Mass for You at Home comes to the Pilbara

Easter is a time of joy, hope and celebration – and for the people of the Pilbara it’s a special moment in television history.

Mass for You at Home, Australia’s longest-running free-to-air television program, will be shown on Ngaarda TV for the first time on Palm Sunday (March 29), the start of Holy Week.

Ngaarda Media was created by the Yindjibarndi community for all Aboriginal people of the Pilbara region 22 years ago, when it was initially known as Juluwarlu Media.

It is the only licensed Aboriginal broadcaster across the 500,000 square kilometre region of Western Australia and the collective voice of more than 30 language groups of Traditional Owners.

Bishops Commission for Evangelisation, Laity and Ministry chair Archbishop Christopher Prowse said it was a significant moment for the region.

“It recognises the deep faith of people across this vast region and affirms that distance should never be a barrier to sharing in the life of the Church,” he said.

“For many people in the Pilbara, access to regular liturgy can be limited by geography, health or circumstance.

“This agreement offers a respectful way for communities to stay connected to the Eucharist, to prayer, and to the rhythms of the Church in a way that honours their place and experience.

“This is a small but meaningful step in walking together with Pilbara communities and sharing the hope of Christ which is at the heart of Easter.”

Ngaarda head of programming Andrew Sharps welcomed the partnership.

“Ngaarda is proud to bring Mass for You at Home to the Pilbara,” Mr Sharps said.

“This partnership will allow Ngaarda to each Sunday bring to our audiences a multi-award-winning program which beautifully presents messages of hope, love, fellowship and connection.”

Mass for You at Home is produced by the media team in the Catholic Diocese of Wollongong and managed by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference’s Media and Communications Department.

Since 1971, Mass for You at Homehas been a vital link to the source and summit of the Christian life for those who are unable to attend church in person.

The tens of thousands of viewers include parishioners in prisons, nursing homes, those who are sick or housebound, and the deaf community who appreciate the presence of AUSLAN interpreters on the television program.

The program won the Australasian Catholic Press Association’s digital media award in 2024 and 2025.

The program is funded through viewer donations and sponsorship by Catholic dioceses and Catholic Mission.