If you've checked a calendar recently you may have noticed Easter is coming a little earlier this year. It's March 23rd.

Deb Coppinger of Elkhart asked a Good Question: Why is Easter in March this year instead of April?

WSBT's Kirk Mason explains why.

Did you know the moon decides when Easter is celebrated? Easter always falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox, which is March 21.

The reason the moon is used goes back hundreds of years.

“The church brought together what is called a council — a gathering of the church to talk about various issues — and this was one that was discussed in 325 [AD]," explained Father Jim Bracke, C.S.C.

Father Bracke is the chaplain for the Holy Cross sisters at St. Mary's convent. Bracke says based on the beliefs of Christianity, Easter is different from Christmas in that it always needs to be celebrated on the same day of the week.

“They wanted Easter to always be on a Sunday because of its significance with the resurrection, and the belief of the three days after He was crucified with Good Friday," Bracke said.

March 22 is the earliest Easter can happen, April 25 the latest.

Next year Easter will come even later — April 12.