Issue1448 April 9th 2023

Mass intentions in Blessington

Kay Browne (RD) Blessington, Paul Finnerty (RD) Blessington

Holy Saturday & Easter Sunday: Masses will be offered for the Intentions of all our Parishioners

Monday 10^th April: Mass offered for the sick.

Tuesday 11^th April: Blessington Easter Mass Card List

Wednesday 12^th April: Blessington Easter Mass Card List

Thursday 13^th April: Tom O’Hara (A), Teresa Boylan (RD), Kathleen & John Kelly (A), Julia & Michael Tyrrell (A), Joe Nugent (Rem), Charlie Egan (A), Eileen Clifton (Rem)

Friday 14^th April: Blessington Easter Mass Card List

Saturday 15^th April: Kay Murphy (1st A), Mary Dunne (A), Fintan Byrne (A)

Sunday 16^th April: Gerry Vallely (A), Eileen McGreal (A)

Monday 17th April: Mass offered for the sick.

Tuesday 18^th April: Blessington Easter Mass Card List

Wednesday 19^th April: Hannah Jones (RD), Dolores Corrigan (RD)

Thursday 20^th April: Blessington Deceased Mass Card List

Friday 21^st April: Paddy Ryall (RD), Shamie Clarke (RD)

Holy Thursday 6^th April : Mass of the Lord’s Supper – Manor Kilbride: 7.30pm, Eadestown: 7.30pm, Blessington: 7.30pm (followed by Watch & Pray until 9pm)

Good Friday: Stations of the Cross – 12 noon: Eadestown (Children), 12 noon: Blessington (Children), 12 noon: Valleymount, 3.00pm: Manor Kilbride, 7.30pm: Kilteel

Liturgy of the Passion: 3.00pm: Eadestown, 3.00pm: Blessington, 7.30pm: Manor Kilbride, Prayer around the Cross, 7.30pm: Blessington

Prayer around the Cross 7.30pm: Blessington

Holy Saturday 8^th April: EASTER VIGIL- Manor Kilbride:  7.30pm, Blessington: 8pm, Eadestown: 9pm

Confessions on Holy Saturday: 11am to 12: Eadestown, 12 to 1pm: Blessington

Easter Sunday 9^th April: Mass Times: Blessington: 10am, Manor Kilbride: 11am, Valleymount: 10.00am, Crosschapel: 11.30am

Easter Dues Envelopes: Due to the very high cost of postage, this year the Easter Dues envelopes are available in our Churches for those who would like to contribute. We hope that you will pick one up as you visit the Church during the next few weeks. Envelopes can be left in the collection bags/boxes or dropped into the Parish Office.

Blessington Parish Office will be closed on Good Friday and will remain closed until Monday 17^th April. There will be no Newsletter on the weekend of 15^th & 16^th April.

St Mary’s Schools & Blessington Parish Lotto. 30^th March: 3, 8, 12, 22 – €25 Winner: Bernadette D’Arcy. Next Jackpot: €2,700

Dublin Diocesan Pilgrimage to Knock Shrine Saturday 29^th April. €25 per person. PLEASE NOTE: If you intend to travel, please register in the parish office 045 865 327

Make it an Eggs-tra Special Easter weekend at Russborough!! Easter Sunday 10am to 12pm… Join the Nature Hunt to Lady’s Island & discover all about the animals living in Russborough, solve the clues to get your Easter sticker & claim a special treat. No tickets required. There will be a demonstration at 11am with Tom from Birds Of Prey & also A chance to win Kaleidoscope tickets.

Easter Events for Children at Blessington Library – Wednesday, 12th April from 10.30am to 12.30pm: Fighting Words Creative Writing Workshop. For children aged 7 – 12 years. [BOOKING REQUIRED] Friday, 14th April from 11.00 am to 4.00 pm: LEGO DINO DAY! For LEGO & DINO fans of all ages. No need to book – just come along

