Newsletter 15th March 2026. Issue 1584

COMMUNITY DIARY

SATURDAY 14^th March

9.30am to 11am, Women’s Breakfast  Let’s Connect! In the Coimin Centre

6pm Mass Church of Our Lady, Blessington Sacrament of Confession: After 6pm Mass

SUNDAY 15^th March

10am Mass St. Josephs Church, Valleymount

10am Family Mass Church of Our Lady, Blessington, refreshments after mass in the Coimin Centre

11am Mass St Brigids Church. Manor Kilbride

11:30am Mass Church of Our Lady of Mercy, Crosschapel

MONDAY 16^th March

9.30am Mass Church of Our Lady, Blessington

Blessington Bridge Club 7.15pm, Kare Centre. Information on pg. 3

TUESDAY 17^th March St Patricks Day Mass in the Church of our Lady Blessington will be at 9.30am. St. Joseph’s Church, Valleymount Will be at 10am

WEDNESDAY 18^th March

9.30am Mass Church of Our Lady, Blessington

Rosary & Holy Hour 10am to 11am Church of Our Lady, Blessington

Pray & Play Group 3pm–4.30pm, Coimín Centre

Blessington Parish Children’s Choir 4.20pm-5pm. All are welcome

THURSDAY 19^th March

9.30am Mass Church of Our Lady, Blessington

Blessington Indoor Bowls Club 7.30pm in St Kevin’s Hall, Information on pg. 3

Blessington History Society A talk on the Quakers of Baltyboys at 7.30pm Coimin Centre. Info on Page 3

FRIDAY 20^th March

9.30am Mass Church of Our Lady, Blessington

Please support Daffodil Day,  our volunteers will be out all day. Thank you.

 World Day of Prayer will be held in the Church of Our Lady Fri March 20th @ 10am. refreshments afterwards in the Coimin Centre.

 

17^TH March St Patricks Day

Mass in the Church of our Lady Blessington will be at 9.30am.

St. Joseph’s Church, Valleymount Will be at 10am

 

Mass Intentions in Church of Our Lady, Blessington

Saturday

Kathleen Fisher…MM, Mary Davin…1^st A, Michael Kavanagh…RD

Sunday

Conal Fitzpatrick…Rem, William Clarke…Rem, John Leigh…Rem, Maura Creighton…Rem Bridget Toomey…A Simon Foster…Rem

Monday

Mass for the Sick & those in Hospital

Tuesday

John Magee…A, Paddy Magee…A, Dolores Anderson…RD

Wednesday

Special Intentions Mass, Mary Flanagan…Rem

Thursday

Blessington Deceased card list

Friday

John Hayes…A, Nicola Ercole Divito…RD, Martin Dwan…A

 

Our licence with the HSE for Day Care  expires at the end of June this year.

In recent years, we have experienced an increased need for space in the Coimín Centre, both for parish pastoral use and for other community groups. After much deliberation and reflection, we have informed the HSE that, from July, we can only accommodate Daycare two days per week, as was the original pre-COVID arrangement.  It is our hope that a suitable  long term solution for an extended Daycare service in the community will be found.

Join us for Weekly Lenten Reflection on www.thesower.net

Newsletter. Commercial Ad Rates From the 1^st of March 2026  the cost of advertising in the Newsletter will increase to €1 per word plus €3 for a logo or image. This is due to the increased cost related to publishing the newsletter.

Minister of Eucharist March 2026 Church of Our Lady Blessington SAT 6PM: Mary Fenton & Pat McGrath SUNDAY 10AM: Margaret Flynn & Brendan Sheehy.

Popes Intentions for March 2026 For disarmament and peace. Let us pray that nations move toward effective disarmament particularly nuclear disarmament, and that world leaders choose the path of dialogue and diplomacy instead of violence.

The Wonder of Creation Trees are home to over 80% of land-based species – Birds, insects, mammals, fungi, and more depend on trees for shelter and food.

