Thursday 30th May 2024

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Thursday 7th December 2024

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Read more at: Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne

Wednesday 12th July 2023

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Wednesday 29th March 2023

Father Anthony Percy holds a doctorate in theology in the social teaching of the Catholic Church. He was ordained a priest in 1990, after initially finishing an honours degree in Finance.
He was Rector of the Seminary of the Good Shepherd in Homebush, NSW from 2009-2014. He was until recently the Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn and is now parish priest of the historic parish of Queanbeyan.

“Nations need strong foundations if they are to endure and rediscovering them is the purpose of Father Percy’s work. Resting on the work of David Kemp’s five-volume political history, he goes in search of the liberal, intellectual roots of Australia’s democracy, and ask what went right, and what went wrong. He shows that, by any reasonable measure, the last 120 years prove the roots of this nation of strong.” (Chris Uhlmann, Foreword)

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Thursday 13th October 2022

The Parish held a panel discussion on the remarkable story and lasting influence of Daniel Mannix, Archbishop of Melbourne from 1913 to 1963.

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Wednesday 29th June 2022

The Parish initiative of “An Evening with” series launched with Greg Sheridan AO.

Greg entertained a ‘full house’ at St Peter’s Parish Centre, with his presentation on ‘The Urgent case for Jesus in our world’ which was engaging, thoughtful and humorous.

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The renewed exterior casing and cleaned pipes on the facade of the organ conceal a fascinating history of the instrument: its building, placement, gradual and most recent embellishments and final move from St Francis Church in Lonsdale Street to St Peter’s Church on Toorak Road.The organ was built by Bevington & Sons, based in London and purchased by Bishop James Goold for St Francis Church in Melbourne, the pro-Cathedral, during his first overseas trip to Rome, England, Ireland and elsewhere from April 1851 to March 1853. 

As early as five years after its installation the organ had undergone repairs, alterations and additions and in July 1858 a concert of sacred music was held in St Francis Church to celebrate the refurbishment.

In 1875, George Fincham supplied new pipes, including a Clarabella and increased the size of the bellows. In 1886, Fincham revoiced five stops, and in 1889 remade soundboards, recovered keyboards and carried out minor repairs. Edward Cornwall Cook took over the maintenance at a lower fee and in 1898 added metal pipes in the Double Diapason from Middle C, altered the Harmonic Flute 8 to 4ft; carried through the Great Mixture 5 ranks through all upper octaves; installed a Rohrflöte, Piccolo and Harmonic Flute on the Choir Organ in place of other stops; supplied a new pedalboard and Choir to Pedal coupler. Major repairs were carried out in 1899 by George Fincham. A hydraulic engine was installed at this time.

Over the next 115 years the organ was in continual use in St Francis Church until the decision was made to install a new instrument. Its future was decided by Fr Brian Leonard, the recently appointed Parish Priest of Toorak. Father Leonard had installed an organ in the newly built St Raphael’s Church in the parish of West Preston which he had left to come to Toorak. He moved swiftly. Thanks to the generosity of two parishioners, Sir Donald and Lady Trescowthick, the organ was purchased from St Francis Church and refurbished and installed in the apsidal baptistery of St. Peter’s Church.

In 2019, during the refurbishment and new extension of the church the organ was removed pipe by pipe in a series of packing cases by Australian Pipe Organs Pty Ltd.

After a thorough makeover, cleaning and some complementary and necessary additions, it was reinstalled in time for Advent 2020 and the lifting of the first Covid-19 lockdown.

As part of the restoration of the organ, the console was generously donated by Lady Janette Murray and Peter Murray in memory of Sir Brian Murray KCMG AO.  New music desks were also a welcome addition to the choir area.

The removal of all carpet in the church and the laying of a marble floor in the aisles and sanctuary of the church has improved the acoustic sound to a great degree.

During the short periods that the church has been open from Advent 2020 until November 2021 the sound of the organ has lifted immeasurably the celebration of every aspect of the church’s liturgy and worship.

By 1929 the area of Toorak in the Armadale parish was considered sufficiently strong to be created a parish in its own right.  Fr Walter Ebsworth was appointed parish priest until his retirement in 1970.

