June 1, 2026
TO: Provincial Presidents and Secretaries
CC: National Officers (for information), National Life Member Liaison
FROM: Glenda Carson, National Vice-President
Please forward this message to vice-presidents.
A Few Notes About Life Membership
New life members for 2026 are being celebrated at diocesan and provincial conventions across Canada. In response to recent questions and confusion about aspects of life membership received over the past months, the following information is offered.
Recent Change to Life Membership Recognition
Life membership status now begins when the national executive/board adopts a member’s nomination at its winter meeting. This change allows new life members to immediately exercise their privileges as accredited delegates at diocesan, provincial and national annual meeting of members/conventions. Nominating councils and the new life member’s parish council are notified by national office after the national executive meeting.
Recognition and celebration by the nominating diocesan or provincial convention, should still take place, usually during their annual meeting of members/convention. The commissioning ceremony for new life members will continue to be held at the national convention.
What Is Life Membership?
As outlined in the Constitution & Bylaws (C&B):
“A member, nominated by a diocesan or provincial council, fulfilling the criteria established by the national executive, may be awarded a life membership in national council.” (C&B, Part VII, Section 1)
Life members are members in good standing for at least 10 years who have demonstrated dedicated League leadership, including service in diocesan and provincial executive roles, depending on the provincial structure. By accepting a life membership nomination, a member commits to continuing leadership, mentorship and service at the parish, diocesan, provincial and national levels. Life membership differs from honorary life membership, which is a “distinctive honour” only granted to past national presidents. (C&B, Part VII, Section 1)
Are There Limits to How Life Members Can Serve?
As part of their leadership support for parish, diocesan and provincial councils, life members may accept appointed executive positions where needed. However, if they have already served as president of a council, they are not to appear on that council’s election eligibility list. This promotes leadership development by preserving opportunities for members who have not yet served.
Recognizing Members Who Do Not Meet the Criteria
Councils may have members whose dedication and service deserve recognition, but who do not meet the criteria for life membership or who may not want to take on the responsibilities of life membership. While this may sometimes cause disappointment, other meaningful forms of recognition are available, including the Bellelle Guerin Award, certificates of merit and maple leaf service pins. Please ask your diocesan counterparts to encourage members to consult the National Manual of Policy and Procedure (National P&P), Appendix 4: Comparison of Pins and Awards Requiring Nomination to National Level for further information.
Life members provide an invaluable contribution to the strength and sustainability of the League. Councils at all levels are encouraged to involve life members to benefit from their knowledge, mentorship and faithful leadership.
Diocesan or provincial councils considering a nomination can find the criteria in the National P&P, Section 13: Membership (pp. 26–29). Nomination forms are available on the national website under Resources: Forms. The deadline for nominations is December 15th.
Your sister in the League,
Glenda Carson
National Vice-President