Catholic Central celebrates Lent

By Bela Antonio

Lent is a religious fasting that lasts for six weeks, and begins on Ash Wednesday. Many Christians choose something they use daily and try to give that up. Some people take the opportunity to start a healthier lifestyle.

Lent began on the same day as Valentine’s Day this year, which has not happened since 1945. At Catholic Central High School in Windsor, students were encouraged to celebrate Lent and explore more of their faith.

“I fast to give thanks to God and to remind myself of the many things that others do not have,” said Yousif Shaker, a grade 12 student from Catholic Central.

Fasting is when you stop from eating or drinking for a small period of time, this usually goes for religious purposes.

On Feb. 14 Catholic Central held a service to observe Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. The student body came together to pay respect to God.

Catholic Central Campus Minister Jeff Gendron hosted the service where he and other staff members applied ashes to students’ foreheads. According to Gendron, he tries to participate in the fasting as much as he can for his own health.  

“For myself as a campus minister I don’t usually give up things, but I try to improve the life of my students and myself,” said Gendron.

“Prayer helps me grow in my relationship with God. You can pretty much pray anywhere and I really feel that prayer gives me a sense of calm and peace,” said Megan Morrison, a grade 9 student from Catholic Central.

With Easter approaching, Catholic Central will be holding their annual Stations of the Cross starting next Wednesday. Stations of the Cross is the story in that follows Jesus Christ on his way to crucifixion.