Sacraments
In the teaching of the Catholic Church, Baptism is the Sacrament which formally defines entry into and membership of the Church. The baptised are opened up to the promise of the eternal life of the Trinity and to human life as disciples of Jesus Christ.
With the decision to baptise your child it is assumed that passing on the faith and being a part of the Catholic community is very important to you. As such it is assumed you are practicing your faith by attending Mass regularly.
Therefore the first step in arranging a time for Baptism is to speak to Fr Dean at one of the weekend Masses. He will then discuss with you what preparation is required and possible dates for the celebration of the Sacrament.
Baptism is usually celebrated in the residential parish of the infant or child. Parents from outside the parish who request baptism for their child are asked to contact their proper local Parish Priest for a letter of permission.
And remember the importance of having the Baptism as soon as possible, as it states in Canon Law …
“Parents are obliged to take care that infants are baptised in the first few weeks; as soon as possible after the birth or even before, they are to go to the pastor to request the sacrament for their child and to be prepared properly for it.” Canon 867.1
- Since the request for Baptism is in the Catholic Church at least one parent and one godparent has to be a baptised and confirmed Catholic.
SPONSORS/GODPARENTS = Canon Law states:Can. 872 Insofar as possible, a person to be baptized is to be given a sponsor who assists an adult in Christian initiation or together with the parents presents an infant for baptism. A sponsor also helps the baptized person to lead a Christian life in keeping with baptism and to fulfill faithfully the obligations inherent in it.Can. 873 There is to be only one male sponsor or one female sponsor or one of each.BAPTISM (Cann. 849 - 878) https://www.vatican.va/archive/cod-iuris-canonici/eng/documents/cic_lib4-cann834-878_en.html.
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Baptisms are celebrated at either Our Lady of Lourdes Church or St Peter's Church.
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Our Pastoral Associate, Delisa Gonsalves, will contact you to arrange and attend a Baptism Preparation and Information Session.
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A copy of your child's Birth Certificate is also required.
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A copy of the Catholic Parent(s)' and one Catholic Godparent(s)' Baptism Certificate / Baptism Extract is also required.
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An offering for the support of the Celebrant is customary.
Please complete our contact form below
https://armadaletoorak.org.au/itemlist/category/2-sacraments#sigProId5f1d6fc4a7
Sacrament of First Reconciliation Preparation Program
For children not attending Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School, preparation classes are arranged after school in the 7 weeks before the reception of the Sacrament.
Candidates need to be Baptised Roman Catholics and in Year 3 or above.
Please Contact Delisa Gonsalves on (03) 9068 8602 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information, or fill out the enquiry form below.
Please Note: Enrolments are now CLOSED for 2025.
Sacrament of Reconciliation (Penance)
The Sacrament of Reconciliation/Penance/Confession will take place:
Tuesday
5:30pm at St Peter's (before 6:30pm Mass)
Friday
10:45am at St Peter's (before 11:30am Mass)
Saturday
5:15pm at St Peter's (before 6:00pm Vigil Mass)
Please complete our contact form below, if you would like further details about the Sacramental Preparation Program.
For children not attending Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School, instruction classes are arranged after school in the 8 weeks before the Sacrament.
Candidates need to be Baptised Roman Catholics and be in Year 3 or above.
Please Contact Delisa Gonsalves on (03) 9068 8602 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information, or complete the Enquiry Form below.
Please Note:
Children who haven't made their First Reconciliation, will be unable to enrol in First Holy Communion classes.
Enrolments are now CLOSED for 2025.
Please complete our contact form below, if you would like further details about the Sacramental Preparation Program.
“Those who have been baptised continue on the path of Christian initiation through the Sacrament of Confirmation. In this way, they receive the Holy Spirit, conforming them more perfectly to Christ and strengthening them so that they may bear witness to Christ for the building up of his body in faith and love.” (Rite of Confirmation, nn. 1-2)
Confirmation is available to Catholic students from Year 6 onwards, who are Parishioners. This year the parish program is open to families from Armadale, Prahran, Toorak, St Kilda East and Balaclava.
Please Contact Delisa Gonsalves on (03) 9068 8602 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information, or please fill in the enquiry form below.
Please Note: We are currently taking Enrolments for 2025, please contact contact Delisa Gonsalves (details above). Enrolments close on Monday 11 August 2025.
