FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER Day of Prayer for Vocations. Today is a day of prayer to deepen our own sense of vocation, & to pray to the Lord to call men and women into a life of ministry & service within religious life

Mass Intentions this week

Valerie Smyth (RD) Valleymount, John Kelly (RD) Newbridge, Ann O’Grady (nee Coogan) (RD) Blessington & late of Kill & Alicante, Charles Gary Swift (RD) Manor Kilbride, Bill Kelly (RD) (Brittas)

 Saturday 6pm: Maisie Brown (A), Molly Keogh (A), Julia O’Connor (A)

Sunday 10am: William Brady (Manor Kilbride) (1^st A), Maisie Miley (A)

Sunday 11.30am: Maureen McIntyre (RD), Patrick Carroll (RD)

We remember the following: Dora Tully, John Hunt, Katie McEvoy, Brigid McEvoy (Birthday Rem), Mary & Owen Keogh, Michael & Ann Farley, Anna Whittle

Monday: Mass for Blessington List of the Sick

Tuesday: Dora Tully (A), Mary Jo Boyle (RD)

Wednesday: Intentions Mass, Birthday Remembrance

Thursday: Mass offered for all on the Blessington Deceased Mass Card List

Friday: Paschal Morrison (RD), Maureen Donnelly (RD)

All Masses & Services via Webcam www.blessingtonparish.ie

►Saturday 24^th April, 6pm Mass

►Sunday 25^th April, Mass at 10am & 11.30am

►Daily Mass at 9.30am Monday to Friday. Join us for the Rosary at 9am each morning.

►Monday & Friday: Evening Prayer, join the parish team for evening prayer via zoom: 7:30pm to 8:10pm on the Parish Pastoral Website www.blessingtonparishes.com

Support for PARISH FINANCES – Blessington, Crosschapel, Manor Kilbride, Valleymount / Lacken

Monthly / Weekly Envelopes: Contact Jean in the Parish Office if you would like to make a monthly/weekly envelope contribution or if you would like to re-join if you used to contribute.

Online: Donations / Contributions can be made  via the “Donate” button on the parish website (options available for all our Churches.)

 Bank Standing Order: If you would like to set up a monthly standing order through your bank, please contact Jean in the Parish Office

Parish Development Fund (PDF): Donations through the black PDF boxes in Blessington Church also go towards the running of the parish.

Shrines: The donations to shrines remains in the parish.

Burgage Cemetery Mass 2021 – In accordance with Government guidelines on public gatherings, the Annual Cemetery Mass at Burgage cannot take place in the cemetery. A Memorial Remembrance Mass will be held on 16^th May at 3pm in Church of our Lady, Blessington, via Webcam only www.blessingtonparish.ie

Valleymount GAA Club is running a Zoom Quiz  on Saturday 24^th April at 8:30pm. This is a fun quiz to suit families, friends etc participants can make up a team from separate locations. Entry for a team is just €25 and you can join us by clicking on the following link: https://www.pallasmarketing.ie/product/valleymount-zoom-quiz/ There will be video questions, music questions, local questions etc so a great night is guaranteed. Hopefully, you can join us but if you cannot, you can support us by buying raffle tickets on the same link. Please note closing date for entries is Wed 21^st April.

St Mary’s Schools and Blessington Parish Lotto. Jackpot: €4625 –  Congratulations to the recent weekly winner of €25 on April  April 22^nd  Anne-Marie Russell – Numbers drawn: 8, 11, 21, 29 – If you’re not in you can’t win! Text the word Blessington to 51444 or go to www.blessingtonparish.ie Thanks to all for the support!

Lakeside Community Games Virtual Events. Lakeside Community Games are delighted to announce that they are an affiliated area this year & therefore all children living in our area can participate in the National Community Games virtual events which include art, model making, handwriting, recitation, dance, music & singing. All details about these virtual events as well as online entry forms are available on the National Community Games Website www.communitygames.ie Information can also be found on the Lakeside Community Games Facebook Page. Remember: Lakeside Community Games Area includes Blessington, Kilbride, Lacken, Hollywood and Valleymount. Please contact Maura Reid or message the Lakeside Community Games Facebook page with any queries.

Blessington Union of Parishes are available on the parish YouTube channel by searching for “Blessington Union” or at this link

SVP Blessington Appeal: Families in our local community are facing mounting financial pressure to put food on the table, pay utility bills, rent and mortgages due to the impact of Covid 19. SVP Blessington is appealing to everyone to assist people in need in your local community. Please give what you can to this very worthy cause by making your donation, payable to SVP Blessington Ulster Bank IBAN: IE36 ULSB 98534015436018 BIC:: ULSB: IE 2D  through any financial institution. 100% of all donations goes towards supporting the local community.

Good Dry Kindling for Sale at Blessington Men’s Shed. 1 bag for €3 and 4 bags for €10. Information & collection: John Flynn at 087 297 7678. All money raised will go towards the upkeep of Shed during these difficult times.

St Brigid’s N.S. Manor Kilbride are accepting enrolments for the next school year: 2021 – 2022. To enrol your child, please call Charlotte in our school office 01 458 2550 or find the enrolment documents on our school website http://manorkilbridens.scoilnet.ie/blog/

Lacken National School are now accepting enrolments for Mainstream and Early Intervention Classes for September 2021. School bus runs daily from/to Blessington. The school offers afterschool care for Junior and Senior Infants until 2.30 pm. Lacken School also has a pre-school facility which is ECCE and NCS approved. Enrolment forms can be downloaded from www.lackenns.com or please contact the school office on 045 865 086 or lackenschool@eircom.net

West Wicklow Cancer Support – If your life has been touched by cancer in any way, we are here for you, contact us on 087 434 6004 /  westwicklow15@gmail.com or find us on Facebook. “Nobody is exempt from the trials of life but everyone can always find something positive in everything even in the worst of times. Keep smiling and moving, we are stronger together”

Fr Kevin’s Homilies are always available on our website: https://blessingtonparish.ie/homilies-year-b/

St Vincent de Paul Blessington, local number 087 181 1579

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Luxury Irish Gift Boxes – Solace Sister Gifts. Our gift boxes are perfect for all occasions; Birthdays, New Mothers & Babies, Thank You Gifts, Sympathy Gifts or simply ‘Just Because’. Website: www.solacesistergifts.ie

Rods + Cones Opticians Blessington. Beside the GARDA station. Formerly Cullinane Opticians. We are open during COVID lockdown for all your eyecare needs. FREE Eye Exam + Glasses with PRSI + Medical Card. Large selection of Designer Frames + Sunglasses. Special Offers + Discounts on 2nd Pairs, Varifocal Experts – try them with our 30 Day Guarantee. Many Thanks to all our loyal customers. Call 045-981 056 for an appointment.

