THE MOST HOLY BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST – 6th June 2021. Today is our celebration that Jesus is present always with us, in signs we can recognise but not understand. It is a feast of the mystery of his presence, always close to his people.

Mass Intentions this week

Brendan Clarke (RD) Blessington, John Lipsett (RD) Blessington

 Saturday 6pm: Bill Garry (A) Mick Curran (A) Vera Byrne (Birthday Remembrance) Mary Kavanagh (A)

Sunday 10am: Nora O’Hara (A) Michael Connolly (RD) Colette Kelly (A)

We remember the following: James Cullen, Essie & Paddy Murray, Mairead Hudson, Hudson & Carroll Families, Vin Duffler

Monday: Mass for Blessington List of the Sick

Tuesday: Gerry Hayes (Months Mind) Vera Byrne (Birthday Rem) Kathleen Balfe (A)

Wednesday: John Richardson (Months Mind) Una Broe (RD)

Thursday: Joe Roche (40^th A) 10^th Wedding Anniversary Exam Mass Int, Exam Mass Int

Friday: Martin Burke (A) Martin, Teresa & John O’Hara (Rem)

►Saturday 5^th June: 6pm Mass

►Sunday 6^th June: Mass at 10am

►Daily Mass: 9am Manor Kilbride, 9.30am Blessington – 10am Crosschapel

SATURDAY & SUNDAY MASSES. Due to the continued restrictions on numbers allowed to gather indoors it necessary that people apply for a ticket if they wish to attend 6pm Mass on Saturday or 10am Mass on Sunday in Church of Our Lady, Blessington. Tickets must be collected in the Parish Office between 9.30am & 1pm, Mon to Fri 045 865 327

All Masses & Services are still available via Webcam www.blessingtonparish.ie

A time of grace and reflection – Sacred Heart Novena 2021 continues to Friday 11^th June, Church of Our Lady, Blessington. Join us in prayer every morning at 9.30am Mass as we draw strength and hope from the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Prayer leaflets will be available in the Church porch.

2021 Private Members Draw In aid of Valleymount & Lacken Churches. Winners for May, draw held on the 30^th May. Kathleen O’ Sullivan, Mary Tipper, Peter O’ Sullivan, Peter Clarke, Joan & Sean Farrington.

FAMILIES WALKING TOGETHER IN HOPE – The ‘Walking Together in Hope’ initiative will be launched on 25^th August at St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral. The Archdiocese of Dublin will provide some simple & achievable ideas for families & parishes starting in September. We want to encourage families to take part in various initiatives to support faith lived in the home & celebrated together in our parishes. Our goal is to celebrate moments of hope & joy in family life, with resources suitable for learning, living & leading faith that are complementary to the way family is lived today.

Valleymount Weekly Envelopes for the Support of the Parish June 2021 –May 2022. This year’s boxes of envelopes are now available to collect from Valleymount Church porch. This collection is a vital way to raise funds for the running of the parish and we are most grateful for your continued support with your generous weekly contributions. If you would like to sign up to contribute through the Family Offering Envelopes, please call Jean in the Parish Office in Blessington 045 865 327

MARY’S SCHOOLS PARENTS ASSOCIATION present a VIRTUAL 5K  A fun based event which you can walk, jog or run or even put the little ones on their bikes or scooters! Taking place on the weekend of Friday 18^th to Sunday 20^th June. Registration is now open.  This is a virtual event, which means you can complete the 5km where and when you like, once it is within the designated weekend.  You are invited to register at Justruns Events website www.justrunsevents.com  and when finished, post your results to the results page. There will be spot prizes for a number of categories. To be eligible you need to submit a time for completing the 5km.  Some of the Spot prizes will be photo based, such as Fancy Dress or Family Photo. To be in with a chance of winning enter a time for completing the 5km to the results page & share a photo to our Facebook page. nMore details on this will follow as we get closer to the event. EVERYONE IN THE COMMUNITY IS WELCOME TO JOIN IN!

Blessington Educate Together National School are accepting limited enrolments for our Junior Infants, older Mainstream classes and our Junior ASD class for the next academic year 2021-2022. Enrolment forms are available on our website www.betns.ie   You can also contact us in the office on 045 865 281 or email  office@betns.ie

Gaelscoil na Lochanna (established 15 years) is now accepting enrolments for the new school year. Our children learn to speak Irish quickly and learn everything through Irish. A Brand new school building is on the way. We are launching a New “Aistear” Infant play room in September. Parents do not need Irish to start children in school. gsnl.info, www.gaelscoilnalochanna.com All enquiries to 045 900 525, or 087 938 8651 or via website. Fáilte

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

Blessington Library is open for browsing and borrowing. Opening hours for May:  Monday, Wednesday, Friday 10am to 5pm Tuesday, Thursday 10am to 8.30pm We look forward to seeing you! 045 891 740  blessingtonlib@wicklowcoco.ie

Hennessey’s of Blessington – This year, 2021 Hennessey’s celebrate 100 years of business in Blessington.  To commemorate this special year, we have a museum in our Hardware Store with artifacts and photographs of local people, old family photos, unusual items of interest etc. We will be open on Tuesday evenings from 7pm to 9pm. If you would like to visit our museum, we will allocate a time slot. Please TEXT 087 674 1286 to book a time. Remember to wear a mask. Looking forward to welcoming you all.