Please complete our contact form below
Welcome to our Partnered Parishes, and congratulations on your upcoming Nuptials. Marriages are celebrated only according to the rites of the Catholic Church. This means that at least one party must be baptised and should be a confirmed Catholic and both parties are free to marry. (Divorced persons sometimes think that they are automatically debarred from re-marrying in the Catholic Church, but if you are in this category please note that it is important to talk to a Priest before any decision to marry elsewhere is made. Each case is different and worthy of attention). If you have any queries please talk to the Priest or Deacon who will marry you.
Marriage can be celebrated in either of our two Churches: St Peter's Toorak and Our Lady of Lourdes Armadale.
A list of frequently asked questions has been compiled for couples wishing to marry.
Who will celebrate the Ceremony for us?
Any Catholic Priest or Deacon registered with the civil authorities as a Celebrant of Marriage and who enjoys the faculties of the Archdiocese may officiate. Couples usually ask their Parish Priest to officiate at their wedding. Please indicate this on the booking form. If you wish to have a different Celebrant, please include his name and contact details on the booking form.
Catholic Church Teaching about Marriage
It is the ordinary teaching of the Catholic Church that marriage between two baptised persons is a Sacrament which confers the grace of Christ on both parties and reflects the union between Christ the bridegroom and the Church his bride. So it is a serious decision which merits careful consideration.
Marriage between a baptised and a non-baptised person is regarded as a serious and binding Union but not as a Sacramental Union. It also warrants careful preparation and thought.
Marriage Papers
Parties to a wedding must complete a series of documents before marriage, required both by Church and Government authorities. These papers need to be completed with the Priest who is the marriage Celebrant not more than twelve months and not less than one month before the marriage.
If Fr Dean Mathieson is your celebrant, please contact the Parish Office to arrange a meeting with him eight (8) months prior to your wedding. Please provide the following documents prior to your first meeting with Fr Dean:
- Birth Certificate for Australian-born citizens/current Passport for non-Australian citizens. For persons born within the State of Victoria, the Certificate is obtainable from the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages, (Tel: 1300 369 367).
- Copy of Driver’s License or Passport.
- Baptism Certificate issued within 6 months of the date of marriage. In the case of baptised persons, a Baptism Certificate can be obtained by contacting the parish where the Baptism took place. When doing so please have your full name, date of birth, parents’ names and, if known, date of baptism.
- Confirmation Certificate for the Catholic party.
- Letter of ‘Freedom to Marry’ is required for all Catholics not living in either Toorak or Armadale Parish. This is obtained from the Groom’s Parish Priest.
- Letter of ‘Permission to Marry’ is required for all Catholics not living in either Toorak or Armadale Parish. This is obtained from the Bride’s Parish Priest.
All documentation remains in the Parish archives.
Declaration of Freedom
Civil law requires that both parties sign a Statutory Declaration before marriage that they are free to marry. This declaration is usually made at the time of rehearsal.
Who may be a witness to our Marriage?
It is a legal requirement that there are two witnesses at least 18 years of age. They must be present at the marriage celebration and sign the wedding register.
Marriage Preparation
As marriage is such a significant occasion, you are required to complete a marriage preparation program well before the celebration of your wedding. These programs are designed to open up many issues which contribute to a successful and happy marriage. Fr Dean (or your Celebrant) will guide you in your choice and explain the preparation details at your first meeting.
During the time of engagement you should pray and come to Mass as part of your spiritual preparation for marriage. The Marriage Preparation Program run by CatholicCare Victoria is strongly recommended.
https://www.catholiccarevic.org.au/directory/services/pre-marriage-education
Flowers
Flowers and pew decorations must be arranged by the Church Florist, Leigh Clark from Florian Florist. Leigh is contactable on 9827 2025 or 0412 147 237 or email lThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Leigh is obliged to ensure that the placement of flowers and choice of colours is in accordance with the needs of the Liturgical Season. You also agree that you will not interfere with any of the art and environment that may be in the Church during the various liturgical celebrations of the year. Leigh's fee and payment are to be discussed directly with him.
For information about the flower arrangements already in the Church, please contact Madeline Dimasi, aThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Flower petals, confetti, rice, bubbles and other various items are NOT to be thrown/released on the Church grounds or in the Church.
Music
All matters regarding music must be discussed and approved by our Director of Music/Organist is Conrad Helfrich. Conrad is contactable on 0418 392 997 or emailThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Conrad will help you with the choice of music. Conrad’s fee and payment are to be discussed directly with him.
Secular love songs, pre-recorded music, portable keyboards or acoustic guitars are not permitted in our churches. The Church is equipped with one of the finest organs in Melbourne.