On behalf of Aoibheann’s Pink Tie Blessington Crew I would like to thank everyone for supporting our fundraiser. It was a fabulous day we were overwhelmed with the generosity of so many, for the beautiful cakes & breads, the amazing raffle prizes, the donations. Thank you, Alannah Hill, for donating your beautiful hair & in raising so much money for APT! A special thanks to Ronan & Sinead Hennessy & staff for endless cups of tea/coffee served in the best china & beautiful scones. To our musicians Niall & Keith thank you for entertaining us throughout the day. Thanks to Phyllis & Barry for photos, to the Parish Office / Wicklow People & Today FM for advertising. Thanks to Jimmy Norman founder of Aoibheann’s Pink Tie in memory of his beautiful Aoibheann for dropping in, along with Kevin. 1st Prize:  Lesley Marshall (Late Late Show Tickets) 2nd Prize:  Paul Murphy (Tulfarris package) 3rd Prize: Moira Stenson (Monster Hamper) Congratulations to all our prize winners!

Richard Cowley’s Garden Open Day Saturday 22^nd April from 11am to 4pm. €5 Donation on entry in Aid of Irish Cancer Society. Tea/Coffee €5. Horsepasstown, Ballymore Eustace, W91C2P3

Flower Arranging Classes in The Band Hall Ballymore Eustace. Tuesday 18^th April or Wednesday19th April. For 6 weeks. Cost: €90 – Christine Hughes – Info: WhatsApp/phone 087 686 4620 Email: christineb.hughes@gmail.com

Blessington U3A are pleased to welcome Dr Dermot Douglas to present a talk on “A Brief National History of Ireland … & is there a future.” On Tuesday 18^th April at 10:30am in the Avon Hotel, Blessington. All are welcome to attend. Non-Members €5 per person

Blessington History Society are holding a talk on ‘Burgage Castle & its History’ by Chris Corlett, Archaeologist on Thursday 20^th April at 8pm Coimin Centre, Blessington.  The ESB have recently carried out conservation stabilisation works to the structure, located on the banks of the lake & which has a fascinating history dating from the early Medieval period. All are invited to attend to learn about a gem of local history.

Humphreystown House Jumble Sale. Something for everyone, Clothing, Toys, Books, Jams, Fabric, Yarn, Bric-a-Brac, Everything must go! Refreshments, Baked Goods, Ice Cream. Saturday 29^th April 10am to 4pm. W91VW58

Darkness to Light Blessington May 6^th Meet at the Town Square at 4:15am. There will be a warm up taking place beforehand & Brew21 will open early to accommodate people. Register here https://www.darknessintolight.ie/?fbclid=IwAR2DDK_m1qrF4OjDDEZgI8AhgIIcpKPGVWaf8XM8qRzjiU4HFWUay5_5d8

Blessington AFC have a number of spaces left for new players born in 2012 to join a new team. If you’re interested, please email enquiries@blessingtonfc.com with your name, number, child’s name & date of birth.

Manor Kilbride Montessori School Nationally Award-Winning Pre-school are now taking enrolments for children under the ECCE & NCS schemes. Info:  Rebecca on 085 252 0814 or email manorkmontessori@gmail.com

5-week course at the Coimin Centre Blessington – “Changing Gears” Two courses have been held already & this is a third course for older members of the community. From 10am to 1 pm on May 5^th,12^th, 19^th, 26^th and 2^nd June. It is a chance to make new friends & develop skills for positive ageing & provides a chance to get back out & about after Covid. Call Valerie Hamilton (045) 865 412, Bridie Gleeson (045) 867103 or Michael McLoughlin at (087) 226 3717 to register interest for the course.

Blessington Bowls Club meet every Thursday at 7.30pm in St Kevin’s Hall Guests are most welcome! Why not come along & bring a friend

Visit the Bookstand at the back of Blessington Church for a variety of Spiritual Books for sale

TROCAIRE PACKS – Are now available in all our Churches. Make a Lenten Promise to fill the Trocaire Box this LENT

Tuesday Rural Bus Service to Naas & Newbridge. Your support is needed to keep this service open. This is ideal as a “shopping bus”. Adult return journey €3.50 & €1 for students. (a free service for many qualifying adults) Departs Blessington Bus Shelter at 10am via Naas to Newbridge (Whitewater Shopping Centre) Departs Whitewater at 1.45pm. Further info: Jane Auld 087 266 0616 or Pat Conlan 086 075 2072

Lacken Naíonra Open for enrolments. ECCE & part-time places available. For information or to book a viewing, please contact 045 865 086.

