Mark your calendars: The second annual diocesan Day of Unplugging is March 28.
In his Ash Wednesday homily, Bishop Michael F. Burbidge offered helpful imagery for entering Lent. His chapel, recently under construction, reminds us of our own need for repair in our lives. The best tools for spiritual repair are the ones Jesus himself offers us in the Gospel — prayer, fasting and almsgiving.
Fasting, a “tool” traditionally referring to limiting food, can just as easily be applied to other areas of our lives such as screentime. A recent Statista report estimates online users spend an average of well over six hours a day on the internet. As Catholics, this stat should alarm us when we reflect on the toll the digital age can take on both spiritual and interpersonal relationships.
This makes Bishop Burbidge’s invitation to Catholics across the diocese to disconnect from electronic devices, as he did last March, both a timely — and perhaps necessary — challenge.
Why ‘unplug’
We can do nothing apart from God. This is why fasting, in a particular way during Lent, is one of the most effective ways of reminding us of our need for a savior.
In an age of speed and screens and artificial intelligence, we do well to intentionally cut back increasing amounts of screen time. The act of unplugging, even if for a short time, can help us to grow in the virtue of temperance, refocus our prayer life, and prepare us for better reception of the sacraments.
When you join the movement to unplug March 28, know you are not alone. Men, women and youths from all across the diocese will be united in screen fasting.
How to unplug
- Pray about your level of participation. Ask the Holy Spirit to help inspire you with how you should spend this time offline. What device — even if just one — is God inviting you to disconnect from for a time? Is it your phone, TV or laptop?
- Prepare for your unplugged day by finding ways to minimize screentime. Silence notifications and ringers. Consider enabling “Do Not Disturb” mode on your phone, covering your TV or monitors with a blanket, or stowing laptops and tablets away.
- Commit to spending March 28 unplugged. Remember: Your responsibilities with family, work or school come first. If you are unable to fully unplug, discern when you might be able to intentionally fast during time you would otherwise spend in front of a screen.
- Be sure to bring your experience back to prayer after unplugging. Invite the Holy Spirit to guide you in your screentime through the rest of Lent — and beyond.
Brodeur is diocesan director of content and marketing strategy.
Find out more
For ideas on what to do offline, prayers and service opportunities, go to arlingtondiocese.org/unplug.
