Diocesan Days of Unplugging
“Unplugging” is the act of intentionally disconnecting from digital devices in an effort to reconnect with the Lord and to reengage the community. Learn more about this initiative below and pledge your level of participation!
Many of us can relate to being too attached to screens. With everything from banking and fitness to email and games accessible on our phones, tablets, and laptops, these devices can become a distraction, or even an addiction. This has even more serious implications when it comes to social media. People spend more than two hours daily on social media, including platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat, according to recent research. One-third of teens think they spend too much time on these platforms.
These survey results raise 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? Let this Lent be a time where we take these questions to prayer.
Why Fast from Screentime
Fasting is a practice of self-discipline with a penitential focus. Most commonly, it refers to reducing food intake by limiting how many or the size of meals we eat. Among the many reasons for fasting, especially during the season of Lent, one of the most compelling is how it can reveal disordered dependencies, helping us to grow in the virtue of temperance, and preparing us for reception of the sacraments. Fasting allows us to…
How to Disconnect
What you need to know to unplug March 13-15, 2026.
Steps to Unplug
1. Pray to discern your level of participation. Ask God to help you decide how much you can and should dedicate time offline and reinvest with him in mind.
2. With that “unplugging level” in mind, prepare for the Day of Unplugging by planning for how you’ll spend your time offline in prayer or works of charity.
3. Commit to spending March 13-15 partially—or fully—unplugged!
4. After the Day of Unplugging, be sure to converse with Jesus on the experience. (see prayer prompts in the FAQs section)
Important Considerations
Emergencies: Keep a phone accessible for urgent calls or safety
Work obligations: If absolutely necessary, minimize to essentials only
Medical devices: Continue using any health-monitoring technology
How to Reconnect
Unplugging FAQs
March 13-15, 2026
"Unplugging” means disconnecting from devices with screens, including phones, laptops/computers, tablets, and TVs intentionally. It also includes fasting from-limiting use of-all forms of digital media consumption including social media, streaming platforms, texting/messaging, and even listening to podcasts. In the same way one would fast from food, limiting intake of certain foods at certain times, try using devices only for what is absolutely essential.
That’s OK! You are not alone. Your responsibilities with family, work, or school come first. If you are unable to fully unplug for the day, discern when you might be able to intentionally fast during time you would otherwise spend on your phone or in front of another screen.
This year, the diocese is extending its unplugging challenge past 24 hours to afford individuals and families more opportunity to unplug and be intentional about doing so.
Fridays during Lent are obligatory days of abstinence. Catholics ages 14+ must still abstain from meat on Fridays during Lent.
Consider posting on your social media to let your friends, relatives, and peers know that you plan to be offline. You can also add a line to your email signature or set up an auto reply letting people know. Here’s some language you may consider adopting: “Thank you for your email! I am trying my best to unplug from digital communication today in order to recharge my relationship with God. If this is an emergency, please call me at [X]. Otherwise, look to hear from me soon. God bless you!”
In addition to posting to your social media before March 13, let them know in person.
Was I able to appreciate the time away from technology as a gift, or did it feel like a struggle? What are some ways I can change my social media habits in light of this experience?
Make Your Pledge to Unplug
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