By J1 Reporter Sofia Marcelino

As the days grow longer and Easter approaches, many Christians enter a period of reflection known as Lent. This 40-day season, beginning on Ash Wednesday and ending at sundown on Holy Thursday, mirrors the time Jesus spent fasting in the desert. It is a time of preparation, calling believers to focus on prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.

For students at Marian, Lent presents an opportunity to strengthen their faith and grow in self-discipline. Some choose to give up habits like excessive screen time or sweets, while others add positive practices such as attending daily Mass or volunteering in the community. Theology teacher Mr. Zach Wulbert reflects on the deeper meaning of the season: “Lent isn’t just about what you give up—it’s about making space for God in your life.”

Fasting, one of the core practices of Lent, reminds people of their dependence on God. Catholics traditionally abstain from meat on Fridays and limit their meals on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Beyond food, fasting can mean cutting back on distractions, like social media, to create more time for spiritual reflection.

Almsgiving, another key aspect of Lent, encourages acts of charity and generosity. Spirit catholic radio has a place on their website where you can find all of the great parishes in Nebraska’s fish fry’s. They are all listed by where they are at, what time they are at, and what they serve. It is so cool to see how we are all empowered to serve and be generous towards other during this season. This website is very informative and hopefully gets you and your family out on you friday night to check out these different sites for fish fry’s!

“It’s a time of preparation for Easter and things to come, and so it’s an opportunity for us to find those things in our lives that maybe hold us back in some way or another,” Wulbert said, reflecting on the true purpose of lent. Mr. Wulbert teaches his classes about the significance of lent. As the season progresses, Mr. Wulbert does an activity with his classes here at Marian, and before he taught at Marian. This activity is where each student writes down something they are either adding to their lives that is productive or something they are getting rid of during lent that is unhealthy for them and put their paper on a paper chain along with the others and be reminded of their contribution to Lent and that each time they walk into class, they will do some reflection on what they are doing each day to contribute to their commitments. Mr. Wulbert, along with all of the other theology teachers at Marian, care about how this season of Lent affects us and what we can do to help better ourselves, no matter what religious background we belong to. 

Ultimately, Lent is a time for renewal—a chance to reset one’s faith, grow in discipline, and prepare for the celebration of Easter. Whether through prayer, sacrifice, or acts of love, each person’s Lenten journey is unique.