The sacrament of Baptism incorporates the person into the Church and the life of Christ. Therefore baptisms are celebrated when the person and/or the family are ready to accept the commitment of growing in the faith and being a member of the Church community.

Infant/Children

The Rite of Baptism is normally celebrated on Sundays during or after Mass. Please contact the Cathedral Office to make an appointment.

Christian families who wish their infants/children to be baptised are asked to attend baptism preparation before or after the birth of their child. An evening of preparation with other parents is held on the first Wednesday of the Month (Feb-Nov) at St Kilian's Parish Centre, 181 McCrae Street, Bendigo, at 7.30 pm. For further information click here.

Adults

Adults who wish to be baptised and be received into the Catholic faith need to enrol for a process of preparation which includes stages of inquiry, education and spiritual preparation and the celebration of the Rites of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA). Contact the Cathedral Office.

Ministries at the Sacred Heart Cathedral

• Finance Committee – Contact John Freeman
• Liturgy Committee – Contact
• Altar Society – Contact
• Communion to the Sick and Housebound – Contact
• Seniors’ Luncheon – Contact Marcia Nestor
• Social Group – Contact Marcia Nestor
• Senior Singles Group – Contact
• R.C.I.A. Group – Contact Presbytery 03 5443 4400
• Cathedral Guardians – Contact John Trainor
• Sacramental Program – Contact Presbytery 03 5443 4400
• Cathedral Choir – Contact Paul Taylor

Contact the Cathedral for ordering details.

Centenary Book
prepared especially for the centenary, the publication features many pictures and details of the 100 years for faith, events and people. Price $10

In celebration of the cathedral centenary a peal of bells was installed in September 2001.  The first official ringing took place on 30 September 2001.

The peal is a 5-bell “Salve Regina” swinging peal in the European style, and it is the heaviest and deepest-toned of its kind in Australia.  It is very well suited to the grand presence of the cathedral itself, with the great tower and spire – truly a harmony of architecture and bells!

The spacious belfry, visited by Hervey Bagot with the cathedral architect in Decem-ber 2000, proved to be an inspiration.  The cathedral authorities had requested a pro-posal for a swinging peal of bells, not to be the same as a change-ringing peal.  The belfry dimensions, about 9 metres cubed, made it easy to suggest a European swing-ing peal which in a good tower can develop excellent musical effects.  The concept was then elaborated for this tower by Hervey Bagot, the eventual supplier and instal-ler of the bell peal.

A “European peal” is a peal of cast bronze bells of a type whose historical origins can be found in 13th century Europe.  The bells swing back and forth, each at its own rate, and the motifs, or note selections, often in pentatonic scale, follow traditional chants.  Hence Salve Regina, which here in Bendigo is rendered with the notes
 E – G# -- B – c# -- e
The lowest four notes provide the motif, and the fifth bell, e, mirrors, one octave higher, the basis bell E and rounds out the musical impression.  The peal is  describ-ed technically as an harmonic-melodic peal, whose function is to create a “sea of sound” with an interplay of melody and harmony, dissonance and resolution ever changing.  The details of the bells are as follows:

Bell 1: St Augustine – note E – mouth diameter 1200 mm – weight 1050 kg
Bell 2: St Patrick – note G# – mouth diameter 955 mm – weight 525 kg
Bell 3: St Liborius – note B – mouth diameter 825 mm – weight 360 kg
Bell 4: Mother of Good Counsel – note c# – mouth diameter 740 mm – wt 275 kg
Bell 5: Blessed Mary Mackillop – note e – mouth diameter 662 mm – wt 190 kg  

The sizes and notes of the bells here were ultimately determined by the dimensions of the belfry and of its sound openings (through which the bells were to be inserted).  These were measured and discussed during planning meetings prior to ordering of the peal.  As completed, the bells in their frames are mounted in one line across the belfry, parallel to the cathedral nave, with the smallest bells at the ends.  The small-est bell, no. 5, is at the Bendigo city end.

After discussions held in early 2001 the bells were finally ordered in March, leaving only a short time, in which much remained to be done.  Completion date September 2001 was non-negotiable!

The French bellfoundry Paccard Fonderie de Cloches et Carillons, near Annecy (established 1796), was selected by Hervey Bagot to supply the bells themselves, with all the supporting frames, fittings, and accessories to be specified by him for design and construction in Australia.

The tuning of the bells was studied carefully.  Every such bell has many harmonics, the most important six of which have a well-defined relationship such as in the musical diagram, which is for a “middle C” bell.

In a peal it is essential that the many tones thus present do correctly overlap and interact with each other.  It was to make observations and check the tones of each freshly tuned bell (as a procurer of bells is entitled to do) that Hervey Bagot flew to France for a few days near the end of May 2001, the projected date of readiness.  There he found that bells 1, 2, and 3 had been finished, bell 4 was on the tuning machine, and bell 5 stood on the foundry floor next to the tuning machine.  He had taken with him a portable bell-tone tester.  The tunings were discussed with the bell tuner, and some small adjustments made on the spot.  During this time the inscrip-tions on the bells were checked for correctness.  

Another purpose of Hervey's journey to Annecy was to make detailed physical measurements on the bells as cast and finished.  Normally this would have awaited the arrival of the bells in Adelaide, but was necessary now so that, while the bells were making the sea journey to Australia, construction of all the supporting frames and fittings could go ahead in Adelaide without delay.  The bells were shipped from Annecy on 1 June 2001 and arrived in Adelaide at the end of July.

Attention now became concentrated on another important aspect of the peal, namely preparation of the belfry to receive the bells and frames.  As in any such installation, the tower and a method of supporting the swinging peal became the subject of careful engineering study from the standpoint of the vibratory forces that would have to be controlled.  A modern, computer-aided study in Melbourne led to the design of stout steel bearer beams in a bridge form spanning the belfry and seated on four corner points.

September arrived, and in Adelaide the paint was dry on the new steel frames with one day to spare!  Bells and parts were loaded on to a dedicated truck and trailer, for the journey to Bendigo on Thursday 13 September.  Upon arrival the bells were transferred into the cathedral for display until after their blessing on Sunday 16 September.  The frames were stacked in the builder's yard.

Installation followed during the next two weeks, and all was in readiness for the centenary day Sunday 30 September.

The Salve Regina peal can be used either as the Plenum (full peal) or as smaller peal selections.  The bells are swung electrically, one motor per bell, and the operations are switched from a modern microprocessor (computer) controller mounted at ground level in the cathedral.  The largest bell additionally has an electromagnetic chiming hammer for certain other purposes.  The controller was supplied with the bells, and it contains a “menu” of peals and other functions, as below, which can be selected by the user.  In the peals the bells are introduced one at a time, at intervals of 15 seconds, for effect.  Each bell is engineered to swing, and strike, at a progres-sively different rate from its companions, so that the pattern of sound changes continually during a peal.  No. 1 bell is the slowest, no. 5 the fastest.  The duration of each peal in minutes has been set at the same as the number of bells in the peal.  With the exception of the first item, all peals start with the highest note in that peal.