Childminder Needed for two kids aged 9 and 10 in Blessington from June to September fulltime but also may need part time afterwards. Would be needed from 7:45am to 4:30pm Monday – Friday. I am looking for someone local with childminding experience. Contact Greg on 086 052 2222 if interested

Gardening – For Hedge clipping, Beds overhauled, Fruit Tree pruning, Painting etc Phone Mark 085 133 7714

Tús Programme Job Opportunities in Blessington.  County Wicklow Partnership’s Tús Programme has a number of work placement opportunities in Blessington and surrounding areas. Blessington town and from Hollywood to Manor Kilbride. Roles available in: Caretaking & Maintenance – Administration – Retail Charity – Social Care. While on Tús you can gain valuable work experience and contribute to your community at the same time. The placement will be for 1 year and participants will be required to work for 19½ hours per week and are free to take up other employment outside of their 19½ hours. To qualify for Tús, you must be fully unemployed for 12 months. Tús payment is at the full rate of Jobseekers Allowance plus €22.50 top-up. Information: You can self-select for a position with Tús. For more information or to apply contact Neil Doyle on 087 640 9273 or ndoyle@wicklowpartnership.ie

Eagle Cleaning Solutions – Chimney Cleaning, Exterior Power Washing, Window Cleaning, Gutter Cleaning and Repairs. Call for appointment: 087 247 4388. Email: info@eaglecleaningsolutions.com Find us on Facebook

German Autoworks – Service Specialist VW/Audi, Mercedes, Skoda, Seat, Opel. Call 087 286 3997  www.germanautoworks.ie

Noel Nolan – Blessington Heating & Plumbing Service  www.blessingtonheatingandplumbing.ie Call Noel: 087 243 1499 or email nolannoel2@gmail.com

Clarkes Funeral Directors I.A.F.D. Funeral Home & Office, Burgage, Blessington. All areas serviced. Phone: Tony or Regina: 087 273 9048 / 087 659 6426 www.funeraldirectorsblessington.ie

HEADSTONES – McEvoy Monumental Works, Blessington. Headstones, Inscriptions, Renovations. Serving the people of Blessington for over 40 years. Call to our workshop at Millbank Blessington or phone: Mick 045 865 487 or 086 843 8832 or Gary 087 933 3487  www.mcevoymonumentalworks.com

HOME SHARING – Give A Little Time – Make A Big Difference Have you the time to offer breaks to an adult or child with an intellectual disability in your home for mid-week and weekend overnight breaks? You don’t need a qualification, just energy, commitment and the desire to support a person with a disability in your community. Information and support are provided, and you will be paid an allowance. If you are interested in hosting, please contact: Jennifer Alfa Ogbaje, Social Worker, KARE. Email; Jennifer.alfaogbaje@kare.ie 045 480 200 / 087 720 6779 or homesharesecretariat@kare.ie 045 448700

Newsletter Advertising Rates, For just 50c per word per week you can reach a large, local audience. Cut-off for receiving adverts is Wed 10am. You can email the copy to office@blessington.info and pay in the Parish Office, or via the Donate button on our website or by bank transfer. Call the Parish Office: 045 865 327

Mass Intentions

Katie Duffy (RD) Meath, William Donohoe (RD) Blessington

Easter Vigil Saturday 8pm: Mass offered for Blessington Parishioners

Easter Sunday 10am: Mass offered for Blessington Parishioners

We remember the following: Annie, Joe & Maggie Higgins (A), Dick Byrne (Rem), (Dick & Annie’s 60th Wedding Anniversary) Teresa Sargent (A) Kay Hayes (A)

Easter Sunday 4th April 11.30am: Margaret Hammond (1^st A), Maureen Hughes (RD)

Monday 5th April : Mass for Blessington List of the Sick

Tuesday 6^th April: Denis Bohan (1^st A) Frank O’Keefe (RD)

Wednesday 7^th April: John & Mary McGarrigle (A) Joe Malee (RD)

Thursday 8th April: PJ McGrath (RD), Get Well Mass Int

Friday 9^th April Intentions Mass, Intentions Mass

Saturday 10^th April 6pm: Elizabeth Keegan (Longford ) 1^st A. Fintan Byrne (A) Doreen Donaghy (A) Harry & Doreen Hughes (A)

Sunday 11^th April 10am: Denis Bohan (1^st A) Vincent Bohan (R) James & Ellen Bohan (Rem)

Sunday 11th April 11.30am: Bernie Collins (RD) Nancy Walsh (RD)

We remember the following: Peggy Luttrell, Family & Friends of a Parishioner

Monday 12^th April: Mass offered for Blessington List of the Sick

Tuesday 13^th April Fintan Byrne (A) Tom O’Hara

14^th, 15^th & 16^th April: Mass will be offered for the Blessington Easter Mass Card List

May the peace of the Risen Christ be with you always but particularly in this time of fear & uncertainty in our lives. Fr. Páraic McDermott, Fr. Kevin Lyon, Fr Richard Behan, Fr. Noel Campbell, Fr. Micheál Comer, Rev. Leonard Ruddock & Deacon Gerry Malone, Pastoral Worker Áine Egan

EASTER CEREMONIES

Holy Thursday: 1^st April 8pm: Mass of the Last Supper. Followed by Prayers & Reflection

Good Friday 2^nd April

12pm: Children’s Stations of the Cross

3pm: Passion Ceremony

8pm: Prayers around the Cross with Stations of the Cross

Holy Saturday: 3^rd April 8pm: Easter Vigil

Easter Sunday: 4^th April 10am & 11.30am Mass. All Ceremonies are on the Parish Webcam  www.blessingtonparish.ie

All Masses & Services via Webcam www.blessingtonparish.ie

Daily Mass at 11am during Easter Week 4^th to 8^th April. Rosary will not be prayed before Mass during Easter week.

