A large percentage of the population live a subsistence lifestyle. In 1991, Bishop Paul Mea asked congregations to help meet the missionary needs of his diocese in Kiribati. Responding to this request, the Sisters of the Good Samaritan in Australia appointed Sister Veronica McCluskie to the staff of the Kiribati Pastoral Institute. Since then there has been at least one sister on staff at KPI each year, but other ministries have been taken up. These have included Project Officer, secretary to the bishop, Religious Education Office for the diocese, teaching in St Louis High School and in the University, Religious Education and pastoral work.
Hospitality is also a key ministry.
From early on, many young women showed an interest in the Good Samaritan way of life and have been connected with the sisters in a variety of ways. After the 1993 decision to accept members into the congregation in Kiribati, a number of women have joined, and Raatita Tekabu and Ameria Etuare have now been professed. Many other woman from Kiribati are presently discerning their way forward with the sisters, so working with them is another significant ministry. In 1997 the Good Samaritan Centre was established at Abaokoro on North Tarawa. Workshops on many subjects, and retreats are run there.