With the end of Mardi Gras came the beginning of Lent, and Catholic students are still working hard to maintain their Lenten sacrifices.
Father Todd Lloyd of Christ the King Catholic Church on campus said the 40 days of Lent are for people to reflect on the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert.
“During that time, he resisted temptation,” Lloyd said. “And
so can we.”
Catholics also abstain from eating meat on Fridays during Lent. Lloyd said the church used to encourage members to observe meat-free Fridays all year, but the tradition has changed over the years.
Not eating meat allows Catholics to sacrifice as a group and brings them closer to one another and to God, he said.
“We give up the flesh of an animal because Christ gave up his flesh for us,” he said.
Lloyd said most of the students he sees on a regular basis are able to stay disciplined through the Lenten season.
“Toward the end, discipline may dwindle a bit,” he said. “But they seem very strong.”
Many people feel their strength begin to waver toward the end of the season, and Lloyd said they must persevere to better their relationships with God.
“If I give up chocolate, after three weeks I’m starting to really want an M&M,” he said. “That’s really where God comes in.”
Brian Baudoin, political science and disaster management senior, said he’s had trouble staying disciplined in the past.
Baudoin, who gave up electronics and video games for the season, said he’s trying to be more proactive this year and stay strong throughout the season.
“In past years, as it got closer to Easter, I was just waiting for Lent to end,” he said. “Now I’m trying to use my time for prayer.”
Baudoin said his newfound strength came from a startling realization.
“God sees the heart,” he said. “He sees what sacrifices are empty.”
Lloyd said the church expects its members to observe Lent with three things: penance, prayer and almsgiving.
“Hopefully you can connect all three of those,” he said.
He said students should use the time they save through penance or sacrifice to pray and do service to become closer to God.
English junior Erica deVeer said she’s trying to go above and beyond this year. In addition to giving up sweets and coffee, deVeer committed to praying the rosary every day and going to confession every week.
She’s also trying to participate more actively in Mass.
“If possible, I kneel on the floor instead of on the kneelers,” she said. “If it hurts my knees, it helps remind me of what Christ went through for me.”
But staying strong isn’t always easy for students.
Biology junior Angelica Simmons gave up dessert for Lent.
Simmons said she sometimes finds herself getting caught up in the hustle and bustle of the week and forgets to maintain her commitment.
“In the craziness of student life, it can be challenging to remember something like that,” she said. “But it’s not a small thing. It’s important.”
Baudoin said students should surround themselves with people who are positive and supportive to help them stay focused.
“I’ve found the people happiest during Lent are the ones whose friends have all given up the same thing,” he said. “It really helps.”
 
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Contact Rachel Warren at [email protected]