The Parish Office will be closed on Good Friday and will re-open on Monday 12^th April

SVP Blessington Appeal: Families in our local community are facing mounting financial pressure to put food on the table, pay utility bills, rent and mortgages due to the impact of Covid 19. SVP Blessington is appealing to everyone to assist people in need in your local community. Please give what you can to this very worthy cause by making your donation, payable to SVP Blessington Ulster Bank IBAN: IE36 ULSB 98534015436018 BIC:: ULSB: IE 2D  through any financial institution. 100% of all donations goes towards supporting the local community.

Blessington Union of Parishes. All our services including those which we will have for Easter are available on the parish YouTube channel by searching for “Blessington Union” or at this link https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=blessington+union Rev Leonard Ruddock

St Brigid’s N.S. Manor Kilbride are accepting enrolments for the next school year: 2021 – 2022. To enrol your child, please call Charlotte in our school office 01 458 2550 or find the enrolment documents on our school website http://manorkilbridens.scoilnet.ie/blog/

Lacken National School are now accepting enrolments for Mainstream and Early Intervention Classes for September 2021. School bus runs daily from/to Blessington. The school offers afterschool care for Junior and Senior Infants until 2.30 pm. Lacken School also has a pre-school facility which is ECCE and NCS approved. Enrolment forms can be downloaded from www.lackenns.com or please contact the school office on 045 865 086 or lackenschool@eircom.net

Community Pool for West Wicklow RAFFLE for a PlayStation 5! Tickets are €20 each only 100 tickets being issued! All monies raised will go towards a Pool for West Wicklow. To buy a ticket and support our campaign email us at poolforWestWicklow@gmail.com

West Wicklow Cancer Support – If your life has been touched by cancer in any way, we are here for you, contact us on 087 434 6004 /  westwicklow15@gmail.com or find us on Facebook. “Nobody is exempt from the trials of life but everyone can always find something positive in everything even in the worst of times. Keep smiling and moving, we are stronger together”

Financial Support for our Parish is very important at this time and we are most grateful for your contributions. You can make donations to support all our Churches via the DONATE BUTTON on the Blessington parish website (options available for all our Churches.) All SHRINE MONEY remains in the parish. Donations through the black PDF BOXES in Blessington Church also go towards the running of the parish.

Fr Kevin’s Homilies are always available on our website: https://blessingtonparish.ie/homilies-year-b/

Good Dry Kindling for Sale at Blessington Men’s Shed 1 bag for €3 and 4 bags for €10. For information & collection, Call John Flynn at 087 297 7678. All money raised for upkeep of Shed during these difficult times.”

St Mary’s Schools and Blessington Parish Lotto Jackpot next week : €4375 –  Congratulation to the weekly winner of €25 on 25th March: Sinead Nielson – Numbers Drawn 7, 19, 20, 30  –  If you’re not in you can’t win! Text the word Blessington to 51444 or go to www.blessingtonparish.ie Thanks to all for the support!

Lakeside Community Games Virtual Events: Lakeside Community Games are delighted to announce that they are an affiliated area this year & therefore all children living in our area can participate in the National Community Games virtual events which include art, model making, handwriting, recitation, dance, music & singing. All details about these virtual events as well as online entry forms are available on the National Community Games Website www.communitygames.ie Information can also be found on the Lakeside Community Games Facebook Page. Remember: Lakeside Community Games Area includes Blessington, Kilbride, Lacken, Hollywood and Valleymount. Please contact Maura Reid or message the Lakeside Community Games Facebook page with any queries.

St Vincent de Paul Blessington, local number 087 181 1579

I’ve learned that just one person saying to me “You’ve made my day” makes MY day!!!

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GasHome Plumbing and Heating Summer offer: New Worcester Bosch Gas Boilers Fitted, with 10 year Warranty from €79 per month for 36 months. Call Stephen on 087 906 0894 or 01 458 7884

Tús Programme Job Opportunities in Blessington.  County Wicklow Partnership’s Tús Programme has a number of work placement opportunities in Blessington and surrounding areas. Blessington town and from Hollywood to Manor Kilbride. Roles available in: Caretaking & Maintenance – Administration – Retail Charity – Social Care. While on Tús you can gain valuable work experience and contribute to your community at the same time. The placement will be for 1 year and participants will be required to work for 19½ hours per week and are free to take up other employment outside of their 19½ hours. To qualify for Tús, you must be fully unemployed for 12 months. Tús payment is at the full rate of Jobseekers Allowance plus €22.50 top-up. Information: You can self-select for a position with Tús. For more information or to apply contact Neil Doyle on 087 640 9273 or ndoyle@wicklowpartnership.ie

Rods + Cones Opticians Blessington Beside the GARDA station. Formerly Cullinane Opticians. We are open during COVD for all your eyecare needs. FREE Eye Exam + Glasses with PRSI + Medical Card. Large selection of Designer Frames + Sunglasses. Special Offers + Discounts on 2nd Pairs. Varifocal Experts – try them with our 30 Day Guarantee. Wishing all our loyal customers a safe 2021. Call 045-981 056 for an appointment.

Gardening – For Hedge clipping, Beds overhauled, Fruit Tree pruning, Painting etc Phone Mark 085 133 7714

Active Appliance Repairs over 20 years’ experience repairing and servicing all brands of domestic and commercial appliances. For a fast, friendly and efficient service call us today on 086 393 7762 or 086 361 9082. Call out Charge €75  www.activeappliancerepairs.ie

Eagle Cleaning Solutions – Chimney Cleaning, Exterior Power Washing, Window Cleaning, Gutter Cleaning and Repairs. Call for appointment: 087 247 4388. Email: info@eaglecleaningsolutions.com Find us on Facebook

German Autoworks – Service Specialist VW/Audi, Mercedes, Skoda, Seat, Opel. Call 087 286 3997  www.germanautoworks.ie

Noel Nolan – Blessington Heating & Plumbing Service  www.blessingtonheatingandplumbing.ie Call Noel: 087 243 1499 or email nolannoel2@gmail.com

