Lent is a holiday recognized by all Christians but especially celebrated by Catholics, Orthodox, and some Protestants. The season of Lent lasts forty days and forty nights and commemorates Jesus’s sacrifice during the time he spent alone in the desert. Lent leads up to the Easter Week where Christians remember the Passion and crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It is typical that, starting on Ash Wednesday, followers give up something (usually negative) in their lives to bring themselves closer to God.
Three of the Hawk Herald’s Catholic staff members shared what they are sacrificing for Lent:
Nate
This Lent, like years past, I will be going vegetarian. For me, the sacrifice of meat is a way to offer a constant reminder of why I celebrate the holiday. This year, however, I am making two additional lifestyle changes: juicing 16 ounces of fruits and vegetables every morning, and drinking (other than juice) only water. In the past, I have been fairly successful in removing pop from my life. Now, however, I will be getting rid of all other drinks including flavored water and coffee. My goal for this Lent is to become a healthier person mentally and physically by embracing a nutrition filled diet and to always remember why we Catholics sacrifice something every year.
Tara
For Lent this year, I have made the decision to become a vegetarian. I have been trying to be more conscious of the effect my choices have on the planet, and having a vegetarian diet means 2.5 times fewer carbon emissions than a meat diet. This will be more difficult for me, as I rely on meat to be a significant source of protein. I will have to think up different ways to get the nutrients that I am missing. My Lenten sacrifice will better the planet in a small way, and will hopefully better me.