Blessington Parish Lotto

Jackpot Numbers on 5^th March 2026: 4,16,22,29. €25 Lucky Draw Winner: Deirdre McNamara. Next Jackpot: €3000.

CATHOLIC SOCIAL  TEACHINGS Christ cannot live his life today in this world without our mouth, without our eyes,  without our coming and going without our hearts. When we love, it is Christ loving through us. Leon Joseph Suenens.

World Day of Prayer. The annual Ecumenical Prayer service to mark the World Day of Prayer will be held in the Church of Our Lady Fri March 20th @ 10am. refreshments afterwards inthe Coimin Centre. All are welcome.

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

Prayer for peace Lord Jesus, You came that the world might know the peace that You have experienced with the Father eternally. Yet, You taught us that in this life there will be wars and rumours of wars. Nations will rise against nations as violence works itself out in the world. However, through You, the world may be saved.

Feast Days – 17th March – St Patrick St Patrick was born very probably in the early years of the fifth century in the Romon colony of Britain. He was taken captive at the age of sixteen and brought to Ireland where he was sold as a slave. He tended herds on Slemish mountain for six years. His captivity had a very positive effect on his spiritual life. He prayed many times each day, his faith growing stronger and his love and reverence for God increasing. He escaped back home at the age of twenty-two. It was obvious to him that God was calling him to return to convert the Irish. The voice of the Irish was calling him to come and walk among them once more. He studied probably in France, returned to Ireland as a bishop c. 457-61 or as early as 432 according to another tradition. His mission was not immediately greatly successful but eventually he would make a tremendous number of coverts. Two writings survive: the latter to Coroticus, a protest to the soldiers of a British prince who had killed some converts and sold others as slaves, and his Confession, written near the end of his life, showing him as one living by the faith he preached and allowing Christ to direct his whole life. He died in 491, though again other dates have been suggested, 480 or as early as 461.

St. Patrick’s Prayer May the Strength of God pilot us. May the Power of God preserve us. May the Wisdom of God instruct us. May the Hand of God protect us. May the Way of God direct us. May the Shield of God defend us. May the Host of God guard us Against the snares of the evil ones, Against temptations of the world. May Christ be with us! May Christ be before us! May Christ be in us, Christ be over all! May Thy Salvation, Lord, Always be ours, This day, O Lord, and evermore. Amen.

Prayer for March Lord, as we step into March, grant us the courage to embrace new beginnings. Help us to let go of the past and trust in Your plan for our future. Fill our hearts with hope and determination. Amen.

The Archdiocese is looking for a dynamic and motivated Parish Partnership Funding Support Officer to facilitate strategic fundraising initiatives across parish partnerships. This role is central to helping parishes adapt to evolving patterns of giving and ensuring sustainable financial development. To apply, please submit your CV and Cover Letter (maximum one page) outlining your suitability for the role for the attention of Cintia Mota, HR Administrator, at cintia.mota@dublindiocese.ie. The closing date for applications is Friday, March 20, 2026. Full details including Candidate Booklet can be found at https://www.dublindiocese.ie/vacancies/

Lacken National School Enrolment Now open for 2026-2027 for Lacken National School. Please contact office at 045-865086 or email school@lackenns.com

St Mary’s Junior N.S.  2026/27 school year Currently accepting applications. To apply please contact Bernadette in the school office 045 865501 or visit our website  – www.stmarysjuniorschool.ie – click on Parent Information tab, select Application Forms  in the Policies and Enrolment section.

St Brigid’s N.S. are accepting enrolments for all pupils wishing to start in September. Please contact the school office on 01-4582550 for an enrolment form. St Brigid’s will also be having an open evening for all prospective students and their families Wednesday 11th February.  The school will be open from  6.30pm till 7.30pm.  This is a wonderful opportunity to explore the school, meet our staff, and get a feel for life at St Brigid’s. We look forward to seeing you there.

