Mass Times
Weekend
Saturday Vigil: 4:00pm
Sunday: 11:00am
Weekday
Tuesday: 8:00am
and all First Fridays
Confession Times
Saturday: 3:00pm to 3:45pm
or by Appointment
Holy Hour
Saturday: 3:00 - 4:00pm
A Note From
Rev. Joe Koyickal
Good Shepherd Sunday: Jesus the Gate Who Leads Us to Life;
World Day of Prayer for Vocations
The Fourth Sunday of Easter is known as Good Shepherd Sunday, a day when we reflect on the loving care of Jesus, our Good Shepherd. In the gospel today Jesus presents Himself in a closely related image: “I am the gate for the sheep… whoever enters through me will be saved… I came so that they might have life & have it more abundantly.”
In the time of Jesus, shepherds often led their sheep into an enclosure at night to protect them from thieves & wild animals. The shepherd himself would lie across the entrance, becoming the “gate.” Nothing harmful could enter without passing through him, & none of the sheep could wander out into danger unnoticed. In this way, the shepherd became both protector & guardian, ensuring the safety & well-being of the flock.
For us today, this image of Jesus as the Gate means that He is the way to safety, hope, & fullness of life. In a world filled with many voices, choices, & distractions, we are often tempted to follow paths that promise happiness but do not truly satisfy. Jesus reminds us that true life, peace, meaning & lasting joy is found when we walk with Him & allow Him to guide our choices. It means choosing compassion over indifference, honesty over convenience, & courage over fear. When we follow His way, we discover the abundant life He promises.
Good Shepherd Sunday is also the World Day of Prayer for Vocations, reminding us that Jesus continues His shepherding care through those called to priesthood & religious life. Today we pray that many generous hearts will respond to this call & serve the Church with dedication & joy.
At the same time, this Sunday also invites each of us to listen for God’s voice in our own lives. Every vocation, whether to priesthood, religious life, marriage, or dedicated service, is a response to the Good Shepherd who calls us by name to His service.
As we celebrate Good Shepherd Sunday, may we find comfort in knowing that Jesus stands as the Gate of our lives, guarding us with His love and leading us to abundant life. Let us pray for vocations and may each of us follow the voice of the Good Shepherd with trust and generosity.
Blessings of Peace and Joy Always!
Fr. Joe