Lacken National School are now accepting enrolment applications for the 2023/2024 school year. Also accepting enrolment applications for the 2023/2024 Early Intervention Class. Please email school@lackenns.com or contact the school office on 045 865 086.

Valleymount Parent & Baby/Toddler Playgroup meets every Thursday during school term from 9.30am to 12 in Valleymount Hall. New parents most welcome. Pop in for a cuppa & a chat.

Blessington Educate Together are recruiting for a Bus Escort. The role involves accompanying two children, in a taxi from home to school & back again. The route includes Saggart & City West. The Bus escort is collected from the school & returned to the school. The children arrive at school at 9am & finish at 1.40pm. The rate of pay is €13.40 per hour plus 8% holiday pay. Approximately 15 hours per week. The job might also be of interest to a retired person. Please email the school at  office@betns.ie or phone 045-865281.

YOGA Classes New Term starts 20^th April – Blessington, St. Mary’s Junior School – Thursdays 7:30pm. Kilteel Hall – Wednesday 8:15pm. Rathmore – Tuesday 9:30am. €50 for four weeks Please book in advance. Nancy Hickey – 087 639 1676 Qualified Yoga Instructor

ATTENTION ALL PARISHIONERS! Blessington Parish is seeking a new caretaker to join our team.  The ideal candidate will have experience in general maintenance, both indoor & outdoor, & be able to prepare rooms for meetings in the Parish Centre & St. Joseph’s Hall as well as preparing the Church for Liturgical events. This is a part-time position with approximately 20 hours of work per week. The schedule will include some evening & weekend work, so flexibility is a must. The caretaker will be responsible for ensuring that our Parish Facilities are clean, safe, & well-maintained. Duties will include everything from basic repairs to cleaning, gardening & organizing spaces for events. If you have a passion for maintaining & improving the physical environment of our Parish & are willing to work hard to make sure everything runs smoothly, we encourage you to apply! Please submit your CV & cover letter by Monday 17th April at 5pm. We look forward to hearing from you & finding the right candidate for this important role in our community. Applications to Fr Richard Behan P.P., The Parish Office, Coimin Centre, Church of Our Lady, Blessington, Co. Wicklow or via email: office@blessington.info Thank you for your interest and God bless.

Greetings from Spain!! Once again, I will be coming to Blessington in July with a group of students. I am looking for host welcoming families in Blessington & surrounding areas. From 2^nd to 30^th July. As usual, students will attend Blessington Community College. (Mon-Fri 9.30am to 5pm) For more information, please contact Triona Mills :089 478 9839 Or Paloma: 0034 628 114 938 (WhatsApp)

The Clutter Fairy. Decluttering, Organisation, Interior Design, Deep Cleaning, Moving House. No obligation, free first consultation. Call: 083 030 5608.  theclutterfairyireland@gmail.com

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

GARDENING For Hedge clipping, Beds overhauled, Strimming, etc Phone Mark: 085 133 7714 – Greenleaf Garden Care

Flower Arranging Classes in The Band Hall Ballymore Eustace. Tuesday 18th April or Wednesday19th April. For 6 weeks. Cost: €90 – Christine Hughes. Info: WhatsApp/phone 087 686 4620 Email: christineb.hughes@gmail.com

Home Maintenance For all those small Repair & Maintenance works around the home. No job too small. References available. Free Quotations. Contact David (045) 401927 or 086 894 9590

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

Active Appliance Repairs: Having a problem with your appliances. Don’t delay give Karl a call 0863637792

Jones Power Tools Ltd Ride-on Lawnmowers/Push Mowers/Robotic Mowers. From your new purchase to a service on your own Machines. We’re here to help. Jones Power Tools Ltd – Contact 059 81033 or 087 6638788. Find us on Facebook & Instagram

Gas Home for all your gas boiler servicing and repairs. New boiler fitted from €1,899. Over 20 years in Blessington. Phone Stephen 087 906 0894

Castle Canine Cuts 1 to 1 Dog Grooming Service. Available to groom your small to large breeds. Taking bookings Tuesdays – Saturdays Call/Text Gillian 087 764 1911 or find us on Facebook.