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

Blessington Bridge Club Meets every Mon at 7.15pm in the Kare Centre. New players welcome.

Daffodil Day 2026  is on Friday 20th March  and we need YOUR help. We still have a few slots not covered, if you can spare just ONE hour on the day, please phone or text Ann on 087 9141757. Thank you very much in advance, your help is greatly appreciated.

Blessington History Society  will present a talk on the Quakers of Baltyboys and the development of the wool industry 1660-1840 in the Coimín Centre Thursday March 19th at 7.30pm. Speaker Carmel O Neill

Blessington Carboot Sunday 22nd March St. Kevin’s Community Centre beside Aldi Store, from 8.am to 4.pm. Free Carparking. Toilets. Teas / Coffee. Stalls €10 tables provided if required. Indoor and outdoor facilities available. Bigi Linn. Bargains Galore. Info & booking 0860752072.  (Pat Conlan)

Social Dancing. Enjoy an evening of dancing to Checkers In Donard Community Hall Sat 21^st February, 9pm -12am. All Welcome.

Job Opportunity at VENTAC Blessington Ventac design, manufacture and supply acoustic solutions for the vehicle & industrial sectors. We are recruiting an Experienced Production General Operative for our Production Facility at Fitzwilliam House, Blessington, Co Wicklow W91 V972. The successful candidates must be organised, enthusiastic & be able to work on their own initiative with acute attention to detail. For more information & to apply, email your CV and cover letter to hr@ventac.com

GARDENING SERVICES Grass cutting / Ride on lawnmower Push Lawnmower, Hedge cutting Chainsaw Cutting, Splitting Timber, Spraying, Weeding, Powerwashing Driveway Patios, General Maintenance around your home. Just Call for reasonable Quates/ Price. Call or text 0876640695.

Blessington Taxi Phone Greg 087 2626 393

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

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

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

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

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

JP&M Doyle What’s Your Property Worth? Talk to us today for your free-Market Appraisal Specializing In Residential Town & Country Homes Development & Agricultural Land Commercial Property Lettings, Valuations. 2025 is your year to make it happen! With high demand and a lack of supply, now is the perfect time to maximise your property’s value. www.jpmdoyle.ie Tel: 045-865568.

KILDARA HEATING & PLUMBING Call Dara: 0862356610 Email: Kildaraheating@gmail.com Heating & Plumbing Services Bathroom Renovations Boiler install/service Heat pumps Central Heating Power flushing Fully Insured RGI & Oftec Registered

Jennifer Kavanagh Sports & Remedial Therapy: *Muscle Aches and Pains *Chronic Muscle or Joint Pain *Struggling to perform Day-to-Day Tasks *Injury Prevention & Rehabilitation *Increased Mobility Fully qualified ITEC NCVA,  fully insured and local experienced Therapist.  Ph: 087 9021099

ZOME Menopause Health and Fitness Coaching for Perimenopause and Postmenopausal women Strength focused, small group personal training Private gym studio Menopause Health Coaching Nutrition Support Contact Dee 0871258917 Website: www.zome.ie

Satellite and Saorview installations. Service calls. Repairs. Retuning. email;ewtninstalls@gmail.com  mob; 087 2352377

Bluestream. DRIVERS WANTED Blessington Area Training Provided Excellent Rates Company Pension Applicants must have C Licence Safe Pass Can do attitude Phone 045 851801

Strength & Grace. Mat Pilates Classes are here!  Currently running in Manor Kilbride Community and Blessington St Joseph’s Halls! Higher Diploma level instructor led, open to all levels and ages from 14yrs and above. All enquiries contact Grace on 0874007027 to book your place. Or follow our QR Code

Block Laying & small building works 30 years’ experience Reliable, Quality & Fair pricing. Ph 085-150-5668

Super Valu Blessington Made to order occasion Confirmation/Communion Cakes Call in store to order