October: Pause From Work
Week of October 26th
This week’s Reclaiming Sunday practice is to set an out-of-office reply on your email. Let your automated message gently inform clients and colleagues that you’re unavailable and won’t be responding immediately. This small action helps manage expectations, so others know not to anticipate a quick reply, while also supporting your commitment to rest and boundaries.
Week of October 19th
As we continue the practice of Reclaiming Sunday, make it a point to avoid your workplace. Forgot an important file on your desk? Chances are, it can wait until Monday. Creating physical distance helps reduce the temptation to complete ‘just one more’ task.
Week of October 12th
As we continue the practice of Reclaiming Sunday, one important step is to communicate your Sabbath commitment clearly and in advance. Let colleagues know when you will be unavailable, and consider sharing the “why” behind your decision, your example might inspire others to establish healthy boundaries of their own.
Set expectations by blocking off Sunday on your calendar, including Sabbath hours in your email signature, or setting an out-of-office reply that gently explains your unavailability. Proactive communication prevents misunderstandings and affirms that this time of rest is intentional and meaningful.
Whenever possible, adjust your schedule so that pressing tasks are completed ahead of time. If you’re in a leadership role, your commitment to this rhythm can empower others to prioritize rest as well. By modeling this practice, you help create a culture that values balance, renewal, and human dignity.
Ultimately, reclaiming Sunday is not just about saying “no” to work, it’s about saying “yes” to what matters most. Dedicate the day to what restores your spirit: worship, time with family, nature, quiet reflection, or simply rest. Let Sunday become a weekly anchor that reorients your heart and home toward peace, joy, and purpose.
Week of October 5th
“On the seventh day God completed the work he had been doing; he rested on the seventh day from all the work he had undertaken.” —Genesis 2:2
We are called to rest on Sunday as the Lord rested. It isn’t an idleness or simply a time for entertainment but rather a restorative experience of reveling in the fullness of what has been and gratitude for God’s providence — a time to take delight in the gift of life.
A Sabbath Reflection
Life isn’t all about getting things done. In fact, one of the most radical acts of faith we can make in a busy world is to stop, to rest, reflect, and reconnect. The Sabbath is not just a day off; it’s a holy invitation to pause our striving and remember what truly matters. In the quiet of the Sabbath, we make space for love, the kind that doesn’t rush, perform, or produce. The kind of love that listens. Serves. Sits with one another. It begins not in grand gestures, but in the simple moments we often overlook.
As St. Teresa of Calcutta reminds us:
“Love begins at home.”
Here are a few simple ways to honor the Sabbath as a family:
Light a candle and say a short prayer: Start the day by inviting God’s peace into your home. It helps set a calm and intentional tone for the day.
Read a Bible verse together: Choose a short Scripture passage and let everyone share something that stands out to them. It’s a small way to center your hearts on God.
Share a slow, tech-free meal: Turn off the screens and enjoy a meal without distractions. Even a simple lunch can feel special when everyone is fully present.
The Sabbath is a gift, an invitation to slow down, reconnect, and rest in God’s presence. It reminds us that our worth isn’t in doing, but in being. May your day be filled with peace, gratitude, and simple moments of love shared together.