(1)    Salve Regina (I) – the notes E-G#-B-c# in that order.
(2)    Salve Regina (II) – as (1) but introduced from the highest note c#.
(3)    Plenum (the full 5-bell peal E-G#-B-c#-e).
(4)    Gloria (the 3-bell peal B-c#-e).
(5)    Te Deum (the 3-bell peal G#-B-c#).
(6)    Parsifal (the 4-bell peal G#-B-c#-e).
(7)    Minor third, high (the 2-bell peal c#-e).
(8)    Minor third, intermediate (the 2-bell peal G#-B).
(9)    Major third, low (the 2-bell peal E-G#).
(10)    Major accord (the 4-bell peal E-G#-B-e).
(11)    Funeral ring 3m (E bell swinging for 3 minutes).
(12)    Funeral toll 10m (E bell tolled at 10 second intervals for 10 minutes).
(13)    Australian angelus (3-3-3-9 tolling strokes on E bell, duration 1 minute).
(14)    Regina Coeli (toll on E bell, 3-3-6 strokes occupying 40 seconds).
(15)    European angelus (toll on E bell 3-3-3 strokes, followed by peal on the bells
(16)    G#-B for 1 minute – total duration nearly 2 minutes).

folder   Download a detailed article on the Sacred Heart Cathedral Bells

By Hervey Bagot
 (Bagot Bell, North Adelaide SA)

Attributions: With the exception of the digital colour photographs marked jpg, all illustrations are the copyright property of Hervey Bagot.

Sacred Heart Cathedral, Bendigo: Tour Guide and Information Notes

Cathedral Opening Hours for Visitors

Monday Closed
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday 10 am to 4 pm
Thursday 10 am to 4 pm
Friday 10 am to 4 pm
Saturday 10 am to 4 pm
Sunday 12 pm to 1.30 pm

Key Dates

• 1852 Fr Henry Backhaus appointed first priest on Victorian Goldfields.
• 1855 Dr Backhaus purchased land on which Cathedral stands.
• 1874 Diocese of Sandhurst established.
• 1896 Excavations for foundations commenced.
• 1897 June 25, Foundation stone laid by Bishop Reville, Bishop Crane presiding (blind)
• 1901 Sept. 28, Nave blessed by Bishop Reville.
• 1901 Sept. 29, Formal opening by Cardinal Moran, Sydney.
• 1906 Organ installed.
• 1908 Lantern Towers completed.
• 1934 Front steps and granite fence completed.
• 1954 Work commences on completion of building.
• 1955 Commemorative stone placed by Cardinal Gilroy, Sydney.
• 1972 Nave closed to lay new floor.
• 1973 Interior completed. Opened by Bishop Stewart.
• 1973 Tower and spire commenced.
• 1977 Tower and spire completed.
• 1977 May 14, Cathedral consecrated by Archbishop Cahill.
• 1977 May 15, Cathedral formally opened by Cardinal Freeman, Sydney,
• 2001 Sept. 16, Bells blessed by Cardinal Degenhardt, Archbishop of Paderborn
• 2001 September 30, Bells installed
• 2001 Sept. 30, Mass celebrated by Cardinal Clancy, Sydney, to mark centenary of the Nave.
• 2004 January14, Bishop Noel Daly died.
• 2010 December 28, Bishop Joseph Grech died.
• 2012 March 1, Bishop Leslie Tomlinson installed as 7th Bishop of Sandhurst
• 2013 Feb. 17, Blessing of reliquary of St Mary of the Cross Mackillop.
• 2014 April 5, Re-Blessing of the headstones of the first 3 Bishops of Sandhurst after headstones relocated from Bendigo Cemetery to the area outside the north transept doors.
• 2014 Oct. 17, Blessing of St Mary of the Cross Mackillop statue created by Jenny Steiner by Archbishop Paul Gallagher, Apostolic Nuncio to Australia.
• 2014 Dec. 21, Blessing of the icon of St Marcellin Champagnat by Bishop Leslie Tomlinson.
• 2018 Gardens landscaped by Paul Bangay Garden Designs, Sydney.
• 2019 Oct.2019, Consecration of Bishop Shane Anthony Mackinlay, 8th Bishop of Sandhurst.
   

Architects

Reed Smart & Tappin were the original architects. When work begun again in 1953 they were known as Bates Smart & McCutcheon
 
William Britten Tappin, 1854-1905, was the architect for the cathedral. He was born in Ballarat and died in Melbourne. He was describes as our foremost ecclesiastical architect when he died.

English Gothic

The Sacred Heart Cathedral is, architecturally, English Gothic. The marvel of gothic architecture is that it provided great height and lots of light, without heavy, thick walls. Flying buttresses were devised to overcome the problem of holding up such high walls without their falling outward due to the weight of the roof. These are, in fact, the arches in the side aisles. But in classical European Gothic the buttresses are outside the walls of the building (as in Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris), in English Gothic the buttresses are roofed in, thus giving a much wider building inside.

EAST-WEST ORIENTATION OF THE BUILDING
Traditionally Christian churches, if possible, are built on an East-West orientation. The rising sun is seen as a symbol or reminder of the Risen Christ. Just as the rising sun overcomes the darkness of night, so the risen Christ overcomes the darkness of sin and death. Therefore the main doors of such buildings are often referred to as the Great West Door.

LAND
The land was part of the Backhaus Estate left by the first priest on the Victorian Gold Fields. A lease on the Wattle Street site was taken out in 1886 for 500 years at the yearly rental of one shilling (ten cents). The site comprises land bordered by McKenzie, Wattle and Short Streets, three short blocks from Bendigo's Alexandra Fountain.

BEGINNING OF CONSTRUCTION
Work was begun on the building of a suitable cathedral for the dioceses in 1896. This enabled the church to give out-of-work miners employment. It really was an act of great courage to begin such major work during the depression of the 1890’s.
Money from the Backhaus Estate was not available at this time so the diocese took out a loan for £30,000 from George Lansell (known as the Quartz King) at six percent compound interest. When the money has been exhausted the nave was complete and the east end walled up awaiting completion at a later date. In 1902, when the money in the Backhaus Estate matured, the debt was discharged.

STONE USED IN THE BUILDING
The foundations consist of granite from Harcourt, near Bendigo. The walls are of sandstone, Barrabool and Ceres from the Geelong region. Dressings and carvings are of limestone from Waurn Ponds in the Nave and from Mt.Gambier in the new sanctuary. The floor is Calacutta Vagli Extra marble from Italy. The walls of the sanctuary are Sicilian Pearl marble, with Verdi Tinos surrounding the main altar which is of Dromana granite.

The Blessed Sacrament altar is of Swedish rose-red granite while the altar in the Lady Chapel is white Carrara marble. The altar of St. Patrick’s chapel is Harcourt granite while that of St. Augustine is of Brecia Aurora marble from the altars in the former Corpus Christi Seminary, Mt. Waverley (now the Police Academy). The inset strips across the opening of the four side chapels are of Lipos Brilliant marble. The altar in the Chapel of St. Joseph, the burial chapel, is of black granite from South Australia. The Baptismal Font features a variety of inlaid marbles.

