Follow Deacon Gerry’s Blog of prayerful resources & reflections: www.lenten.info

Sat & Sun 4^th & 5^th April 2020

►This weekend, please join us Mass at 6pm on Saturday & 10am on Sunday via webcam on www.blessingtonparish.ie

►For help finding the webcam online service please call Carol: 045 865 327 from 9am to 1pm or Jean: 087 235 0835 from 9am to 5pm (Monday to Friday only)

Daily Mass via Webcam

at 9.30am Monday to Wednesday this week please join us in prayer: www.blessingtonparish.ie

Mass Intentions this Week

Saturday 6pm: Peggy Luttrell (A) Martin Tansey (RD)

Sunday 10am: Christy Merriman (RD) Patrick Talty (RD)

We also Remember the following:

Myles Wilson (A) (Valleymount) Ted & Sheila Balfe (A)

Monday: Mass for those on list for Sick

Tuesday: Una Duignan (A) Peter Doyle (RD) Madge Boland (RD)

Wednesday: Living Intentions, Living Intentions

►Holy Week Webcam Services

Holy Thursday 7.00pm – Mass of The Lord’s Supper followed by Watch & Pray for 30 mins

Good Friday 12 noon – Stations of the Cross.

Good Friday 3.00pm – Passion Ceremony.

Easter Vigil  8pm

Easter Sunday 10am

All Services available on parish website: www.blessingtonparish.ie

►St Mary’ Schools & Blessington Parish Last week’s numbers: 3, 7, 9, 19 Jackpot not won. Congratulations to the weekly prize winner of €25 – Jacqueline Mooney. Info: Parish Office 045 865 327. The lotto draw is still taking place every Thursday at 8pm. This week’s Jackpot €1375

►RTE Broadcast of Holy Week Liturgies

Palm Sunday: 11am RTE 1 (Fr. M Mullaney)

Holy Thursday  4.40pm RTE 1 (Fr. Ray Kelly)

Good Friday  3pm RTE 1 (Fr. Derek Darby)

Holy Saturday 10pm RTE 2 (Bishop Deenihan)

Easter Sunday  10am RTE1 (Eurovision Mass)

Pope Francis Easter message  11am RTE1

The Parish Office is Closed to the Public.

We are available by telephone or email for Mass Bookings & General Enquiries

Monday to Friday only

Email: office@blessington.info

Carol: 045 865 327 from 9am to 1pm

Jean: 087 2350835 from 9am to 5pm

The annual Diocesan Knock Pilgrimage  will be postponed until further notice.  At the heart of this difficult decision is the welfare of our pilgrims. Instead we are inviting people to make a virtual pilgrimage to Knock on Saturday 25th April by joining in the Masses broadcast from Knock and visit the Apparition Chapel all online at: https://www.knockshrine.ie/watch-live/

Blessington Lakes Garden Centre are closed and hope to reopen on the 12th April or at least resume deliveries & taking phone orders. Stay well 045 865 403

Live Online Creative Writing courses available at https://www.cabin-fever.ie Classes held weekly using video sharing. Fun interactive and educational. Students will be able to submit their work and have it reviewed. Also an online Creative Writing competition see https://www.cabin-fever.ie for more details.

Blessington Library is now providing access to Touch-Type Read & Spell (TTRS), a multi-sensory, structured online course particularly useful for those with dyslexia, DCD/dyspraxia, ASD and ADHD.  It assists those who experience spelling, reading or writing difficulties & also develops their typing skills.  It is suitable for all age groups, learning at their own pace, at home.  To get started contact Blessington Library on (045) 891 740 for your unique log in and password.

West Wicklow Cancer Support are suspending services until further notice. The health & safety of our service users & volunteers is paramount, we may be closed but we are still here to help you. Contact us on 087 4346004 / westwicklow15@gmail.com with any enquiries.

