Hey Mark,

I do not do the fast to give something up for Lent. I have been doing it to discipline my physical, mental and spiritual self and of course during this time to pray for those I have promised to pray for and for those who have asked my prayers. I am involved in an internet prayer intention portal, so there is always a need to pray! I like to do things during Lent that I may not always do - more volunteering for example. But of course Lent should not end after 40 days!
Yes, Mark going to Confessional regularly (I try to go at least every other month, but more often if necessary) does help keep my conscience aware/alert. I think the lack of approaching Jesus regularly in the Sacrament of Confession can lead to a deadening of the conscience. We start to become slack with regards to the 10 Commandments, to the truth of Jesus' Word, we may even start to think that there is no such thing as sin and that I do not sin! TBC