newsletter 8th Dec. Issue 1527

Mass intentions in Blessington

Saturday: Peter Fisher…MM, Carol Kavanagh…A, Ned Slattery…A, Micheal Tobin…A, Tom Tobin…A, Kathleen Tobin…A

Sunday: Essie Hanlon…A, Jimmy Hanlon…Rem, Kathleen Whittle…A, Brenda & Eva Cummins…A, Chrissie Cummins…Bday Rem, Noel Cummins …A, Tom & Ellen Cummins…A, Margaret & Dan Ryan…A

Monday: Mass for the Sick & those in Hospital

Tuesday: Get Well Mass, Paul Murray…RD

Wednesday: Bridie Burke…RD, Carol Kavanagh…A

Thursday: Maureen Kelly…RD,  Mary McNamara…RD

Friday: Laurence & Gertrude Kehoe…A, Dympna Gorey… RD

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.

Holy Day – The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary Mass will be at the usual time of 9.30am on Monday 9th December.  The Parish Office will be closed on Monday 9^th December for the Holy day and Will reopen on Tuesday 10^th December at 9am

Masses for Christmas Will be on 22^nd and 29^th Dec Names of those being prayed for in the Christmas Remembrance Masses, will be inscribed on an Altar List to be placed on the Altar. If you would like your loved one remembered, please contact the Parish Office before Thursday 19^th Dec. 045 865327

NEWSLETTER The Last newsletter of the 2024 will be Sunday 22^nd Dec, the first newsletter of 2025 will be on 8^th Jan.

Rosary & Holy Hour   There will be no Holy Hour during the month of December. It will resume in early January. We ask that prayers for peace be offered for all who continue to suffer in the war-torn countries of the world.

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

The family of the late Mary (Carmel) Lyons  would like to express our sincere gratitude to everyone for their condolences and words of sympathy during our recent sad and difficult loss. To our friends’ neighbours and all who attended the repose, funeral mass and burial and to all who left messages of condolences and sent mass cards, we are forever grateful. Thank you to Fr Comer for his funeral service, to Orla Fallon for her beminautiful singing and to Clarkes funeral home, Tony, Regina, Conor & Gordon for their kindness and support We deeply appreciate and gratefully acknowledge everyone’s kind expression of sympathy. The Lyons family.

Blessington Parish Lotto Numbers on 28^th November: 1,20,21,26. €25 Winner: Aine Moran.  Next Jackpot €2650.

Feast Days 9^th Dec – The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary The title of the Immaculate Conception recognizes Mary’s privilege of coming into the world free from sin. Through the power of Jesus’ Death and Resurrection, every human being can be freed from sin at Baptism. Through that same power, Mary was always free from sin, even from that very first moment of life.

A DECEMBER PRAYER Jesus, Light of the world. When I am afraid and unsure, comfort me with the light of Your presence. When Loneliness chills me, warm me with the light of Your love. When the road ahead seems dark, guide me with the light of Your way. When I don’t understand and my thoughts are unclear, fill me with the light of Your wisdom. When I seem spent like a candle consumed, replenish me with the light of Your life. Then, so filled with Your light, use me, So that I, with You, may be light for the world! Amen.

POPES INTENTION FOR  December  For Pilgrims of Hope Pope Francis requests this month’s prayers “so that this Jubilee strengthens us in faith, helps us recognize Christ risen in our lives, and transforms us into pilgrims of Christian hope.”

Columban missionaries invite students aged 13 to 18 to submit an original piece of writing or an image on the theme “Pilgrims of Hope”. The task is to highlight one community bringing hope into the world. This might be one that they are part of or one that inspires them e.g carers, teachers, food bank volunteers, supporters of migrants and refugees ,climate change activists. Written Prizes 1st €300     2nd €150    3rd €100. Image Prizes   1st €300    2nd €150     3rd €100. For further details   www.columbancompetition.com

PRAYER TO OUR LADY OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION O Most Holy Virgin, immaculate in body and spirit, look kindly on me as I implore your powerful intercession. O most Holy Mother, receive my prayers as I present them to God. O Mary, Mother of Jesus and our Mother, you intercede for us with your Son. O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee. Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, pray for us. Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us. Our Lady Queen of Christendom, pray for us. Amen.