Clarkes Funeral Directors I.A.F.D. Funeral Home & Office, Burgage, Blessington. All areas serviced. Phone: Tony or Regina: 087 273 9048 / 087 659 6426 www.funeraldirectorsblessington.ie

HEADSTONES – McEvoy Monumental Works, Blessington. Headstones, Inscriptions, Renovations. Serving the people of Blessington for over 40 years. Call to our workshop at Millbank Blessington or phone: Mick 045 865 487 or 086 843 8832 or Gary 087 933 3487  www.mcevoymonumentalworks.com

Newsletter Advertising Rates, For just 50c per word per week you can reach a large, local audience. Cut-off for receiving adverts is Wed 10am. You can email the copy to office@blessington.info and pay in the Parish Office, or via the Donate button on our website or by bank transfer. Call the Parish Office: 045 865 327

Mass Intentions next Week

Saturday 6pm: Edin Vasquez (RD)(Panama) Month’s Mind, James & Kathleen Rawson (A) Joe Fitzpatrick (5th A)

Sunday 10am: Jim D’Arcy (Month’s Mind), Willie Clarke (A), Nancy Sheridan (Rem), Alan Clarke (Birthday Rem), Jimmy Fitzpatrick (Tougher, Valleymount) (A), Jim McDonald (Lacken) (A), Agnes & Patrick Bolger (A), Mary Cullen (Rem)

Sunday 11.30am: Paddy Magee (A), Josephine Keane (A)

We also remember: John & Kitty Nolan, Tom & Kathleen Osborne, Deceased Members of Osborne Family Bridie Toomey (A), Simon Foster (A) Danny Flanagan (A), Larry Lennon (A) Mary & Matthew Lennon (Rem), Ann-Mary & Michael Norton (Rem), Deceased Members of Norton Family

Monday: Mass offered for Blessington List of the Sick

Tuesday: Remembrance of Deceased Members of Healy & McDonald Families (Lacken), Vera Warren (A), Emer Holohan (Rem)

Wednesday: Patrick Shea (A) Aine Murphy (RD)

Thursday: Mass offered for all on the Blessington Deceased Mass Card List

Friday: Joe Flynn (RD), Eamon Hynes (RD)

All Masses & Services via Webcam www.blessingtonparish.ie

► Daily Mass at 9.30am, Mon to Fri please join us for Rosary at 9am.

► Sat 20^th March: Mass at 6pm

► Sun 21^st March: Mass at 10am & 11.30am

► Fri 26^th March: Stations of the Cross at 12 noon via webcam.

► Mon, Wed & Fri: Evening Prayer: Join the parish team for evening prayer via zoom:

7:30pm to 8:10pm  www.blessingtonparishes.com

Fifth Sunday of Lent. Jesus was destined to die so that we would have life. We must die to sin, die to our selfish ways, if we are to be alive to Christ and alive for his kingdom.

Jesus talks about little seeds in the dark earth. The little seeds will be lonely and feel cold but the sunshine will come and warm them. They will grow into sheaves of golden corn and bring food and joy to the world. Jesus said ‘that He too would be lonely and in the dark and that God Our Father would be with Him and raise Him up to a wonderful new life. Sometimes, we are in the dark and lonely too. Jesus promises that His Spirit will always be with us. Fr Liam Hickey

Financial Support for our Parish is very important at this time and we are most grateful for your contributions. You can make donations to support all our Churches via the DONATE BUTTON on the Blessington parish website (options available for all our Churches.) All SHRINE MONEY remains in the parish. Donations through the black PDF BOXES in Blessington Church also go towards the running of the parish.

St. Marys’ Schools & Blessington Parish

EASTER DRAW – All lines on 1st April will be entered into the  St. Mary’s Schools’ & Parish Easter Draw for our local prizes:

• Hudson Brothers 1 winner of €150 cash prize
• Murphy’s Bar 2 winners of €20 Vouchers
• Hennessy’s 3 winners of €20 Office Shop/Hardware Vouchers
• Blessington Lakes Golf Club 4 Ball voucher with Tea/coffee

MANY THANKS TO OUR LOCAL SPONSORS – Support Local Businesses

All lines will also be entered into Our Fundraiser Easter Draw for:

Prize 1 – Samsung Smart 50” TV,

Prize 2 – Samsung Tablet,

Prize 3 – Kindle E Reader,

Prize 4 – Dolce Gusto Coffee Maker

Prize 5 – €100 Penney’s voucher

Barry Hamilton is doing a 1 Million Step Challenge in March for Blessington & District Day Care. If anyone would like to sponsor him in this Challenge you can contact him at 087 245 0546 or barryhamilton2000@yahoo.ie

Blessington Union of Parishes. All our services including those which we will have for Easter are available on the parish YouTube channel by searching for “Blessington Union” or at this link https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=blessington+union Rev Leonard Ruddock

Vox Hiberniae are a group of musicians from parishes in the Archdiocese of Dublin and have prepared the following reflection in conjunction with the Avila Carmelite Centre in Donnybrook. “A Celtic Lenten Journey – Harp, Voice and Violin” reflects in Word and in song on the Passion of Jesus. It can be viewed from the following link – you might like it for a reflective hour this Lent,  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGiFqCswp90

Lacken National School are now accepting enrolments for Mainstream and Early Intervention Classes for September 2021. School bus runs daily from/to Blessington. The school offers afterschool care for Junior and Senior Infants until 2.30 pm. Lacken School also has a pre-school facility which is ECCE and NCS approved. Enrolment forms can be downloaded from www.lackenns.com or please contact the school office on 045 865 086 or lackenschool@eircom.net

West Wicklow Cancer Support – If your life has been touched by cancer in any way, we are here for you, contact us on 087 434 6004 /  westwicklow15@gmail.com or find us on Facebook. “Nobody is exempt from the trials of life but everyone can always find something positive in everything even in the worst of times. Keep smiling and moving, we are stronger together”

Do you have a small piece of land in or around Blessington? We are a community group looking to start allotments in the area. Please contact us at blessingtonallotments@gmail.com or 0862371290

Fr Kevin’s Homilies are always available on our website: https://blessingtonparish.ie/homilies-year-b/

Good Dry Kindling for Sale at Blessington Men’s Shed 1 bag for €3 and 4 bags for €10. For information & collection, Call John Flynn at 087 297 7678. All money raised for upkeep of Shed during these difficult times.”

