Issue1452 May 14th 2023

Mass intentions in Blessington

Saturday: Peter & Mary Murphy (A), Robert Hennessy (A), Rodger & Mary Keogh (A), Sharon O’Brien (A 5th)

Sunday: Pat Duffy (A), James McHugh (A), Yvonne Phibbs (1st A), Jimmy Devoy (A), Mary & Kathleen Curtin (A), Kathleen O’Connell (A), Billy Ball (A), Jim & Jane Flynn (A), Catherine Doran (A), Charles Doran (A)

We also Remember: Jim Clarke (A)

Monday: Mass offered for the sick.

Tuesday: Mary Tully (Birthday Rem), John Kelly (A), Special Intentions

Wednesday: Wilfred Stewart (RD), Joan Cassidy (RD)

Thursday: Blessington Deceased Mass Card List

Friday: Sharon O’Brien (5th A), Noel Kelly (A)

Saturday 12^th May: Blessington 6pm Mass – Confessions: after 6pm Mass. Lacken 7.30pm Mass

Rosary at Our Lady’s Grotto on St Joseph’s Road after 6pm Mass for the month of May.

Sunday 13^th May: Mass Times: Blessington: 10am, Manor Kilbride: 11am, Valleymount: 10.00am, Crosschapel: 11.30am

Tuesday 15^th May: Rosary & Holy Hour 7pm to 8pm in Church of Our Lady Blessington

‘Bernadette Stewart & her daughter Siobhán would like to extend their sincere thanks to Wilfred Stewart’s many friends in Blessington, Kildare Town & beyond, for their sympathy & condolences, on the sudden passing of Wilfred. May his gentle soul rest in peace’.

On the sudden passing of the late Alex McDonnell, we would like to acknowledge & thank everyone who helped, especially Charlotte & Paul Brannigan, Gean Fennell, the National Ambulance Service, Blessington First Responders, An Garda Siochána, Clarkes Funeral Home, Paddy & Peter Eustace & the staff at the West Wicklow House. Huge thanks to all the family, friends & neighbours who called to offer comfort during that difficult time. A mass will be offered for your intentions. Peggy, Rob, Ger & Sam

The Annual Blessing of the Graves & Cemetery Mass in Burgage Cemetery on Sun 21st May at 3pm

Cemetery Mass in Manor Kilbride on Sunday 2^nd July at 2pm

Building Hope – Pray, Reflect, Plan. You are invited to join with every parish in the Diocese in a Novena to the Holy Spirit – a period of prayer, reflection & planning for the renewal of the Church in the Archdiocese of Dublin. The Novena will take place in the 9 days from 21st to 29^th May. beginning on the Feast of the Ascension of the Lord, through Pentecost & continuing to the Feast of Mary, Mother of the Church. Novena Prayer Cards will be available.

Kilbride & Lakeside Young Musicians. Friday 12th May 7pm in The Coimín Centre, Blessington. Their exciting programme includes music from the movies & songs from Coldplay & the Beatles. Special guest the virtuoso flautist Lina Andonovska. Family friendly. All welcome.

Charity Coffee Morning Saturday 13^th May in St Kevin’s Hall, Blessington from 9.30am to 1pm. Proceeds to Irish Liver Trust. All Welcome

Valleymount & Lacken Private Members Draw. April Winners: Maura & Paddy Byrne, Marie Bohan, Pauline & Joe Nolan, Aidan Miley, Aoibheann & Teagan Reid.

St Mary’s Schools & Blessington Parish Lotto. Numbers drawn on 4th May: 2, 12, 23, 29 €25 Winner: Suzanne Mulhall. Next Jackpot €2,875

Blessington Historical Society are holding a talk on Thursday 18th May at 8pm in the Coimin Centre Blessington. The talk will be given by Seamus Ó Maitiú & will deal with the history of Ballyknockan village & its stonecutting tradition. Séamus & Barry O’Reilly wrote an excellent book published in 1997 titled “Ballyknockan a Stonecutters Village”, the talk will encompass much of what is contained in the book such as the very important tradition of stonecutting in the area, the individuals & families involved & where their work is located in many areas of Dublin city, particularly in several churches & other public buildings. The talk will give people an awareness of the importance of Ballyknockan as one of Ireland’s great stonecutting/carving centres from early in the 19^th Century to the present day.

Harriet Parsons from Bodywhys, The Eating Disorders Association of Ireland, will talk about eating disorders & how best to support someone affected by them – Wednesday 31st May at 7pm – this is a free, online event & brought to you by Wicklow County Council Library Service ‘Healthy Ireland at your Library’ programme. Booking link for tickets:  https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/how-to-support-someone-with-an-eating-disorder-tickets-615531700887?aff=ebdssbdestsearch  Or email libraryoutreach@wicklowcoco.ie  Bodywhys is the national voluntary organisation for people affected by eating disorders, including friends & family. The organisation has grown to develop a range of services & supports for people affected by eating disorders. It offers support, information, a listening ear & understanding.

BEALTAINE FESTIVAL  Celebrating Creativity & Arts as we age. Events at Blessington Library Wed 10^th May – 3D Felting Workshop 3pm. Wed 17^th May – Creative Meditation Works 3pm – Tues & Wed 23^rd & 24^th May 3pm – Thurs 1st June 5.30pm – Cioreral Comhra- Blessington Library Adult Meetups: Book Clubs, Poetry Circle, Knitting Group, Writing Group, Ukulele, English Language Café. BOOKING REQUIRED

GAELSCOIL NA LOCHANNA Cúpla Spás Fágtha- A Few Spaces left for September 2023. INFORMATION EVENING  on 18^th MAY from 7:30pm to 8:30pm for all new/interested parents. with a cupán tae & a chance to chat. INTRODUCTION DAY FOR NEW CHILDREN June 16^th from 1:30pm to 2:30pm (Come see the new classroom & meet new teacher) enquiries to secretary Fíona runai@gaelscoilnalochanna.com

NEW COURSE STARTING IN MAY!! Have fun & meet new friends while learning about budgeting, healthy eating, phones apps & more! For info Baltinglass Further Education Centre 086 846 2771 – 059 648 2642. Email: abebaltinglass@kwetb.ie

Greetings from Spain!! Once again, I will be coming to Blessington in July with a group of students. I am looking for welcoming host 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 via WhatsApp 0034 628 114 938

Always wanted to sing? Blessington Millennium Choir are looking to recruit new members who love to sing. All Welcome. No Auditions. With mixed ability & experience, we aim to positively impact our community and as such regularly raise funds for organisations & participate in events. So, if you sing in the shower, you are the King or Queen of Karaoke or a keen amateur, Come & Join Us We meet every Tuesday evening 7.30pm to 9.30pm at the Kare Centre, Blessington. For more details please phone (087) 4352385 or (087) 2431499  www.choirbmc.com

Yoga continues in the Coimin Centre on Mondays, 10.45am – 11.45am. Contact Patricia 086 071 7384

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

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.