The Heart of Our Call
Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd, United States | Toronto
“A person is of more value than a world.” St. Mary Euphrasia, Foundress
Our Call to Love
A shepherd values every member of the flock, guiding and protecting each sheep so it may thrive. As our shepherd, Jesus seeks out the lost, the alone, the vulnerable, to bring them into God’s loving fold.
This is the heart of our call.
As Sisters of the Good Shepherd, our mission is to be the reconciling presence of Jesus in the world, walking with each person to promote healing and restore physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Through relationships rooted in hope and mercy, we cherish the dignity of all people and creation, seeking to foster reconciliation and help build lives, families, and communities where all can thrive.
Two Lifestyles, One Heart
Our congregation includes two interconnected lifestyles rooted in the same charism of merciful love. (A charism is a God-given gift –a unique mission, spirit, and way of life of a religious order.)
Some of our sisters are called to an apostolic lifestyle, bringing compassion into the world through direct ministry and service. Others, the contemplative sisters, center their lives in prayer and spiritual presence, living a monastic lifestyle to sustain the mission’s work. Together, apostolic and contemplative sisters witness to the fullness of God’s shepherding love.
Called to Serve
For 400 years, we have worked to empower women and girls and respond to those impacted by poverty and injustice.
This service of love continues today by the sisters and partners-in-mission in 67 countries, unified in living the Good Shepherd values of individual worth, mercy, reconciliation and zeal.
Rooted in Love
It began with St. John Eudes, who founded the Sisters of Our Lady of Charity of the Refuge in 1641. This mission was extended beyond borders by St. Mary Euphrasia, who, in 1835, established the Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd.
Our Region
The OLCGS U.S. | Toronto Region, officially formed in October 2025, brings together the former provinces of Central South, New York/Toronto, and Mid-North America in a shared mission and faith.
A Worldwide Mission
The Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd is an international religious congregation within the Catholic tradition, often known as the Good Shepherd Sisters.