Newsletter 1st March 2026. Issue 1582.
Sunday Mass in Crosschapel.
Has returned to the normal weekly 11:30am Mass.
Sunday Mass in Manor Kilbride
has also returned to the normal weekly 11am Mass
COMMUNITY DIARY
SATURDAY 28th Feb
6pm Mass Church of Our Lady, Blessington Sacrament of Confession: After 6pm Mass
7.15pm Mass Our Lady of Mt Carmel, Lacken
SUNDAY 1st March
10am Mass St. Josephs Church, Valleymount
10am Mass Church of Our Lady, Blessington,
11:30am Mass St Brigids Church. Manor Kilbride
11:30am Mass Church of Our Lady of Mercy, Crosschapel
MONDAY 2nd March
9.30am Mass Church of Our Lady, Blessington
Blessington Bridge Club
7.15pm, Kare Centre. Information on pg. 3
TUESDAY 3rd March
9.30am Mass Church of Our Lady, Blessington
WEDNESDAY 4th 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
7pm Funeral Ministry Training Course. Coimin Centre. Information on Pg. 2
THURSDAY 5th March
9.30am Mass Church of Our Lady, Blessington
Blessington Indoor Bowls Club 7.30pm in St Kevin’s Hall, Information on pg. 3
FRIDAY 6th March
9.30am Mass Church of Our Lady, Blessington
Mass Intentions in Church of Our Lady, Blessington
Gerry Toomey…RD Ballymore Eustace
Saturday
Tom Cullen…RD (UK), Brendan O’Mahony…MM, Teresa Byrne…Birthday Rem, Emma & Trish Hynes…A
Sunday
Deidre Twomey (Boyle)…Months Mind Jim Luttrell…A, Peter Hudson…A, Mick Reid…A, Hannah Jones…A, Derek Jones…A, Jimmy Jones…A, Carmel Keogh…A, Shay Mills…9th A
Monday
Mass for the Sick & those in Hospital
Tuesday
Special Intentions, Eileen Swaine…RD
Wednesday
Deidre Boyle…RD, Sean Stapleton…RD
Thursday
Thank you Mass, Ger Donoghue…RD
Friday
1st Friday of the month, Mass offered for all on the November List of the Dead A blessing of St Pio’s relic will take place after 9.30 Mass this morning.
Join us for Weekly Lenten Reflection on www.thesower.net
We the family of the late Mauree Richardson Would sincerely like to thank each and every one for their kindness, thoughtfulness and compassion on the recent loss of our beautiful wife and Mother. For the kind words, stories, and memories for Lacken, Valleymount and Blessington and neighbouring villages. We deeply appreciate your friendship as we navigate through our Grief. To Naas hospital, Dr O’Briens surgery, McGreals, Clarkes Funeral Directors and Fr. Campbell. Thank you for your exceptional care and compassion during this difficult time. Maureen’s Months Mind is Saturday 28kth Feb in Lacken Church at 7pm W91Cy82.
Newsletter. Commercial Ad Rates From the 1st 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.
CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHINGS The man of prayer find his happiness in continually creating, searching, being with Christ Roger of Taize
The Wonder of Creation One large tree can provide a day’s supply of oxygen for up to 4 people – Trees are natural air filters!
Blessington Parish Lotto Jackpot Numbers on 19th Feb 2026: 10,11,20,24. €25 Lucky Draw Winner: Mary Toomey. Next Jackpot: €3000.
Feast Days – 5th March – St Kieran. Kieran of Saigir was born in Cape Clear, Co. Cork. He is numbered among the pre-Patrician saints of Ireland. He went to the Continent, where he was baptised and later ordained priest and bishop. He returned to his father’s territory, Ossory, where he lived as a hermit. Disciples soon joined him and Saigir became a well-known monastery.
Prayer to St. Kieran of Saighir. O Saint Kieran of Saighir, beloved follower of St. Patrick and faithful pastor, you lived a life of devotion and brought the light of Christ to Ireland. I ask for your intercession in my life, especially for [mention your intention]. Please pray for my family and loved ones, that we may be kept safe and well. Intercede for all who suffer, and guide us in our journey of faith. Saint Kieran, pray for us. 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/
Sale of Crosschapel Presbytery
Crosschapel presbytery has been sold for €980,000. When fees are deducted and the presbytery in Burgage Castle purchased (€512,800), the nett proceeds for the parish come to €414,000.
A significant portion of the proceeds will be reserved for pastoral needs (catechesis, adult education courses etc..).
From the remainder, some necessary building works will need to be completed. A stand-alone toilet for Crosschapel Church in the first instance, external cleaning of Blessington Church, roof repairs there, resurfacing of the car park, plus painting and carpeting the interior. We would never be able to afford these expenses without the sale of the presbytery. We have no estimates for any of these works at the moment. We will seek three quotations and choose from them as each happens. We will keep you informed.
Our day-to-day income just about keeps us afloat. As you can see from the last financial account issued (repeated below), we rely totally on the envelopes and the standing orders. We are grateful to those who continue to contribute, and rely completely on your generosity, especially in an era of declining congregations.
Rental income in the Coimin Centre has not been what it could have been. We need to address this urgently. Also, the cost of advertising in the newsletter has NEVER been increased since its inception. It will rise to €1 per word from March 1st.
INCOME
Family Offering € 26,144.45
of which envelopes € 12,311.18
of which standing orders € 13,833.27
Shrines € 40,137.20
Donations & Bequests € 29,696.67
Tax Refunds & Insurance Claims € 31,038.03
Other Income € 3,717.99
Repository Income € 27,315.76
Advertising & Fundraising € 4,526.00
Rental Income € 75,439.52
TOTAL INCOME €238,015.62
EXPENDITURE
Repairs, Renewals and Maintenance -€ 35,843.93
Salaries, Wages and Professional Fees -€ 100,061.30
Office Expenses incl printing, telephone & postage -€ 21,899.91
Liturgical and Pastoral Fees -€ 22,849.76
Heat and Light -€ 21,277.51
Insurance and Security Costs -€ 22,782.74
Water Charges, Local Property Tax and Bins -€ 3,569.27
Diocesan Administrative Charges -€ 1,575.00
Bank Charges -€ 2,193.36
TOTAL EXPENDITURE -€232,052.78
Income less Expenditure (before Depreciation) € 5,962.84
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.
Blessington Mens Shed Sessions in the Mens Shed continue Monday the 2nd March, starting at 7.30 approx. Spot prizes and great music guaranteed.
It’s that time of year again, Daffodil Day is coming up on Friday 20th March and we need YOUR help. If you can spare just ONE hour on the day, please phone or text Ann on 087 9141757. Thank you very much in advance, all help is greatly appreciated.
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.
Furry Butts. NEW PET SHOP NOW OPEN Great value on wild bird seed (by pack or weight), sunflower, fatballs, working dog food, Irish brands & homemade treats Between Dunnes Stores and Moody Rooster Cafe. MON-SAT 089 403 4420.
Leaving Cert Higher Level Maths Grinds Intensive 2026 Course. In-person tuition with online support. Reasonable rates. Phone 085-1742218 or admin@numscoil.ie
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
