Even now, says the LORD, return to me with your whole heart.
Joel 2:12
On Wednesday, February 18, we begin our 2026 Lenten journey. Our Lenten focus this year is Transformed Through Hope: BE Attentive, inspired by the song “Wisdom, Wisdom” by songwriter Lori True.
Please join us this Lenten season as we journey together, Transformed Through Hope —attentive to all that draws us to God and to one another. We invite you to explore our 2026 Lent Reflections with prayers and questions by selecting the posts linked below.
Resources
As people of God, transformed by hope, we invite you to join us in building a more just and peaceful world, fostering shared purpose and belonging. Our priorities for Lent 2026 are to support immigrants and deportees, pray for the healing of our democracy, and foster nonviolence as a way of life.
This digital resource guide has been created to support our commitment to BE Attentive to God’s call to be merciful, kind, forgiving, and generous.
More Resources from Tau Center
The season of Lent invites us to pause, reflect, and return to God with our entire being. We are encouraged to examine our choices, thoughts, words, actions, and inactions as they impact the world around us.
We invite you to use the Tau Center’s Lent 2026 eJournal or download the PDF Lent Journal, as well as watch their reflection video during this synodal Lenten Journey.
2026 Lenten Donation Drives
The annual Lenten Donation Drive will take place during Catholic Sisters Week (March 8 – March 15) to honor the many ways Catholic Sisters have so generously given of their lives to build our nation’s healthcare, education, and social justice services.
Support of Immigrant Families and Deportees
Because of the ongoing need to support immigrant families and deportees, your donations bring hope and reassurance to those in need.
The Illinois Community of Displaced Immigrants (ICDI) supports and guides asylum seekers through the US immigration system and helps them integrate into local communities with a welcoming spirit. Although government funding for immigration services is shrinking, your generosity helps keep individuals and families safe, together, and on a path to a fresh start. 100% of your donation goes directly to helping individuals and families in need.
Donate directly to ICDI online and write “Wheaton Franciscan Sisters” in the memo line.
Make checks payable to:
Wheaton Franciscan Sisters
Mail or deliver checks to:
PO Box 667
Wheaton, IL 60187
Attn: Treasurer’s Office
On the Memo line, write “Lent 2026 ICDI”
The Coalition for Spiritual & Public Leadership (CSPL) advocates for the dignity of immigrants. When “Operation Midway Blitz” first hit the Chicago area streets, CSLP developed a plan to respond. As a result, thousands of lay people, sisters, and priests have taken part in public, non-violent, spirit-led actions, including People’s Masses and Eucharistic Processions. The action brought national attention to our immigrant sisters and brothers being brutally kidnapped, detained, and deported.
Donate directly to CSPL online
Make checks payable to:
Wheaton Franciscan Sisters
Mail or deliver checks to:
PO Box 667
Wheaton, IL 60187
Attn: Treasurer’s Office
On the Memo line, write “Lent 2026 ICDI”
Lenten Collection
We are collecting the “Most needed items” for the Neighborhood Food Pantries serving a larger population of immigrant families.
Collection Dates & Times
Sunday, March 8,
before & after Mass until 12:30 p.m.
Lobby of Entrance #7
Monday, March 9,
9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. and
from 1:30 – 4:00 p.m. Entrance # 5
please note the door is locked from Noon-1:00 pm.
Sunday, March 15,
before & after Mass until 12:30 p.m.
Lobby of Entrance #7