ALONE has launched a national support line & for older people who have concerns or are facing difficulties relating to the outbreak of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Professional staff will be available to answer queries & give advice & reassurance. Lines open Mon to Fri, 8am to 8pm, 0818 222 024

St Vincent de Paul local no: 087 181 1579

Support Services for Older and Vulnerable People

COVID-19 community supports are now in place to ensure vulnerable members of the community are reached and helped at this time.
These comprise the local authority, Health Service Executive, County Champions, An Post, Community Welfare Service, An Garda Síochána, other State organisations, charities and other stakeholders.
These Dedicated helplines are focused specifically on ensuring that the cocooning elderly, vulnerable members of the community or those living alone can access deliveries of groceries, medicine and fuels.
Please try to ensure any vulnerable or elderly people in your parish help are aware of these services.

Dublin City Council
Helpline 01-2228555
Email – covidsupport@dublincity.ie

Fingal County Council
Helpline 01-8905000 with the lines open from 9am to 5pm seven days a week.
E mail – covidsupport@fingal.ie.

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown
Helpline 01 271 3199. Opens 9am every day.
E mail covidsupport@dlrcoco.ie

South Dublin County Council
Helpline 01-4149043 with the lines initially open from 9am to 5pm seven days a week.
Out of hours email contact through covidsupport@sdublincoco.ie

Wicklow County Council
Helpline FREE contact number 1800868399 with the lines open from 8am to 8pm seven days a week.
E-mail covidsupport@wicklowcoco.ie.

Other Support Services

ALONE national support line for older people who have concerns or are facing difficulties relating to the outbreak of COVID-19 (Coronavirus). Professional staff are available to answer queries and give advice and reassurance where necessary.
The support line is open Monday to Friday, 8am-8pm, by calling 0818 222 024.

SeniorLine is a national, confidential listening service for older people, run by trained older volunteers.
If you are feeling worried, stressed or isolated at this very unnerving time, please feel free to ring this FREEPHONE service anytime between 10am and 10pm on any day of the week on 1800 80 45 91.

Age Action and the Irish Red Cross have raised funds to provide additional assistance to older and vulnerable people around Ireland who are experiencing hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic by making once-off grants, up to a maximum of €500, per person/household affected. Email: hardship2020@redcross.ie Phone: Irish Red Cross at 01 6424600 or Tel: (01) 475 6989 Lo Call: 1890 369369

Women’s Aid  24hr National Freephone Helpline offers confidential information, support and understanding to women who are being abused by current or former boyfriends, partners or husbands. Tel: 1800 341 900 Tel: +353 1 678 8858  Email: info@womensaid.ie

Men’s Aid Ireland formerly known as Amen, is the only dedicated national service supporting men and their families experiencing Domestic Violence in Ireland.  Tel: 01-5543811 Tel: 01-5394277 E-mail: hello@mensaid.ie

ISPCC Dublin  The Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (ISPCC) is Ireland’s national child protection charity.
Call: 01 676 7960 Email: ispcc@ispcc.ie

The Samaritans Available round the clock, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you need a response immediately, it’s best to call on the phone. This number is FREE to call. Tel: 116 123 Email: samaritans.org

Pieta House provides free therapy to those engaging in self-harm, with suicidal ideation, or bereaved by suicide. Freephone and no referral needed. Tel: 1800 247 247

Jigsaw Offering younger people going through a hard time, or for those worried about a young person in your life. www.jigsaw.ie
https://www.jigsaw.ie/news-and-events/post/covid-19-what-were-doing

 

 

Sat & Sun 21^st/22^nd March 2020

►Please join us for Daily Mass at 9.30am, at 6pm on Saturday & 10am on Sunday via webcam on www.blessingtonparish.ie

►During these extraordinary times, when we may not be able to gather for prayer together, we can still offer our prayers in solidarity with one another, especially the most vulnerable among us. May the care & compassion of the Christian community reach out to all in the coming days & weeks through our prayer & acts of Christian charity.

