The practice of making a Lenten sacrifice proved challenging at Archbishop Carroll, where students interviewed in an informal poll said that they either did not give anything up for Lent or failed at giving something up for Lent.

“I gave something up but didn’t stick to it,” said junior Nancy Truong.

Some students did not give anything up for Lent because they did not understand the importance of keeping their Lenten promises.

“Genuinely, … I don’t understand why we have to give something up,” said junior Katelyn Swayze.

A Lenten sacrifice involves giving up something that is luxurious or pleasurable during the 40-day observance of Lent to imitate Jesus’ 40-day fast in the desert before his crucifixion.

Other people said that because fewer people abstain from their vices during Lent in high school than in grade school, they lost interest in giving things up for Lent themselves.

“I feel like most people I ask didn’t [give anything up for Lent],” said junior Jayden Wintrode.

“I think fewer people give stuff up in high school,” said junior Lindsey Davidson.

Those who tried to give something up for Lent but failed said that they failed because they too do not see the importance of keeping a Lenten promise.

One student said that instead of swearing off a commodity, she wanted to try something new and complete all her assignments the night before they were due. However, after a while, she was unable to keep up with her Lenten promise.

“I didn’t keep mine [promise]. Due dates are there for a reason,” said junior Erin Egan.

Mr. Anthony Polselli taught his junior theology classes that performing extra good deeds during Lent is imperative. Mr. Polselli put a new good deed on the board every week for students to try and follow. Some juniors attempted to do these kind actions every day instead of giving something up for Lent.

“I was going to give up sugary things, and then I drank green tea with sugar in it and tried to just do good stuff,” said junior Damon Cagliola.

Still, some students kept with their Lenten promises because they understood the importance of giving something up to strengthen self-discipline and their Catholic faith.

“I think it’s part of your discipline to mimic what Jesus did,” said junior Caroline Pascual.