(Click here to read about our historical organ)
Booking Time
St Peter's Toorak and Our Lady of Lourdes Armadale are available for weddings on most days during the year. Please note that Marriages are not celebrated on Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday or during the Christmas period (20 to 25 December).
Weddings at both Churches are available to commence on the following days/times:
Saturday: 11:30am 1:30pm 3:30pm
Sunday: 1:30pm 3:30pm
Weekday weddings: Can be accommodated, please contact me to discuss availability.
Couples are permitted to use the Church and Church grounds for 1½ hours from the time of your Church booking.
Ceremony or Nuptial Mass
A Wedding Ceremony or Nuptial Mass is the official liturgy of the Church and must be in accord with The Order of Celebrating Matrimony approved for use in Australia (2015). Therefore, readings must be scriptural. It is normally expected that a couple will print an order of service booklet to encourage guests to participate in the service.
Your celebrant will assist you in choosing the right ceremony and planning the details of your ceremony. If Fr Dean is your celebrant, he will assist you with a wedding booklet template at your first meeting.
Booking Fee (from 1 July 2024 to 31 December 2025)
The fee to the Church is $1,750 being a donation towards the restoration, maintenance of the church building, the use of the Church and church grounds for 1.5 hours.
- The $1,750 fee is made up of $750 initial non-refundable deposit payment to confirm your booking, the balance of $1,000 payable one month before the wedding.
- A separate offering of $500 is payable to Fr Dean if he is your celebrant.
- It is preferable to make these offerings before the wedding day. Below are our Account Details for your convenience.
- Flowers and the Organist are a separate cost, as detailed in the “Flowers” and “Music” section.
- Due to the popularity of our Churches, there can be multiple weddings during the day, so we ask brides to be on time. You will need to impress this upon your hire car operators, photographers and wedding party.
- The late arrival of the bride (i.e. more than 15 minutes) can cause serious inconvenience to staff, your guests and the next wedding party. Late arrivals may also result in musicians being unable to provide services for your wedding a shortened ceremony.
St Peter's Church can accommodate 200 people, comfortably seated in the Nave of the Church.
How do we prepare our wedding booklet (Order of Service)?
The celebrant will assist you in preparing the ceremony and will be able to provide you with books for guidance. A draft of your wedding booklet (Order of Service) will need to be submitted to the Parish Office for approval prior to printing. Printing of the booklet is the couples responsibility.
Our Copyright licence must be quoted together with acknowledgement for all hymns used in the booklet. Please contact Madeline Dimasi, 03 9068 8600 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Information for your Photographer / Videographer
One professional photographer and one professional video camera operator may take formal photographs of your wedding.
Please note that artificial lighting/flash photography/flood lighting is not permitted, and they should not enter the Sanctuary during your wedding.
Parking
There is no parking on the grounds of St Peter's, Toorak. St Peter's forecourt is to be used ONLY by the bridal party vehicles only. Parking is also available on Toorak Road and surrounding streets, but please take note of signed traffic restrictions.
Parking at Our Lady of Lourdes Armadale is limited. Onsite parking at the front is ONLY available to bridal party vehicles only. Street parking is available but please take note of signed traffic restrictions.
If you are organising buses/other mode of transport for your guests, please discuss this with the Parish before booking.
https://armadaletoorak.org.au/itemlist/category/2-sacraments#sigProId87da647242
Funeral arrangements are usually made by contacting the Parish Office and Parish Priest.
Please call Madeline Dimasi on (03) 9068 8600 or Contact the Parish Office for more information.
Funerals are celebrated only according to the rites of the Catholic Church.
Funerals can be celebrated in either of our two Churches: St Peter's Toorak and Our Lady of Lourdes Armadale.
A list of frequently asked questions has been compiled for families wishing to organise a Funeral in our Partnered Parishes.
Who can celebrate a Funeral for us?
Any Catholic Priest or Deacon who enjoys the faculties of the Archdiocese may celebrate.
If you wish to have a different Celebrant, other than the Parish Priest Fr Dean Mathieson, please include his name and contact details in the Enquiry Form below.
Flowers
Flowers must be arranged by the Church Florist, Leigh Clark from Florian Florist. Leigh is contactable on 9827 2025 or 0412 147 237 or email lThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Leigh is obliged to ensure that the placement of flowers and choice of colours is in accordance with the needs of the Liturgy. You also agree that you will not interfere with any of the art and environment that may be in the Church during the various liturgical celebrations of the year. Leigh's fee and payment are to be discussed directly with him.
