What does Lent mean to you personally, and why is it an important part of your year?

“Instead of focusing solely on giving things up, Lent highlights what Jesus gave up, emphasizing God’s grace and forgiveness.  Just as Advent is the preparation for Jesus’ birth, Lent is the preparation for Jesus’ Resurrection.  During Lent, we are invited to examine and cleanse our hearts, which is important for acknowledging our sin and the need for redemption through Jesus on Easter.”

How do you connect with God during Lent?

“This year, I began praying the Rosary two or three times a week, which has helped me grow closer to both God and Our Lady.  Building a prayer life is essential to the faith, and there is no better way of doing that than spending 20 minutes meditating on the Mysteries of the Rosary.”

At Sacred Heart, what are different ways that students can connect with God during Lent? 

“There are many different ways on campus to connect with God this Lent.  For example, students and faculty are encouraged to pray the Rosary during GOALS, attend the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS) lunches, come to Wednesday morning mass, or simply sit silently in the chapel.  But most importantly, I encourage everyone to go to Reconciliation before Easter because it allows each person to enter the joy of Easter with a clean heart and renewed soul.”