In imitation of the Sacred Heart of the Good Shepherd, Parish Visitors of Mary Immaculate combine a contemplative prayer life with missionary visitation to parish families, and religious instruction. We are contemplative-missionaries!

We are neighborhood missionaries, imitating Christ’s own way of life through the vows of chastity, poverty and obedience; bringing the message and love of the Good Shepherd to all; seeking, especially in parish neighborhoods, those Catholics most spiritually deprived and distant from the Church.

We do this in the name of the parish pastor, who knows that, in addition to the faithful Catholics, there are many others who have strayed away or are living on the fringes of the Catholic faith. These souls are dear to the Good Shepherd, who came to seek out and bring back the lost sheep. This is the New Evangelization called for by the Church!

To be a missionary is to go out to the people, not just to wait for them to come to us—whether these people live nearby or far away! Mission territory is not just in foreign countries, but also right here! The Sisters visit families and individuals where they live, door-to-door, as well as along the way, in order to win souls for Christ.

Parish Visitors reach out to persons as a friend, with compassion and gentleness, while upholding the teachings of the Church. A typical conversation begins, “Has anyone in this household ever been baptized Catholic?” This simple question has begun the process of re-evangelizing hundreds of thousands of those who have strayed from Jesus. The Sisters strive to draw each person into closer union with Him.

Religious instruction, informally in homes or in small groups or formal parish classes, helps adults, children, and teens respond to the love of God with their whole heart, so the gift of faith may become more living, conscious and active in them. We have a special love for those who are spiritually neglected, especially the children.

In this age of technology, our face-to-face, heart-to-heart apostolate has more power than ever.

Pope Francis said:
“The Church must be in the streets: seek the people, go to homes, visit families, go to the outskirts.”

Our foundress, Mother Mary Teresa Tallon, said:
“We must go out of our peaceful convent through the streets into the byways, and mount stairs....”

To summarize our Apostolate:

 Visiting families, in the name of the parish pastor, seeking especially the neglectful Catholics

 In a person-to-person, heart-to-heart way, gently and compassionately, making the truth of Jesus lovable, while upholding the teachings of the Church

 Aiding Catholic families to connect more deeply with Jesus and His Church

 Instructing children and youth in the faith, with a special love and concern for those who are spiritually neglected

 Helping teens and young adults grow closer to Jesus, through youth ministry, campus ministry, and World Youth Days at our motherhouse

 While recognizing that spiritual hunger is greater than material needs, helping people to find ways to obtain social service assistance


Our contemplative prayer life is what gives power to our apostolate! We are truly God’s instruments!

We strive to imitate the Sacred Heart of the Good Shepherd, and Mary in her Visitation to Elizabeth, as we go forth to invite others to deeper communion with Jesus and His Church.