Page 91 - Carrollton 2017

TH E LENTEN SEASON

Today is Ash Wednesday, also known as the first day of Lent, also known
as the day stocks for Coca Cola and chocolate plummet, and also known
as the day where Catholics worldwide recognize each other in public
places because of the signature black cross on our foreheads.

I'd like to take the opportunity to challenge all of us to shift from the
idea o f Lent being a great excuse to go on an extreme diet or give up
something that you really enjoy (like soda or chocolate), to it becoming
40 days where we intentionally seek to do good, every day, for
ourselves, for others, and for God.

You might be thinking to yourself "Okay Gabbi that sounds beautiful,
where’s your tiny violin?"... Well here s what I suggest. Start where
you think you could benefit from adding something to your routine. For
example, some o f us may not be getting enough sleep and that affects
everything we do. So, setting a goal to sleep at least one or two more
hours a day would be a great idea. Maybe try cutting back on social
media by one hour every day and use that hour to spend time with your
siblings or watch a TV show with your mom or dad.

You may benefit from incorporating some much needed Espacio of
prayer time into your daily schedule as well. Come up with creative ways
to incorporate that into your daily life. For example, go to the chapel in
El Jardin the last 10 minutes of lunch or get here early and walk down to
the bay. Set a goal for yourself to volunteer three times during Lent and
share your time and even your talent with others in our community.

By refocusing our attention, Lent will become less about what we can
give up and become more about how we can give.

Love,
Gabbi Socarras
General Coordinator of Campus Ministry
Class of 2017 '

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