Each year Amy Frazier tries to give up something for Lent.

And each year, she forgets to stick to her choice.

“I’m giving up chocolate this year,” the education sophomore said. “I need to give it up anyway to get ready for spring break.”

Frazier celebrated Ash Wednesday this week, starting her preparation for Easter.

“This is a time when I’m thankful and count my blessings,” Frazier said. “I spend time with my family around Easter and go to church regularly.”

The Rev. Randy Knauf of St. John’s Student Parish, 327 M.A.C. Ave., said Ash Wednesday is a time when Christians start their preparation for Easter, look at their own sins and remember God in their lives.

Knauf said Lent is a Catholic tradition, but some Lutheran and Christian churches celebrate it also.

“I suspect most Catholic students are aware of Ash Wednesday,” Knauf said. “People literally come forward and we trace a small cross from the ashes on their forehead to remind us that we’re turning away from sins in our lives and trying to follow the gospel of Jesus.”

At least 2,000 people were marked Wednesday during seven services at St. John’s and the Alumni Chapel on MSU’s campus. Lent is the 40 days between Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, the Friday before Easter.

Knauf said ashes are a sign of seeking God’s forgiveness. He also said Catholicism suggests fasting on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.

“In addition to fasting, we abstain from eating meat every Friday during Lent,” he said. “During the fast, people commonly eat a small meal in the middle of day. But most of the time very young children or old people are exempt from fasting.

“Traditionally, people either give something up or add something on for Lent. The idea is changing our lives to follow God’s call.”

Interior design junior Emily Mueller said she’s been giving up Mountain Dew for the past few years, but wants to give up something else this year.

“It always gives me a headache to not drink Mountain Dew because I’m addicted to the caffeine,” she said. “I thought I was making a sacrifice because it actually hurt. But I feel like I’m cheating because I’m giving up the same thing every year.”

No-preference sophomore Mary Christensen is giving up meat for Lent.

“I eat meat every day of my life and I want to actually say ‘I’m not going to eat this - for God,” Christensen said. “I got Caf-II-Go today and they had the best soup with meatballs and I had to pick the meatballs out. I was sad because they are so good.

“I’m doing this not just for me, but for God too.”

Staff writer Elissa Englund contributed to this report.