Diocese promotes day of ‘unplugging’ from screens, devices for Lent

CNA Staff, Mar 26, 2025 / 16:45 pm

The Diocese of Arlington, Virginia, is promoting a “Diocesan Day of Unplugging” — intentionally eliminating screen time or time spent consuming digital media — on March 28 as a Lenten fasting discipline to encourage Catholics to spend more time with God as opposed to spending time on their smart devices.

Noting that fasting is a “practice of self-discipline with a penitential focus,” the diocese, which is led by Bishop Michael Burbidge, called “unplugging” from the addicting influence of the internet, phones, and social media a “worthwhile and challenging type of fasting.”

Citing studies suggesting most people spend more than two hours a day on social media, the diocese said such statistics beg the questions: 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?

“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,” the diocesan announcement says.

As suggestions for alternative activities to engage in rather than screen time on March 28, the diocese suggested numerous prayerful activities including 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.

Works of charity would also be a good idea, the announcement says, suggesting Catholics take advantage of volunteer opportunities at their parish or local Catholic Charities, spend fellowship time with their community, or offer to grocery shop for an ill, elderly, or pregnant neighbor.

The Catholic day of “unplugging” was inspired by the Global Day of Unplugging promoted March 7–8 by the nonprofit Unplug Collective.

Pope Francis is promoting screen time fasts this year as part of the ongoing Jubilee Year of Hope. As part of the special year, by the pope’s decree, Catholics worldwide can obtain an indulgence through various acts of penance. Francis’ decree specifically mentions as an option for obtaining a plenary indulgence “abstaining for at least one day a week from ‘futile distractions,’ such as social media or television.”