Fasts, sacrifices mark onset of Lenten season

By TRACY WILSON
Collegian Staff Writer

For many Christians, Wednesday marked the beginning of Lent, a season of preparation for Easter during which many will make personal sacrifices for their beliefs.

Although strictness varies among religions, many encourage some type of fasting or abstinence.

Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, and Good Friday, the Friday before Easter Sunday, are two days of fasting and abstinence for Roman Catholics. On these days, Roman Catholics between the ages of 18 and 60 are required by rules of the Church to limit themselves to one full meal and two small meals, said the Rev. Joseph Hlubik, a Roman Catholic priest for the Penn State Catholic Community.

On Fridays during Lent, Roman Catholics should abstain from any pork, beef or poultry products. People may be exempted from fasting and abstinence duties for medical reasons and special dietary needs, he added.

The Lutheran Church does not require its members to fast or abstain from any foods, said Greg Harbaugh, Lutheran campus pastor.

"We encourage people who fast not to do it as something to 'out-religion' other folks," he said. "If it tends toward self-promotion or self-righteousness, it's not serving its purpose."

Some students agree fasting and abstaining must be done for the right reasons.

"I believe in (fasting) but I haven't practiced it since I was younger because I don't feel the need to give things up. I think for some people it's meaningful, but it differs from person to person," Tom Murphy (senior-architectural engineering) said. "It's a way to feel better for some, but you can just do something good for someone else instead of depriving yourself of something."

For students, Harbaugh said he does not encourage anything more than a daytime fast.

"People need food for fuel," he said. "We're not interested in people depleting themselves during studies."

As people get older, adherence to the fasting and abstinence practices learned during childhood becomes more of a personal choice.

"I usually give up something, at first because my mom made me, but now it's more symbolic and meaningful," Suzanne Baker (senior-communication disorders) said. "It's a sacrifice."