YLI


The
Young Ladies' Institute (YLI) is an organization of Catholic women
dedicated to the Christian principles of charity and love. YLI was
founded in San Francisco, September 5, 1887 by three young women who
were inspired to help a friend who was ill and without financial means.
Although the scope and
jurisdiction of YLI have expanded over the years, the purpose -- to help
others -- remains constant. The history reflects a sisterly care and
concern for each other and of those in need.
Today,
more than 115 years after the organization’s founding, Chapters can be
found in 108 communities in California, Oregon, Washington and Hawaii.
St. Pius X Institute No. 211
Women
of Our Lady of Refuge parish belong to St. Pius X Institute No. 211 of
YLI. This Institute was
established in the early days of the founding of Our Lady of Refuge, and
it will soon celebrate its fiftieth anniversary.
Members
of St. Pius X meet on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month in
the parish cafeteria to plan and implement their activities. They communicate with each other on an ongoing basis through
a monthly newsletter and an active Telephone and E-Mail Committee which
transmits information and prayer requests to the membership.
Each
year St. Pius X Institute sends two delegates to the Annual YLI
Convention, hosted in different areas each year – California, Hawaii,
Oregon or Washington. The
delegates are Official Members of Grand Institute for a year, with the
voting power relating to all matters regarding the business of running
the organization. Members
attend several religious ceremonies and enjoy exciting social events
that promote their dedication and commitment as a spiritual, social and
charitable group of Catholic women.
St.
Pius X Institute’s three-fold work of spiritual growth, charitable
activities and fundraising are described below.
Spiritual
Growth
YLI
meetings begin with members praying the rosary.
Two members pray a perpetual novena each day throughout the year.
Through this prayer Jesus and Our Lady are asked to intercede on
behalf of members, the Church worldwide and all persons in need.
An
Annual Mass brings members together to celebrate the founding of the
Institute, and each Quarter of the year, members and their husbands
gather for a Communion Sunday.
Members
of Pius X Institute are active in the Archdiocesan Council of Catholic
Women (ACCW), and at least two sisters attend all meetings and
conferences.
When
a YLI sister or a family member dies, members participate in the Mass of
Resurrection and funeral service, and have Masses offered for the repose
of the deceased.
Outreach
and Works of Charity
Through
St. Pius X Institute’s fundraising efforts, a number of charities are
benefited. Some of the
charities receiving help are:
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Meals on Wheels, Precious Life Shelter and the Golden
Jubilee Burse will benefit from
Quarterly donations. |
 |
St. John’s Seminary in Camarillo will receive a
donation to help support the education of young men studying for the
priesthood. |
 |
The Grand President’s program |
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The Newman Club at California State University at Long Beach will receive financial help. |
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First Communion outfits are given to children in
need of help. |
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Outreach to the homeless is an important act of
charity. Each first
Thursday of the month sisters of St. Pius X Institute prepare 100
sack lunches in their own home kitchens for distribution to the
homeless. |
 |
St. Pius X’s Sunshine Committee sends
personally signed cards of cheer and prayer to absent members who
are ill and in need of moral support. |
 |
Following the death of a YLI sister or family
member, sisters from the St. Pius X Institute provide a reception
for the family and friends of the deceased |
 |
Members attend Quarterly Communion Masses in the
many parishes of the members. |