►For help finding the webcam online service please call Carol: 045 865 327 from 9am to 1pm or Jean: 087 235 0835 from 9am to 5pm (Monday to Friday only)

Monday 23^rd March 2020

►Holy Hour in Crosschapel every Monday after 10am Mass (ex-Bank Holidays)

Tuesday 24^th March 2020

►The Citizens Information Centre is closed to the public; however, they are available to answer your queries by telephone from 9am to 8pm Monday to Friday: 076 107 4000

Wednesday 25^th March 2020

►The Citizens Information Centre is closed to the public; however, they are available by telephone to answer your queries from 9am to 8pm Monday to Friday: 076 107 4000

►The Rosary will be offered at 7.30pm for the intentions of our families in Blessington Church

Thursday 26^th March 2020

►St Mary’ Schools & Blessington Parish Last week’s numbers: 37, 9 16, 20 Jackpot not won. Congratulations to the weekly prize winner of €25 – David Nolan. Info: Parish Office 045 865 327. The lotto draw is still taking place every Thursday at 8pm. This week’s Jackpot €1325

►Deacon Gerry will lead a Holy Hour of Prayer and Benediction via Webcam from 7pm to 8pm from Church of Our Lady Blessington. Log in for an hour of prayer, music and reflection. Please help your parents & grandparents to access all the webcam services from our Church.

St Vincent de Paul local no: 087 181 1579

BYT BLESSINGTON YOUTH THEATRE – THE MAGIC OF MUSICALS – POSTPONED DUE TO CORONA VIRUS We are sorry to have to postpone our show after all the hard work of our members these past few months but the show WILL  go on at a later date to be advised so please watch this space!!    If you have any queries with regard to ticket refunds please contact BYT at 087 465 0835, thanks to all for your cooperation and understanding in this regard.

4^th West Wicklow Festival – 20^th to 24^th May

Building on the success of previous festivals, the 2020 West Wicklow Festival boasts an incredible line-up of musicians from all over the world, with concerts being held at Russborough House &

St. Mary’s Church, Blessington. Having doubled in size since 2017, the Festival has once again expanded its programme and this year will feature 15 incredible artists over 5 days.

The 2020 programme features performances from the captivating Polish mezzo-soprano Hanna Hipp, internationally acclaimed American violinist Tai Murray with German pianist Silke Avenhaus, renowned French string quartet Quatuor Arod, prominent Swiss based ensemble Trio Gaspard, principal flute of the London Symphony Orchestra Adam Walker and the Festival’s Founder & Artistic Director, celebrated Irish pianist Fiachra Garvey. The festival will also feature rising Irish stars Phoebe White (violin) and Peter Regan (piano).

This year’s programme marks two very important events: the 250th Anniversary of the birth of Beethoven and the 80th anniversary of the sinking of the Blessington Lakes.

Book tickets online at westwicklowfestival.com

In light of recent government guidelines, West Wicklow Cancer Support are suspending our services until further notice. The health and safety of our service users and volunteers is paramount, we may be closed but we are still here to help you. Contact us on 087 4346004 / westwicklow15@gmail.com with any enquiries.  To the wider community, health workers and those in the service industry stay safe and thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Bethany Bereavement Support Group would like to advise people there will be no meetings in the Coimín Centre until further notice. If you need to speak to a member please ring 087 632 1631 or visit www.bethany.ie

ALONE COVID-19 Helpline ALONE has launched a national support line & additional supports for older people who have concerns or are facing difficulties relating to the outbreak of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) in Ireland. Professional staff will be available to answer queries & give advice and reassurance where necessary. The support line will be open Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm, by calling 0818 222 024, hours may be extended to meet the demand

Use what talents you possess – the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there, except those that sang best.

A Prayer for our Priests as they exercise their ministry during this time of the Coronavirus COVID-19

Eternal God,
Be with our priests this day as they seek
to minister to your people.
May you be a guiding and protective presence with them
as they bring the consolation and hope of Your word
and the grace and nourishment of Eucharist
to those entrusted into their care.

