Was it the traditional candy, cola or (if you are feeling particularly masochistic) Facebook?

The meaning behind the sacrifices of Lent can be blurred for some people as they pledge to live the Spartan lifestyle and give it all away.,”

So, what did you give up for Lent?

Was it the traditional candy, cola or (if you are feeling particularly masochistic) Facebook?

The meaning behind the sacrifices of Lent can be blurred for some people as they pledge to live the Spartan lifestyle and give it all away.

According to Gretchen Baumgardt, assistant director of University Ministry, people should ask themselves if they have a sincere desire to deepen their faith when they consider what they will sacrifice for Lent.

"Instead of Lent becoming a burden, people should consider the season an invitation by God to become closer to God," she said.

Lenten sacrifices do not have to be an individual effort, but can be a journey with the whole Catholic community.

"People can make Lent an opportunity to participate in community service, like Hunger Clean-Up," she said.

Every Tuesday during Lent, University Ministry has an evening prayer, which Baumgardt said is a time to gather and reflect on one's Lenten journey. The evening prayer is held at the St. Joan of Arc Chapel.

"Reflection can be an opportunity for us to gain a greater sense of gratitude for what we have," she said.

Students have differing opinions on what action they should take during Lent. Many people would rather start a positive habit than curb a negative one.

College of Business Administration senior Justin Flores said he does not make any sacrifices for Lent but is trying to be nicer to people over the Lenten season.

"I have never really given up anything for Lent," he said. "I figure being a nice person makes a bigger difference in other people's lives than taking something out of mine."

Flores said his family goes to church year-round and he considers people who go to church only during holidays "fair-weather church fans."

"You shouldn't feel obligated to go to church during holy days of obligation or times of turmoil," he said.

Forty-five percent of people who responded to an unscientific Tribune online poll last week said they are not giving anything up for Lent.

"I have given up eating between meals and decided to go to Mass twice a week," said Alyssa Steines, a junior in the College of Business Administration.

The change in routine is the hardest part about Lent, but "it's supposed to be hard," Steines said.

Some students try to make lifestyle changes during Lent.

James Stake, a College of Business Administration senior, said he is giving up both sex and video games during the Lenten season.

"So far, so good," Stake said. "I am serious about it, but I am not sure I'm going to make it."

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