Newsletter 3rd Nov 2024 Issue 1522

Blessington Parish are looking for a suitably qualified Bookkeeper,

15 hours per week, time is flexible.

If you are interested, please contact the parish office.

Mass intentions in Blessington

Saturday: Eugene Keogh…A, Ambi Miley…A, Vera Kavanagh…1st A, Suzannah McFadden…RD, Matthew, James & Micheal Ryan…A, Margeret Howard UK…RD, Norman Howard Rem

Sunday: James & Mary Carroll…A, Patrick Devaney…RD., Victor Croke…RD, Lil Cullen…A, Pat Murphy…A, Matthew, James & Micheal Ryan…A

Monday: Mass for the Sick & those in Hospital

Tuesday: Members of the Hlinkova & Varekova Family…Rem, James Connolly …A, Special Intentions Mass

Wednesday: Tommy Foley…RD, Eric Wilson…A

Thursday: Special Intentions, Joan Weakliam…RD

Friday: Brian Moran…A, Mary Mansfield…RD

The Annual November Mass will take place on Monday 4^th November at 7.30pm in the Church of Our Lady, Blessington. If you have a deceased loved one from  outside the Parish,  and would like them called out please contact the Parish office on 045 865327

To mark the feast of All Souls, there will be a candle ceremony in Lacken church Sat Nov 2nd @ 7.30 pm for all who have lost a family member in the past year.

Change of Mass Times For Bank Holidays and Holy Days All Masses will now be at the usual time of Morning Mass at 9.30am in  the Church of Our Lady Blessington. Weekend Masses will remain the same. Saturday 6pm & Sunday 10am.

Minister of Eucharist – Nov 2024 Church of Our Lady Blessington SAT 6PM: Colette Fennan, Geraldine McMulkin & Teresa Ball SUNDAY 10AM: Aisling Molloy, Mary McHugh & Margert Flynn.

Funding Appeal

Our Parish Finances are in a very fragile state. There are many reasons for this – dwindling congregations, lack of regular income, peoples’ own financial situations etc. Historically, our Parish account had been with the Ulster Bank. When that closed, we lost quite a frightening number of Standing Orders. So much so, we are operating from month to month at the moment. I am asking you to consider renewing your standing order with your Bank, and, if your resources permit, to increase your contributions. We need a regular income on which we can depend.

The offerings given at Mass on Sundays do not stay in the parish. They are for the diocesan salaries of priests, and for the support of parishes poorer than our own. The money we rely on comes from the envelopes, the standing orders, and whatever rental income we can generate from our buildings.

Thank you in advance for supporting your parishes. Standing Order forms are available at the back of our churches. As we continue to build the church of the future in hope, may the Lord bless us and the gifts we are able to give.

Feast Days 4^th November – St Charles Borromeo Charles Borromeo was the Archbishop of Milan from 1564 to 1584 and a cardinal of the Catholic Church.  Known as the loving reformer, Charles Borromeo cared about people and wanted them to know that the Church of God cared about them, too. His changes and reforms in the way the Church was organized, changed the way that the Church listened to the people—all of them, not just the rich and powerful. Not everyone appreciated St. Charles Borromeo’s work; on one occasion, a disenchanted priest attempted to assassinate him. While Charles was kneeling in prayer at the altar, the man pulled out a gun and shot him. The hand of God shielded Charles, however, and the bullet did not penetrate his vestment garments, only leaving a slight bruise. Saint Charles later passed away peacefully at just 46 years of age, on November 3, 1584.

Rosary & Holy Hour  Every Tues 7pm to 8pm in Church of Our Lady Blessington

Pray & Play Group In the Coimin Centre, Every Wed 2.45pm to 4.30pm. For children of all ages with their parents, grandparents, guardians. Contact Áine 086 107 0480

Blessington Parish Lotto Numbers on 24th October: 4,23,25,29. €25 Winner: Michelle Lenihan. Next Jackpot €2425.

