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Unholy TV twist: “We can’t believe it was done this way”

Exclusive: Mass For You At Home producers were the last to be told their show was moving from TV studios to church broadcasts.

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EXCLUSIVE: Producers of Mass For You at Home were the last to find out changes were afoot for the long-running show.

Yesterday Melbourne Archbishop Comensoli confirmed the show would shift to a new format, acknowledging challenging broadcasting costs.

Mass for You At Home has been made for television across its long duration, with John Rowland as executive producer for the past 13 years. A year’s worth of episodes are filmed in 10’s Como studios with a dedicated crew every January.

A new format will see services filmed in Churches from January, following from similar broadcasts on Channel 31 during the pandemic.

“I was astonished to read on Facebook that the Archdiocese has terminated the 50 year old program without advising the producers. We had no idea that proposed change and can’t believe it was done this way. I’ve written to the Archbishop but has so far had no response,” Rowland tells TV Tonight.

“Mass For You At Home is designed to be an intimate service for people in their homes as opposed to a large church space. This together with its high production values makes it unique. With the regular positive responses we get each week, this is the style that continues to resonate with our large number of viewers.

“All of us are so sorry to see it go.”

Archbishop Comensoli  said in a statement yesterday, “The people who have been expressing concern about the future of Mass for You at Home demonstrate that the program continues to meet an important need. We look forward to it continuing.”

4 Responses

  1. I understand the concerns of those for whom this is essential viewing. I would be worried though if the show loses its FTA slot and goes online. It really must (along with the equivalents for other denominations) remain accessible for all. These shows pre-date, by far, the current streaming of services, and have brought spiritual care to millions over the years.

  3. Adding on what was discussed in the last article that I agree it should be on at a later time. Between 8-11am would be the common church times. 6am is too early. It is a vital service for people who for whatever reason can’t attend church physically.

    I looked up the denominations and found out that though Catholicism is prevalent in Victoria, Anglican is the prevalent denomination in Tasmania, regional NSW, regional QLD and regional WA etc. The sermons and services would not resonate with each other and should have separate programming. These would be the two most common denominations, followed by Orthodox, city church (Hillsong etc.), Baptist, Uniting Church, Mormon etc. and then other international religions.

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