Reflecting on Lent’s Impact on Catholic Students

A few weeks ago, a friend of mine—someone who no longer considers themselves a practicing Catholic—mentioned they were still planning to fast during Lent. It caught me off guard. Of all the traditions they had let go of, this one remained. When I asked why, they simply shrugged and said, “It’s just something I’ve always done. It stuck.” 

That conversation made me reflect on how the traditions of Lent shape us, especially in our formative years. Catholic school students don’t just learn about Lent—they experience it in ways that leave a lasting imprint. And in my friend’s quiet act of fasting, I found a spark of hope—hope that one day, they might be open to returning home to the Church. It reminded me that even when someone drifts away, the seeds planted in childhood can remain just beneath the surface, waiting for the right moment to grow again. 

The Ashes That Mark More Than Just Our Foreheads 

One of the most vivid memories Catholic school students carry is the moment they receive ashes on Ash Wednesday. The priest or teacher traces a cross on each forehead, repeating the solemn words: 

“Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” 

Even as children, we feel the weight of those words. We see the ashes on our classmates, catch glances from strangers in public, and realize this mark unites us in something greater. The ashes may fade, but their impact lingers. 

Walking with Christ: The Stations of the Cross 

Each Friday of Lent, Catholic school students gather to pray the Stations of the Cross, retracing Jesus’ steps to Calvary. Whether kneeling in silent prayer or carrying a wooden cross in a reenactment, these moments make Christ’s sacrifice deeply personal. 

Even if we didn’t fully understand it at the time, these rituals formed us. They made the Passion of Christ more than just a story—they made it real. 

Fasting & Almsgiving: Lessons That Last 

When I think about my friend who still fasts during Lent, I wonder if it’s because fasting was one of the first ways we learned what sacrifice truly meant. Giving up favorite foods or habits wasn’t just a rule—it was a reminder that some things are more important than comfort. 

And then there was almsgiving. Every year, we’d fill Rice Bowls with spare change, donating small amounts to help those in need. It was a simple act, but one that planted seeds of generosity—seeds that, for many, continue to grow. 

When Lent Sticks, Faith Endures 

That conversation with my friend reminded me that Lent isn’t just a season we go through—it’s a season that goes through us. The ashes, the prayers, the sacrifices—they stay with us, sometimes in ways we don’t even realize. 

Lenten traditions shape us, form us, and call us back—even years later. And that’s the beauty of growing up with these practices. They’re not just about forty days; they’re about a lifetime of remembering, returning, and renewing our faith.