Congratulations  To the winners of the  Valleymount & Lacken Parish Draw Eileen Miley, Betty & Mick Nolan, Betty & Breda O Brien, Alice Stones, Joan & Sean Farrington, Jennifer Mahon

Team Hope Shoe Box Appeal Team Hope’s Christmas Shoebox Appeal is an annual campaign that delivers gifts straight into the hands of children affected by poverty. Often these shoebox gifts are the only gift that a child will receive at Christmas and the joy that they bring is incredible. If you would like to take part in the shoe box appeal, Please drop off your show box into the Blessington Parish Office.  Leaflets can also be picked up in the Parish office. The office is open Monday to Friday 9am to 1pm  or you can call 045 865327 for more information.

Prayer to St. Charles Borromeo O St. Charles, you are invoked as the patron of all those who suffer with stomach ailments and obesity.  You are also called upon as a helper for all those attempting to diet and lose weight. Please intercede for me today and help me to control my desires and compulsions, so that I may fix my appetite on the glory of heaven. Amen.

POPES INTENTION FOR November – For anyone who has lost a child We pray that all parents who mourn the loss of a son or daughter find support in their community and receive peace and consolation from the Holy Spirit.

Funeral Arrangements for Father Denis Maher Father Maher’s mortal remains will be received into Saint Paul’s, Hyde on Wednesday 6th November  with a Vigil Mass at 7.00pm.  The Bishop will offer the Requiem Mass on Thursday 7th November at 11.30am, followed by repatriation to Ireland for burial.

Father Denis Maher  (1940 – 2024) Father Denis Maher was born in Thurles, County Tipperary on 12th April 1940.  He died in his 84th year and in the 60th year of his Sacred Priesthood. Denis Maher attended Primary School at Ardmayle National; O’Connell Catholic Boys Schools in Dublin and Thurles Catholic Boys School from 1953 to 1958 for his secondary education.  Beginning his training for the Priesthood in 1958 at Saint Patrick’s College, Thurles, he was ordained to the Priesthood at Thurles Cathedral on 14th June 1964. Father Denis Maher served as an Assistant Priest at Saint Saviour’s, Great Sutton (1964 – 1970), Saint Peter’s, Hazel Grove (1970 – 1972) and Saint Laurence, Birkenhead (1972 – 1976). He then attended a Theology Course at Marianella Pastoral Centre in Dublin for three months before returning to serve as Assistant Priest at Saint Joseph’s, Stockport (1977 – 1978). Father Denis was appointed Parish Priest of Saint Vincent’s, Bramhall (1978 – 1983), and following a short period of leave, Father Denis returned to serve as Parish Priest of Our Lady of Fatima, Barnton (1984 – 1986), Saint Hugh’s, West Timperley (1986 – 1996) and Saint Paul’s, Hyde (1996 – 2015). Father Denis retired in 2015 and in 2016, travelled to the United States where he served at Holy Family Parish, South Pasadena in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, United States (2016 – 2022).  In the Shrewsbury Diocese he remained resident at Saint Paul’s Presbytery, Hyde. Father Denis was a regular visitor to Blessington in recent years and celebrated Mass in the church of Our Lady many times. Father Denis Maher died on 17th October 2024 at Tameside General Hospital.  May he rest in peace.

At a ceremony in St Peter’s Basilica on Ascension Thursday, Pope Francis solemnly proclaims the upcoming Jubilee Year 2025, “Hope” is the overarching theme. Pope Francis announces that the Jubilee Year will begin with the opening of the Holy Door of St Peter’s Basilica on Christmas Eve, 2024

AWARE SUPPORT & SELF CARE GROUPS If you or those with whom you work wish to connect with people in relation to your mental wellbeing, consider using Aware’s phone-in and Zoom support and self-care groups, support line or support mail. For more information, visit www.aware.ie.

Accord Prayer for Marriage & Family Life God of love, show us our place in this world as channels of your love. Give to us the gift of respect, empathy and understanding. Bless and strengthen our love for each other. Help us to appreciate the value of family life and to live in harmony with all whom we come in contact with. Encourage us, we pray, to act justly, love tenderly and walk humbly with the Lord. Praise be to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen

BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT The Irish Hospice Foundation provides a free Bereavement Support Line. This National Freephone Service is available from 10am to 1pm, Monday to Friday, by calling 1800 807077. Visit www.hospicefoundation.ie for more information.