The new white marble floor of Calacutta Vagli Extra marble was laid in 1973. This necessitated the closure of the cathedral. A small bulldozer was used. It entered the building through the double doors on the McKenzie Street side of the nave with only an inch to spare after the doors had been removed. This enabled the old asphalt and tile floor of the nave to be removed. There were many cracks in the old concrete floor so a new suspended concrete floor was laid.

CEILING/WOOD USED IN THE BUILDING
The ceiling in the nave is a fine angel hammer beam roof. It was intended to spread over the transepts and the sanctuary. This did not happen, no doubt on the grounds of the expense of hand carving the angels. Peter Staughton, a Melbourne architect wrote in 1977 Tappin’s roof to the nave is undoubtedly one of the finest of its kind in Australia. Oregon and kauri is used in the nave ceiling and most of the others with mouldings of yellow and sugar pine and panels of King William pine.

The wood in the ceilings of the octagonal chapels had to be put into heated water tanks so it could be bent to the correct shape. All the wood work in the new section of the building was carried out by Frank and Paul Coppock local Bendigo craftsmen. The wood used in the pews is Australian blackwood and were made in Bendigo before the opening in 1901.

THE CATHEDRA   or   CHAIR OF THE BISHOP
The bishop’s chair or cathedra is the red covered chair under the canopy, at the far [east] end of the Sanctuary, under the wooden-carved canopy. Symbolically, it is the seat which the Bishop shepherds and governs the Diocese. A most significant moment of a new bishop taking possession of the diocese is his being seated on the cathedra which gets its name from Cathedral, mother-church of the Diocese. The cathedra in this cathedral is very ornate. It was hand carved from Austrian oak by the Tyrolese wood-carver Ferdinand Stuflesser of St Ulrich, Groden early in the 20th century and installed in 1914. It features three carved and gilded statues: St Patrick and St Augustine occupy niches either side of the bishop’s coat of arms with one of the Sacred Heart within the canopy above. Each bishop has the right to his own coat of arms and motto. Our present bishop, Bishop Leslie Tomlinson DD has chosen In Christ’s Name as his motto.

FOUNDATION STONE & STONE TO MARK MAJOR BUILDING
The formal laying of the foundation stone occurred on Friday, June 25, 1897 --- the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus by Bishop Reville, Bishop Crane being too infirm to be present. A stone with 13 roman numerals and the Alpha and Omega is to the right hand side of the great west doors (as you face them). The stone has the X symbol for Christ with AD surrounding it and MDCCCLXXXXVII below.

On September 28, 1901 Bishop Reville blessed the new building (the nave of the present building) and on Sunday September 29, 1901 His Eminence Patrick Francis Cardinal Moran formally opened the building. (Moran was Australia’s most senior bishop and Archbishop of Sydney). Bishop Crane was present but unable to see his dream come to fruition due to unsuccessful eye surgery in 1882 for cataracts.

In 1953 Bishop Bernard Stewart decided to finish the cathedral. Workers dug for days and finally unearthed the foundations which has been layed in the 1890’s. His Eminence Norman Cardinal Gilroy, Archbishop of Sydney, layed a commemorative stone on October 16, 1955. The translation reads:
His Eminence the Most Reverend Norman Thomas Cardinal Gilroy, Archbishop of Sydney, at the invitation of the Most Reverend Bernard Stewart, Fourth Bishop of Sandhurst, blessed and duly placed in position the foundation-stone of the works that will lead to completion of this Cathedral Church, placed under the protection of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. October 16th, 1955.

The interior was completed by October 1973 and formally opened by Bishop Stewart. The spire was finished by 1977. The building was consecrated by Archbishop Thomas Vincent Cahill, archbishop of Canberra-Goulburn (a former Bendigo boy) and formally opened by His Eminence James Cardinal Freeman, Archbishop of Sydney. The plaque on the northern outside wall commemorating this translates as:
Under the patronage of the most Sacred Heart of Jesus, this church was completed by the Most Reverend Bernard Stewart, the fourth Bishop of Sandhurst. The Church was dedicated and consecrated by Thomas Vincent Cahill, Archbishop of Canberra, on 14 May, 1977.

On September 30, 2001 we continued the Sydney link when His Eminence Edward Cardinal Clancy was principal celebrant and preacher at the Mass to mark the centenary of the nave of the cathedral.

LIGHTING
The original incandescent lighting in the nave which looked good but was ineffectual was replaced with high level indirect sodium flood-lights which highlight the timber roof as well as add to the general illumination. Additional quartz iodide spot-lights illuminate the main altar.

THE SPIRE OR TOWER
The tower is made of precast concrete panels on a steel frame to match the Mt Gambier stone. This provided less weight and a quicker finish to the project. Gutters, flashings and downpipes associated with the spire are stainless steel. The gargoyles (to ward off evil spirits), which discharge storm water from the spire are in cast aluminium, sculptured by Stanley Hammond and cast by Joe Lemon. They are the size of a grown person. Special precautions were taken to prevent blockage of gutters and outlets by nesting pigeons. The height of the main spire to the top of the cross is 284’3" (86.64m). The cross is 7 metres high and weighs three tonnes.

COST
1896-1901, £33,000
1954-1977, $2,600,000 over 24 years. Approx. $100,000 pa was released, basically interest on funds from the Backhaus Estate.
Today, the building insured for approx. $105 Million!

THE MAIN ALTAR
The Altar is the central piece of furniture of the whole cathedral, ---the bishop, priests, the people all gather round it. It is there that the sacrifice of Christ is made present. The consecration of the altar was a most solemn moment in the cathedral’s consecration. In it are buried the relics of some martyrs. There are actually six altars in the cathedral. The main ceremony was performed by Archbishop Thomas Vincent Cahill CBE, Archbishop of Canberra, a former Bendigo boy. The special chapels were to be memorials to people associated with the diocese at various times and in various ways, and were originally highlighted by Bishop Stewart in his 1953 Pastoral Letter announcing the decision to complete the cathedral.

•    The Main Altar dedicated by Archbishop Cahill as a memorial to Rev. Dr. Henry Backhaus DD, first priest on the Goldfields and the first priest on Bendigo.

As a mark of respect for the bodies of the martyrs and other saints, and to denote that the sacrifice of the members drew its inspiration from the sacrifice of the Head, it is fitting that altars should be constructed over their tombs, or their relics placed beneath altars. This arrangement would seem to recall in a certain manner the spiritual vision of the Apostle John, in the Book of Revelations: “I saw underneath the altar the souls of all the people who had been killed on account of the word of God, for witnessing to it”. (Rev. 6:9)

Relics in High Altar: Ss Marcellinus & Sixtus
•    St Marcellinus: Pope 293 AD – 304. Beheaded in persecution of Diocletian.
•    St Sixtus: (Xytus) II Pope 260 – 261. Martyred in 261 in persecution of Valerian.