Born in Melbourne in 1895 he attended the Parade College in East Melbourne and was educated for the priesthood at St Patrick’s College Manly.  As parish priest he inherited St Stanislaus Chapel and two titles of land purchased successively by Fr Benson in 1904 and 1918.  Despite the Depression of 1929 Fr Ebsworth set about gathering support and funds for the building of a new and larger church to be dedicated under the title of St Peter.  By December 1933 Archbishop Mannix laid the foundation stone at what is now the eastern side of the now completed church building.  The architect was Otto Jorgensen who had helped to design Our Lady of Lourdes Church of 1930.  In November 1934 Archbishop Mannix blessed and opened the completed section of the church: sanctuary, top of the nave and sacristy.

Over the past decade the renewal and development project has comprised the construction of The Benson Retirement Village, the construction of the new Parish Centre and the major restoration and renovation of St Peter’s Church.

The project was initiated due to the deterioration of the sandstone façade of the church and the potential danger of falling sandstone fragments. The opportunity was also taken to restore and improve the interior of the Church.  The funding for the project was secured by the redevelopment of the two blocks of land adjoining the church.

Father Brendan Hayes, Parish Priest, and the Parish Renewal and Development Committee chaired by John Ralph AC are very grateful for the constant and helpful support that has been generously forthcoming from the Archbishop and from his predecessor, Emeritus Archbishop Denis Hart, over the long period of development, which was completed in November 2020. 

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)

Many adults are welcomed into the Catholic Church each year through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). The RCIA is also known as the Catechumenate, an early Church term that recognises a Catechumen as a non-baptised person preparing for Baptism and initiation into the Catholic Church.

The Sacraments of Initiation in the Catholic Church are Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.  Baptism is the first step of initiation and Eucharist and Confirmation complete the process.

The RCIA is also the accepted form of preparation for adults already baptised into another Christian Church and now seeking full communion with the Catholic Church.  They are welcome to participate along with catechumens in the RCIA in the process of learning about the Catholic faith and being formed in that faith.

The RCIA Process

The RCIA offers a way to grow in knowledge of Christ and the Catholic faith in company with others on a similar journey.

The RCIA has several distinct stages.

Stage 1: Enquiry

This is a ‘getting to know you’ stage. As a person expresses interest in the Catholic community, parishioners respond to the enquirer’s questions and share something of their own experience of being Catholic. This period involves no formal commitment. It is a time of initial exploration as the enquirer, with the help of the parish community, decides whether or not to undertake the journey towards Baptism in the Catholic Church. If yes, the enquirer enters the next stage – the Catechumenate.

Stage 2: The Catechumenate

During this phase, a person becomes more deeply acquainted with the people, teachings and practices of the Catholic Church. He/she is no longer called an ‘enquirer’ but a ‘catechumen’. This is the longest period of the initiation process and involves weekly reflections and regular attendance at Sunday liturgies. When ready, the catechumen enters the next stage – the Period of Enlightenment.

Stage 3: Period of Enlightenment

This is a short period of final preparation before Baptism. It normally coincides with Lent, which is a six-week period of repentance and renewal for Catholics and ‘catechumens’ alike. The weekly reflections continue, with heightened focus and a number of small ritual steps taking place at this time.

Stage 4: Full Initiation

This is the culmination of the whole process! A Catechumen is welcomed into full membership of Church during the Easter Vigil Mass, receiving the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.

For catechumens who are already baptised, the Catholic Church recognises their Baptism and therefore does not re-baptise. Rather, the ceremony involves a solemn profession of faith in the presence of the congregation. The new Catholic then receives the acrament of Confirmation and is welcomed to the table of the Eucharist. Most often this ceremony is also celebrated at the Easter Vigil.

Stage 5: Period of Mystagogy

Even after Baptism, the newly baptised continue to meet for 2–3 weeks to reflect upon and ‘unpack’ the experience of their initiation and all that has happened on their journey of conversion. This period is called Mystagogy (‘reflection on the mysteries’ in Greek) and has a particular focus on the call to mission.

Support Along the Journey

Becoming a Catholic is a communal experience!