ALZHEIMER CAFÉ NAAS The Alzheimer Café evening takes place on the last Wednesday of every month from 7pm to 9pm in the Convent Tea Rooms at McAuley Place, Sallins Road, Naas (Beside Parish Church). Those living with a dementia, families, carers and professionals with an interest in the area are all welcome to attend. Each month a different speaker will give a perspective on Alzheimer disease and an open discussion takes place with questions and answers.

A Prayer for our Parish Heavenly Father, Bless our Church and our parish, And all the good work that goes on in them. May all who are Christians live and work together for the good of each other and the glory of your Name. May those who do not know you be brought by our example to a loving knowledge and peace with you. Amen

Reflection Of Autumn As we watch leaves fluttering to the ground in the fall, we are reminded that nature’s cycles are mirrored in our lives.  Autumn is a time for letting go and releasing things that have been a burden. This is the right time to practice getting out of the way and letting Spirit take charge of our lives.

Prayer for Autumn We bless you; God of Seed and Harvest and we bless each other in this season of mellow fruitfulness. May the beauty of this world and the love that created it be expressed through our lives and be a blessing to others, now and always. And until we meet again, may God keep us in the hollow of His hand.

CARE OF THE EARTH  Seasonal eating: incorporate root vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots and pumpkins into your autumn diet.These hearty foods are filled withnutrients to support your immune system through the colder months and they taste amazing.

Thought of the Week We May live Victoriously, not because we have any power within ourselves, but because when we give ourselves to god, He gives himself to us. This is the great key to humble self-confidence.

Communion Letter for Parents

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We hope you have settled into the new school year. This is a very special year for you, your child and for your Family.

To help support you and your child in the preparation for First Communion, the Parish team have a program that we hope will enrich and inform you and your child for this great day. This program will run parallel with the school curriculum Grow in Love. In the hope that with the support of the Parents, the School and the Parish, your child will be focused on this great day.

We will have an information meeting to outline the program on Monday 18^th November 2024 at 7.30pm in the Church of our Lady Blessington.

You will be required to register online before the information meeting at Blessingtonparish.ie

Click on the First Communion Registration box on the home page. We ask for a contribution of €25.00 per Family to help with the cost of this program. If you have any difficulty, contact the Parish office and they will assist you.

We look forward to working with you and your Child during the year. We ask All God’s Blessing on you and your Family.

Sincerely yours,

Parish Team.

Donard Annual Variety Show the best of local talent. Performing on Friday 22nd November at 8pm in Donard community hall. Tickets are €10 on the door. Lots of fun prizes throughout the evening. All welcome.

Blessington Community College Fundraiser.Join us for a night of Bingo, on Wednesday the 6th of November in Blessington Community College School Hall.  Doors Open @7.30pm. Bingo Starts 8pm.   Bingo Books €10 each. Cash Prizes, Lucky Draw & Tea/Coffee on Sale.

Cruthu Art Group. ‘A Gathering of Art’ Autumn Exhibition in St Mary’s Junior National School, (GP Room), Main Street Blessington Friday 8th November – Pupils and Parents, Sat 9th November 12 noon-7pm  & Sun 10th November 10am -5pm  All Welcome

Blessington Community Employment Vacancies These are developmental opportunities, no experience necessary. Caretaker, Hollywood Community Centre. Duties include, but not restricted to, preparing hall for meetings and events, cleaning, light maintenance, and painting. CES 2341099 Closing Date: 28/06/2024 Caretaker, St. Johns Cemetery, Ballymore. Duties include, but not restricted to, grass cutting, light maintenance, key holding and cleaning. CES 2339500 Closing Date: 28/06/2024 Barista/ Customer Service, Kilbride GAA. Duties include, but not limited to, serving tea/ coffee, meeting and greeting, light cleaning, phone/ message taking. CES: 2339656 Closing Date: 28/06/2024 Caretaker, Hollywood Cemetery. Duties include, but not limited to, grass cutting, light maintenance, key holding. CES: 2341100 Closing Date: 28/06/2024 Secretary Hollywood Parish Office Duties include, but not limited to, administration, message taking, key holding. CES: 2341101 Closing Date: 28/06/2024 Admin/ Project Worker West Wicklow Cancer Support Duties include, but not limited to, administration, social media, promotional work. CES: 2341103Closing Date: 28/06/2024 Please contact us on 085-2523563 or martincahill@blessingtonce.ie  Please note *You must be in receipt of a social welfare payment for the last 12 months to qualify for these positions. * CE Rates Apply.”