Latin inscription on the Main Altar: Unigenitus filius in sinu Patris ("The only begotten Son who is close to the Father's heart" John 1:18 NRSV). The X and P are the first two letters of CHRISTOS (Christ in Greek). The A and M are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, Alpha and Omega (See Apocalypse {Revelation} 22:13.)

The bishop’s chair or cathedra is the red covered chair under the canopy, at the far [east] end of the Sanctuary, under the wooden-carved canopy. Symbolically, it is the seat which the Bishop shepherds and governs the Diocese. A most significant moment of a new bishop taking possession of the diocese is his being seated on the cathedra which gets its name from Cathedral, mother-church of the Diocese. The cathedra in this cathedral is very ornate. It was hand carved from Austrian oak by the Tyrolese wood-carver Ferdinand Stuflesser of St Ulrich, Groden early in the 20th century and installed in 1914. It features three carved and gilded statues: St Patrick and St Augustine occupy niches either side of the bishop’s coat of arms with one of the Sacred Heart within the canopy above. Each bishop has the right to his own coat of arms and motto. Our present bishop, Bishop Leslie Tomlinson DD has chosen  In Christ’s Name as his motto.

The tapestries were woven by Sonia Carrington-Zakrzewska and they depict (on the left side as one faces the cathedra) the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The cathedral and a poppet head can be seen on it as well as Chinese dragons and gumnuts.

On the right side is St Kilian (buried in the cathedral of Wurzburg, a city not too far from Dr Henry Backhaus birthplace). St Kilian was an Irish missionary bishop, who was martyred at Wurzburg for defending the Catholic faith on marriage. Hence the symbols: A sword (at the base) because he is a martyr. He wears a mitre and carries a crozier to signify he is a bishop; he carries a cross because he is a missionary. The building on the left hand side is a Benedictine abbey that still stands in Paderborn. The building on the right is a Roman church, next to the cathedral in Paderborn, which has been standing there for about 1000 years or more.

The walls of the sanctuary are Sicilian Pearl marble, with Verdi Tinos marble floor surrounding the main altar which is of Dromana granite.

The brass eagle lectern in the sanctuary (on the left as you face the altar) was the gift of Bendigo’s "Quartz King", George Lansell.

On the MacKenzie Street side of the sanctuary is a special safe to house the Sacred Oils blessed at the Chrism Mass held annually in the Cathedral during Holy Week. These oils of the Catechumen, Sick and Chrism are used in the administration of the sacraments throughout the diocese. Currently the Oils are displayed in St Augustine’s Chapel.

STAINED GLASS & COLOURED GLASS
The windows, apart from the Great West Window, are in coloured glass. There is no intention of having stained glass installed any where else in the cathedral as the golden light floods the building with the most beautiful colour representing Christ our truth and light.

The west window was made by the celebrated firm of John Hardman and Co in Birmingham, England. It is a superb example of ecclesiastical glass. It was the gift of Bishop Martin Crane. The central figure is Jesus depicted as the Sacred Heart. On the left of Jesus is Our Lady, on the right is his foster-father, St Joseph. On the far right is St Patrick and on the far left is St Augustine. In the circle at the top is the Holy Spirit, in the form of a dove descending on the apostles (It looks as if he is telling the time at 7.00)! It is 32’ high (10.1m x 4.9m). Also depicted in the window are blue cornflowers---a symbol of Germany and a tribute to Rev Dr Henry Backhaus DD.

PIPE ORGANS
The grand organ was made by Bishop & Sons London in 1904 and installed and opened by 1906. It was rebuilt in 1951 by Hill, Norman and Beard and again in 1986-87 by Australian Pipe Organs. In 2010 it was completed with the addition of a 42 Bombarde pipes available at 16 and 32 foot pitch in the pedal division. It has 51 stops, electro-pneumatic action, 2,800 pipes spread over 5 divisions. There are 4 manual divisions: Great, Swell, Choir and Solo plus a comprehensive Pedal division. It is a very fine cathedral organ and highly regarded nationally.

There is also a small organ, a Laukhuff Positiv organ by Aug. Laukhuff, Wiekersheim, Germany and installed by Bellsham Pipe Organs, Western Australia in 1982. It has four ranks and mechanical action. It is housed under the crossing.

In the Lady Chapel is a fine Mason & Hamlin Harmonium from the Convent of Mercy (St Mary’s) Chapel.

BELLS AND THE SAINTS
Five bells were installed in the Cathedral by September 30, 2001. They were blessed by Cardinal Degenhardt, Archbishop of Paderborn, on September 16, 2001. They are a European peal of 5 bells which compliment, but are different from the peal of 8 bells in the English manner at St. Paul’s Anglican Cathedral in Bendigo. The notes that they sound can play the Salve Regina & Te Deum, using the notes E, G sharp, B, C sharp and E’. They were cast by Paccard Fonderie de Cloches, Annecy-le-Vieux, France. The supervision of the installation was by Mr. Hervey Bagot of Bagots Bellfoundries, South Australia.
Traditionally bells are given a name, usually that of a Saint, at the time of blessing. The five bells (beginning with the biggest) are:
•    St. Augustine, in memory of our first two bishops (Martin Crane & Stephen Reville), and honour the contribution of the Augustinian fathers to the Diocese of Sandhurst (until recently they looked after the parishes of Echuca, Kyabram and Rochester).
•    St. Patrick, in honour of our first three bishops (Martin Crane, Stephen Reville & John McCarthy) who were all Irish and to acknowledge the contribution of Irish immigrants to the life and culture of the Diocese.
•    St. Liborius (originally the Bishop of Le Mans, France, about the year 360, and patron saint of the Cathedral of Paderborn, the city from whence came Dr. Henry Backhaus, the first priest on the Bendigo gold fields. This bell recognises the continuing relationship between the diocese of Paderborn and the diocese of Sandhurst.
•    Mother of Good Counsel. Under this title our Lady is the principle patroness of the Diocese. The original picture of the Mother of Good Counsel is in the basilica at Genazzano, in the hills near Rome. The Augustinian Fathers care for this shrine.
•    Blessed Mary MacKillop in honour of Australia’s first beata. Since this installation, Mary MacKillop has be canonised a saint for the Universal Church under the title Saint Mary of the Cross. We have not reinscribed the bell!
THE BLESSED SACRAMENT CHAPEL
The Blessed Sacrament Chapel (dedicated by Bishop Bernard Stewart DD BA LLB, Bishop of Sandhurst). "A memorial to all who shared in this glorious work of completion of the cathedral".

Relics in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel:      Ss John & Paul.
•    Ss John & Paul: were brothers and Romans martyred 362 under Julian the Apostate.

The Blessed Sacrament altar is of Swedish rose-red granite.
The sanctuary lamp is centuries old, thought to be 17th Century, probably of Florentine origin. It was a gift of Rev Fr John Stockdale in memory of Rev Fr John Daley.

