Mary Ward Hostel
An effective move on the part of the Sisters was a home-visiting programme to outlying mission stations, as well as to nearby families. In 1985, the Mary Ward Home was started with a view of helping a small number of college students who come from remote and economically disadvantaged rural tribal homes. They study in local colleges within easy reach of Loreto. The Boarding School was closed up after a few years and it was replaced by Mary Ward Home.
Shillong made history when Loreto opened its new Mission house in the village of Laitkor. The House was blessed on 23rd July 1997 by Fr. Richard of CKC. The Apostolate included the following activities:
A coaching class for girls and drop-outs to prepare them for Class X exam.
A School in Nongkrem village.
A feeding programme for approx. 200 children.
Catechism classes and prayer meetings.
Other out-reach programmes were started under the banner of Loreto Convent, Shillong.
In October 1994, in the village of Umphyrnai the Sisters began a self-help centre cum sewing class for women, evening coaching classes for students and a pre-school. Besides these rural apostolates, In-Service Teacher Training Programmes in the schools of Meghalaya and the North East were conducted. In Weiloi, the Sisters put up a chapel and the education of the village children was initiated.
A health care centre to cater to the needs of the villagers in and around Umphyrnai was also started.