Forty days without a drop of alcohol -- this is the challenge Megan McGrath has given herself.

McGrath (junior-classics and ancient Mediterranean studies) has given up alcohol for the Christian season of Lent. She is converting to Catholicism and would like the sacramental wine at the Easter Vigil to be her first sip of alcohol since Lent began.

Lent is the period from Ash Wednesday, March 1 of this year, through Holy Saturday, April 15. It excludes Sundays, when Catholics have the option of indulging in what they have given up for Lent.

"I was spending more time and money on alcohol than I wanted to," said McGrath, who turned 21 in October. "And Lent seemed like a good idea to change these behaviors."

McGrath will be receiving the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil, confirming her conversion to Catholicism.

"I think Lent is a wonderful way of living the liturgical year in union with the Church," she said. "Even as a Protestant, I found Lent to be a rewarding experience."

Jenny Gasior (sophomore-finance), like McGrath, is abstaining from alcohol for Lent. "I wanted to give up something more serious this year, something that I truly didn't think I could give up," Gasior said.

Gasior was inspired by a friend who accepted the same challenge last year.

Lent is observed on a student-to-student basis, said Tom Sperlich (senior-psychology), president of Campus Crusade for Christ. "We don't really take time to advocate Lent but allow students to do what they traditionally or personally want to do," Sperlich said.

Some students choose to truly challenge themselves during the six-week period.

"What you give up for Lent shouldn't be something mundane and easy to do without," said Scott Mullner (junior-secondary education and history), a member of the Newman Catholic Student Association. "Giving up all of the junk food and soda I used to eat for Lent last year was really hard ... especially living on campus and having to go to the dining commons every day."

Instead of giving up a bad habit for Lent, some students decided to pick up a good habit. "It's becoming more common to make a Lenten promise instead of giving something up," McGrath said.

Eric Parada (sophomore-biobehavioral health) said he plans to save time for prayer every morning.

"I have a set of cloth rosary beads that I wrap around my arm when I sleep to remind me in the morning to say a small prayer," Parada said.

Mullner also promised to make time every day for prayer, because he said he "doesn't do that nearly enough."

Students tend to agree that they choose to take part in this aspect of Lent because it reminds them of the sacrifices God has made for them.

"When you give something up or add something, it's a little reminder in your head -- a pause that directs your attention to God," Parada said.

Sari Santoso (freshman-communication sciences and disorders) gave up her favorite food: the dining commons' waffle fries. "I think that it is important to give up something, because no matter what we, as individuals, give up, it is still not as great as what God has given up already," Santoso said. "Just giving up something, whatever it may be, large or small, at least you are trying."