On the front of the Tabernacle in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel are two exquisite figures of St John and Our Lady by the silver-smith Dan Flynn. These and the tabernacle were covered in gold leafing by A. Pierini. The tabernacle is surmounted by a fine gold and enamel mosaic crucifix. This was brought back to Sacred Heart Cathedral, by Bishop Reville, after one of his ad limina visits to Rome and installed in the Cathedral in 1904. It is an 18th century gold and enamel crucifix depicting the famous churches of Rome around its base.
In the front of the altar in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel is a scene depicting the Last Supper by Stanley Hammond.

The mosaics were designed and created by Anne Graham The ones in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel are in rich orange, yellow, red and gold and depict new life and sacrifice. From left to right:
1.    Monogram: X
2.    Pelican: Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross.
3.    Candlestick: Christ the Light of the World.
4.    The Butterfly: Eternal life through Jesus Christ.
5.    Cornerstone: Christ the key or Cornerstone, the foundation.
6.    The Lamb Slain: Symbol of Christ.
7.    Fish and Loaf of Bread: Fish in Greek letters---initial letters of Jesus Christ, God’s Son and Saviour. Bread: "I am the bread of life, this is my body which is given for you."
8.    Wheat: Bread of the Eucharist.
9.    Peacock: immortality.
10.    Pomegranate: inner unity of countless seeds in one fruit.
11.    Phoenix: resurrection of Christ.
12.    Son of Righteousness: refers to Jesus.
13.    Ciborium: Chalice refers to Last Supper and sacrifice of Jesus.
14.    Monstrance: used to house Jesus for exposition and Benediction.
The statue of the Sacred Heart was sculpted by Mariano Fracasso.

THE LADY CHAPEL
The Lady Chapel (dedicated by Bishop Francis Xavier Thomas DD BA DipEd, Bishop of Geraldton). "A memorial to the American men and women who stood between us and annihilation in the dark days of 1941-45".
 Relics in Our Lady’s Altar:        Ss Perpetua & Felicity
•    Ss Perpetua & Felicity who came from Carthage and were killed under the sword by Severus c.203.
The altar in the Lady Chapel is white Carrara marble.
In the front of the altar in Our Lady’s Chapel is a scene depicting the Annunciation by Stanley Hammond.

The mosaics in the Lady Chapel by Anne Graham are taken from the Marian Litany of Loretto which is said after saying the Rosary. These are in Marian blues, gold and silver. From left to right:
1.    Mater Dei: Mother of God.
2.    Star. Stella Maris Star of the Sea, Symbol of the Virgin.
3.    Ark of the Covenant.
4.    Rose (Mystic) (or No.11?) White rose, symbol of purity.
5.    The Pierced Heart.
6.    The Gate: or closed gate, in reference to her unblemished Virginity
7.    Monogram.
8.    The Tower of David.
9.    Hare (Rabbit) white hare: Her triumph over lust.
10.    Fountain of living water: Sealed well of the symbol of Virginity of Mary.
11.    Lilium Candidum---The Annunciation (or No.4?): Symbol of Purity.
12.    The crescent moon: identify the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception.
13.    Fleur de lys
14.    Mater Dei
Vine: (only leaves here) flourishes under the care of God "the Keeper of the Vineyard": ‘blood of Christ’.

The statue of Our Lady was sculpted by Mariano Fracasso.

Opposite the Statue of Our Lady is the diocesan candle to Our Lady of Good Counsel.

ST JOSEPH’S CHAPEL OR THE MORTUARY CHAPEL
In the crypt under this chapel are buried six former bishops of Sandhurst, their names are displayed on the plaques. The crypt is accessed by lifting the marble panels in the centre of the floor. It is about three metres deep and the same width as the chapel above it. The coffins are placed and sealed in niches in accordance with local health regulations. Their coats of arms and a copy of the burial plaque are on the walls.
The relics in St Joseph’s chapel are Ss Cosmas and Damian who were brothers in Cilicia (Asia Minor)martyred 285 under Diocletian.
St Joseph’s Chapel (dedicated by Bishop Arthur Fox DD, Bishop of Sale). "A memorial to the men and women of religious orders involved in education and charity".
The altar in the Chapel of St. Joseph, the burial chapel, is of black granite from South Australia. St Joseph’s or Mortuary Chapel: Requiem aeternam dona eis Domine (Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord)

The cathedra housed in the burial chapel is thought to be the original bishop’s chair coming to us from St. Kilian’s pro- cathedral and was used until 1914. It still displays Bishop Reville’s coat of arms.
Near St Joseph’s Chapel is an Icon of St Mary of the Cross, MacKillop. This was commissioned for the diocese from Ivan Morozoff, a fine Russian traine local iconographer. It was installed and bless by Bishop Joseph Grech on October 17, 2010.
Also in October 2010, the Mary MacKillop Garden was begun on the MacKenzie side of the Cathedral. It is in the shape of the hand-held wooden cross with which Mary MacKillop often prayed.

CONSECRATION CROSSES
There are twelve of these spread throughout the cathedral. When the cathedral was consecrated it was anointed with chrism. The red and gold crosses mark the points where this happened. There is a candle which sits below each cross. According to tradition the candles are lit on the anniversary of the consecration of the cathedral. When the bishop anoints the walls of the church with oil, he does what Moses did, who with oil anointed the tabernacle and all its furnishings. Twelve anointings are made signifying that a church is an image of the holy city Jerusalem, which had “twelve foundations stones, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb”. (Rev. 21:16)

PAINTINGS
In the south transept are the portraits of the first priest on the Goldfields and our Bishops, the Vicars of Christ in our diocese! From lest to right:

1.    Bishop Martin Crane OSA DD --- 1874 – 1901.
2.    Bishop Stephen Reville OSA DD --- 1901 – 1916.
3.    Bishop John McCarthy DD --- 1917 – 1950.
4.    Bishop Bernard Stewart DD BA LLB --- 1950 – 1979.
5.    Bishop Noel Daly DD --- 1979 – 2000.
6.    Bishop Joseph Grech DD --- 2001 – 2010
7.    Bishop Leslie Tomlinson DD --- 2012 - (presently there is no portrait him)

The crucifix shown in Bishop Reville’s portrait now sits on the main altar when the altar is not in use for Mass. The table Bishop Reville is resting his hand on is one of a pair in St Augustine’s Chapel. They are often used by wedding couples when they sign the wedding registers.

