SACRAMENTS
A Lifelong Journey of Faith
At the Parishes of Belgrave and Ferntree Gully, we are privileged to walk alongside people through every stage of life. From welcoming a new child through Baptism to celebrating marriage, supporting those who are sick, accompanying families in times of loss, and helping adults discover the Catholic faith, our parish community is here to support your journey.
The Sacraments are at the heart of Catholic life. They are visible signs of God's grace, strengthening us in faith and drawing us closer to Christ and one another.
Our Sacraments
We celebrate all seven Sacraments of the Catholic Church:
- Baptism
- First Reconciliation
- First Holy Communion (Eucharist)
- Confirmation
- Marriage
- Holy Orders
- Anointing of the Sick
We also accompany people through other important moments of faith, including the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) and Catholic funerals.
Baptism
Baptism is the beginning of the Christian life and welcomes a person into the Catholic Church and our parish family.
Parents wishing to have their child baptised are invited to attend a Baptism Preparation Session before booking a ceremony. During this session you will receive guidance about the sacrament and information about the booking process.
Baptism Celebrations
Belgrave Parish
- Second Sunday of each month
- 8:30am Mass – St Thomas More, Belgrave
- 9:00am – Sacred Heart, Gembrook
- 11:00am – St Paul's, Monbulk
Ferntree Gully Parish
- Second Sunday of each month
- 12:30pm (outside Mass)
- St John the Baptist, Ferntree Gully
Please complete a separate booking for each child.
If neither parent is Catholic, or if one parent is also seeking Baptism, please contact the Parish Office before making a booking.
For enquiries or Baptism Preparation, please contact:
Mary Makarucha
Sacramental Coordinator
marymakarucha@stjohnthebaptist.net.au
Parents & Kids Group
New families are warmly invited to join our Parents & Kids Group after the 10:30am Mass on the first and third Sunday of each month at the Parish Community Centre, St John the Baptist, Ferntree Gully.
This group offers friendship, support and an opportunity to connect with other young families.
We are also looking for parish families who would like to help welcome newcomers by:
- Greeting new families at Mass or parish events
- Helping them feel part of our community
- Being a friendly and familiar face
If you would like to be involved, please contact:
First Reconciliation & First Holy Communion
The Sacrament of Reconciliation celebrates God's mercy and forgiveness, restoring our relationship with Him through the ministry of the priest.
The Eucharist is the centre of Catholic life. In Holy Communion we receive Christ himself, strengthening our relationship with Him and with the Church.
Our parish sacramental program helps children grow in faith as they prepare to celebrate First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion with the parish community.
For more information contact:
Mary Makarucha
Sacramental Program Coordinator
marymakarucha@stjohnthebaptist.net.au
Confirmation
Confirmation completes the journey of initiation begun at Baptism.
Through this sacrament, the gifts of the Holy Spirit are strengthened within us, deepening our relationship with Christ and empowering us to live our faith with confidence and commitment.
For information about the Confirmation program, please contact:
Mary Makarucha
Sacramental Coordinator
marymakarucha@stjohnthebaptist.net.au
Marriage
Marriage is a sacred covenant in which a husband and wife commit themselves to one another before God.
Our parishes are delighted to celebrate weddings and support couples as they prepare for this important step in their lives.
Wedding Enquiries
Email:
office@stjohnthebaptist.net.au
Phone:
(03) 9758 1029
Before booking
Couples are asked to:
- Arrange a Catholic priest to prepare them for marriage and celebrate the wedding.
- Allow at least three months' notice if requesting one of our parish priests.
- Inform the Parish Office if either person has previously been married or belongs to an Eastern Catholic or Orthodox Church.
Wedding bookings are made online unless other arrangements have been made with one of our parish priests.
Overseas Weddings
If you are planning to marry overseas, please complete the parish Marriage Registration Form so your marriage can be properly recorded in accordance with Church requirements.
The Parish Office can assist with the registration process.
Vocations
Every Christian receives a unique calling from God.
Some are called to marriage or family life, others to the single life, priesthood or consecrated religious life. Through Baptism we are all invited to live the Gospel by serving God and our community.
If you feel God may be calling you to the priesthood or another vocation, we encourage you to speak with one of our priests.
For a conversation about discernment, please contact:
Fr Thomas
Phone: (03) 9758 1029
Anointing of the Sick
The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick offers Christ's healing, strength and peace to those experiencing serious illness, advanced age or preparing for major surgery.
The sacrament is celebrated:
First Friday of each month at St Thomas More's Belgrave
9:00am Mass
St Thomas More, Belgrave
Emergency anointing is available by contacting the Parish Office on:
(03) 9758 1029
Holy Communion can also be arranged for those unable to attend Mass.
Home Visits
If you or a loved one would like a home visit from a priest or pastoral minister, please contact the Parish Office.
Christian Initiation (RCIA)
Interested in Becoming Catholic?
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the process through which adults and children of catechetical age prepare to become members of the Catholic Church.
RCIA is suitable for:
- Adults who have never been baptised
- Christians from other denominations wishing to become Catholic
- Children over the age of reason who have not yet been baptised
Our parish provides personalised preparation through weekly sessions that include prayer, Scripture, discussion and learning about the Catholic faith.
There is no obligation to continue if you decide the journey is not right for you.
For further information contact:
Mary Makarucha
Faith Development Coordinator
Phone:
(03) 9758 1029
Available:
Tuesday & Wednesday
10:00am–2:00pm
Email:
marymakarucha@stjohnthebaptist.net.au
Funerals
The Funeral Rite gives thanks for the life of the deceased while placing our hope in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Our parish is committed to supporting families with compassion and prayer during times of grief.
Arranging a Funeral
Your first step is to contact your chosen Funeral Director. They will liaise directly with the Parish Office to arrange the funeral service.
Preferred Funeral Directors include:
- Heritage & Heritage Funerals – (03) 9800 3000
- Le Pine Funerals, Ferntree Gully – (03) 9758 2333
Donations
If you would like to support the ministry and mission of our parish, please contact the Parish Office on (03) 9758 1029.
Parish Office
St John the Baptist Catholic Church
19 Forest Road
Ferntree Gully VIC 3156
Phone
(03) 9758 1029
office@stjohnthebaptist.net.au
Office Hours
Monday
9:45am – 3:45pm
Tuesday to Friday
9:00am – 3:00pm