Images by Giovanni Portelli Photography © 2024
Australia’s longest-running religious television program Mass for You at Home will continue its beloved ministry in 2025.
The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference and the Diocese of Wollongong have signed an agreement to continue producing and broadcasting the program, which first aired on Australian television in 1971.
Mass for You at Home will be broadcast every Sunday at 6am on the Ten Network and multiple times during the week on Foxtel’s Aurora (Channel 173).
Bishop of Wollongong Brian Mascord said he was delighted Mass for You at Home would continue in 2025 and emphasised the importance of the program in providing a spiritual lifeline to those unable to attend Mass in person.
“For 54 years, Mass for You at Home has been a vital link to the source and summit of the Christian life for those who are unable to attend in person, including parishioners in prisons, nursing homes and those who are sick or housebound,” Bishop Mascord said.
An important part of the program is Auslan interpretation for the deaf community, which will continue in 2025.
Bishop Mascord expressed heartfelt gratitude for the outpouring of support from viewers, dioceses, religious orders, and sponsors – including major sponsor Catholic Mission – which enabled the program to continue.
“I have been deeply moved by the prayers and generous financial support of the Mass for You at Home community,” Bishop Mascord said.
“The outpouring of support gave me cause to discern what the Spirit is asking of us at this time.”
Bishop Mascord referred to the parable of the barren fig tree (Luke 13:6–9) where the patient gardener asks for one more year to nurture a fruitless tree before deciding its future.
“Like the gardener, I feel the Spirit asking for one more year to allow this ministry to bear fruit,” Bishop Mascord said.
“While the financial targets for Mass for You at Home weren’t fully met in 2024, we believe that with continued care and support, the program can flourish.
“Just as the gardener tended to the tree, we ask our community to nurture Mass for You at Home in 2025 with your prayers and financial help, trusting that this year will allow it to further grow and become sustainable.”
Bishop Mascord extended his sincere thanks to the clergy, readers, musicians, servers, Auslan interpreters, and the dedicated crew and administrative staff who make the program possible.
“And most importantly, thank you to our cherished Mass for You at Home community, who faithfully engage with the program each week. Your prayers, encouragement, and generous donations have been the foundation of this mission.”
To support Mass for You at Home, visit www.massforyou.com.au