Grant them the strength of mind and body,
keep them safe to do your will,
And give them the courage and peace
to face each day with trust and confidence in You.
Into your hands O God, we commend them;
fill them with your grace and healing.

Amen.

 

Memorare      
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary,
that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection,
implored your help, or sought your intercession was left unaided.
Inspired with this confidence,
I fly to you, O Virgin of virgins,

my Mother.
To you I come, before you I stand,

sinful and sorrowful.
O Mother of the Word Incarnate,
despise not my petitions, but in your mercy, hear and answer.  Amen.

A Prayer for Healthcare Workers during this time of the Coronavirus COVID-19

Loving God,
we place into your care
all our doctors, nurses and healthcare workers.
Give them courage of heart
and strength of mind and body.
Keep them safe from harm.
May they know our deep gratitude
for all they are doing
to heal and help those affected by
the coronavirus.

God of all consolation
may they know your protection and peace.
Bless them in these challenging days
and bless their families.
Amen.

 

ACT OF SPIRITUAL COMMUNION

My Jesus, I believe that You

are present in the Most Holy Sacrament.

I love You above all things,

and I desire to receive You into my soul.

Since I cannot at this moment

receive You sacramentally,

come at least spiritually into my heart.

I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You.

Amen.

 

 

 

Saturday 7^th March 2020

►GAELSCOIL NA LOCHANNA open day & family day Lá Oscailte agus Lá Clainne. from 11-2pm.  Seachtain na Gaeilge. Ta Fáilte roimh chách.

► Children’s Church for children aged 5 to 9 years at 6pm Mass Blessington Church

Sunday 8^th March 2020

►Car Boot Sale (Des Redmond Charities) in St. Kevin’s, 7am to 4pm. €10 per table, Car Park, Tea & Coffee. Pat Conlan 086 075 2072

►1^st Communion Preparation Mass at 11.15am in Valleymount Church

Monday 9^th March 2020

►Holy Hour in Crosschapel every Monday after 10am Mass (ex-Bank Holidays)

►Blessington & District Forum meet at 8pm in St Mary’s Junior School. All Welcome

►Neighbourhood Collection Envelopes for March are due. Envelopes may be left into the Parish Office or in collection bags at Mass.

Tuesday 10^th March 2020

►Blessington U3A “Tomorrows World & Beyond” by Vahe Sasunts 10:30am in The Education Centre. €5 non-members

►Citizens Information Centre in Blessington Library from 1pm to 4pm. Legal advice service on 1st & 3rd Tues of month by appointment

►Blessington & District Active Retired meeting at 2.30pm in the Coimín Centre.

►Eucharistic Adoration from 7.30pm to 8.30pm in Blessington Church.

Wednesday 11^th March 2020

►The Citizens Information Centre is open in Blessington Library today 10am to 12.30pm.

►The Rosary will be offered at 7.30pm for the intentions of our families in Blessington Church

►Prayers to the Holy Face of Jesus in Crying Room Blessington Church 11am

►Bethany Bereavement Support group available for caring confidential support from 8pm to 9pm no appointment necessary

Thursday 12^th March 2020

►Taize Evenings of Prayer every Thurs for Lent at 8pm in Blessington Church.

►St Mary’ Schools & Blessington Parish Lotto Draw at 8pm. Last week’s numbers: 13, 15, 16, 27 Jackpot not won. Congratulations to the weekly prize winner of €25 – Tina McNamara. Info: Parish Office 045 865 327

►Coimín Centre Management at 7pm

►Blessington Pastoral Council at 8pm

Mass Intentions this Week

Alice Fowler (RD)

Saturday 6pm: Marie Dawson (A) Rose Black (RD)

Sunday 10am: Seamus Byrne (A) Margaret Byrne (A)

We also Remember the following:

Pat Cassidy (A) Mary Nolan (A) James & Kathleen Rawson (A) Eddie O’Toole (A) Margaret & John Morrissey (A)

