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What is a Shepherd’s Mass?

The Shepherds’ Mass captures the humble, urgent, joyful response to the Incarnation: when ordinary people—lowly shepherds—became the first earthly witnesses to God-with-us.

When most think of Christmas Mass, they picture the great Midnight Mass — but the celebration of Christ’s birth in the Church has often included three distinct Masses, each with its own name, moment, and spiritual focus. One of them is the Shepherds’ Mass. The Shepherds’ Mass is traditionally celebrated at dawn on Christmas Day. It commemorates the moment when angels announced the birth of Jesus to shepherds tending their flocks by night — and when those humble shepherds rushed to Bethlehem to adore the newborn Savior.

Why Three Masses — and What Each Means

Midnight Mass (“Angel’s Mass”) — celebrates the birth itself, in the darkness, with angels proclaiming “Glory to God.”

Shepherds’ Mass (Dawn / “Shepherds’ Mass”) — recalls the shepherds’ visit, their haste, their adoration, and their willingness to leave everything and seek Christ.

Daytime Mass (“King’s Mass” / Mass During the Day) — proclaims Christ to the whole world, highlighting His divinity revealed by the light of day.

The Shepherds’ Mass captures the humble, urgent, joyful response to the Incarnation: when ordinary people—lowly shepherds—became the first earthly witnesses to God-with-us.

What It Teaches Us Today

The dawn Mass issues a timeless invitation:

To put aside comfort and convenience — like the shepherds leaving their flocks — and hurry toward Christ.

To greet Christ not just in convenience or celebration, but with reverence and readiness, as light dawns on a new day.

To remember that sometimes the spiritual greatest encounters — the greatest revelations — come when we rise early, step out simply, and seek the Lord with open hearts.

Just like those shepherds, we, too, are invited to respond to the good news with haste, awe, and worship.

From the school’s Superintendent:::

“I would like to give our Community a BIG Shout our for their unmatched generosity for all the programs that support our students, families with needs, and organizations.  I am unfortunately going to forget someone or group, please pardon that oversight because I have been absolutely overwhelmed seeing so many outstanding acts of humanity occurring in our Community.   From the GUPPIES with the bags of goodies for our kiddos after the Christmas Program, the Community Angel Tree project and all of the awesome associated partners, Mrs. Krueger and Mrs. Shumacher for coordinating several of these programs, Mrs. Krein wrapping a mountain of presents, the Morton County Sheriff’s Dept for the Fill a Squad initiative, Mrs. Silbernagel and Staff that organized the Quarter Store, Our local Food Bank for the goody baskets for families, anonymous donated meals coordinated through Hebron’s School, Holly and Kathryn with their Staffmas plans that brougt so much cheer, Mrs. Christensen and her FBLA kiddos for their Christmas activities, Mr. Krien and the FFA students, Mrs. Schirado’s candy cane stand and of course the generous anonymous donors that have provided meals, presents and winter clothing through the Holiday Season for those families with less means.   I am humbled and amazed by the generosity of the Glen Ullin Community.  I have been in some great places that did great things for people and kids, but this was by far the greatest depth and volume of human generosity I have been a part of.  Thank you all that did your part and I would like to pass on my heartfelt gratitude and Bearcat Pride for your efforts to help others, your generosity, and your enduring kindness.

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year! -Marty”

& Family Favorites to bake…