As Catholics journey through Lent, the Diocese of Arlington, Virginia, is calling the faithful to embrace a new kind of fasting—one that detaches from digital distractions and refocuses on God. The diocese is promoting a “Diocesan Day of Unplugging” on March 28, encouraging Catholics to intentionally eliminate screen time or time spent consuming digital media as a Lenten discipline.
Noting that fasting is a “practice of self-discipline with a penitential focus,” the diocese, led by Bishop Michael Burbidge, emphasized that “unplugging” from the internet, phones, and social media is a “worthwhile and challenging type of fasting,” according to the diocesan announcement.
With studies indicating that most people spend more than two hours a day on social media, the diocese asks an important question: “Are we spending more time with our devices than with God? And are we investing more time on social media than on nurturing in-person relationships within our communities?” These questions serve as a powerful reflection during Lent, a time when Catholics are called to examine their spiritual lives and remove distractions that hinder their relationship with Christ.
The diocese explains the spiritual benefits of fasting from screens: “When we fast from food or luxuries, we create space for God. Our fast reminds us of our need for God and brings us back into relationship with him. Fasting also invites us to renew our relationships with one another in our communities.”
To help Catholics make the most of this day of unplugging, the diocese suggests various prayerful and charitable activities in place of screen time. These include attending daily Mass, making a Holy Hour or even a holy “five minutes,” praying a rosary or Divine Mercy chaplet for a loved one or the souls in purgatory, reading Scripture, the catechism, or a classic spiritual book, walking in nature, journaling, or attending the Stations of the Cross.
In addition to prayer, the diocese encourages acts of charity as another meaningful way to spend the day. Catholics are invited to volunteer at their parish or with Catholic Charities, spend fellowship time with their community, or assist an ill, elderly, or pregnant neighbor with tasks like grocery shopping.
The Diocese of Arlington’s initiative was inspired by the Global Day of Unplugging, observed March 7–8 by the nonprofit Unplug Collective. The call to unplug also aligns with Pope Francis’ promotion of screen time fasts as part of the Jubilee Year of Hope. In a decree for the special year, the pope specifically mentions that Catholics worldwide can obtain an indulgence by “abstaining for at least one day a week from ‘futile distractions,’ such as social media or television.”
As the faithful reflect on their Lenten sacrifices, the Diocesan Day of Unplugging presents a meaningful opportunity to refocus on God, strengthen relationships, and engage in acts of love and service. By stepping away from digital noise, Catholics can embrace a renewed sense of presence in prayer, community, and the true joys of Lent.
For more information on the Diocesan Day of Unplugging and Lenten resources, visit the Diocese of Arlington’s official website.