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

St Mary’s Schools and Blessington Parish Lotto. Jackpot: €4950 – Congratulations to the recent weekly winner of €25 on 3rd June,  William Roche – Numbers drawn: 5, 13, 15, 19 – 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!

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/

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.

Be a good person, but don’t waste your time trying to prove it…

Mass Intentions this week

Brendan Clarke (RD) Lacken, Noel Kelly (RD) Blessington

Saturday 6pm: Nicholas Dunne (A), Mairead Hudson (A), Laurence Carroll (A)

Sunday 10am: Tom & Molly Hamilton (A), Terence Newe (A)

We remember the following: James Byrne (Baltyboys), John McGuire, Jackie McGuire, James McGuire (Birthday Rem), Teresa McGuire, Paddy Kelly, Annie, James, Ellen & Edward Kelly, Eileen Kelly, Patrick & Elizabeth Kelly, Seamus Murphy, Gabrielle Murphy, Martin & Nora Murphy, James & Lilian Darcy, Thomas & Susan Eustace, Thomas & Ann Eustace

Monday: Mass for Blessington List of the Sick

Tuesday: Lena Elliot (RD), Aoife Bonar (RD), Get Well Intention

Wednesday: Get Well Mass Intentions, Thanksgiving Mass, Special Living Intention

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

Friday: Tom Keating (RD), Mary Kavanagh, Baltyboys, (Birthday Remembrance)

►Saturday 22^nd May: 6pm Mass

►Sunday 23^rd May: Mass at 10am

►Daily Mass: 9am Manor Kilbride, 9.30am Blessington – 10am Crosschapel

SATURDAY & SUNDAY MASSES – Due to the continued restrictions on numbers allowed to gather indoors it necessary that people apply for a ticket if they wish to attend 6pm Mass on Saturday or 10am Mass on Sunday in Church of Our Lady, Blessington. Tickets must be collected in the Parish Office between 9.30am & 1pm. Mon to Fri 045 865 327

All Masses & Services are still available via Webcam www.blessingtonparish.ie

Valleymount Weekly Envelopes for the Support of the Parish June 2021 –May 2022. This year’s boxes of envelopes are now available to collect from Valleymount Church porch. This collection is a vital way to raise funds for the running of the parish and we are most grateful for your continued support with your generous weekly contributions. If you would like to sign up to contribute through the Family Offering Envelopes, please call Jean in the Parish Office in Blessington 045 865 327

A time of grace and reflection – Sacred Heart Novena 2021. Thursday 3^rd June to Friday 11^th June, Church of Our Lady, Blessington. Join us in prayer every morning at 9.30am Mass as we draw strength and hope from the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Prayer leaflets will be available in the Church porch.

TROCAIRE BOXES – If your Trocaire Box is still sitting on the windowsill at home we would be most grateful if you could drop it to the Parish Office as soon as possible.

Blessington Library is open for browsing and borrowing. Opening hours for May:  Monday, Wednesday, Friday 10am to 5pm Tuesday, Thursday 10am to 8.30pm We look forward to seeing you! 045 891 740  blessingtonlib@wicklowcoco.ie

Hennessey’s of Blessington – This year, 2021 Hennessey’s celebrate 100 years of business in Blessington.  To commemorate this special year, we have a museum in our Hardware Store with artifacts and photographs of local people, old family photos, unusual items of interest etc. We will be open on Tuesday evenings from 7pm to 9pm. If you would like to visit our museum, we will allocate a time slot. Please TEXT 087 674 1286 to book a time. Remember to wear a mask. Looking forward to welcoming you all.

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

St Mary’s Schools and Blessington Parish Lotto. Jackpot: €4850 – Congratulations to the recent weekly winner of €25 on May 20th  Karen bolger– Numbers drawn: 1, 2, 4, 8 – 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!

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.

