St John Paul II Catholic Parish, encompassing the communities of St Peter’s in Toorak and Our Lady of Lourdes in Armadale, stands as a cornerstone of faith, community, and cultural engagement. Under the pastoral leadership of Fr Dean Mathieson, this parish brings together two historic churches to foster a shared mission of growing in faith through sacraments, sacred liturgy, formation, outreach, and cultural encounter. With a rich history and a forward-looking vision, St John Paul II Parish is a place where tradition meets modernity, and where all are invited to encounter Christ and build community.
A Parish Rooted in History
The story of St John Paul II Parish is one of faith, resilience, and generosity, with roots stretching back over a century. The parish’s origins lie in the broader Catholic presence in Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs, initially part of St Mary’s, East St Kilda (established 1862) and St Joseph’s, South Yarra (established 1887). As Melbourne grew after the First World War, Archbishop Daniel Mannix responded to the needs of the burgeoning Catholic population by establishing new parishes, including Armadale-Toorak in 1922 under the title Our Lady of Lourdes, followed by St Peter’s Parish in Toorak in 1929.
A notable milestone in the parish’s history was the erection of the Chapel of St Stanislaus Kostka in Toorak in 1912, on the site where St Peter’s Church now stands. Opened by Archbishop Thomas Carr, this chapel was built to serve both wealthier parishioners and the Catholic maids working in Toorak’s affluent households. The chapel’s establishment reflected the community’s commitment to providing accessible worship spaces, a legacy that continues to shape the parish today.
Today, St John Paul II Parish honours this history as a “living legacy,” with its churches—St Peter’s at 581 Toorak Road, Toorak, and Our Lady of Lourdes at 631 High Street, East Prahran—serving as sacred spaces where generations have gathered to worship, celebrate, and grow in faith. The parish’s commitment to preserving its heritage while fostering a vibrant community life makes it a unique and cherished part of Melbourne’s Catholic landscape.
A Welcoming Community Centred on the Sacraments
At the heart of St John Paul II Parish is the celebration of the sacraments, which Fr Dean Mathieson describes as a cornerstone of the parish’s mission to help people encounter their faith. The parish offers a robust schedule of Masses and prayer opportunities, ensuring that all are welcome to participate in the life of the Church.
Mass and Prayer Times
St Peter’s, Toorak:
Saturday Vigil: 6:00 PM
Sunday: 9:30 AM
Tuesday: 6:30 PM
Thursday: 9:30 AM
Friday: 11:30 AM
Our Lady of Lourdes, Armadale:
Sunday: 11:15 AM
Wednesday: 9:30 AM
In addition to Masses, the parish holds regular Eucharistic Adoration and Holy Hours, offering moments of quiet reflection and spiritual renewal. Confession is available during Adoration on Tuesdays (5:30 PM–6:15 PM), Fridays (10:45 AM–11:15 AM), and Saturdays (5:15 PM–5:50 PM), ensuring that parishioners have ample opportunities to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The Rosary is also prayed on Fridays at 11:00 AM at St Peter’s, fostering a deep devotion to Mary, the patroness of Our Lady of Lourdes.
The parish’s emphasis on Eucharistic Adoration is particularly cherished. As noted on their website, “In the stillness we have space to listen, to rest, and to let God speak to our hearts.” This commitment to contemplative prayer underscores the parish’s role as a spiritual haven in the bustling suburbs of Toorak and Armadale.
A Vibrant Parish Life
Beyond its liturgical offerings, St John Paul II Parish is a hive of activity, with a diverse range of events, ministries, and groups designed to build community and deepen faith. The parish calendar is brimming with opportunities for parishioners to connect, learn, and serve.
Upcoming Events
The parish is known for its engaging events that blend faith, culture, and community. Highlights for September 2025 include:
Speaker Series with Greg Sheridan (9 September, 7:00 PM–8:30 PM, St Peter’s Parish Centre): Renowned journalist Greg Sheridan will discuss his new book, How Christians Succeed Today, as part of the St Peter’s Speaker Series. Tickets are available via Trybooking.