While the Parish Office is  Closed to the Public. We are available by telephone or email  for Mass Bookings, Mass Cards, & General Enquiries Monday to Friday. Email: office@blessington.info Carol: 045 865 327 from 9am to 1pm. Jean: 087 2350835 from 9am to 5pm

St Mary’s Schools and Blessington Parish Lotto Jackpot next week : €4250 –  Congratulation to the weekly winner of €25 on 4th March: Rose-Marie Nugent – Numbers Drawn 4, 7, 8, 27 and on 11th March, Anne-Marie Clarke – Numbers drawn 12, 21, 22, 28 If you’re not in you can’t win! Text the word Blessington to 51444 or go to www.blessingtonparish.ie Thanks to all for the support!

St Vincent de Paul Blessington, local number 087 181 1579

I may not have everything I want in life but  I’m blessed enough to have all that I need!! For this ….I am grateful

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CHILDMINDER REQUIRED. Looking for a kind, reliable Childminder to look after three children in Manor Kilbride / Brittas area. Four days per week. Driving essential as drop-off/pick-up to local school/Montessori in Manor Kilbride needed. For more details contact 086 828 3162.

!!!!TIME TO LEARN SPANISH AT YOUR OWN PACE AND CONVENIENCE!!!! After all these years bringing Spanish students to Blessington, I am pleased to offer on-line Spanish classes. Book your free trial class!!!! If interested please contact Paloma on WhatsApp: 0034628114938. Email: kinsdale.paloma@gmail.com Hoping you are all keeping well, Paloma Agudo KINSDALE

Rods + Cones Opticians Blessington Beside the GARDA station. Formerly Cullinane Opticians. We are open during COVD for all your eyecare needs. FREE Eye Exam + Glasses with PRSI + Medical Card. Large selection of Designer Frames + Sunglasses. Special Offers + Discounts on 2nd Pairs. Varifocal Experts – try them with our 30 Day Guarantee. Wishing all our loyal customers a safe 2021. Call 045-981 056 for an appointment.

Gardening – For Hedge clipping, Beds overhauled, Fruit Tree pruning, Painting etc Phone Mark 085 133 7714

FURNITURE FOR SALE Two wardrobes for sale… one off white/white size 5`8″ high 3’ 4″ wide as new – one pine with drawer size 5`8″ high 2`9″ wide –  Pine Bed & Mattress (Double) Phone 087 678 1642

Active Appliance Repairs over 20 years’ experience repairing and servicing all brands of domestic and commercial appliances. For a fast, friendly and efficient service call us today on 086 393 7762 or 086 361 9082. Call out Charge €75  www.activeappliancerepairs.ie

Eagle Cleaning Solutions – Chimney Cleaning, Exterior Power Washing, Window Cleaning, Gutter Cleaning and Repairs. Call for appointment: 087 247 4388. Email: info@eaglecleaningsolutions.com Find us on Facebook

German Autoworks – Service Specialist VW/Audi, Mercedes, Skoda, Seat, Opel. Call 087 286 3997  www.germanautoworks.ie

Noel Nolan – Blessington Heating & Plumbing Service  www.blessingtonheatingandplumbing.ie Call Noel: 087 243 1499 or email nolannoel2@gmail.com

Clarkes Funeral Directors I.A.F.D. Funeral Home & Office, Burgage, Blessington. All areas serviced. Phone: Tony or Regina: 087 273 9048 / 087 659 6426 www.funeraldirectorsblessington.ie

HEADSTONES – McEvoy Monumental Works, Blessington. Headstones, Inscriptions, Renovations. Serving the people of Blessington for over 40 years. Call to our workshop at Millbank Blessington or phone: Mick 045 865 487 or 086 843 8832 or Gary 087 933 3487  www.mcevoymonumentalworks.com

Newsletter Advertising Rates, For just 50c per word per week you can reach a large, local audience. Cut-off for receiving adverts is Wed 10am. You can email the copy to office@blessington.info and pay in the Parish Office, or via the Donate button on our website or by bank transfer. Call the Parish Office: 045 865 327

Mass Intentions next Week

James Lombard (RD) Kilteel

Saturday 6pm: Oliver McDonnell (A) Mary Nolan (A) Margaret Byrne (A)

Sunday 10am: Pat Kelly (A) Patrick Cassidy (A) Margaret Byrne (A) Frank Crampton (A)

Sunday 11.30am: Laurence Murphy (RD) Andy Hanlon (RD)

We also remember: Nora Fleming, Jim Duffy, Gerry & Margaret O’Dwyer, Bill Twyford, Mary Behan (A) Deceased Members of the Behan Family

Monday: Mass offered for all the Blessington List of the Sick

Tuesday: Sheila Horgan (RD), Birthday Mass

Wednesday: Mary Nolan (A) Patrick Foster (Birthday Rem) Kevin Foster (RD) (UK 1st March)

Thursday: Cathy Pearse (RD) Joe Daly (RD)

Friday: Nora Toland (A) Lisa Walsh (RD)

All Masses & Services via Webcam www.blessingtonparish.ie

► Daily Mass at 9.30am, Mon to Fri please join us for Rosary at 9am.

► Saturday 6^th March: Mass at 6pm

► Sunday 7^th March: Mass at 10am &  11.30am

► Fri 12^th March: Stations of the Cross at 12 noon via webcam.

► Mon, Wed & Fri: Evening Prayer: Join the parish team on for evening prayer via zoom from 7:30pm to 8:10pm  www.blessingtonparishes.com

Blessington & District Forum AGM will take place on Monday 8^th March at 7:30pm via zoom. Anyone wishing to attend must register on info@blessington.ie or   blessingtondistrictforum@gmail.com to receive a zoom ID.

