Issue 1314 July 12th 2020

FIFTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME 12th July 2020

Our faith is nourished and grows through the experiences of our lives. It can also weaken and disappear. We need the support of our Church and fellow – Christians to strengthen and direct our growth when we lose our way

What is the best soil for the word of God today? Jesus’s story is both about the sowing and the ground that receives the seed. Much of the world today cannot hear the word of God through greed, violence, even the prideful belief that we do not need God. The soil is hungry for good seed. The soil that receives the word of God is searching: for meaning in life, to create a world of justice and peace, and to care for our planet. It is soil hungry for real love, both among each other and for the wider world. Jesus’s message offers a meaning in life: that life comes from love and is directed to love. He offers the challenge to care for all. ‘What you do for others, you do for me’ is his invitation and challenge to our faith. Our care for the earth comes from our faith that our world is God’s, to be created and developed with God. Let’s understand the soil that is receptive to the gospel values of prayer, inclusivity and justice. Donal Neary SJ, Editor Sacred Heart Messenger

Mass Intentions this Week

John McGrath (RD) Manor Kilbride

Saturday 6pm: John Kennedy (A) Annie McGovern (RD)

Sunday 10am: Mary Creighton (A) Sean Corr (3^rd A) Austin Reilly (RD)

We also Remember the following: Nancy Keogh (A) Anne Mellin, Thomas O’Sullivan, Maurice O’Sullivan, Lily Mooney

Monday: Mass offered for all the Blessington List of the Sick

Tuesday: Deacon Don Devaney (Get Well) Get Well Intentions

Thursday: Special Intentions, Special Living Intentions

Friday: Nancy Sheridan (RD) Kathleen Kelly (RD)

Saturday and Sunday Masses in Blessington – Due to the restrictions on numbers allowed to gather indoors we feel it necessary that people apply for a ticket if they wish to attend 6pm Mass on Saturday or 10am Mass on Sunday in Church of Our Lady, Blessington. Tickets must be collected in the Parish Office between 9.30am & 12.30pm Mon to Fri – 045 865 327

Adoration & Rosary will take place from Tuesday 14^th July, 7pm to 8pm in Church of Our Lady, Blessington. If you are unable to come to the Church, you can join us via webcam on blessingtonparish.ie

SENIOR LINE – National Confidential Listening Service for Older People provided by trained older volunteers. All Calls are Free. Open 365 Days a Year from 10am to 10pm. A telephone listening service for older people. We do not ask for or pass on any information about our callers. FREEPHONE 1800 80 45 91

Monthly Envelopes for July are now due, they may be dropped into the PDF Boxes in the Church or the post-box at the Coimin Centre. Many thanks to all who are making a special effort to return their envelopes this time it is greatly appreciated.

Cruthú Gallery at Russborough Open Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays from 12 noon. Our members have been very creative during the lockdown so we will start posting soon some exciting new art pieces that will be available for purchase. We look forward to seeing you soon and please remember to mind the social distancing rules. www.cruthu.ie or contact us at cruthuart@gmail.com

The Irish Hospice Foundation – National Freephone Service. Have you been impacted by a bereavement during COVID-19?  Are you finding it difficult to cope with a bereavement at this time?  Would it help to talk to someone in confidence about your loss? The Irish Hospice Foundation Bereavement Support Line is a national freephone service – 1800 80 70 77 – available from 10.00am to 1.00pm, Monday to Friday.

DONATE to the Parish Online you can now make donations to Blessington, Crosschapel, Manor Kilbride, or Valleymount/Lacken or Donations to the Archdiocese, Easter Dues & the 1st & 2nd Collections that are normally taken up at Mass. It is straightforward to use, but if you need any help call Jean 087 235 0835 or Carol 045 865 327 during the week.

The Parish Office has re-opened to the Public – Monday to Friday 9.00am to 12.30pm for Mass Bookings, Mass Cards, & General Enquiries. Email: office@blessington.info, Call: 045 865 327. from 9am to 1pm. Please observe social distance & please use hand sanitiser when entering & leaving.

Courses in the Further Education and Training Centre Blessington Are you considering doing a course, changing your career? Do you need Guidance? Here at Blessington Further Education and Training Centre we provide a free, professional, impartial career guidance and information service to all adults. For further information on upcoming courses or changing your career please contact our Guidance Service, Irene Hayden on 086 806 1569 or irenehayden@kwetb.ie or contact Karen Townsend on 086 850 3833 or karentownsend@kwetb.ie

As we can only have 50 people in the Church for Mass it is necessary to book a ticket for weekend Masses. Tickets must be collected in the Parish Office between 9.30am & 12.30pm Mon to Fri – 045 865 327