What We Believe (10 September, 7:00 PM–8:00 PM, St Peter’s Parish Centre): A fortnightly video series and discussion group for those exploring Catholicism or seeking to deepen their understanding of the faith.
Pray for Peace Vigil (12–13 September, 7:00 PM–9:00 AM, Our Lady of Lourdes): An all-night prayer vigil for peace, concluding with a 9:00 AM Mass.
Second Saturdays (13 September, 9:00 AM–1:30 PM, Our Lady of Lourdes): A monthly gathering for coffee and conversation following the 9:00 AM Mass, fostering fellowship among parishioners.
Lumen (26 September, 6:30 PM–9:30 PM, Our Lady of Lourdes): A vibrant initiative for Catholic young adults across Melbourne, featuring adoration, talks by local speakers, and opportunities for authentic connection.
These events reflect the parish’s commitment to fostering both spiritual growth and social bonds, creating a welcoming environment for parishioners of all ages and backgrounds.
Ministries and Volunteering
St John Paul II Parish offers numerous ways to get involved, from liturgical ministries to community outreach. Parishioners can contribute through roles such as:
Liturgical Ministries: Serving as readers, altar servers, or extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion.
Toorak Op Shop: Supporting the parish’s charitable efforts through volunteering at the op shop.
Hospitality Roles: Welcoming newcomers and fostering a sense of belonging at parish events.
Church Flowers and Choir: Enhancing the beauty of worship through floral arrangements and sacred music.
Visiting the Homebound: Bringing Communion and companionship to those unable to attend Mass.
The parish’s Sacred Music Program is a particular point of pride, with regular concerts and a choir that enriches the liturgical experience. For those interested in exploring faith, the parish offers the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) and opportunities to learn about the Theology of the Body, ensuring that newcomers and lifelong Catholics alike can deepen their spiritual journey.
A Hub for Faith and Culture
St John Paul II Parish is not only a place of worship but also a cultural hub, hosting events that bridge faith and the arts. The parish’s Faith & Culture Series and An Evening With author events bring international speakers to Toorak, fostering dialogue and inspiration. Past events have included presentations by artists like Scottish painter Tommy Canning, whose work directs people towards the divine, highlighting the parish’s commitment to beauty and truth.
The Annual Christmas Advent Market is another beloved tradition, drawing the community together to celebrate the season with joy and generosity. These initiatives reflect the parish’s mission to “share the light of Christ in a world longing for meaning,” making it a beacon of hope in Melbourne’s cultural landscape.
Stay Connected
To stay informed about parish life, St John Paul II Parish encourages everyone to subscribe to its weekly newsletter, which provides updates on events, faith-related content, and opportunities to get involved. The newsletter, available for download on the parish website, ensures that parishioners never miss a chance to engage with their community. The parish office, located at 583 Toorak Road, Toorak, is open Tuesday to Friday from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM, and can be reached at (03) 9068 8600 or via email at armadale.toorak@cam.org.au.
For those planning significant life events, such as weddings or baptisms, the parish offers dedicated support and beautiful venues at both St Peter’s and Our Lady of Lourdes. The parish’s website provides detailed information on sacramental preparation and booking processes, ensuring a seamless experience for all.
A Parish for All
St John Paul II Catholic Parish is more than a place of worship; it is a community where faith is lived out through prayer, service, and connection. Whether you’re drawn to the solemn beauty of Eucharistic Adoration, the intellectual stimulation of the Speaker Series, or the warmth of a post-Mass cuppa, there is a place for you here. As Fr Dean Mathieson and the parish team invite all to “join us as we build community and share Christ with others,” St John Paul II Parish continues to shine as a beacon of faith in Toorak and Armadale.
Come, explore, and discover the vibrant life of St John Paul II Catholic Parish—a place where faith, history, and community converge to create something truly special.
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