Young Ladies' Grand Institute — A Catholic Women's Organization
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Our Mission

United by Faith.
Strengthened by Sisterhood.

The Young Ladies' Grand Institute (YLI) is a Catholic women's organization rooted in the Christian principles of charity and love. Founded on September 5, 1887 in San Francisco by Annie M. Sweeney, her sister Mary E. Richardson, and Emily Coogan, YLI began with a simple act of generosity—rallying to support a young woman in need.

Today, YLI continues that legacy across California, Oregon, Washington, and Hawaii, with over 5,000 members gathering in local Institutes to reflect the virtues of faith, hope, and charity at every meeting.

"The principles of unity, sisterly love and protection are the diamonds that give brilliance to our Order—they embody our love and concern for each other."
Read Our Full History Who We Are
Catholic women gathered in fellowship and prayer
1887
Founded in San Francisco
What We Do

Our Core Focus Areas

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Charity and community support

Charity & Service

YLI chapters provide material support, prayer, and presence to women and families in need throughout our communities, reflecting the founders' original call to action.

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Faith formation and spiritual growth

Faith Formation

Members deepen their Catholic faith through shared prayer, sacramental life, and formation opportunities that anchor YLI's work in the Gospel call to love one another.

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Women's fellowship and sisterhood events

Membership & Community

YLI welcomes Catholic women 18 and older across the West Coast. Each local Institute chapter meets regularly to foster lasting bonds of sisterhood, mutual support, and shared purpose.

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Leadership and organizational training

Leadership Development

From local Institute officers to Grand Lodge leadership, YLI cultivates servant leaders through training videos, meetings, conventions, and mentorship across our four-state network.

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Annual events and conventions

Events & Conventions

YLI hosts annual Grand Lodge conventions, regional gatherings, installation ceremonies, and spiritual retreats that connect members across states and deepen organizational unity.

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Documents, resources, and forms

Documents & Resources

Access official YLI forms, Grand President letters, initiation materials, bylaws, and member resources in our secure documents portal—organized for Institute officers and members.

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Member Stories

Women Living the YLI Mission

Member story from California
Charity in Action

How Our Chapter Came Together to Support a Member in Crisis

When a longtime member of our Sacramento-area Institute faced a sudden medical emergency, her YLI sisters organized meals, transportation, and fundraising—living out exactly what our founders envisioned over 135 years ago.

Mary L.
Mary L.
Institute No. 3, California
New member experience
New Member

Finding Community After Moving to a New City

I moved to Portland knowing almost no one. Within three months of joining YLI, I had a circle of sisters I could count on. The initiation ceremony moved me deeply—I knew I had found my community.

Teresa M.
Teresa M.
Institute No. 14, Oregon
Leadership story
Leadership

From New Member to Grand President: A 30-Year Journey

YLI has shaped every part of my life. Starting as a young woman who knew little about leadership, the organization gave me the tools, the confidence, and the sisters to grow into the role I now hold with deep gratitude.

Catherine R.
Catherine R.
Grand President, YLI
Get Involved

Ways to Connect with YLI

Whether you're ready to join, looking for your nearest Institute, or want to attend an upcoming event—we'd love to welcome you.

Join YLI as a new member
Membership

Become a Member

YLI membership is open to Catholic women 18 and older. Find an Institute near you and begin your journey of faith, sisterhood, and service. New members are always welcome.

New Member Info
Find a local YLI institute near you
Locate

Find an Institute

YLI has active chapters across California, Oregon, Washington, and Hawaii. Use our Institute locator to find a chapter near you and connect with a community of sisters.

Find Your Institute
Contact YLI
Contact

Reach Out to Us

Have a question about YLI, your Institute, or membership? Our Grand Lodge team is here to help. Reach out directly and we'll connect you with the right resources or contact.

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News & Updates

Latest from YLI

All Updates
Grand Lodge convention recap
Convention May 18, 2025

2025 Grand Lodge Convention: Highlights and Key Decisions

Delegates from chapters across California, Oregon, Washington, and Hawaii gathered this spring for YLI's annual Grand Lodge Convention. Members voted on several important organizational updates, elected new officers, and renewed commitments to the Order's founding mission of charity and sisterhood.

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Grand President letter
Leadership Apr 3, 2025

Grand President's Letter: Spring 2025

The latest letter from our Grand President has been published in Documents & Forms. Members are encouraged to read her message and share it at upcoming Institute meetings.

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Initiation ceremony resources updated
Resources Mar 12, 2025

Initiation Ode Music Now Available in Documents & Forms

The official Initiation Ode sheet music has been moved to the Documents & Forms section for easier access. Institute officers can download the updated files directly from the member portal.

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