"One of the greatest diseases is to be nobody to anyone."

Vernell Hart is a St. Joan of Arc parishoner who would give anything to be a part of Mary's Circle. However, she has no computer, so she would never receive one of the e-mails or be able to check the blog. And she cannot leave the confines of her bed, so she could never make it to one of our gatherings. As such, she needs us, and she needs us to come to her.
You may have heard Joe Foster speak at mass last year around this time, describing Vernell, her recent conversion to Catholicism, her struggles with polio, and her amazing spirit. She lives just east of College, on 42nd Street... so close to all of us, but unable to fully participate in and enjoy our community.
My kids and I began visiting Vernell last year, and those visits have been such a gift and blessing for us, just as seeing the kids' antics and having a friend to talk to have comforted her.
I know it would be awkward to enter a stranger's house and introduce yourself, so I'm organizing a weekly visiting schedule -- an ongoing Mary's Circle field trip -- to see Vernell. I'm asking you to search your heart and clear your schedule, and join me even once in going and sitting with her. We will only stay 30 minutes. Those of you who know me will feel assured that there will be no lull in the conversation. We'll just talk, maybe read a little inspirational something, and you can tell her about your life and share hers. It doesn't matter what you say, only that you go. If it's a morning trip, some of my kids will be with me, so feel free to bring yours. My kids talk about her almost every day and love going to see her. (She has a candy bowl, so that helps... but they're really in it for all the praise and adoration she sends in their direction. She's also a captive audience, so they perform all their songs and tricks for her.)
The visits will be on Wednesdays, alternating between a morning and an evening trip, so I hope one of the dates/times will work for you. Please contact me at lbradshaw37@yahoo.com and let me know when you'd like to visit her, as well as giving me your phone number so I can call to remind you and we can arrange the details. If you're on the fence or just want to learn more (or miss me and would like to chat), feel free to call me at 926-1637.
10 AM visits - All Wednesdays: June 17, July 1, July 15, July 29, August 12, August 26, September 9, September 23, October 7, October 21
8 PM visits - All Wednesdays: June 24, July 8, July 22, August 5, August 19, September 2, September 16, September 30, October 14, October 28
Mother Theresa said that "One of the greatest diseases is to be nobody to anyone." In Vernell's case, her polio is a terrible cross to bear, but her loneliness makes it even harder. She doesn't need Mother Theresa to come sit with her... she only needs you.