Then and Now
Heart of the Nation, a Catholic media ministry of Santa Fe Communications, began televising Catholic Mass with a single broadcast on Palm Sunday in 1984. Since that first Sunday TV Mass aired in Los Angeles, Heart of the Nation has become the most widely distributed televised Mass in the country and now reaches tens of millions of homes coast to coast on broadcast, cable, and satellite channels. On Heart of the Nation’s Web site, Facebook page, and YouTube channel, the Sunday Mass serves viewers nationally and globally. Catholic radio stations graciously broadcast audio of the Mass to expand its reach.
An Expansive View
Beyond parish walls, Holy Mass with Heart of the Nation serves the faithful who cannot get out to church. Since July 2020, Sacred Heart Croatian Parish, a Roman Catholic church in Milwaukee, has opened its doors for production of the Mass. By using multiple TV cameras, Heart of the Nation enables viewers to immerse themselves in the liturgical experience while finding peaceful inspiration in stained glass and other church art.
Viewers Join in Prayer for One Another
All prayers sent to Heart of the Nation become part of the TV and online Mass. Perpetual prayers placed before the altar include all donors in the Circle of the Heart monthly giving club and anyone who has remembered Heart of the Nation in a will or trust. Knowing that others join in their prayers provides spiritual comfort and hope.
Publications
Heart of the Nation began publishing its large-print Prayer & Worship Guide in 2011. Each periodic issue offers easy-to-read text of the readings, prayers, and responses for TV Mass. A guide to the weekday readings, weekly reflections, and seasonal prayers make the Guide a resource to use every day.
A full-color monthly bulletin provides inspirational and informative articles, timely prayers, and news from Heart of the Nation. In its annual Catholic wall calendar, Heart of the Nation presents religious art masterpieces, prayers, and Scriptural thoughts for each month. Prayer cards for special needs and a Way of the Cross pamphlet address the hopes and challenges of the faithful seeking closeness to the Lord.
Multimedia Resources
Heart of the Nation’s Web site includes online Rosary, a four-minute retreat, daily prayers, weekly reflections, and other resources. On Facebook, prayers and Sunday Mass enable viewers to experience daily support and responsiveness of a worldwide community of faith.
A cartoon series called Bugtime Adventures invites children to discover the treasures of Gospel lessons. Available on DVD from Heart of the Nation, Bugtime Adventures also appear on television around the world.
Promising Future
Heart of the Nation’s ministry depends on donations and the generosity of hundreds of volunteers to bring the Gospel message into hearts and homes. Some donors give whenever they can, while others pledge monthly gifts as members of the Circle of the Heart. TV airtime is, by far, the ministry’s largest expense, and legacy gifts share enduring faith in the blessings of Catholic Mass.