Feast Day:  29 June

When Fr Walter Ebsworth came to Toorak in 1927 the existing chapel on the site was called St Stanislaus.  To the casual observer this could be taken as a reference to an 11th century Polish bishop and martyr,  or Stanislaus Kostka, a young Polish Jesuit saint of the 16th century.  However,  the name referred to the parish priest of South Yarra Fr Robert Stanislaus Benson.

Fr Ebsworth announced that a new and bigger and fitting parish church would have to be built to accommodate the people of the new parish and that it would be called after St Peter. At that time the only other parishes in the diocese called after St Peter were Daylesford (1861, now in Ballarat) and Epping (1911). St Peter as patron of the parish signified devotion to Peter the rock of the Church, the prince of the apostles to whom Our Lord entrusted the keys of the Kingdom of heaven.

Despite the Depression, the first part of the church was built and opened for worship in 1934.  Two of the stained glass windows placed later in the apse of the sanctuary depict St. Peter.  One window shows him in the boat with Jesus calming the waters.  The other window shows Jesus entrusting the keys to him with the famous basilica in Rome which was built over the shrine of the Saint (not to be discovered until the excavations carried out during World War II).

We have great devotion to St. Peter who is like us in so many ways. Mentioned in each of the four Gospels, the Acts of the Apostles and the First Letter to the Corinthians, with two Letters of the New Testament bearing his name, he is like us in so many ways.  By turns he is rash and steadfast, quick to deny but sincere in repentance, a questioner of the Lord’s purposes but ready to launch into the deep, a follower who became a leader, ultimately prepared to lose his life in order to gain it.

No wonder that we like St Peter, a fitting friend and patron for our parish.

In February 1922, a new parish was formed in the area of Armadale and Prahran.  This Parish also covered the area of Toorak and was accordingly known as the Armadale-Toorak parish  The site was, and is, at 631 High Street Prahran where the original 1880s house, Cavendish House, still stands and is used as the presbytery.

The first parish priest was Father Michael Ignatius O’Brien.  Born in Geelong he had been an AIF Chaplain in France during the Great War.  He took on all the details of planning and building of the new church with a school attached to it.

The church school was opened in October 1922 and the school began in February 1923 with approximately 200 students. 

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

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.

• Baptisms are celebrated at either Our Lady of Lourdes Church or St Peter's Church.

• Our Pastoral Associate, Delisa Gonsalves, will contact you to arrange and attend a Baptism Preparation and Information Session.

• A copy of your child's Birth Certificate is also required.

• A copy of the Catholic Parent(s)' and one Catholic Godparent(s)' Baptism Certificate / Baptism Extract is also required.

• An offering for the support of the Celebrant is customary.

Please complete our contact form below

Father Brendan Hayes

In June 2004 Father Hayes came to Our Lady of Lourdes Armadale and St Peter’s Toorak as Parish Priest.

Ordained for the archdiocese of Melbourne in May 1976, he had already worked in various parishes as assistant priest and parish priest.

For ten years he had also worked in the Catholic Education Office Melbourne (long before it became Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools MACS) in the fields of Religious Education, Health and Human Relations Education and the ongoing education and in-service of teachers in Catholic schools in Melbourne and Hobart, together with the training of Parish Catechists.  During this period Father also acquired a Licence in Ecclesiastical History from the Pontifical Gregorian University Rome.

The busy work schedule for Father Hayes involves the usual tasks of the celebration of Sunday and weekday Masses, baptismal preparation for infants, children and parents, preparation of couples for Marriage, visiting and anointing the sick and housebound, working with the bereaved and celebrating Funerals, together with ministry at the Cabrini Intensive Palliative Care Unit Prahran, pastoral involvement with Our Lady of Lourdes Parish School and chaplaincy work at Loreto Mandeville Hall and St Kevin’s College in Toorak.

Father Hayes also works with the parish staff:  Secretary/Executive Assistant, Pastoral Associate, Assistant Secretary, Business Manager and Our Lady of Lourdes Parish School Principal.  Father is also grateful for the many dedicated parishioners who volunteer their services and skills to help with and co-ordinate various tasks and duties.  He also works closely with St Peter’s Finance Committee and The Education Advisory Board of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Primary School.

Fr Hayes is a strong advocate for Ecumenism.  Since Pentecost Sunday 1980, St Peter’s Catholic Parish, together with the Toorak Uniting Parish, St John’s Anglican Parish and the Swedish Church have formed the Toorak Ecumenical Movement which in normal times sponsors a monthly Prayer Session, Lenten Studies, Good Friday Way of the Cross and the Food for Friends Campaign before Christmas.

In July 2024, Father Brendan Hayes retired as Parish Priest of the Partnered Parishes of Armadale and Toorak. 

Father Dean Mathieson

In July 2024, Father Dean Mathieson was appointed the new Parish Priest of Our Lady of Lourdes Armadale and St Peter's Toorak.

Welcome to the website of the Armadale and Toorak parishes.  
We hope you use this website to get to know us better.