Monday: Mass for those on list for Sick

Tuesday: Birthday Mass, Intentions,

Wednesday: Matt Lenon (RD) Kathleen Dillon (RD)

Thursday: Paddy Browne (A) Mike O’Reilly (RD)

Friday: Gerry Quinn (RD) Breda Butterfield (RD)

Visitation of the Sick: If there are any parishioners ill, at home or in hospital who would like a visit from a priest, please contact the Parish Office to let us know and to make arrangements 045 865 327

Sunglasses found on the Greenway, near Russborough on 7^th Feb. Please contact Parish Office 045 865237

Irish Blood Transfusion Service Clinic in Blessington Community College on Wednesday 18^th March from 5pm – 8.30pm. Your donation is always need and appreciated.

Help Promote Blessington Tourism. With the tourist season fast approaching, we are looking to enhance out tourist experience and to showcase Blessington at its finest. We believe we have identified all the big local attractions, which we have been promoting to all our visitors.  However, if there is something new or something that we may have overlooked or is not your usual tourist attraction, which you feel that tourists would be interested in, please call into our tourist office anytime or drop us an email on blessingtontouristoffice@gmail.com

Many thanks to the parents who organised the coffee morning in aid of the Green Wall which raised €186. This project set up by Eco Congregation Ireland aims to plant trees across the Sahara Desert in Africa in an effort to reduce the expansion of the desert through climate change. Already the planting of trees has improved the quality of soil and the lives of the people in this region. Your support for this project is much appreciated.

Blessington Youth Theatre – BYT – presents, “The Magic of Musicals” on Fri 20^th & Sat 21^st March at 7.30 in The Tramway Theatre, Blessington. Tickets €10 from The Office Shop & Hennessy’s Next Door. The show will feature excerpts from well-loved shows such as Annie, High School Musical, Mama Mia & Legally Blonde – Suitable for all the family.  Please support the talented members of BYT, only 2 shows, so get your tickets early!!

CELTIC BROTHERS Starring: The Willoughby’s with Special Guest  Lorraine Willoughby

Church of Our Lady, Blessington on Monday 13^th April

Tickets €25 Available from Blessington Parish Office Or Online www.celticbrothers.ie

Doors Open 7pm – Show Starts 8pm ***Parish Fundraiser***

West Wicklow Cancer Support – Weekly Meditation with essential oils hosted by Gemma Deeney of Yogagym on Wednesdays at 11.30am Primary Care Centre Blessington.  If your life has been touched by cancer in any way come & join us. No charge, all welcome. Facebook or westwicklow15@gmail.com

Blessington AFC are looking for young footballers & goalkeepers born in 2008 to join their Under 12 teams; if interested, please contact enquiries@blessingtonfc.com

Blessington Community Walking Group. Walks from the Coimín Centre on Mon (ex-bank hols) & Thurs at 7pm. All levels catered for & welcome. Find us on Facebook

TRY IT OUT, Blessington Mini-Rugby for Tots is looking for new members to play fun & games every Sat @ 10:15am at St Kevin’s Hall, Main St, Blessington (opposite Vincent’s Charity Shop). Ages 3-5 years

Hollywood Friendship Club every Wed from 2.15pm to 4.15pm in the Hollywood Centre. New members welcome

Adult Fencing Classes on Tuesdays from 8pm in St Kevin’s Hall. Fencing is a fun sport & all ages & levels of fitness can enjoy. No special equipment required only comfortable clothes & trainers. All are welcome to pop along & give it a go with no obligation. Call 087 676 4183 if you need any additional information

Age Action Ireland. We run computer classes for people over the age of 55.  The classes are one to one – you are placed with your own volunteer tutor who will help to teach you the basic internet such as sending emails, booking tickets or flights, shopping online, Skype, Google etc.   Tel: 01 475 6989 Email: gettingstarted@ageaction.ie www.ageaction.ie or www.facebook.com/AgeActionIreland

Anam Cara South Dublin the organisation that supports bereaved parents, are holding a Parent Support Event on 9^th March at 7:20pm in the Maldron Hotel, Whitestown way, Tallaght. This event is free & open to all bereaved parents regardless of the age your child died, the circumstances of their death, or whether their death was recent or not.

