Bread and water – Photo by John Petty
By John Petty, Catholic Editor
With the coming of Ash Wednesday on Feb.18 next week, the Lenten season will begin. Just like last year, a few students are preparing to undergo another Exodus90 and Genesis90 journey in hopes of spiritual growth.
In recent years, the Exodus90 and Genesis90 programs have grown in popularity amongst young Catholic men and women, particularly in the season of Lent. During the season of Lent, Catholics all over the world are called to prayer, penance and abstinence in preparation for the Triduum and Easter seasons. This often entails Catholics “giving something up,” or “praying more.” However, Exodus90 and Genesis90 take things further, with a regimented schedule of daily asceticisms (penitential practices) and disciplines aimed at helping one grow in discipline as a disciple of Christ.
Common aestheticisms last year included daily cold showers, mandatory prayer time, fasting, no sweets, regular exercise, no frivolous internet usage as well as attending a weekly meeting. Warm showers, food, sweets, internet, etc. are not seen as bad things, rather, they are set aside during the Lenten season for the building of new habits, as well as growth in relationship with God and one another.
“This is what it means to fast: to hold fast to what is good, despite our suffering,” junior Noah Morris said.
This year’s Exodus90 and Genesis90 will be similar, though there will be some slight modifications to some of the existing asceticisms. Though one may fail some of the asceticisms, the importance lies in getting back up and striving for discipline and holiness.
Catholic prayer table – Photo by John Petty
“I am looking forward to growing in discipline and self control during Exodus90, as well as the fraternity it cultivates between those who do it,” sophomore Mitchell Chrapek said.
The Saint 