We celebrate Good Shepherd Sunday this weekend. As Christ's flock, we know Him and follow Him because we recognize His voice as the fullness of truth and life as our Shepherd. I have some exciting announcements in my column today, so read on!

Simon Peter plays prominently in our Scriptures on this Third Sunday of Easter. On the day of Pentecost, Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, speaks to the Jews of Jerusalem concerning Christ's Resurrection as the fulfillment of God's promise to King David. In the Second Reading from the First Letter of St. Peter, he speaks of conducting ourselves reverently in light of Christ's redeeming death. In the Gospel, the disciples on the road to Emmaus meet the risen Lord Jesus made known to them through the opening of the Scriptures and the breaking of the bread. As these disciples turn back towards Jerusalem, they encounter the other Apostles and hear about Jesus being raised and appearing to Simon Peter.

We celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday on this Second Sunday of Easter. We see the mercy of our risen Lord Jesus on full display in the Gospel today. As the Apostles are hidden in the upper room behind locked doors, Jesus comes and proclaims to them, "Peace be with you."

Happy Easter! After 40 days of fasting and prayer, we now get to rejoice in the 50 days of Easter, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Let the reality of that sink in - Easter is not just a day, but a whole season!