Blessington Educate Together National School are accepting limited enrolments for our Junior Infants, older Mainstream classes and our Junior ASD class for the next academic year 2021-2022. Enrolment forms are available on our website www.betns.ie   You can also contact us in the office on 045 865 281 or email  office@betns.ie

Gaelscoil na Lochanna (established 15 years) is now accepting enrolments for the new school year. Our children learn to speak Irish quickly and learn everything through Irish. A Brand new school building is on the way. We are launching a New “Aistear” Infant play room in September. Parents do not need Irish to start children in school. gsnl.info, www.gaelscoilnalochanna.com All enquiries to 045 900 525, or 087 938 8651 or via website. Fáilte

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

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.

The West Wicklow Chamber Music Festival from 20^th May to 14^th June. This year the festival is online with performances coming from all over Europe! All of the concerts are free online but we are asking for donations to support the charity, please book your free tickets at www.westwicklowfestival.com Full Programme of Performances:  https://www.westwicklowfestival.com/programme

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/

Association of Catholics in Ireland (ACI) In preparation for Ireland’s five-year Synodal Pathway for the Catholic Church in Ireland leading to a National Synodal Assembly, the ACI is arranging a series of online discussions, led by personalities who are already thoughtful about ‘walking together’ towards a co-responsible church. The first of these will take place on Thursday 20^th May at 8pm.(via zoom) Speaker: David Timbs, Catholics for Renewal Australia. Registration not necessary. Meeting ID: 858 7277 9921 Passcode: 916970  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85872779921?pwd=RjQvVEtjUjM1MEdnMDgxU0VSRzVLQT09 

St Vincent de Paul Blessington, local number 087 181 1579

• NEWSLETTER ADS

Job Opportunities at VENTAC Blessington. Ventac Design, Manufacture and Supply. Acoustic Solutions for Commercial and Industrial Vehicle OEM’s. We have the following vacancies for Production Personnel at our Head Offices in Fitzwilliam House, Blessington, Co. Wicklow, W91 V972 – General Operatives – Sewing Machinists (training will be provided) Please email your CV and cover letter to hr@ventac.com

Calling All Local Food Producers and Artists. New Food and Craft Market starting Saturday 12^th June @Brew21. Please contact Anthony 086 238 0608 for further details.

Castle Canine Cuts – Dog Grooming Service, 1-to-1 grooming for small to large breeds, open Monday to Saturday by appointment only, find us on Facebook or call Gillian 087 764 1911

Painter & Decorator, Interior & Exterior. Ph: Damien 085 826 0431

Looking forward to the long summer days? Remember Jones Power Tools for Sales and Services for all your garden machines. Talk to our friendly and knowledgeable staff. Always happy to help. Contact:-  info@jonespowertools.ie Phone : – 059 64 81033

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

4 Large Bedrooms With Ensuite to rent short or long term kitchen living room wash room dryer. Good parking over looking blessington lake’s. Rooms 450 per month. Contact 0892765072

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 045-891 056 for an appointment.

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

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

New Courses at the Further Education and Training Centre Blessington. We are now recruiting for courses starting in September 2021. If you are interested in up-skilling or learning something new we have the course for you! New ** Back to work course ** – 3 days a week – must be over the age of 21 and in receipt of a social welfare payment for at least 6 months. Part time courses in the following:

• Childcare Level 5 and 6 (2 evenings a week)
• Healthcare Level 5 (2 evenings a week)
• E Business Level 5 (2 mornings a week)
• Business with Tourism Level 5 (2 mornings a week)
• Office Skills Level 4 (2 mornings a week)
• Horticulture (2 mornings a week)

For more information on any of the above please contact us blessingtonfetc@kwetb.ie or 086 806 1569 or 086 850 3833. Looking forward to welcoming you all in September 2021

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 this week

Stephen Broe (RD) Blessington, Agnes Reilly (nee Gaffey) (RD) Hollywood, Peter McDonald (RD) Baldoyle

 Saturday 6pm: Sean Flanagan (1^st A), Ita Jalili (A)

Sunday 10am: Mary Ann McDonald (Lacken) (A), Pat Duffy (A), Thomas Miley (2^nd A) Fr Tony Farrell (1st A)

Sunday 11.30am: Sadie Phelan (RD) Ferdia O’Halloran (RD)

We remember the following: Jack Boothman (5^th A), Catherine Doran, Colin Meyler, Kathleen Quigley, Gerard Jordan, Jacinta Sweeney, Teresa Kavanagh, Mary Jordan

Monday: Mass for Blessington List of the Sick

Tuesday: Jack Boothman (5^th A) Maureen Harty (RD) Edward O’Connell (RD)

Wednesday: Robert Hennessy (10^th A), Paddy McManus (RD)

Thursday: Birthday Mass Intentions, Get Well Intentions

Friday: Thanksgiving Mass, Barry O’Donnell (Rem)

All Masses & Services via Webcam www.blessingtonparish.ie

►Saturday 8^th May: 6pm Mass

►Sunday 9^th May: Mass at 10am & 11.30am

As our Churches re-open for public worship, we welcome everyone back to daily Mass on Monday 10^th May

►Manor Kilbride 9.00am

►Blessington 9.30am

►Crosschapel 10.00am

Weekend Masses re-open to the public on Saturday 15th & Sunday 16th at the usual times in all our Churches.