ENGRAVINGS
In the Transepts there are four confessionals with the four evangelist on each door.
•    Matthew (Man) The emblem of the ‘Divine Man’ was assigned to St Matthew in ancient times because his Gospel teaches us about the human nature of Christ. A gold angel on a red field.
•    Mark (Lion) The winged lion, ancient symbol of St Mark, refers to his Gospel, which informs us of the royal dignity of Christ. A gold winged lion and nimbus on a red field.
•    Luke (Ox) The winged ox, assigned to St Luke, is a reference to his Gospel, which deals with sacrificial aspects of Christ’s life. A gold ox and nimbus on a red field.
•    John (Eagle) The ancient symbol of a rising eagle is said to have been assigned to St John the Evangelist because his gaze pierced further into the mysteries of Heaven than that of any man. The manner of his death is not known. A gold eagle rising and nimbus on a blue field.
In the woodwork surrounding the confessionals and the doors are the crests of the 12 apostles. Beginning at the confessionals near St Joseph’s Chapel or The Baptismal Chapel:
•    St Peter: The triple cross represents the Vatican and the keys the Kingdom of Heaven. St Peter requested that his cross be inverted so he might look heavenward as he was crucified.
•    Andrew: brother of Peter, Patron of Russia, Scotland and the Ecumenical Patriarchate. According to tradition he was crucified on an X shaped cross, known as a saitire, or St Andrew’s cross in Achaia.
•    James the Great: The patron of Spain and of pilgrims. He is mentioned as the first of the disciples to go on a missionary journey. The escallop shells refer to pilgrimage.
•    John: This emblem of St John the ‘Beloved Disciple’ refers to the legend of a poisoned chalice being offered to him, in an attempt made on his life. He is often depicted in Last Supper scenes with his head on the breast of Christ and is therefore said the be the only person to have heard the heartbeat of God!
•    Philip:  It was to St Philip that Christ addressed his remark concerning feeding of the multitude. (John 6:5-7) The bags represent money needed to buy food.
•    Bartholomew: Armenia and India are believed to have been the areas of his missionary work. He is said to have been flayed (skun) alive and crucified. There is a Bible and a flaying knife.
•    Matthew: The money bags refer to the occupation of St Matthew before he was called to follow Christ. He was a tax gatherer known as Levi.
•    Thomas: The patron of builders. He is said to have built a Church with his own hands in East India. The spear refers to the instrument of his martyrdom. A carpenter’s square represents the builder.
•    James the Less: This symbol refers to the tradition that St James was cast down from a pinnacle of the Temple in Jerusalem, stoned and sawn asunder by some of the Jews.
•    Jude: The sailing vessel here represents the Church, which St Jude (also known as Thaddeus or Lebbaeus) carried to many ports as he journeyed as a missionary.
•    Simon: The companion of St Jude on many missionary journeys. St Simon is known as a great fisher of men through the power of the Gospel.
•    Matthias: Chosen by lot, to replace Judas Iscariot. St Matthias served as a missionary in Judea where he is said to have been stoned and beheaded. The sword and the open Bible.

AUGUSTINE & PATRICK
These saints are featured in several ways in this cathedral: in the back window (west end), in two chapels dedicated to them respectively, in the little painted hand-carved wooden statues on the Bishop’s chair ornamentation and two of the bells are named after them. (Though the Augustine in the Stained glass back window is said to be not Augustine of Hippo but Augustine of Canterbury!)

OCTAGONAL SIDE CHAPELS/CEILING & FLOOR
The ceilings were mentioned above when dealing with the wood work. The floors radiate out from the centre stone. This is easily seen in St. Augustine’s & St. Patrick’s chapels.

The Octagon  is the meeting place between heaven and earth. The Circle represents heaven, perfection, and the Square represents earth. When you place them together they make an octagon, thus it is the meeting place between heaven and earth. In some references the eighth side represents the eighth day of creation, the resurrection, thus making Christ present. Our spires and chapels are all octagonal.

ST AUGUSTINE’S CHAPEL
•    St Augustine’s Chapel (dedicated by Bishop John Kelly DD, Titular Bishop of Zucchabar and Auxiliary Bishop of Melbourne). "A memorial to the Augustinian bishops Crane and Reville".
Relics in St Augustine’s Chapel: SsThomas of Villanova & Anastasia
•    St Thomas of Villanova: 1488 – 1555, Spaniard. Bishop of Valencia. Member of the Order of Hermits of St Augustine OSA.
•    St Anastasia: Burnt alive 25 December c.304 under Diocletian.
•    
The altar of St. Augustine is of Brecia Aurora marble from the altars in the former Corpus Christi Seminary, Mt. Waverley (now the Police Academy). The inset strips across the opening of the four side chapels are of Lipos Brilliant marble.

Our first two bishops were Irish Augustinians. The Augustinian fathers, who follow the rule of St Augustine, administered the parishes of Echuca, Kyabram and Rochester until recently. This also explains why Our Lady under the title of Mother of Good Counsel is the patroness of the Diocese. The famous picture of Our Lady under this title is in the basilica in Genazzano (about 90 minutes out of Rome, up in the hills), and that basilica is cared for by the Augustinian Fathers and Brothers. By the way, our Bishop’s residence is called Genazzano.

Augustine is shown with a heart in his hand because in his Confessions (autobiography) he wrote: Our hearts were made for you, O Lord, and they will not rest until they rest in You.

On Augustine’s altar are the words Tolle lege (take and read), alluding to an incident when Augustine heard a child singing those words, and Augustine opened his bible at random, and read Romans 13:13-14: Let us live decently as people do in daytime: no drunken orgies, no promiscuity or licentiousness, and no wrangling or jealousy. Let your armour be the Lord Jesus Christ; forget about satisfying your bodies with all their cravings.

In St Augustine’s Chapel where morning mass is celebrated (in the choir stalls from the former Mount Alvernia Chapel) is an imitation of Raphael’s Transfiguration. It used to hang in the Bendigo Art Gallery (on loan). It was probably brought back from Rome after one of Mgr. Rooney’s visits there. Opposite it is the Diocesan Quilt. The Diocesan Quilt was a project to show the unity of the diocese during the great 2000 Jubilee Year. Each parish designed and created one square.

The statue of St Augustine was sculpted by Mariano Fracasso.

ST PATRICK’S CHAPEL
•    St Patrick’s Chapel (dedicated by Bishop Leo Clarke DD, Bishop of Maitland (now Maitland-Newcastle). "A memorial to pioneer Irish priests and people and to Bishop John McCarthy DD, (third Bishop of Sandhurst), who built so well on their sure foundation". It is intended to "remind the generations to come of their debt and ours to that land where so many of our forebears saw the light of day".
Relics in St Patrick’s Chapel: Ss Cornelius & Constantine
•    St Cornelius: Pope, beheaded in 253.
•    St Constantine: Abbot 6th Century, Scotland’s first martyr.

The altar of St. Patrick’s chapel is Harcourt granite.

St Patrick’s symbol is the shamrock, which has leaves, like clover. With three sections --- one yet three, a symbol of the Trinity, one God who is three persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Hence the inscription on his altar Unitas in Trinitate (Unity in the Trinity).

The statue of  St Patrick was sculpted by Mariano Fracasso.

THE BAPTISTRY OR ST FRANCIS XAVIER’S CHAPEL
•    St Francis Xavier’s Chapel (the Baptistry). "A memorial to those who served Australia in two World Wars and all other wars.
The Baptismal Font features a variety of inlaid marbles.
In each chapel we have statues of the appropriate saint except for the Baptistry which is the chapel of St Francis Xavier but houses the statue of St Therese of Lisieux "the little flower".