Community Pool for West Wicklow are organising West Wicklow’s Virtual St Patrick’s Day Parade  We want you to get involved! We want everyone across West Wicklow to take part, businesses, schools, community groups, sports clubs & families! All you have to do is send us a photo or a drawing of you getting ready to celebrate St Patrick’s Day. It can be a photo from a previous year or you can pop up your decorations a bit early & take a new picture. We will put all of the photos & pictures together to make a virtual St Patrick’s Day Parade which will be posted on our social media pages on March 17th. Email your photos & pictures to poolforwestwicklow@gmail.com by Saturday March 13^th & help West Wicklow celebrate St Patrick’s Day 2021! If you are taking a new photo please remember to adhere to social distancing guidelines.

West Wicklow Cancer Support – If your life has been touched by cancer in any way, we are here for you, contact us on 087 434 6004 /  westwicklow15@gmail.com or find us on Facebook. “Nobody is exempt from the trials of life but everyone can always find something positive in everything even in the worst of times. Keep smiling and moving, we are stronger together”

Do you have a small piece of land in or around Blessington? We are a community group looking to start allotments in the area. Please contact us at blessingtonallotments@gmail.com or 0862371290

Fr Kevin’s Homilies are always available on our website: https://blessingtonparish.ie/homilies-year-b/

2021 Private Members Draw in aid of Valleymount & Lacken Churches. We will soon begin a new year for the Parish Private Members Draw for Valleymount & Lacken. This fundraiser is vitally important to the smooth running of the parish and it also enables us to continue with maintenance work on both Churches. Valleymount Parish is rightfully proud of its two beautiful churches, but they are reaching an age when work will need to be done to ensure good upkeep of the beautiful windows in Valleymount Church and general maintenance on damp issues in Lacken Church. I am very grateful to the committee and collectors for your work thus far and I hope you will be able to continue with this important work. May I take this opportunity to thank all the parishioners who continue to support this draw and maintain our buildings for future generations. With renewed thanks and every blessing. Fr Richard Behan P.P. Blessington & Valleymount

Good Dry Kindling for Sale at Blessington Men’s Shed 1 bag for €3 and 4 bags for €10. For information & collection, Call John Flynn at 087 297 7678. All money raised for upkeep of Shed during these difficult times.”

Financial Support for our Parish is very important at this time and we are most grateful for your contributions. You can make donations to support all our Churches via the DONATE BUTTON on the Blessington parish website(options available for all our Churches.) All SHRINE MONEY remains in the parish. Donations through the black PDF BOXES in Blessington Church also go towards the running of the parish. We are very grateful for your ongoing support. Support for our Diocese through the1st & 2nd collections may also be made via the DONATE BUTTON on our website, the 1st collection goes to towards the support of the parish. The 2nd collection goes to the Diocese. There are also envelopes available in all Churches for these donations.

While the Parish Office is  Closed to the Public. We are available by telephone or email  for Mass Bookings, Mass Cards, & General Enquiries Monday to Friday. Email: office@blessington.info Carol: 045 865 327 from 9am to 1pm. Jean: 087 2350835 from 9am to 5pm

St Mary’s Schools and Blessington Parish Lotto Jackpot next week : €4150 –  Congratulation to the weekly winner of €25 on 25th February: Edwina Hardy – Numbers Drawn 5, 15, 26, 30. If you’re not in you can’t win! Text the word Blessington to 51444 or go to www.blessingtonparish.ie Thanks to all for the support!

• NEWSLETTER ADS

CHILDMINDER REQUIRED – Looking for kind, reliable Childminder to look after three children in Manor Kilbride / Brittas area. Preferably in our home but some flexibility can be discussed. Four days per week. Driving essential. Drop-offs to local School / Montessori needed. For more details contact 086 828 3162.

!!!!TIME TO LEARN SPANISH AT YOUR OWN PACE AND CONVENIENCE!!!! After all these years bringing Spanish students to Blessington, I am pleased to offer on-line Spanish classes. Book your free trial class!!!! If interested please contact Paloma on WhatsApp: 0034628114938. Email: kinsdale.paloma@gmail.com Hoping you are all keeping well, Paloma Agudo KINSDALE

POPPY, a 5 year old Bernese / Old English Sheep Dog Cross  is looking for a mate to have puppies with.  She will come in heat towards end of March and would like to meet a Bernese, Retriever or Labrador cross who is interested……  Please call Andy 087 627 8650

For Sale – Samsung Fridge Freezer, Chrome Finish.  3 piece Leather Suite. All in excellent condition. Phone 086 160 9293

Online Maths Grinds available for JUNIOR /LEAVING Cert Students. Contact Chris on clarkechris640@gmail.com

Rods + Cones Opticians Blessington Beside the GARDA station. Formerly Cullinane Opticians. We are open during COVD for all your eyecare needs. FREE Eye Exam + Glasses with PRSI + Medical Card. Large selection of Designer Frames + Sunglasses. Special Offers + Discounts on 2nd Pairs. Varifocal Experts – try them with our 30 Day Guarantee. Wishing all our loyal customers a safe 2021. Call 045-981 056 for an appointment.

Gardening – For Hedge clipping, Beds overhauled, Fruit Tree pruning, Painting etc Phone Mark 085 133 7714

Active Appliance Repairs over 20 years’ experience repairing and servicing all brands of domestic and commercial appliances. For a fast, friendly and efficient service call us today on 086 393 7762 or 086 361 9082. Call out Charge €75  www.activeappliancerepairs.ie

Eagle Cleaning Solutions – Chimney Cleaning, Exterior Power Washing, Window Cleaning, Gutter Cleaning and Repairs. Call for appointment: 087 247 4388. Email: info@eaglecleaningsolutions.com Find us on Facebook

German Autoworks – Service Specialist VW/Audi, Mercedes, Skoda, Seat, Opel. Call 087 286 3997  www.germanautoworks.ie

Noel Nolan – Blessington Heating & Plumbing Service  www.blessingtonheatingandplumbing.ie Call Noel: 087 243 1499 or email nolannoel2@gmail.com

Clarkes Funeral Directors I.A.F.D. Funeral Home & Office, Burgage, Blessington. All areas serviced. Phone: Tony or Regina: 087 273 9048 / 087 659 6426 www.funeraldirectorsblessington.ie

HEADSTONES – McEvoy Monumental Works, Blessington. Headstones, Inscriptions, Renovations. Serving the people of Blessington for over 40 years. Call to our workshop at Millbank Blessington or phone: Mick 045 865 487 or 086 843 8832 or Gary 087 933 3487  www.mcevoymonumentalworks.com

