‘To me, Lent stands for sacrifice,’ sophomore Mike Goodnough said. ‘People give up things they have strong ties to and when it’s taken away from them, it’s going to be harder to enjoy themselves.’ According to Sister Maria Sally Willitzer, who is a campus minister at St. Thomas More University Parish, Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent corresponding to a 40 day period when Jesus Christ spent time in the desert, fasting and praying for his public ministry. Willitzer said by giving up luxuries in life people would normally enjoy, this period reminds worshippers there are aspects in life greater than any individual, and by sacrifice, everyone is doing their part to honor a sacred time. In order to stick with her Christian traditions, Willitzer fasts, prays and donates her time to help students in need of assistance. ‘ ‘The purpose of giving it up is to remind us of God,’ Willitzer said about making sacrifices for Lent. In order to help remind students of Lent, St. Thomas More’s parish will hold two services today in the Union’s Multi Purpose room at 11:30 a.m. and 5:15 p.m. Even before today, some students on campus have already taken the initiative to jump-start their promises for Lent. ‘ Senior Michelle Federici, who will be relying on the help of her friends as a support group when she gives up Coca-Cola, knows giving up something she loves will further her connection with Christianity. ‘ Federici has been using a book called ‘The Love Dare,’ which helps her love people through tactics like patience in order to not only make her a better Christian, but an all around improved person. ‘ ‘Every time I have a temptation, it reminds me of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross,’ Federici said. ‘Even though [Coca-Cola] is a small sacrifice, it is just a reminder of what Christ gave up for us and God’s love for us.’ ‘ Like Willitzer, Federici will be relying on prayer to help her get through a difficult, but significant time. ‘ ‘Anytime you get a temptation, you’re going to want to seek God to help you through,’ Federici said. ‘ Willitzer feels students like Federici are rare because in a constant ever-changing world, church and religion could take a back seat to other priorities. However, reassessing faith remains important, she said. ‘ Willitzer also thinks many students do not participate in Lent because of the misconception of it being too hard. ‘ Goodnough agrees with Willitzer about his peers not being as religious as they could be and recognizes the importance of Lent. ‘ He feels with the help of St. Thomas More holding services on campus, they are doing there part in order to get the campus more involved with religion during Lent. ‘ ‘I really don’t think the college community takes it as seriously as adults or children would,’ Goodnough said. ‘I think for people who go to [the services], it will be a positive reinforcement. ‘ Even though he has not given up anything for Lent the last couple years, Goodnough will exclude himself from luxuries during Lent because he feels strongly about not only his religion, but everything associated with Lent. ‘ ‘There is the factor of you are doing it not for yourself, but for God and Jesus,’ he said. ‘I definitely know it will be rewarding if I do accomplish it.’