Near the Baptistery is a carved shrine of St Dominic praying the Rosary with a painting of Our Lady of Good Counsel. This shrine was erected and blessed on Sunday May 1, 1904, when a society of the Holy Rosary with 200 members was formed at Sacred Heart Cathedral. Over the shrine was placed a mosaic cross, now over the tabernacle in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. Where the mosaic cross was is now a painting of Our Lady of Good Counsel, Patroness of the Diocese of Sandhurst.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS
Along the walls of the nave are 14 pictures tracing the last journey of Jesus on the way to Calvary. They are one of two examples of the artist’s work in Bendigo, the other being the frescos in St Mary’s Chapel at the Coolock site of Catholic College Bendigo (formerly St Mary’s College—a Mercy school). They were painted by the Italian artist A F D Cavallaro. One, unsubstantiated story is that he shipped the painting out from Rome and painted Bendigo faces on them when he arrived here. They were installed in the cathedral in 1902. They begin at St Patrick’s Chapel and finish at St. Augustine’s Chapel.
Above the double doors on the McKenzie Street side of the nave is the only plaster statue in the building. It represents St Vincent de Paul, the champion of the poor. It was never removed from the building during the whole time of the internal renovations.
1.    Pilate condemns Jesus to death.
2.    Jesus takes up his cross.
3.    Jesus falls the first time.
4.    Jesus meets his mother.
5.    Simon helps Jesus carry his cross.
6.    Veronica wipes the face of Jesus.
7.    Jesus falls the second time.
8.    Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem.
9.    Jesus falls the third time.
10.    Jesus is stripped of his clothes.
11.    Jesus is nailed to the cross.
12.    Jesus dies on the cross.
13.    Jesus is taken down from the cross.
14.    Jesus is laid in the tomb.

NARTHEX
Cavallaro also painted the large picture of the Sacred Heart now in the narthex. Originally this large picture hung on the false wall at the end of the nave above the high altar looking rather small and always looked crooked no matter what one did to straighten it.

Also, there are plaques of Organists & Choir Directors.
The Pieta scene in the narthex. This is hand carved Tyrolese gilded wood work by Ferdinand Stufflessor of St Ulrich, Groden. The figures are larger than life. It was installed in the Cathedral in 1914.

Backhaus Tribute: The land sale bill and deeds can be seen hanging in a frame near the West Door
At the rear of the building is a picture of the current pontiff, Pope Benedict VI. He is our Vicar of Christ on Earth. It is traditional for the picture of the current Pope to be displayed in churches. Also we have a picture of our current bishop, Bishop Leslie Tomlinson beside him.

STATUES
In the cathedral there are several statues to remind us of role models who are special among the saints. Above the double doors on the McKenzie Street side of the nave is the only plaster statue in the building. It represents St Vincent de Paul, the champion of the poor. It was never removed from the building during the whole time of the internal renovations. In each chapel we have statues of the appropriate saint except for the Baptistry which is the chapel of St Francis Xavier but houses the statue of St Therese of Lisieux "the little flower". The statues of the Sacred Heart, Our Lady, St Patrick and St Augustine were sculpted by Mariano Fracasso.

Externally there are statues above the two transept doors. On the McKenzie street side is one to Our Lady of Monte Berico, recalling the stone masons who came from that region, and over the High Street side is one to St. Francis of Assissi, protector of animals. In the grounds are a Calvary scene and a grotto depicting the Blessed Virgin Mary appearing to Bernadette at Lourdes, France. Both these sets of marble statues were brought in to the cathedral when the St Aidan’s Orphanage, conducted by the Good Shepherd nuns, was closed and sold. Another fine statue from there depicting the Good Shepherd stands outside the Anglican church of St Peter’s Eastern Hill (opposite St Patrick’s Cathedral, Melbourne).

Also in the burial chapel is a statue representing the buried Christ. It was previously located at St Aidan’s Orphanage.

NOVELTY TASK
Between the fourth and fifth Stations of the Cross on the floor is a "donkey". Can you find it?

PUBLICATIONS
1.    Sacred Heart Cathedral Bendigo $2.00 (Self-guided tour with dates, dimensions and pictures)
2.    Centenary Commemoration 1901 – 2001 by Mal J Nolan (History of the first 100 years of the Cathedral since its opening in 1901)
3.    150 Years of Harmony by John Hogan $20.00 (history of the Sacred Heart Cathedral Choir and musicians)
4.    Dr Henry Backhaus by Mal J Nolan $2.00 (Short 8-page booklet)
5.    The Enterprising Life of Dr Henry Backhaus by Mal J Nolan $25.00
6.    Postcards, a selection $1.00 each
7.    A3 Line Drawing by Denis Winspear $2.00

Compiled by John Hogan 2001, last revised and enlarged 17/10/2012.

Some Features of the Architecture and Building
The style is early English Gothic, with enclosed flying buttresses. The architect was William Tappin (1854-1905) and the builder of the first stage Thomas Cockram and Son. The contract price was £31,385. For the second stage, the architects involved were Alan Ralton and Frank Turner, and building was by direct labour under a superintendent of works.

 The foundations consist of granite from Harcourt, near Bendigo. The walls are constructed of sandstone (Barrabool and Ceres from the Geelong region). Dressings and carvings are of limestone from Waurn Ponds in the original section, and from Mt Gambier in the new section. The floor is Calacatta Vagli Extra marble from Italy.
 
The nave has a hammer beam roof. Oregon and kauri paneling is used in the nave ceiling and most of the others, with mouldings of yellow and sugar pine and panels of King William pine. A stained glass window made by John Hardman & Co. of Birmingham occupies a large part of the western end of the building.
 
Some dimensions:
 
Total length:
 Width of nave and aisles:
 Width across the transepts:
 Height of ceiling of the nave:
 Height of main spire:
 Height of front lantern towers:
 
Total area within walls:
 75.68 metres
 21.34 metres
 43.47 metres
 24.08 metres
 86.64 metres (from floor level to top of cross)
 40.53 metres
 2191.58 square metres

Bookings

At Sacred Heart Cathedral we accept wedding bookings up to eighteen months in advance. Please contact the Cathedral on (03) 5443 4400 to discuss available dates. Your booking is confirmed when we receive the registration form (available after initial enquiry) and your deposit of $200 (non-refundable) cheque or money order made payable to ‘Sacred Heart Cathedral’. Confirmation is required within 2 weeks of the initial booking.

Fees

As of the 1st July 2019 (weddings scheduled after this date) the fee will be $1000 to be married at Sacred Heart Cathedral.

Please contact the Cathedral Office to make a booking.  The completed form must be returned with a non-refundable Deposit of $200 to secure your booking.

This will then be deducted from the total fee, which will be due one month prior to your wedding date. Payment can be made in cash at the parish office, bank cheque, money order or an online transfer:
BSB: 083 543 - Account NO: 457 867 616

Please note the above fee is for the use of the Cathedral only.

Changes to bookings

Any change should be made known as soon as possible in writing. It is important that the ceremony commence at the time arranged so as not to effect other ceremonies which may have been scheduled in Sacred Heart Cathedral. IF FOR ANY REASON YOU WISH TO CANCEL THE BOOKING, YOU SHOULD WRITE OR RING AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE.

