance of the church building, the use of the Church and church grounds for 1.5 hours.   

    • A separate offering of $300 is payable to Fr Dean if he is your celebrant.

    • The cost of music and flowers should be arranged directly with the Director of Music and the parish florist.

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    Please ensure the funeral begins on time. A delay of more than 15 minutes may impact musicians, guests, or ceremonies scheduled afterwards.

    • No flash, flood lighting, or artificial lighting

    • The Sanctuary is off-limits during the ceremony

    • No general parking at St Peter’s – However, the funeral car is permitted.

    • Limited parking at Our Lady of Lourdes – The funeral car is permitted.

    • Please check local signage and discuss group transport with the parish if needed