Our parishes have been an important part of the fabric of Melbourne’s Catholic community for over 90 years. The role of the website is not only to provide historical information on the parishes, but also to up-date you on the latest news and coming events.

If you are new to the parishes, Father Dean Mathieson, parish priest of Armadale and Toorak welcomes you to our community.

A team of deeply committed parishioners is engaged in volunteer work to help with the many demands of the two parishes. This website can assist you in finding out how best you can support the partnered parishes.

We hope you enjoy this website. We’d love to hear from you and we welcome any questions or suggestions you may have. 

 
Click here to read more about our upcoming Parish Activities

 Follow us on Instagram
@armadale_toorakpartneredparish

Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians; the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and Bunurong people of the Kulin Nations, who have walked upon and cared for the lands upon which we are all individually located and gather on.

We recognise their deep spiritual connection to land, waters, culture, language and community, extending back tens of thousands of years. We pay our respects to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, to Elders, Past, Present and Emerging; and commit ourselves to the ongoing Journey of Reconciliation.

(The Leonard Room)

Purpose
The purpose of this document is to outline the policies and procedures that will apply to the use of the St Peter’s Toorak Parish Hall, The Leonard Room (‘the Parish Hall’) for functions.

Scope
This document applies to the use of the Parish Hall by parishioners and residents of The Benson Toorak.

Policy
The Parish Hall is a state-of-the-art facility available for hire for a variety of functions, such as morning teas, dinner functions, cocktail parties, receptions and business seminars. It may be hired separately or in conjunction with events held in the partnered parishes of St Peter’s, Toorak and Our Lady of Lourdes, Armadale. A commercial kitchen, off-street parking, ramp access to the main entrance and all-ability toilet facilities are also available.

Contact
Please contact Madeline Dimasi at the Parish Office for more information.
E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
T: (03) 9068 8600
A: 583 Toorak Road, Toorak 3142

Safeguarding & COVIDsafe Plan
Please click here to visit our Community page for up-to-date information on Safeguarding & COVIDsafe Plan.

Access
The Parish Hall may be accessed either through the main entrance of the Parish Centre or by means of the Parish elevator from the Lower Ground carpark.

The Parish Carpark at the front of the Parish Centre may be used for loading and unloading goods e.g. catering supplies.

Ramp access is available via the main entrance to the Parish Centre.

Capacity

Hire fees

• Hire fees are charged at the discretion of the Parish Business Manager.
  
  
• Hire fees must be paid at least 72 hours prior to the commencement of the function. Fees may be paid by credit card or direct deposit.
  
  
• Residents of The Benson Toorak are permitted to book the Parish Hall a maximum of two (2) times per calendar year at no charge for hire. For three or more bookings per calendar year, residents will be charged the hire fees outlined above.

Hire fee inclusions
The following are included in the hire fee:

• Underground parking in the Parish carpark (limited)
• Commercial kitchen for the storage, heating and service of pre-prepared meals only
• Glassware, crockery and cutlery, serving utensils, platters etc
• Cleaning supplies including commercial dishwasher, tea towels, mops and buckets
• Tables and chairs

Hire Fee exclusions
The following are excluded in the hire fee:

• Table linen can be supplied at an additional cost.
• Hirers are not permitted to use the commercial kitchen for the full preparation and cooking of meals.
• Wait staff.
• Also excluded are provisions of Flowers, decorations, chair covers etc.

Security Bond
In addition to the Parish Hall hire fee, Hirers may be required to pay a security bond of $500. The decision to levy a security bond is at the discretion of the Parish Business Manager. Security bonds will be refunded within seven (7) days after the function, subject to all invoices being paid, the conditions of hire being met and no damage to the Parish Centre having occurred.

Cleaning Fee
The Hirer agrees and acknowledges that the Parish Hall and Parish Centre are maintained in good repair and a clean and tidy state at the commencement of the hire period and must be returned in the same condition at the end of the hire period. In the event that the Parish Business Manager considers the Parish Hall or other facilities utilised by the Hirer are not in a clean and tidy state at the completion of the function an additional cleaning fee may be charged to the Hirer.

Function Coordinator
In addition to the Parish Hall hire fee, prospective Hirers may be required to pay for the services of a Function Coordinator for their function. This decision will be at the discretion of the Parish Business Manager. The Function Coordinator fee will be in addition to any Parish Hall hire fee that may apply.

The standard hourly rate for the Function Coordinator will be advised at the time of booking the function and may vary from time to time. If a Function Coordinator is required, the minimum booking period is three hours. The Function Coordinator will commence duty one hour prior to the start of the function and finish one hour after the completion of the function.