Marriage Preparation

A very important part of your preparation is a pre-marriage education which you should attend. During your engagement prayer and presence at Mass are central to your spiritual preparation.

Marriage Preparation is offered and strongly recommended through Centacare.This will be discussed with the priest celebrating the marriage.

These books may be helpful to you and are available from the Cathedral bookstore:
Couples Preparing for Marriage - by Barry Hickey
When We Marry - a publication of the Liturgical Commission, Brisbane
Your Wedding - a Redemptorist publication.
Together for Life by Joseph M. Champlin (given as a gift to the couple).

Marriage Papers

Parties to a marriage must complete a series of documents before marriage. These are required by Church and Government authorities and need to be complete not more than six months and not less than one clear month before the marriage. These papers are prepared by the celebrant unless other arrangements have been made.

Certificates Required

You will require the following certificates to enable the priest to prepare your marriage papers.

Birth Certificate of Extract of Entry of Birth. In the case of persons born in Victoria this is obtainable from the Registrar of Births, 589 Collins Street, Melbourne.

Baptism Certificate issued within six months of the date of marriage. In the case of baptised persons, a Baptism Certificate can be obtained by writing to the church where the Baptism took place. When doing so, please include a stamped, self addressed envelope and give your full name, date of birth, parents’ names and date of baptism if known. A Certificate of Confirmation is also requested.

Letter of Freedom is required for all Catholics not living in Sacred Heart Cathedral Parish. This is obtained from the bride’s or grooms’ parish priest.

The Catholic bride, or the Catholic party to a marriage in which only one party is Catholic, is requested as a courtesy to have permission of his/her parish priest to marry at Sacred Heart Cathedral.

Declaration of Freedom

Civil Law requires that both parties sign a declaration before marriage that they are free to marry. This declaration is normally made at the time of the rehearsal.

Celebrant

Any Catholic priest or deacon registered with the Civil authorities as a Celebrant of Marriages may officiate, provided the Administrator of Sacred Heart Cathedral is advised in advance and the normal protocols are followed.

The Ceremony

Marriage ceremonies in Sacred Heart Cathedral follow ‘The Rite of Marriage’ approved for use in Australia by the Sacred Congregation for Divine Worship and issued by authority of the Australian Episcopal Conference. The ceremony must be prepared with the assistance of the celebrant.

Wedding Booklet

When preparing your wedding booklet, you should consult with the celebrant regarding the content. The celebrant must approve the copy before printing and the booklet must be in accord with ‘The Rite of Marriage’ as approved for use in Australia.

Witnesses

Two witnesses over the age of 18 years are required to sign the marriage register.

Marriages of two-baptised Catholics

Marriages where both parties are Catholic may be celebrated with Nuptial Mass. This presupposes the couple would have been present during Mass on Sundays during the engagement and is prepared for the reception of the Eucharist during Mass.

Marriage of Interdenominational People

The Catholic partner in a marriage where the other partner is not a Catholic, is required to sign a promise stating: "I reaffirm my faith in Jesus Christ, and with God's help, I intend to continue living that faith in the Catholic Church. I promise to do all in my power to share my faith with our children by having them baptised and brought up in the Catholic faith. My intended partner has been informed of my declaration and promise". Normally Mass is not celebrated with a Mixed Marriage. However, if both parties freely ask for it, permission is given.

Photography

Photography and recordings are permitted in the Cathedral.  However, it is important that the people you hire for this are instructed to be discreet and non-intrusive, and observe any directions given them by the celebrant.

Flowers

If you wish to provide flowers for the Cathedral, please contact the Parish officeon (03) 5443 4400

Music

The selection of music for weddings requires careful consideration as it needs to take into account the wishes of the bride and groom, but also the liturgical, musical and pastoral context of the Nuptial Mass or Wedding Ceremony in a Catholic Church setting. The planning is best undertaken well ahead of time and in correspondence with the priest or deacon officiating at the wedding, and the musicians.

Paul Taylor is the current Organist and Director of Music at Sacred Heart Cathedral, and is responsible for all music in the Cathedral. If you wish to have a singer in addition to the organ, this must be arranged in conjunction with Paul. One of the Cathedral’s approved Cantors should normally be invited to sing, as singing for Weddings and Funerals is part of their ministerial role at the Cathedral.

Couples preparing music will be provided with suggestions to hear recordings of organ music (via Youtube) and from which to choose. In keeping with the liturgical context of the Nuptial Mass or Wedding Ceremony, the texts of vocal or choral music should generally be based on biblical or liturgical sources and be consistent with Catholic doctrine.

Items from classical or contemporary Christian poetry can also be suitable, however, popular secular love songs that originated outside Church contexts and make insufficient reference to God, Christ, the Sacrament of Marriage or the Church community, are considered not appropriate for sacred liturgical celebrations of marriage. They may work better at the wedding reception.

The organist's wedding fee is $200. The fee for cantors is also $200. These fees are current as from January 2021.

Correspondence in relation to wedding music MUST be kept in writing so there is a record of communication, and should be sent to the Director of Music 1-3 months before the date of the wedding in order to allow time for proper planning.

Given that the music ministry in Catholic Churches is meant to be provided by “live” musicians, as an expression of their prayer and ministry to God and the congregation, the playing of music through electronic means (e.g. CDs, IPADs or other electronic means) is not permitted, except with the expressed approval of the Administrator of the Cathedral and the Director of Music.

Paul Taylor
Organist & Director of Music
Sacred Heart Cathedral
Bendigo
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Confetti

Confetti or rice is not permitted in or anywhere around the Cathedral. It would be appreciated if you made this clear to your guests.

In Christian marriage, a couple commit themselves to each other into a life-long union based on Christian love and mutual respect. The couple acknowledges the presence of God in their lives as a source of strength, love and forgiveness.

Marriages today, depend much on the mutual support and love within the couple and family relationship which constantly needs growth and enrichment.

Parishioners and Catholics from any parish are welcome to celebrate their marriages in the Cathedral according to the Rites of the Catholic Church and requirements of Australian Laws and Diocesan and Cathedral guidelines. Marriages may be celebrated at the Cathedral on most days but advance booking and preparation are essential.

See Cathedral Requirements regarding celebrations of marriages in the Cathedral: eg bookings, music, flowers, costs.

Sunday Mass

Sacred Heart Cathedral
8.30 & 11 am; and during summer time only Sunday 6 pm

St Joseph's Quarry Hill
Saturday vigil: 6 pm

Weekday Mass

Sacred Heart Cathedral
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 8 am

St Joseph's, Quarry Hill
Thursday 8 am

Reconciliation
Saturday 10.30 to 11.30 am

Holy Hour
First Thursday of every month 5.30 pm, Sacred Heart Cathedral. 

Baptisms and Weddings
by arrangement
 
Special Timetables for Christmas, Holy Week, Easter and other major festivals: The Cathedral has regular Anointing of the Sick Masses and other special Masses. For timetables for Christmas, Holy Week and Easter, special events, and information on exhibitions and recitals see Sunday Bulletin.