Newsletter Advertising Rates, For just 50c per word per week you can reach a large, local audience. Cut-off for receiving adverts is Wed 10am. You can email the copy to office@blessington.info and pay in the Parish Office, or via the Donate button on our website or by bank transfer. Call the Parish Office: 045 865 327

Mass Intentions next Week

Andrew O’Hanlon (RD) Brittas, Catherine Bermingham (RD) Tallaght

Saturday 6pm: Anna Bergin (Mths Mind) Paddy Hennessy (A) Margaret Hall (A) Vera Byrne (A) Maree McEvoy (A) Jane Miley (Birthday Rem) Thomas Miley (Birthday Rem) Pat Byrne (Birthday Rem)

Sunday 10am: Vera Byrne (A) Maree McEvoy (A) Barry Kavanagh (A) Mary Cruise (A) Jane Miley (Birthday Rem) Thomas Miley (Birthday Rem) Pat Byrne (Birthday Rem)

Sunday 11.30am: Joe Dowling (RD) Mary Callan (RD)

We also remember: Tim Bryan, Toddy & Kathleen Hennessy, Hugh, Alicia & Billy Hamilton, Michael, Betty & Jim McDonnell, Bridie & John Richardson, Peter, Mary, William, & Pat Brady, William & Elizabeth Coyle, Jane Miley (Birthday Rem) Thomas Miley (Birthday Rem) Pat Byrne (Birthday Rem) Christopher and Mary Lambert, Josephine  O’Toole, Ita Gaughran

Monday: Mass offered for all the Blessington List of the Sick

Tuesday: Hugh, Alicia & Billy Hamilton (A) Nancy Mearns (RD)

Wednesday: Anna Bergin (Mths Mind) Birthday Mass, Birthday

Thursday: Mass offered for all on the Blessington Deceased, Mass Card List

Friday: Margaret Lennon (RD) Birthday Mass

All Masses & Services via Webcam www.blessingtonparish.ie

Daily Mass at 9.30am, Monday to Friday please join us in prayer for The Rosary at 9am

Saturday 20th  February: Mass at 6pm

Sunday 21st February Mass at 10am and 11.30am

Children’s Prayers Every Thursday at 11am we have prayers for children from Church of Our Lady Blessington. All children & families are invited to join via webcam www.blessingtonparish.ie .

Stations of the Cross. Join us every Friday during Lent when we will pray the Stations of the Cross at 12 noon via webcam www.blessingtonparish.ie

Evening Prayer Join the parish team on Mon, Wed & Fri for evening prayer via zoom 7:30pm to 8:10pm  www.blessingtonparishes.com (Parish Pastoral Parish Website)

Divine Mercy Conference 2021 – Friday 19^th February from 6pm to 9pm, Saturday 20^th February from 10am to 9pm and Sunday 21^st February 10am to 4.30pm. This years conference is available FREE on www.divinemercyconference.com  www.churchservices.tv via audio www.RadioMaria.ie or Saorview 210 This year’s contributors include: Archbishop Dermot Farrell D.D. Bishop Eamon Walsh Emeritus Sr Briege McKenna, Fr Hayden Williams,  Fr Brendan Walsh, Fr Eunan McDonnell,  Fr Eamonn McCarthy, Fr Columba Jordan, Christy May and Aoife Pedreschi. If you would like to make a donation towards the cost of the conference you may do so via the ‘Donate’ button on the website www.divinemercyconference.com Any further queries to 085 221 6128

Here are Pope Francis’ simple tips to fast this Lent:

1. Fast from hurting words and say kind words.
2. Fast from sadness and be filled with gratitude.
3. Fast from anger and be filled with patience.
4. Fast from pessimism and be filled with hope.
5. Fast from worries and trust in God.
6. Fast from complaints and contemplate simplicity.
7. Fast from pressures and be prayerful.
8. Fast from bitterness and fill you heart with joy.
9. Fast from selfishness and be compassionate to other
10. Fast from grudges and be reconciled.
11. Fast from words and be silent so you can listen.

LENT 2021 “Our Hope Renewed” It is time to renew our hope! For we are a Community of Faith, Hope & Love. This Lent let’s take the opportunity to connect with God and each other. We may be confused by Zoom and Social Media… but God is not… let’s do what we can whilst keeping everyone safe. We are in this together. Full Information on Lenten initiatives throughout the Diocese are available on www.evangelisation.ie  all in the ‘Living Lent’ section……….  Book Club (‘Return to Me with all Your Heart’), Guided Meditation, Scripture, Lenten Talks, Evening Prayer, Whatsup for Lent, (Daily Ponder Point), LOL (Lent-On-Line) Personal Reflections, There is something for everyone to take part in this Lent – for Teens, Young Adults and Families

Let’s Live Lent: Bringing The Gospel To Life. Five Pastoral Conversations on Zoom.  Presented by a team from the Office for Evangelisation and the Diocesan Liturgical Resource Centre. Tuesdays 16^th Feb, 23^rd Feb, 2^nd Mar, 9^th Mar and 16^th Mar 2021 at 8.00 p.m. Full details including booking information shortly.

The Church is open from 10am on Monday to Saturday and after 11.30am Mass on Sundays for quiet prayer or to light a candle. There is a Collection Point at the back of the Church to collect Mass Cards ordered by phone or by email 045 865 327  office@blessington.info

Blessington & District Forum AGM will take place on Monday 8^th March at 7:30pm via zoom.
Anyone wishing to attend must register on info@blessington.ie or   blessingtondistrictforum@gmail.com  to receive a zoom ID.