For information about the flower arrangements already in the Church, please contact Madeline Dimasi, aThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Music
All matters regarding music must be discussed and approved by our Director of Music/Organist is Conrad Helfrich. Conrad is contactable on 0418 392 997 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Conrad will help you with the choice of music. Conrad’s fee and payment are to be discussed directly with him.
Secular songs, pre-recorded music, portable keyboards or acoustic guitars are not permitted in our churches. The Church is equipped with one of the finest organs in Melbourne.
(Click here to read about our historical organ)
Booking Time
St Peter's Toorak and Our Lady of Lourdes Armadale are available for funerals on most days during the year.
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.
Requiem Mass or Service
A Requiem Mass or Service is the official liturgy of the Church and must be in accord with The Order of Christian Funerals approved for use in Australia (1985). Therefore, readings must be scriptural. It is normally expected that the family of the deceased will print an order of service booklet to encourage mourners to participate in the service.
Your celebrant will assist you in choosing the right liturgy.
If Fr Dean is your celebrant, he will assist you with a funeral booklet template at your first meeting. Otherwise, this can be done through the funeral director of your choice.
Booking
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.
- Flowers and the Organist are a separate cost, as detailed in the “Flowers” and “Music” section.
- St Peter's Church can accommodate 220 people, comfortably seated in the Nave of the Church.
- Our Lady of Lourdes Church can accommodate 260 people, comfortably seated in the Nave of the Church. However, there is no accessible facilities at this Church.
How do we prepare the funeral booklet (Order of Service)?
The celebrant will assist you in preparing the liturgy and will be able to provide you with books for guidance. A draft of the booklet (Order of Service) will need to be submitted to the Parish Office for approval prior to printing. Printing of the booklet is the family's responsibility.
Our Copyright licence must be quoted together with acknowledgement for all hymns used in the booklet. Please contact Madeline Dimasi, 03 9068 8600 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Information for your Photographer / Videographer
If you are hiring a professional video camera operator to live-stream the liturgy, please advise the celebrant prior to the day.
Please note that artificial lighting/flash photography/flood lighting is not permitted, and they should not enter the Sanctuary during the Liturgy.
Parking
There is no parking on the grounds of St Peter's, Toorak. St Peter's forecourt is to be used ONLY by the Funeral vehicles only. Parking is also available on Toorak Road and surrounding streets, but please take note of signed traffic restrictions.
Parking at Our Lady of Lourdes Armadale is limited. Onsite parking at the front is ONLY available to Funeral vehicles only. Street parking is available but please take note of signed traffic restrictions.
Memorial Garden
This garden was established in 2006 for the interment of ashes of deceased Parishioners of the Parish of St Peter's Toorak and Our Lady of Lourdes, Armadale.
The garden is situated in the grassed area in front of the statue of Saint Peter at the front of the Church and surrounded by borders of shrubs on the western, southern (street) and eastern sides. The marble plinth is incised "St Peter’s Memorial Garden".
The Memorial Book in the church records the names and dates of death of those interred in the garden and Mass is celebrated for them each year during the month of November.
If you are a Parishioner, and wish to avail yourself of a plot in the Memorial Garden, you are asked to contact Madeline Dimasi on (03) 9068 8600 or Contact the Parish Office for more information.
DO WE WANT TO INCLUDE THIS LINK in MARRIAGES OR DO WE DELETE THIS FAQ's PAGE??
St Peter's Toorak
Our Partnered Parish of Armadale Toorak congratulates you on your upcoming wedding and welcomes you to the St Peter's Toorak.
The journey to your wedding day becomes an important starting point for your life together. To assist you with planning for your wedding day, the following are responses to frequently asked questions.
Can we celebrate our wedding at St Peter's Toorak?
You are welcome to celebrate your wedding at St Peter's Toorak. Marriages are celebrated only according to the rites of the Catholic Church. This means that at least one party must be baptised Catholic and both parties are free to marry. If you have any queries about this, please discuss with the priest or deacon who will marry you.
The Church provides two forms of the marriage rite:
- Marriage outside of Mass (Ceremony only)
- Marriage within Mass (Nuptial Mass)
To differentiate between a Wedding Ceremony and a Nuptial Mass; a Ceremony contains similar components to a Mass, but does not have the Liturgy of the Eucharist or Communion.