Congratulations to the Winners of the November Valleymount & Lacken Parish Draw Anne Nolan, Margaret Daniels, Corine & Leo O Connor, Peg Geoghegan, Carmel O Neill, Eileen Miley, Mary & William Clarke, Jimmy Byrne Knocknadruce, Peter Kelly, Frances & Billy Kavanagh, Anna Murphy, Jane Broe, Margaret Reid, Robyn & Ruby Miley, Mary & Jack Patten, Maggie Schofield, Emer Miley, Kenny’s SuperValu, Fiona & Tom Guing, Bernie Fitzpatrick, Marie & Peter McDonald, Trish Keogh, Maura & Seamus Balfe, Bridie & Seamus McDonnell, Catherine Tobin,  Michael Farrington, Alan Ridge, Frances Byrne, Annemarie Clarke, Fr Richard Behan, Michelle Keogh, Teresa Shirran, Kit & Francis Duffy, Sadie & Seamus Miley, John Moriarty, Nuala & Shay Kelly, May Farrington, Liz Broe, Jackie O Neill, Sheila & Pat Geoghegan, Edel Kelly, Bridie & Paddy Gleeson, Marie & John Bohan, William O Byrne

PUPPY RAISERS NEEDED Help to train a future Guide or Assistance Dog by fostering a puppy! This full-time volunteer role involves a pup living in your home from 9 weeks up to 14 months old. To find out more, please email pups@guidedogs.ie or visit www.guidedogs.ie.

Blessington Further Education Centre’s new term starting in January 2025 is open to adults who want to return to education. We provide free classes and work with early school leavers and people who have not been in a learning environment in some time. We work with people who are in employment and also those in receipt of social welfare payments. Classes are offered day, night and afternoon on a part-time basis ranging from 2-6 hours per week. We work at the learner’s pace in a friendly environment We offer classes in: Blow drying hair, – Gardening,-  Art, – Food and nutrition – We can help you with your C.V and interview skills. – Computers/ Laptop & Phones for beginners and those who need to improve their skills.- Horticulture QQI Level 4 – Growing Vegetables, – Office Skills QQI Level 4 – customer service and desktop publishing, Information Technology Skills, – Business Administration QQI Level 5  – word processing and desktop publishing, NEW COURSE IN APPLIED SOCIAL STUDIES – please phone for more details, SNA Level 5 – day class,  FREE Course/Job Guidance service also available We provide 1-1 support to improve English skills of reading and writi= ng as well as numeracy. One of our past students commented that – Leanne said “I was able to talk to my child’s teacher with confidence and express my concerns and listen to advice”. For more information on any of the above please contact us on 045 891099 or email info@blessingtonfetc@kwetb.ie

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

St Mary’s Junior School Christmas Fair Join us for stalls, Christmas jumper sale, raffle and treats Wednesday December 11th School Hall.

CARE OF THE EARTH  Avoid cards that come wrapped in plastic! *Many shop-bought cards have glittery designs which make them un-recyclable. So choose recyclable cards, or cards made from recycled materials

Thought of the Week The tests of life are not to break you But to make you.

Santa arrives in Manor Kilbride  on the 15th of December at 1PM & Christmas Fair & Raffle from 12 to 2.30PM Including Christmas Raffle with a TOP prize: One Night B&B for Two in any Clayton or Maldron Hotel & Christmas Fair with; Cake Sale, Games, stalls and exhibitors. Venue: Manor Kilbride Hall from 12 to 2.30 or so. Proceeds go towards the Club House which we hope to open in February… Buy a Raffle ticket today online at: www.KilbrideGAA.com/shop or on the day.

Christmas at Russborough  🎶 Festive Harp & Soloist Concert: Saturday 14th December Experience the elegance of live harp music and solo performances to end the season on a truly magical note. Book now at www.russborough.ie

We are staging ‘The Nutcracker’ ballet this Christmas. A joint production, between Ruth Shine School of Dance and Valleymount Theatre Company. The dates this year are 14th 15th December at Valleymount hall. Doors at 6pm start at 6.30pm. Tickets available at Eventbrite  Nutcracker Ballet Valleymount.

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.

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