Blessington Bridge Club Meets every Monday at 7.30pm in the Kare Centre. All new players welcome.

Blessington Bowls Club meet every Thursday night at 7.30pm in St Kevin’s Hall, Main Street Blessington. Guests are most welcome, why not come along and bring a friend

FUEL STAMP SAVING SCHEME Fuel Stamps are a great way to help budget for your fuel costs. Start saving now towards your fuel bills during the winter months. The Stay Warm Saving Scheme is an easy payment option plan which enables households to budget for their central heating oil or solid fuel. Start saving the €5 Stay Warm Saving Stamps on the savings card and use the stamps to pay (in full or part payment) for fuel with the listed suppliers on the card. A new supplier to the scheme but not listed on the card is Tom Phibbs Fuels Tel: 01 2118469.  The Scheme is open to all households in the Blessington area and full details are available on the card. This initiative is in association with the Department of Communications Energy & Natural Resources. The €5 Stay Warm Saving Stamps and Savings Card are only available from Hennessy’s Hardware and SVP Shop.

GAELSCOIL NA LOCHANNA Enrolments for next September 2025 will be advertised soon and open after Christmas. Our ASD Classroom is up and running and has few spaces left. Please get in touch with any queries, or to find out about the school. Remember: you don’t need Irish to send your child to the Gaelscoil! Príomhoide Seán, 087 938865 priomhoide@gaelscoilnalochanna.com @gsnalochanna #gsnalochanna (Instagram)

St Mary’s Junior National School, Main Street, Blessington W91YN0P Phone:045865501 Is open for applications from 1/10/24 for Junior Infant Places for the 2025/26 school year. Our Admission Policy & Application Form can be downloaded from our website: www.stmarysjuniorschool.ie Can be requested by emailing: secretary@stmarysjuniorschool.ie and pre-printed copies are available from the shelf at school reception.

St Brigid’s N.S. Is now accepting enrolments for the next school year, 2025 – 2026. To enrol your child please call Charlotte in our school office on, 01 4582550 or find the enrolment documents on our school website http://manorkilbridens.scoilnet.ie/blog/

Lacken National School Bus Escort Required, Send CV and references to school@lackenns.com or post to Lacken National School, Lacken, Blessington, Co. Wicklow. Enquiries to 045 865 086.

Blessington Library Events If you need help with your smart phone, tablet, laptop, or navigating the internet, Blessington Library offers 45-minute sessions one – one with a qualified tutor on Mondays, 1.30pm – 4.30 pm & Thursdays, 3 – 7 pm. Book your place: (045) 891 740 / blessingtonlib@wicklowcoco.ie Social Inclusion Week Sunday, 13th -19^th October Stories, Crafts and Music with Agata Lojek – children 5-9 (Wed 16th Oct at 3 pm) Connection through song with Mags from Blessington Choir (event for adults, coffee and tea provided). Thurs 17th Oct at 10 am. Book your place: (045) 891 740 / blessingtonlib@wicklowcoco.ie

Music sessions continue in the Men’s Shed, Blessington next Monday night, the 4th of November, starting at 7.30. As usual, a great night of music and song awaits you. Spot prizes also available at the session. Thank you all for supporting the Men’s Shed throughout. the year.

Childminder wanted: Looking for a kind, responsible person to mind our two children (4 & 2) in our home. Monday to Thursday, typically 9-5pm until March, then 12-5pm from March onwards. Creche/School pickups required, would need own transport. Contact CP 0851446632

Job Vacancy Full-Time Warehouse Operative The Natural Medicine Company, Burgage, Blessington. Email applications to:hr@naturalmedicine.ie

‘Beauty Basics Boot Camp’, Suitable for beginners or anyone looking to shake up and wake up their makeup! Where: Donard Community Hall When: Tuesday November 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th 2024. Time: 7 – 8.30pm Cost: €15 per class Please contact Lorraine on 0876714205 or lori.byrne@gmail.com to book a place

Weightless Wonders Weight Loss & Wellness Class Coimin Centre Every Wednesday 6 – 7pm Everyone Welcome Ph: 01-9609865 Website: weighlesswonders.ie

