Since 2024, the Invitational Church Circle has named an annual focus to unite our message and guide our actions, drawing on the life of the universal Church, religious life’s call to transformative grace, and our Franciscan heritage.
Our 2026 focus, Transformed Through Hope, is rooted in Ephesians’ call to be “one body and one Spirit… one hope,” and connects our 2026 Assembly invitation to Embrace Hope with the 800th anniversary of the Easter, the passing into new life, of St. Francis of Assisi (1226-2026).
To be transformed is to be changed at the deepest level, allowing God’s love to become visible in a wounded world. St. Francis reminds us that each day offers a chance to “begin again,” trusting resurrection hope to lead us toward shared dignity, kinship, and new life.
Transformed Through Hope is both gift and call—inviting us to let hope shape how we live and serve, and to witness God’s transforming love alive in all creation.
In 2026, let us begin again, transformed through hope, as one people of God.
Focus Resources
Resources to support spiritual and personal development are available on this page. As such, we encourage individuals, small faith-sharing groups, and families to use or adapt the materials to meet their needs.
800th Anniversary of the Easter of St. Francis
LCWR Transforming Grace: The Work of Transformative Justice
LCWR began an initiative in 2024 to explore the US national election campaign through the lens of transformative justice. The initiative will continue as we consider our call to action as gospel people together in the months and years ahead.
The work of transformative justice involves thoughtful conversations, compassionate listening, and contemplation to make decisions and take action that benefits the Earth and all people. For more information, please visit https://www.lcwr.org/transforming-grace.