For Fr Chris del Rosario, Mass for You at Home is all about “engagement” and “encounter”.
The longest-running program on Australian commercial television is back on air in 2025 after the Diocese of Wollongong announced it would continue the award-winning production.
Fr Chris, the parish administrator at St Thomas Aquinas, Springwood, is among the clergy who celebrate Mass for the program.
“Mass for You at Home is an engagement project,” he said.
“It’s an opportunity for those unable to attend the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass to engage and encounter the Lord.” Fr Chris del Rosario
Fr Chris says the world is in “desperate need for Christ”.
“This program aides that need especially to the marginalised and housebound,” he said.
When he first began working with director Daniel Hopper, Fr Chris said he was a bit nervous.
“The lights and cameras seemed to evoke a production rather than a celebration of the Eucharist,” he said.
“However, after speaking with Daniel, he reminded me that this indeed is Mass for those unable to attend at their local parish – an opportunity to engage with the Risen Lord. With that in mind I have happily assisted Daniel for several Masses.”
Fr Chris del Rosario during one of the Mass for you at Home broadcasts. Image: ACBC
Mass for You at Home is produced by the Diocese of Wollongong in partnership with the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference.
Despite the ongoing challenges of raising funds to keep the program on-air, Wollongong Bishop Brian Mascord announced in December that Mass for You at Home would continue for 2025.
“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, those who are sick or housebound, and the deaf community who appreciate the presence of AUSLAN interpreters. It also reaches those flicking through the channels on a Sunday morning—reminding them that they are always seen and loved by God,” Bishop Mascord said.
He expressed heartfelt gratitude for the outpouring of support from viewers, dioceses, religious orders, and sponsors, including major sponsor Catholic Mission, that has enabled the program to continue.
In his announcement, 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 care for a fruitless tree before deciding its future.
“Like the gardener, I feel the Spirit asking for one more year to nurture this ministry,” 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.”
“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.”
The half-hour Mass for You at Home airs on the Ten Network every Sunday from 6am.
It can also be viewed on Foxtel’s Aurora channel or streamed at any time through 10play or YouTube.
Donations to help cover the significant cost of broadcasting fees and production can be made through the website massforyou.com.au or by calling 1800 627 749.
This article was originally published in the 2025 Lent & Easter | Autumn edition of the Catholic Outlook Magazine. You can read the digital version here or pick up a copy in your local parish.
