One woman, her beloved pet dog, and a deep sense of purpose. That’s all it takes to quietly make a difference across the diocese’s rural heartland.

In the paddocks, churches, parish halls and main streets of Merriwa, Scone, Taree and more Sr Gaye Lennon is so much more than a visitor.

In these communities, she is a companion and source of support. She shows up and listens, often being trusted with stories of faith, hardship, and hope.

For the last seven months, Sr Gaye has been visiting rural parts of the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle as the Rural Ministry Partner in the Mission & Evangelisation team.

“My role is about supporting the parishes, priests and the people,” Sr Gaye said.

“It’s about listening and hearing what’s emerging for that community and journeying with them in their hope, frailty, vulnerability and strength.

“For me, it’s about being invited into people’s lives and I have found that working with our priests has been really helpful.

“We do a lot of sharing and talking to discern what we hear because each parish is totally different so our response and what we do has to be different.

“In rural areas, parishes are really embedded in the community, and I endeavour to sow seeds in those spaces as well and try to help bring them together.”

Sr Gaye’s role is incredibly varied and often sees her supporting parishes in a number of ways.

It might be through starting a prayer group or a craft circle with a mission focus, or discussing ways the parish can support people who work on farms or anyone who is struggling in the community.

While Sr Gaye’s initial plans were to spend 2025 in areas like Muswellbrook, Denman, Scone and Merriwa after the recent flooding in Taree, she has been called to assist those who are struggling by helping to distribute the funds donated to our Bishop’s Flood Appeal.

She is working with the local community to identify immediate and emerging needs, ensuring funds are directed to where they’ll make the greatest impact. Sr Gaye is also offering pastoral care to anyone who needs it – she is a listening ear for those seeking emotional or spiritual support.

In 2026, Sr Gaye is hoping to spend time in the parish communities of Bulahdelah, Tea Gardens, Krambach, Forster and more.

It’s not a journey she will be taking alone though.

Wherever Sr Gaye goes Solomon, her pawfect pup, is never far behind.

“He is just the best companion and is very aware of others,” he said.

“He senses people and will greet everyone, but he’ll go and sit beside someone who needs him – Solly is a good comforter.”