MEMBERSHIP

The Ladies are formed exclusively of practicing Catholics.  Each member shall receive Holy Communion once a year, from Easter Sunday to Trinity Sunday.

To become a member one must be Irish by birth or descent, or adoption, the wife or mother of a Hibernian, or the mother of a Junior member.

To become a member one must be not less than sixteen years of age, be a practicing Roman Catholic.  Some Divisions established or maintain a program of sick and/or death benefits.  Eligibility for beneficial membership is governed by the bylaws of such jurisdictions.

STRUCTURE

The structure of the organization is by Division, County, State, Province or District, and National

ORGANIZATION

Fifteen persons eligible for membership shall apply in writing to the County Board of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians.  The County President will organize the Division.

In states not organized, organization shall be done under the direction of the National President of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, or her deputy.  The expense of organizing is borne by the National Treasury.

One set each of Constitutions and Rituals, and a supply of application blanks, are furnished to a newly organized Division.

Divisions meet once a month.  The officers are President, Vice-President, Recording Secretary, Financial Secretary, Treasurer, Historian, Chairman of Missions, Chairman of Catholic Action, Mistress at Arms and Sentinel.

A Chaplain for each Division County and State is appointed by the Ordinary of the Diocese.  The National Chaplain is invited by the National Board of the A.O.H. to serve as Chaplain for the A.O.H. and Ladies A.O.H.

ACTIVITIES

The National Chairman of Catholic Action supervises and promotes interest in the participation of members of our organization in the program of Catholic Action recommended by our hierarchy.  Catholic Action can be divided into three classes:  Spiritual, Charitable, and Civic.

An extensive program of Catholic Mission activities is sponsored by the National organization.

The National Board sponsors annual Irish Essay contests for High School, Academy, and Grammar School students to foster the interest of youth in the history of Ireland and its contribution to Christianity.

Divisions throughout the United States and Canada are engaged in the establishment of research and reference libraries in Catholic Colleges and local libraries, sponsor burse and scholarship funds.