Issue 1294 February 23rd 2020

This weekend at our Masses we will hear from some TY Students who are preparing to travel to Bucharest  to help with the “Street Children” Programme

Monday 24^th February 2020

►Holy Hour in Crosschapel every Monday after 10am Mass (ex-Bank Holidays)

Tuesday 25^th February 2020

►Citizens Information Centre in Blessington Library from 1pm to 4pm. Legal advice service on 1st & 3rd Tues of month by appointment

►Blessington & District Active Retired meeting at 2.30pm in the Coimín Centre Blessington, new members welcome.

►Eucharistic Adoration from 7.30pm to 8.30pm in Blessington Church.

Wednesday 26^th February 2020

►Ash Wednesday Mass in Blessington with distribution of ashes 9.30am & 8pm

►Service of Ashes will take place in Valleymount at 10.30am & Lacken at 12 noon

►The Citizens Information Centre is open in Blessington Library today 10am to 12.30pm.

►The Rosary will be offered at 7.30pm for the intentions of our families in Blessington Church

►Prayers to the Holy Face of Jesus in Crying Room Blessington Church 11am

►Christian Meditation Group meet in the Mass Centre in Brittas from 11am. All welcome

Thursday 27^th February 2020

► West Wicklow Cancer Support – Monthly Drop-in. An evening of meditation, stillness & mindfulness hosted by artist & therapist Margot Ussher at 7.30pm in the Coimin Centre Blessington. No charge, all welcome. Contact 087 434 6004 / westwicklow15@gmail.com

►Taize Evenings of Prayer every Thurs for Lent at 8pm in Blessington Church.

►St Mary’ Schools & Blessington Parish Lotto Draw at 8pm. Last week’s numbers: 4, 9, 10, 13. Jackpot not won. Congratulations to the 1^st weekly prize winner of €25 – Andreea Patrici. See notice boards & leaflets for how to join or call Parish Office 045 865 327.

Mass Intentions this Week

Matthew Lennon (RD) Stephen Hand (RD) Sean Mangan (RD)

Saturday 6pm: Peter Fennell (Mths Mind) Vera Byrne (1^st A) Paddy Byrne, Jane Miley & Thomas Miley (Birthday Rem)

Sunday 10am: Trevor Kinsella (A) Toddy & Kathleen Hennessy (A)

We also Remember the following:

Hugh Finnegan (A) Josephine O’Toole (A) Maura & Tom McNally (A) Alan Fleming (A) Hugh, Alicia & Billy Hamilton (A)

Monday: Mass for those on list for Sick

Tuesday: Hugh, Alicia & Billy Hamilton (A) Brendan Mealy (RD)

Wednesday: Ann Marie Walsh (1^st A) Teresa Devine (RD)

Thursday: Birthday Rem, Birthday Rem

Friday: Blessington Deceased Mass Card list

The Family of the late Bunny McDonald (Margaret Hyland) would like to thank everyone most sincerely for their kindness, sympathy & support on the passing of our mother. Thank you to relatives, neighbours & friends who attended the wake at the house, to all who attended Bunny’s funeral Mass, who sent flowers & Mass cards & who spoke most highly of Bunny. it was such a great comfort to us all. Heartfelt thanks to Fr. Paraic for his visits & kind words. To Tony & Regina Clarke for their caring professionalism & thanks to Lorraine & Richie Willoughby & Una McLoughlin for the beautiful singing & music. Mass will be offered for your intentions. May she rest in peace.

Blessington Parish are hosting the Climate Justice Candle for the month of Feb. following Sr Catherine Brennan of Eco Congregation Ireland’s talk last weekend at our Masses, there will be a Coffee Morning on 1st March after 10am Mass with all donations going towards the “Green Wall”, Planting trees across Africa at the bottom of Sahara desert www.ecocongregationireland.com

1st Communion Preparation Mass next weekend at 10am in Blessington Church

Lacken Church will host the Climate Justice candle on Sat Feb 29th at 7.30 Mass.

Visitation of the Sick: If there are any parishioners ill, at home or in hospital who would like a visit from a priest, please contact the Parish Office to let us know and to make arrangements 045 865 327

Women’s World Day of Prayer on 6^th March at 11am in Church of Our Lady, Blessington

Blessington Scouts are holding a Church Gate collection next weekend, 29^th Feb & 1st March. Many thanks for all your support.

The Divine Mercy Conference 2020 takes place in the Main Hall, RDS Ballsbridge

Friday 21st February, Saturday 22nd & Sunday 23rd February.

THEME: “Deliver us from Evil” (Mt 6:13)

Sat: 10am to 9pm Rosary, Holy Hour & Mass,

Sun: 10am to 5pm again concluding with Mass

DIVINE MERCY IN DEED, WORD & PRAYER.

Info: Margaret 087 669 8745 or Eileen 087 990 5723 www.divinemercyconference.com

♫ Sunday 23rd February (+ every Last Sunday). All sorts of SONGS & TUNES; Zellers, Lacken; 6pm to 9+. Warm welcome for all listeners, singers & musicians; ALL ages; just for fun!