The role of the Function Coordinator is as follows:

• to assist external suppliers (e.g., caterers) with obtaining access to the Parish Hall
• to provide assistance with the setup of tables, chairs and AV equipment
• to manage the heating, cooling and lighting systems
• to provide advice on the operation of the kitchen equipment, use of the glassware, crockery and cutlery etc.
• to provide guests with access to the Parish carpark if required
• to ensure the facilities, including the kitchens, are left in a clean and tidy state
• to ensure alcohol (if any) is served in accordance with the Responsible Service of Alcohol guidelines
• to advise on security arrangements throughout the function and to ensure that the premises are appropriately secured at the end of the function
• to act as warden in the event of an evacuation for fire, flood or other emergency
• to assist with handling any spills, breakages or other damage and to ensure all incidents are reported to the Parish Business Manager as soon as possible and no later than the next business day
• to ensure all guests are QR coded and double vaccinated (if required in the future)

Function Coordinators should not be expected to prepare and serve food and drink during functions or to clean up the facilities afterwards.

Hirers
Hirers must be eighteen (18) years or older. Proof of age may be requested.

Hirers are responsible for the following:

• being present at all times during the function or ensuring that another responsible adult is present at all times and providing these details to the Parish Business Manager
• ensuring their guests behave in an appropriate manner
• ensuring children under the age of 12 are appropriately supervised at all times and are not permitted into the kitchen areas
• ensuring guests do not enter the residential areas of The Benson Toorak without authorisation
• coordinating the provision of services by external suppliers (e.g., caterers), notifying Parish Business Manager of their details, and paying them directly for their services
• arranging the cleaning the facilities to a suitable standard, including the kitchens, immediately on completion of the function
• ensuring external suppliers (e.g., caterers) provide sufficient staff to serve food and drinks
• covering the cost of any damage or breakage that is incurred during the course of the function

In addition to the above, Hirers hosting functions where a Function Coordinator is not present are responsible for the following:

• attending a briefing session with the Parish Business Manager on the use of the facilities prior to the function
• ensuring any spills or breakages are cleaned up immediately and reporting these to the Parish Business Manager no later than the following business day
• ensuring alcohol (if any) is served in a responsible manner
• providing access to the Parish carpark for their guests and ensuring they depart quietly on completion of the function
• acting as warden in the event of evacuation for fire, flood or other emergency
• ensuring the security of the facilities is not compromised in any way during the function (e.g., by propping open external doors)
• securing the facility at the end of the function and returning the keys to the Parish Business Manager the next business day.

Making a booking
To book the Parish Hall:

1. Check availability with Madeline Dimasi at the Parish Office:  T: 9086 8600    E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
2. Complete and submit the Parish Hall Booking Form (this will be provided by the Parish Office)
   
3. Attend a briefing session with the Parish Business Manager if required
4. Pay any fees applicable at least 72 hours prior to the function

The Parish Business Manager reserves the right to refuse functions in the Parish Hall if:

• the proposed function is inconsistent with the appropriate use of the facilities; or
• the proposed function is likely to be detrimental to the interests of the Parish;
• the proposed function will be potentially destructive to property or persons within the Parish Centre; or
• the proposed function conflicts with other planned functions within Parish Centre; or
• the proposed function is outside the designated function hours; or
• previous functions hosted by the Hirer have not been conducted in an appropriate manner consistent with the appropriate use of the facilities or The Benson Toorak by-laws.

Cancelling a booking
The Hirer may cancel a booking by written notice to the Parish. Cancellations made with less than 72 hours notice may incur a cancellation fee of 50% of the Parish Hall hire fee.

The Parish reserves the right to cancel a booking without notice in the event of an emergency.

The Parish also reserves the right to cancel a booking by prior written notice to the Hirer if:

• the Parish becomes aware that the function is inconsistent with the appropriate use of the facilities; or
• the Parish considers the proposed function will potentially be destructive to property or persons within the Parish Centre; or
• the prescribed fees have not been paid in the specified time frame; or
• repairs, alterations or additions are required to the Parish Centre.

If the Parish cancels the booking without fault of the Hirer, the Parish will refund any amounts paid by the Hirer in relation to the booking. The Parish will not be held liable for any loss or damage or loss of profit suffered as a consequence of exercising its right to cancel the booking.

Smoking
Smoking is not permitted in the Parish Centre, on the Parish Hall Terrace or in the Parish Gardens. Hirers and their guests who wish to smoke must make their way to the public footpath at the front of the Parish Centre.

Fires, candles and smoke machines
Smoke machines are not permitted in the Parish Centre or on the Parish Hall Terrace.

Birthday candles and sparklers are not permitted inside the Parish Centre. Birthday candles and sparklers may be used on the Parish Hall Terrace as long as the Terrace doors to the Parish Hall remain closed.

The Hirer will be held responsible for all costs associated with the Metropolitan Fire Brigade attending site as a result of a breach of these conditions resulting in the activation of the fire alarm.

Decorations and other materials
No adhesive tape, Blu-Tak or the equivalent is allowed to be placed on any painted or fabric surfaces. Gaffer tape is the only tape allowed to be used on the floors.

No confetti, rice or other objects may thrown inside or outside the Parish Centre.

Animals
Animals, with the exception of accredited Assistance Dogs, are prohibited from entering the Parish Centre.

Parish Offices
Hirers and their guests are prohibited from entering the Parish Offices located within the Parish Centre unless a member of staff is present.