The priest or deacon marrying you will be able to assist you in choosing the right ceremony for you and planning the detail of the ceremony.
Who will celebrate our ceremony for us?
Any Catholic priest or deacon registered with the civil authorities as a Celebrant of Marriage may officiate. Our Parish Priest would be happy to officiate at your wedding. Please indicate on the booking form. However, you may prefer to use your own celebrant. Please include his name and contact details on the booking form.
What is required of us?
At the first meeting with your chosen celebrant you will need to produce positive forms of ID, a full birth certificate if born in Australia, or if born overseas a valid passport. For the baptised party you will also need to apply for a newly issued baptismal certificate from your parish of baptism. There may be other documents required. Your celebrant will advise you of this.
What times are weddings celebrated?
St Peter's Toorak is available for weddings on most days during the year, subject to availability. Please discuss your preferred date and time with Madeline Dimasi at Parish Office, 03 9068 8600 or via email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
What are the fees?
The fee for the use of St Peter's Toorak is $1,000. The offering to the priest is $500.
The fee includes the use of St Peter's Church and gardens for two hours (commencing half an hour prior to your wedding). Flowers, flowered pew bows and an Organist are a separate cost. Please see discuss this at the time of booking.
How do we know if our preferred date is available?
By completing the online Wedding Enquiry Form. You will receive a response within two business days.
How do I make a booking?
By completing the booking form, which will be issued via email, and providing your deposit of $600. The balance needs to be paid six months prior to the ceremony date.
Payments may be made by way of direct deposit or credit card.
What if we decide to cancel?
If you wish to cancel your booking at any time, you must do so in writing. Any fees will be returned to you less $100 administration fee.
What music is permissible?
Music is an important part of your wedding. Couples are asked to select sacred music that reflects and enhances the sacrament of marriage and the sanctity of the Church. Sacred music takes its words from the Bible, religious poems or a hymn.
St Peter's Toorak has a beautiful pipe organ and a musical director who will assist you with your musical selection. Wedding Music Days are conducted at various times during the year and couples are invited to attend. Portable keyboards, and recorded music (CD or iPod) are not permitted.
Do you need to attend a Marriage Preparation Course?
Pre-marriage courses are recommended. Your celebrant will guide you in your choice. These courses are an invitation to plan for your marriage, not just your wedding day.
Who may be a witness to our marriage?
It is a legal requirement that there are two witnesses at least 18 years of age. They must be present at the marriage celebration and sign the wedding register.
Do we need a wedding rehearsal?
Wedding rehearsals are recommended, and are held on the Wednesday or Thursday prior to your wedding day. Please discuss the rehearsal with your celebrant and bridal party then contact the Parish Office to organise a rehearsal date and time.
How do we prepare our wedding booklets (Order of Service)?
Your celebrant will assist you in preparing your ceremony and will be able to provide you with books for guidance. A draft of your wedding booklet will need to be submitted to the Parish Office for approval prior to printing. Printing of the booklet is the couples responsibility.
Our copyright licence must be quoted together with acknowledgement for all hymns used in the booklet. Please contact the Parish Office for these details.
May we have photographs and video in St Peter's Toorak?
Professional photographers and video cameras are permitted in St Peter's Toorak. Their equipment and movement are not to distract the priest, bridal couple or guests. Your photographer and/or video operator will need to consult with the celebrant prior to the ceremony as to what is expected of them.
What if we are running late?
Due to the popularity of St Peter's Toorak there can be multiple weddings during the afternoon, so we ask brides to be on time. You will need to impress this upon your hire car operators, photographers and wedding party.
May we throw confetti, rose petals?
The use of confetti, rose petals, bubbles or rice is strictly prohibited within St Peter's, the Church steps or any other part of the Church property.
What parking facilities are there?
There is no parking on the grounds of St Peter's. St Peter's forecourt is to be used by the bridal party vehicles only. Parking is generally available on Toorak Road and surrounding streets.
Anointing of the Sick And Holy Communion
Parishioners who are unwell, chronically ill, in hospital or who live in a Home for the Aged are strongly recommended to contact the Parish Office or Fr Dean in order to be visited or anointed.
Please contact the Parish Office on 03 9068 8600 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . If you call after hours you can leave a message on the Parish Office Voicemail or choose the option to redirect your phone call to Fr Dean.
If you are housebound and would like someone to pay you a visit and bring the Holy Eucharist to you, please contact the Parish Pastoral Associate Delisa Gonsalves on 03 9068 8602 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.