I love Notre Dame, and I think Lent is pretty cool. But as a non-Catholic, Lent at Notre Dame can be a bit awkward. Here’s what’s running through my head as the whole school celebrates it:
On the "What are you giving up for Lent?" board in the Coleman-Morse Center, a ton of people wrote down they were giving up peanut butter. Why all the hate for peanut butter? Or I guess it would be love for peanut butter, if they’re giving it up. Either way, I don’t think I could survive if I ever had to give up peanut butter for Lent.
On that note, having people ask me what I’m giving up for Lent is always awkward because I’m not giving up anything.
On the plus side, Lent is good for awkward people like me because asking someone what they’re giving up for Lent is always an easy conversation starter.
Friends who gave up junk food usually let you take all the candy they have but won’t be able to eat for the next few months. So that’s pretty nice, not going to lie.
I respect the fact that the dining hall accommodates students who don’t want to eat meat on Fridays during Lent, but if they’re not going to serve meat, can they figure out how to make a decent grilled cheese? Because that’s basically all I subsist on when Friday comes around.
The make-your-own-pizza line is way too long. I guess I’ll just get a salad.
Notre Dame is the only place where not having a cross on your forehead during Ash Wednesday is kind of weird.
Also, fasting on Ash Wednesday — I don’t get it. One of my friends told me when you fast you eat one large meal and two smaller meals, spread out throughout the day. But I’m confused because that’s just how I usually eat every day. Does this mean I’m fasting every day? If so, does that mean I’m extra holy? Because that is definitely not even close to true.
Oh well, at least everything is decked out in purple (my favorite color).
I think I may be going to hell.