SATURDAY & SUNDAY MASSES – Due to the continued restrictions on numbers allowed to gather indoors it necessary that people apply for a ticket if they wish to attend 6pm Mass on Saturday or 10am Mass on Sunday in Church of Our Lady, Blessington. Tickets must be collected in the Parish Office between 9.30am & 1pm Mon to Fri 045 865 327

BLESSINGTON PARISH OFFICE will re-open to the public on Monday 10^th May from 9am to 1pm

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

Hennessey’s of Blessington – This year, 2021 Hennessey’s celebrate 100 years of business in Blessington.  To commemorate this special year, we have a museum in our Hardware Store with artifacts and photographs of local people, old family photos, unusual items of interest etc. We will be open on Tuesday evenings from 7pm to 9pm. If you would like to visit our museum, we will allocate a time slot. Please TEXT 087 674 1286 to book a time. Remember to wear a mask. Looking forward to welcoming you all.

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

St Mary’s Schools and Blessington Parish Lotto. Jackpot: €4725 – Congratulations to the recent weekly winner of €25 on May 6th  Garvan McCabe – Numbers drawn: 8, 9, 12, 22 – 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!

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.

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.

Gaelscoil na Lochanna (established 15 years) is now accepting enrolments for the new school year. Our children learn to speak Irish quickly and learn everything through Irish. A Brand new school building is on the way. We are launching a New “Aistear” Infant play room in September. Parents do not need Irish to start children in school. gsnl.info, www.gaelscoilnalochanna.com All enquiries to 045 900 525, or 087 938 8651 or via website. Fáilte

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

RUGBY IS BACK – Mini-rugby for U5 (2016) and U6 (2015) boys and girls at St Kevin’s Community Centre @ 11:15am each Saturday. Rugby at Russborough – Mini-rugby for U7 to U13 boys and girls at Russborough at 11:30 each Saturday. New members welcome.

The West Wicklow Chamber Music Festival from 20^th May to 14^th June. This year the festival is online with performances coming from all over Europe! All of the concerts are free online but we are asking for donations to support the charity, please book your free tickets at www.westwicklowfestival.com

Thursday 20^th May 2021    Rachel Kelly (mezzo-soprano) and Fiachra Garvey (piano)

Monday 24^th May 2021      Rosanne Philippens (violin) and Julien Quentin (piano)

Thursday 27^th May 2021    Sean Shibe (guitar)

Monday 31^st May 2021      Rising Star’s concert Phoebe White (violin) & Peter Regan (piano)

Thursday 3^rd June 2021     Quatuor Van Kuijk

Monday 7^th June 2021       Jamal Aliyev (cello) and Sam Armstrong (piano)

Thursday 10^th June 2021   Sitkovetsky Trio

Monday 14^th June 2021      Rachel Kelly (mezzo-soprano) and Fiachra Garvey (piano)

Full Programme of Performances: https://www.westwicklowfestival.com/programme

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”

New Courses at the Further Education and Training Centre Blessington

We are now recruiting for courses starting in September 2021. If you are interested in up-skilling or learning something new we have the course for you! New ** Back to work course ** – 3 days a week – must be over the age of 21 and in receipt of a social welfare payment for at least 6 months. Part time courses in the following:

• Childcare Level 5 and 6 (2 evenings a week)
• Healthcare Level 5 (2 evenings a week)
• E Business Level 5 (2 mornings a week)
• Business with Tourism Level 5 (2 mornings a week)
• Office Skills Level 4 (2 mornings a week)
• Horticulture (2 mornings a week)

For more information on any of the above please contact us blessingtonfetc@kwetb.ie or 086 806 1569 or 086 850 3833. Looking forward to welcoming you all in September 2021

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

• NEWSLETTER ADS

4 Large Bedrooms With Ensuite to rent short or long term kitchen living room wash room dryer. Good parking over looking blessington lake’s. Rooms 450 per month. Contact 0892765072

Satchidananda Art Sangha- ‘One On One’ Art Classes For Alzheimer And Dementia Patients. Handmade Picture Frames. Phone: 0872540705

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 045-891 056 for an appointment.

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

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

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

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

 

 

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

• NEWSLETTER ADS

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!!!

• NEWSLETTER ADS

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