Get your SECOND pair of Glasses for FREE at McGreals Opticians! Book your Appointment today in-store or online at www.mcgreals.ie

Very nice self-contained private offices to let at Aran Centre, Blessington opposite Aldi.  From €125 per week plus VAT.  Contact Sean on 087 8175227

Daz Auto Motors Blessington Newly opened a small garage for motor repairs and car valeting Contact 0894564703 Beside Pet Hospital in Blessington Unit 4 Blessington Industrial Estate W91HY32

Ustore @ Hollywood Large storage area available Phone 087-356-7601 €100 Per month

At Blessington Self-Storage we make storing your goods simple,  cost effective and convenient. All our units are 20ft x8ft – Open 7 days a week.  Visit our website or call 085 196 1659 us for more information. www.blessingtonselfstorage.com

Catriona Byrne & Co Solicitors BESIDE AIB – OVER 20 YEARS ESTABLISHED FOR ALL YOUR LEGAL NEEDS 3 Mill Bank, Blessington County Wicklow Tel: 045 857 537 www.catrionsbyrne.ie

Septic Tanks Emptied & Digger Hire Call Dermot or Adam Phibbs 087 799 5320 – 083 037 4750 lizmphibbs6@gmail.com      License no: NWCPO-21-12619-01

Blessington Counselling & Psychotherapy – Mandy Downes MAPCP 085 134 9813 Specialist in CBT & Solution focused Therapy

Wicklow & Kildare Mental Health Services  Counselling & Psychotherapy. Aran Centre, Blessington, Co. Wicklow. For Bookings please contact, by phone: 089 274 4920 or e-mail: info@wicklowandkildarementalhealth.ie

Driving instructor RSA and ADI approved.  Contact Michael 087 459 4258  for bookings.

GF Services Tile Cleaning Upholstery Cleaning Carpet Cleaning 0899889861 info@gfservices.ie

Painter & Decorator Interior & Exterior Call Damien 085 826 0431

HEADSTONES McEvoy Monumental Works Blessington. Headstones, Inscriptions, Renovations. Serving the people of Blessington for over 40 years. Call to our workshop at Millbank Blessington Call: Mick 045 865 487 – 086 843 8832 or Gary 087 933 3487 www.mcevoymonumentalworks.com

Local Builder Available All services under one roof, Windows & Doors, Plumbing, Tiling, Roofing, Plastering, Electrical, Carpentry, Insulation. All levels of construction services available. Fully registered. Call Paul: 086 309 1829

Paying too much for SKY or Virgin Media? We Install or Repair Free to Air & Saorview! No more Bills! Call Billy 086 868 0053

Eagle Cleaning Solutions Chimney Cleaning, Exterior Power Washing, Window Cleaning, Gutter Cleaning & Repairs. Find us on Facebook! Call for appointment: 087 247 4388. info@eaglecleaningsolutions.com

German Autoworks – Service Specialist VW/Audi, Mercedes, Skoda, Seat, Opel – Call 087 286 3997 www.germanautoworks.ie

Interior design by Elizabeth. Creative. unique. Personal. call 086 0881806. Email elizabethdoyle.ed@gmail.com

Upcoming events at The Avon Johnny Cash, 23 November. Santa at the Avon, 13-23 December. Tickets for both at www.ticketstop.ie. Email info@theavon.ie for details of our Christmas party nights.

Tomphibbs.ie Kiln-Dried Firewood Standard bag from €110 Large bag from €180 Larch, birch, hornbeam, or ash available. Call 01-2118469 Delivery charge – €20 per order

Ben Higgins Stone Masonry And Stone Landscaping Services.  Lime Pointing, Garden Renovations, Features And Walls. No Job Too Big Or Too Small Call, Text Or WhatsApp 0851498343 Today For A Quote. @higgins_stonemasonry on Instagram

Niall Kearns Building & Roofing Contractor 086 274 6969 nkbuildandroof@gmail.com Building New Homes, Extensions, Sunrooms Attic Conversions, Renovations, Chimney Repairs Roofing New Roofs, All Roof Repairs Flat Roofs, Gutter Repairs Roof Replacement, PVC Fascia & Soffit All Work Fully Guaranteed