Lent is a time of preparation for the death of Christ on Good Friday and His Resurrection on Easter Sunday. It is a period of 40 days of repentance, filled with immense sacrifice, prayerful consideration, and commitment.

Beginning on Ash Wednesday, devoted Catholics around the world are summoned to sacrifice something of premier importance to them; whether it be a habit, activity, consumption of a certain food or drink. Alternately, some prefer to give up concepts–like time–in order to add activities–like exercising–to their daily routine. Big or small, this annual sacrificial period serves as a time of contemplative reflection to help Catholics better understand the hardship that He endured for the well being of His fellow brothers and sisters.

Sunday,March 22 served as the Fifth Sunday of Lent, also known as Passion Sunday. With just 12 more days until Easter Sunday, the ultimate question revolving around lent stands: Do people actually commit to their promise? Six weeks of going without that favorite activity, or holding back on drinking that favorite soda seems impossible to most. Thus, some of the Catholic Congregation at YLHS have taken the time to share their Lenten promises, updating us with the highs and lows of their Lenten journeys so this year.

Nick Saltarelli (11) admits that he has chosen to give up soda this year. When asked how his Lenten season is going, he painfully describes that, “it has been so hard, it hurts SO much.” Even the smallest difference in daily routine can cause a tremendous impact on one’s perspective. Although a seemingly small sacrifice, swapping out soda for water for a six week period could completely transform one’s feelings about soda drinking.

Sammy Andreetta (12) “tried to give up NOT doing [her] homework” during this Lenten season. Struck with an intense wave of senioritis, she admits that, “[she] failed miserably.” It’s the thought that counts.

Kamy Heyman (10) has done the impossible: she has gone five weeks without watching Netflix (Gasps). “I figured I would use this opportunity to catch up on live TV,” she adds sarcastically. Although a difficult promise to keep, her commitment has proven that every sacrifice gives light to other areas of interest in one’s life. One of the most rewarding parts of lent is discovering new interests or re-discovering old ones. Sometimes, it takes a change in habits to truly understand the status of one’s lifestyle habits.

Best of luck to all of the Catholic Mustangs out there; enjoy the fruits of this wonderful Lenten season.  And remember: only 12, i repeat, 12 days more.