Blessington Youth Theatre – BYT – presents, “The Magic of Musicals” on Fri 20^th & Sat 21^st March at 7.30 in The Tramway Theatre, Blessington. Tickets €10 from The Office Shop & Hennessy’s Next Door. The show will feature excerpts from well-loved shows such as Annie, High School Musical, Mama Mia & Legally Blonde – Suitable for all the family.  Please support the talented members of BYT, only 2 shows, so get your tickets early!!

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY!! Table quiz by St. Mary’s Schools Parents Association will take place Friday 24th April! More details to follow soon

Health & Wellbeing Talks at Blessington Library continue this week with ‘Healthy Eating for Active Children’ presented by Cliona McCarthy from McGreal’s  – Thursday 20^th Feb  in  Blessington Library  7pm-8pm All Welcome

GROW YOUR OWN VEGETABLES FOR FREE We are located on a farm between Blessington & Ballymore Eustace.  We have a Polly Tunnel and Vegetable Garden that I will be unable to use this year due to work and study commitments. If you are interested in using these facilities for free but share the produce, I would be delighted to hear from you. Please call me on 087 627 8650 or email andymoneill@gmail.com

Join us for Blessington Bingo every Wednesday in the Avon at 8.15 pm. Great prizes, weekly Jackpot & bonus prizes if you check on Lucky Number, Raffle etc. Shuttle Bus available €2 return. €10 for book and flyers. Contact Catherine 087 122 4019 or Jess 086 860 2822

Blessington Community Walking Group. Walks from the Coimín Centre on Mon (ex-bank hols) & Thurs at 7pm. All levels catered for & welcome. Find us on Facebook

The Parish Book Club will meet on Thurs 2^nd April at 10am in the Church Meeting Room.  The book for Lent & our Spring meeting is ‘The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming, by Henri Nouwen. New members are always welcome.  Please call the Parish Office if you are interested & would like to go on the text reminder list.

Affordable Live-in Homecare provide live in carers for the elderly in your area. If you are looking for a live-in carer for your relative, please call Eileen or Tom today on 087 991 6791. Our website is www.alhomecare.ie

West Wicklow Cancer Support – Weekly Meditation with essential oils hosted by Gemma Deeney of Yogagym on Wednesdays at 11.30am Primary Care Centre Blessington.  If your life has been touched by cancer in any way come & join us. No charge, all welcome. Facebook or westwicklow15@gmail.com

Storytime in Blessington Library – Every Wed at 3pm

TRY IT OUT, Blessington Mini-Rugby for Tots is looking for new members to play fun & games every Sat @ 10:15am at St Kevin’s Hall, Main St, Blessington (opposite Vincent’s Charity Shop). Ages 3-5 years

Hollywood Friendship Club every Wed from 2.15pm to 4.15pm in the Hollywood Centre. New members welcome

LOOKING FOR A GREAT NIGHT OUT? Blessington Bowls meet every Thurs at 7.30pm in St. Kevin’s Hall, Blessington. guests welcome, come along & bring a friend.

GAELSCOIL NA LOCHANNA are hosting an open day and family day on 7^th March. Lá Oscailte agus Lá Clainne. Did you ever want to know what happens in a Gaelscoil?  We are opening our doors and putting on our best show for anyone to come see us in action 11-2pm, 7 March.  Rince, Drámaíocht, Ceol agus Spraoi.  Fun and Free activities for the family to spend a while with us.This is part of our Seachtain na Gaeilge schedule. Tá fáilte roimh chách.

St Brigid’s N.S. Manor Kilbride are accepting enrolments for all pupils wishing to start in September.  Please contact the school office on 01-4582550 for an enrolment form.

Lacken NS are currently accepting enrolments for September 2020. Enrolment forms are available on www.lackenns.com or from the school, call 045 865 086 and we will post one out to you. Lacken NS also runs a pre-school & an after-school service.

St. Joseph’s National School (Valleymount) are now accepting enrolment forms for September 2020. Forms available from the school office, please call in or phone 045 867289. Places are filling up fast. Closing date for applications April 30th.

Happy Faces Play School Blessington Education Centre is a fun, stimulating & welcoming environment with a curriculum focusing on the best care & education for your child. Our staff are highly trained in up to date childcare & Montessori methods of learning and development. Places available, full & part time. Enrolling now for Sept 2020.

LOOKING FOR A GREAT NIGHT OUT? Blessington Bowls meet every Thurs at 7.30pm in St. Kevin’s Hall, Blessington. guests welcome, come along & bring a friend.

Adult Fencing Classes on Tuesdays from 8pm in St Kevin’s Hall. Fencing is a fun sport & all ages & levels of fitness can enjoy. No special equipment required only comfortable clothes & trainers. All are welcome to pop along & give it a go with no obligation. Call 087 676 4183 if you need any additional information

Interested in a social cycle in the Blessington area?  Led by an experienced volunteer, Cycling Ireland/Axa Community Bike Rides are gentle, social bike rides for adults, usually followed by coffee & chat.  New series for beginners added for Wednesdays at 10:30am. Join for FREE at www.AxaCommunityBikeRides.com