Lent at SUA: Sacrifice, Reflection, and Perspectives
Exploring Lent’s meaning for Christians and Non-Christians through interviews with Theology teachers and a Campus Minister.
SUA Girls at the Ash Wednesday Mass. Photo courtesy of The SUA Instagram Page.
By Kenya Perez
March 24, 2025
TOLEDO, OH – Lent is a significant season for Christians, occurring annually over a 40-day period. The season begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Thursday, before the Easter Triduum.
While many think of it as a time to give up sweets or social media, it is actually a time for reflection, sacrifice, and spiritual growth.
At St. Ursula Academy, Theology teachers and a Campus minister guides students in understanding the deeper meaning of Lent, while encouraging both Christian and non-Christian students to participate in their own way.
“Sometimes you have to approach [Lent] in a simpler way,” said Ms. Samantha Meklus, the Campus Minister of Christian Service at SUA. “Instead of saying, ‘Here’s everything Lent means, and here’s what you should do,’ I ask, ‘What are you giving up for Lent?’ and then follow up with, ‘Why did you choose that?’ That naturally leads to deeper reflection.”
A common misconception about Lent is you have to give up something in your everyday life, like a bad habit or something simple you enjoy. However, Lent's actual purpose is much deeper.
“A lot of people think they have to give up something big, like candy or their phone, but Lent is about the three pillars—prayer, fasting, and almsgiving,” said Ms. Danielle Wagner, a Theology teacher at St. Ursula Academy. “You can also add something, like a daily prayer or helping others.”
Another major misunderstanding about Lent is that it is a strict, 40-day period of abstinence.
However, Sundays are customarily not included in the 40 days of observance, as they are intended to be days of joy that celebrate the commemoration of Christ’s resurrection.
“People often think Lent ends on Easter morning, but it actually ends on Holy Thursday evening, right before Jesus’ suffering begins. It’s important to recognize this, as well as that Lent isn't about suffering for the sake of suffering; it’s a commemoration of Jesus' sacrifice,” said Ms. Gabrielle Clark, a Theology teacher at St. Ursula.
Lent is not about punishing oneself for being “bad,” it is about realizing and understanding the sacrifice of Christ.
“Lent is about clearing away the things that keep us away from God because God loves us and wants a relationship with us,” said Ms. Madeline Taylor, a Theology teacher at St. Ursula.
The season of Lent can be meaningful to everyone, not only Christians. It offers opportunities for personal growth and spiritual exploration.
“Even if you’re not Catholic, Lent is about clearing away distractions and helping those in need. It’s something everyone can participate in, regardless of faith background, because it’s about becoming a better person for others,” said Ms. Taylor.