A person preparing for the Sacraments of Initiation is assigned a sponsor, i.e. a parishioner who walks with them on their journey. The sponsor is an encourager and guide. Friends, relatives, parishioners and priests also play a support role in this journey of faith. The whole parish community participates though prayer, worship and various rituals along the way.

A small group of parishioners (the RCIA Team) is entrusted to be catechists, mentors and sponsors for those who have approached us.  Through their constant support and willingness to share their faith, they are living witnesses of the Good News and of life in Christ.

As the Baptism draws closer, the ‘catechumen’ will be asked to nominate a Godparent.

The RCIA Schedule

Usually the process of preparation involves meetings over a number of months, ideally beginning around August or September. The group of enquirers, catechists and sponsors meets regularly to share faith, pray, and participate in various activities of the parish community.

At the beginning of Lent each year, those in the group who wish to enter the Catholic Church enter into an intense period of preparation, culminating in the reception of the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil.

Further Information or expressions of interest:

We encourage any person interested in participating in the RCIA, either as a candidate or as a sponsor, to contact our Pastoral Associate Delisa Gonsalves on (03) 9068 8602  or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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Ecumenism in Toorak began informally in 1972 at the home of Dr Tom Antonie (dec) and Mrs Joan Antonie who hosted a dinner party. Fr Brian Leonard of St Peter’s Toorak, the then Dean of St Patrick’s Cathedral, Fr Frank Little (later Archbishop of Melbourne), Rev. Dr David Hodges of Toorak Presbyterian Church, David and Rosemary Leahey and Mrs Jeanette Ricketson of St John’s Anglican Church were all present. The Rev. Victor Maddick, Vicar of St. John’s Anglican Parish, was an apology.

After this inaugural occasion conversations among the three Churches continued apace for the next eight years. In 1980 the Toorak Ecumenical Agreement was affirmed. In 2007 the Swedish Church also joined the Toorak Ecumenical Movement.

In 2020 the member Churches had planned to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Agreement on Pentecost Sunday, but the Covid lockdown intervened. The celebration of the Agreement, now Covenant, took place on Pentecost Sunday 2021 during a temporary cessation of the lockdown. It was held at St Peter’s with a representative congregation from the four constitutive Churches, the present clergy and some who had formerly ministered in Toorak. The four are: St Peter’s Catholic, St John’s Anglican, the Toorak Uniting and the Swedish Churches/Parishes. The preacher at the Service of Thanksgiving was the Rev. Dr Robert Gribben of the Uniting Church in Australia, a distinguished and well known Ecumenical Theologian at national and international levels, preacher and writer.

Almost two generations away from 1980 we can understand that Ecumenism amongst the Churches is a belief and practice, a habit of life that is almost taken for granted. It is difficult to recall the distance, division, suspicion and ingrained hostility that existed among the Churches in the Western world, and Australia by extension. The imported attitudes and habits of 400 years had taken root in this soil, together with the rabbits and sparrows, starlings and foxes. At the same time however, many people had learned to be tolerant at the individual level, at ease with neighbours, respectful of difference.

Among Catholics the Decree on Ecumenism which came out of the Second (Ecumenical) Council of the Vatican in 1964 provided the breakthrough for ‘theological respect’ for other Churches. Defensive of traditional Catholic claims, this Decree also affirmed the common belief in Trinitarian baptism of the major Christian churches, a legacy of common prayers, some elements of shared liturgical practice and acceptance of the Scriptures as the revealed word of God. 

In the light of this ecumenical awakening several international and national inter-Church Commissions and Dialogues were created and replicated at the local level. The Catholic Parishes of Toorak and Armadale continue to share in the following activities with the other three Parishes of the Covenant: prayer each Sunday for one another in the General Intercessions, (Prayers of the Faithful), ‘Prayers for Christian Unity’, held in one of the four churches each month, the Lenten Studies programme, the Way of the Cross on Good Friday morning, Common Services of Worship on Pentecost Sunday and Advent Sunday, the Toorak Ecumenical Opportunity Shop and the Food for Friends Appeal conducted each year before Christmas. 

For those who would like to donate to the Food for Friends Appeal, please use the following details:

The Toorak Ecumenical Fund  - CBA Toorak

BSB: 063 177                            

ACC: 1002 6147.

Please mark it F for F.