Lacken National School are now accepting enrolments for Mainstream and Early Intervention classes for September 2021. School bus runs daily from/to Blessington. The school offers afterschool care for Junior and Senior Infants until 2.30pm. Lacken School also has a pre-school facility which is ECCE and NCS approved. Enrolment forms can be downloaded from www.lackenns.com or please contact the school office on 045 865086 or lackenschool@eircom.net

BLESSINGTON LIBRARY are running an ORIGAMI WORKSHOP for Adults at 11am Thursday 4^th March. The workshop will take place on Zoom and the paper will be posted to you in advance. Register at 045 891 740 or blessingtonlib@wicklowcoco.ie

Do you have a small piece of land in or around Blessington? We are a community group looking to start allotments in the area. Please contact us at blessingtonallotments@gmail.com or 0862371290

Fr Kevin’s Homilies are always available on our website: https://blessingtonparish.ie/homilies-year-b/

COVID-19 Support Line for Older People. ALONE manage a national support line and additional supports for older people who have concerns or are facing difficulties relating to COVID-19 Professional staff are available to answer queries and give advice and reassurance where necessary. The support line is open  7 days a week, 8am – 8pm, by calling 0818 222 024. Calls to the ALONE National Support Line cost no more than a local call to a landline. Calls from Vodafone or landline bundles, PAYG bundles, and mobile contracts are free.

Financial Support for our Parish is very important at this time and we are most grateful for your contributions. You can make donations to support all our Churches via the DONATE BUTTON on the Blessington parish website(options available for all our Churches.) All SHRINE MONEY remains in the parish. Donations through the black PDF BOXES in Blessington Church also go towards the running of the parish. We are very grateful for your ongoing support. Support for our Diocese through the1st & 2nd collections may also be made via the DONATE BUTTON on our website, the 1st collection goes to towards the support of the parish. The 2nd collection goes to the Diocese. There are also envelopes available in all Churches for these donations.

Good Dry Kindling for Sale at Blessington Men’s Shed €3 for 1 Bag, €10 for 3 Bags. For collection information phone John Flynn at 087 297 7678. All money raised for upkeep of Shed during these difficult times.”

While the Parish Office is  Closed to the Public. We are available by telephone or email  for Mass Bookings, Mass Cards, & General Enquiries Monday to Friday. Email: office@blessington.info Carol: 045 865 327 from 9am to 1pm. Jean: 087 2350835 from 9am to 5pm

St Mary’s Schools and Blessington Parish Lotto Jackpot next week : €4050 –  Congratulation to the weekly winner of €25 on 12th February: Sarah Shannon – Numbers Drawn 4, 6, 11 27. If you’re not in you can’t win! Text the word Blessington to 51444 or go to www.blessingtonparish.ie Thanks to all for the support!

• NEWSLETTER ADS

Childminder Needed for two kids aged 9 and 10 in Blessington from June to September fulltime but also may need part time afterwards. Would be needed from 7:45am to 4:30pm Monday – Friday I am looking for someone local with childminding experience. Contact Greg on 086 052 2222 if interested

Online Maths Grinds available for JUNIOR /LEAVING Cert Students. Contact Chris on clarkechris640@gmail.com

Rods + Cones Opticians Blessington Beside the GARDA station. Formerly Cullinane Opticians. We are open during COVD for all your eyecare needs. FREE Eye Exam + Glasses with PRSI + Medical Card. Large selection of Designer Frames + Sunglasses. Special Offers + Discounts on 2nd Pairs. Varifocal Experts – try them with our 30 Day Guarantee. Wishing all our loyal customers a safe 2021. Call 045-981 056 for an appointment.

NEED TO TALK? Blessington Counselling & Psychotherapy Offer you  a friendly & confidential service Call Mandy 0851349814  www.BCPcounselling.ie

Furniture For Sale – 2 Corner Display Units, Solid Mahogany and a 3 piece Leather Suite. Both items in excellent condition. Phone 086 160 9293

Looking to upskill, learn a new skill, unsure of what course to do? Here at Blessington Further Education Centre we offer free, confidential career guidance to help you. For more information, please email blessingtonfetc@kwetb.ie or contact Irene on 086 806 1569

Just Got Engaged ? Elegant & Stylish Wedding photography. €1250 for full digital package + free Engagement photo session. Ring Jim on 087 679 9008. Instagram jimschofieldphotography

Career Guidance Service for students and parents with experienced qualified guidance counsellor, individual attention. Phone Gary: 086 857 4262

Gardening – For Hedge clipping, Beds overhauled, Fruit Tree pruning, Painting etc Phone Mark 085 133 7714

GasHome – Boiler Servicing and Repairs – RGI Registered. Phone Stephen 087 9060 894

Blessington Airport Taxi – 087 255 7993 Standard Taxi €77 one way. Large 7-Seater €87 one way. Call Richard on 087 255 7993 Or email: richardmc.keever@yahoo.ie

Paying too much to SKY or UPC? We install & Repair Free to Air and Saorview!! No more bills!! Call Billy: 086 868 0053

Active Appliance Repairs over 20 years’ experience repairing and servicing all brands of domestic and commercial appliances. For a fast, friendly and efficient service call us today on 086 393 7762 or 086 361 9082. Call out Charge €75  www.activeappliancerepairs.ie

Painter & Decorator – Interior & Exterior – Phone: Damian 085 826 0431

Eagle Cleaning Solutions – Chimney Cleaning, Exterior Power Washing, Window Cleaning, Gutter Cleaning and Repairs. Call for appointment: 087 247 4388. Email: info@eaglecleaningsolutions.com Find us on Facebook

German Autoworks – Service Specialist VW/Audi, Mercedes, Skoda, Seat, Opel. Call 087 286 3997  www.germanautoworks.ie

Noel Nolan – Blessington Heating & Plumbing Service  www.blessingtonheatingandplumbing.ie Call Noel: 087 243 1499 or email nolannoel2@gmail.com

Clarkes Funeral Directors I.A.F.D. Funeral Home & Office, Burgage, Blessington. All areas serviced. Phone: Tony or Regina: 087 273 9048 / 087 659 6426 www.funeraldirectorsblessington.ie

HEADSTONES – McEvoy Monumental Works, Blessington. Headstones, Inscriptions, Renovations. Serving the people of Blessington for over 40 years. Call to our workshop at Millbank Blessington or phone: Mick 045 865 487 or 086 843 8832 or Gary 087 933 3487  www.mcevoymonumentalworks.com

Newsletter Advertising Rates, For just 50c per word per week you can reach a large, local audience. Cut-off for receiving adverts is Wed 10am. You can email the copy to office@blessington.info and pay in the Parish Office, or via the Donate button on our website or by bank transfer. Call the Parish Office: 045 865 327