Cheques/cash may be dropped into the parish office. Cheques should be made payable to the Toorak Ecumenical Fund. 

We always welcome any parishioners who may be interested in sharing any of these activities.  Please contact the Parish Office 03 9068 8600 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Stewardship Giving

Your Stewardship giving provides for the continuing missions of our two parishes and pays for the parish operating costs.

During COVID, for the many parishioners who have enquired as to what to do with their weekly Stewardship envelopes, you may wish to take the opportunity to contact Madeline Dimasi at the Parish Office, 03 9068 8600, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. who will be happy to assist you.

Thanks again for your generosity.

Presbytery Offering

Your Presbytery offering supports the Parish Priest to meet normal household expenses and stipend.  

If you would like to donate to the Presbytery Offering, please contact Madeline Dimasi at the Parish Office 03 9068 8600, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Parish Caring Services

Visitation of the Home Bound
Delisa Gonsalves - (03) 9068 8602 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..au
Please email Delisa or the Parish Office with your contact details and we will get back to you.

The Deal Mens Group (Alcoholics Anonymous)
Please contact Michael 0448 050 904 or the parish secretary, Madeline Dimasi 9068 8600 for more information.  
https://aameetings.org.au/find?near=Armadale+VIC

Parish Facilities

St Peter's, Toorak - Parish Centre (The Leonard Room)
Madeline Dimasi - (03) 9068 8600
Please Contact Madeline for more information
 

Our Lady of Lourdes, Armadale - Parish Hall
Madeline Dimasi - (03) 9068 8600
Please Contact Madeline for more information

Parish Ministries

Toorak Ecumenical Covenant (Celebrating 45 Years)
Parish Office - (03) 9068 8600 or Delisa Gonsalves (03) 9068 8602 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Please Contact the Parish Office or Delisa for more information.

Visitation to the Home-Bound
Delisa Gonsalves - (03) 9068 8602 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
If you would like to volunteer, please contact Delisa or the Parish Office for more information.

St Peter's & Our Lady of Lourdes Organists
St Peter:  Conrad Helfrich (Music Director) 0418 392 997  and  Danuta Southern (pro tem) 0409 141 892
OLOL:  Phillip Byrnes 0417 126 974   
If you would like to Cantor at the weekend Masses, please contact Conrad Helfrich  or  Phillip Byrnes.

Flowers at Our Lady of Lourdes and St Peter's
If you'd like to make a donation towards the flowers or volunteer to assist with flower arranging, please feel free to contact Madeline in the Parish Office.

Lectors & Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist    
St Peter:  Anthony Muir  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.         OLOL:  Parish Office  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 
Please contact either Anthony or the Parish Office if you would like to volunteer as a Lector or an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist.

Volunteer Essentials:

It is now a requirement by the Archdiocese of Melbourne that all Volunteers complete and submit to the Parish Office the following documentation:

• a signed copy of the Parish's Code of Conduct
• a completed  pdf Ministry Volunteer Application Form (331 KB)
• Certificate of Food-handling if helping with the Parish Morning Teas and Pizza Night (link for certificate can be found under 'Safeguarding - Food Handling')
• a Police Check if helping with Thanksgiving, Sacramental Preparation and Visitation
       

All Parish Volunteers will also need to have an updated WWCC Card that has been registered to:

• Organisation Name: Partnered Parishes of Armadale and Toorak
• Organisation's Address: 583 Toorak Road, Toorak, VIC, 3142
• Organisation's Telephone Number: (03) 9068 8600
• Organisation's Occupation Type: 64 - Religious Organisation

     Volunteer Documents to Download

• pdf How to Register VIT Card with WWCCV (763 KB)
• pdf How to Apply for a WWCC (3.34 MB)
• pdf How to Update WWCC to include an Organisation (1.18 MB)
• pdf Ministry Volunteer Application Form (331 KB)
  

     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 information and assistance.

COVIDSafe Plan:  The Partnered Parishes of Armadale and Toorak have a COVIDSafe Plan in place.  Copies of the COVIDSafe Plan can be found at the back of the Church and in the Parish Office.  For a digital or hard copy of the COVIDSafe Plan please contact Delisa on (03) 9068 8602 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.