The Garda Band & Kilcullen Gospel Choir in St. Brigid’s Church, Kill on Thursday 19^th MarchTickets €10 & Raffle on the night. Tickets available by contacting: John 087 0601665, Margaret 087 2027550, Mary 086 7281811, Celine 087 7836276, Marion 086 3501877, Margaret 087 6993091

Interested in a social cycle in the Blessington area?  Led by an experienced volunteer, Cycling Ireland/Axa Community Bike Rides are gentle, social bike rides for adults, usually followed by coffee & chat.  New series for beginners added for Wednesdays at 10:30am. Join for FREE at www.AxaCommunityBikeRides.com

Join us for Blessington Bingo every Wednesday in the Avon at 8.15 pm. Great prizes, weekly Jackpot & bonus prizes if you check on Lucky Number, Raffle etc. Shuttle Bus available €2 return. €10 for book and flyers. Contact Catherine 087 122 4019 or Jess 086 860 2822

Manor Kilbride Drama Society’s production of Sam Cree’s hilarious comedy “Cupid Wore Skirts” will be in Kilbride hall on Friday 20th, Saturday 21st and Saturday 28th March. Tickets €10 each, available from High Definition Gym, Karma Hair Salon and Crauls’ Shop. Tickets can also be booked on 0863417106 and picked up at the door on the night of each performance. Please come along to support a local community drama group and you’ll be guaranteed a great laugh!!!

Storytime in Blessington Library – Every Wed at 3pm

Cruthú Art Group is pleased to host ‘Revealing Wicklow’ a multi-media response to the ancient Wicklow landscape by Erika Tyner. Come visit at Cruthú Art Gallery, Russborough Courtyard.  Open on March 16^th / 17^th & weekends 21^st / 22^nd  &  28^th / 29^th March from 11am.

G4M&O (Gaelic 4 Mother’s & Others) returns Tuesday 10^th March from 7.30pm to 8.30pm at Blessington GAA pitch! Want a fun way to get fit & possibly learn some new skills? Then join us for fun, fitness and football!!

Happy Faces Play School Blessington Education Centre is a fun, stimulating & welcoming environment with a curriculum focusing on the best care & education for your child. Our staff are highly trained in up to date childcare & Montessori methods of learning and development. Places available, full & part time. Enrolling now for Sept 2020.

LOOKING FOR A GREAT NIGHT OUT? Blessington Bowls meet every Thurs at 7.30pm in St. Kevin’s Hall, Blessington. guests welcome, come along & bring a friend.

St Brigid’s N.S. Manor Kilbride are accepting enrolments for all pupils wishing to start in September.  Please contact the school office on 01-4582550 for an enrolment form.

Lacken NS are currently accepting enrolments for September 2020. Enrolment forms are available on www.lackenns.com or from the school, call 045 865 086 and we will post one out to you. Lacken NS also runs a pre-school & an after-school service.

St. Joseph’s National School (Valleymount) are now accepting enrolment forms for September 2020. Forms available from the school office, please call in or phone 045 867289. Places are filling up fast. Closing date for applications April 30th.

In a World where you can be anything……. be Kind

St Vincent de Paul local no: 087 181 1579

This weekend at our Masses we will hear from some TY Students who are preparing to travel to Bucharest  to help with the “Street Children” Programme

Monday 24^th February 2020

►Holy Hour in Crosschapel every Monday after 10am Mass (ex-Bank Holidays)

Tuesday 25^th February 2020

►Citizens Information Centre in Blessington Library from 1pm to 4pm. Legal advice service on 1st & 3rd Tues of month by appointment

►Blessington & District Active Retired meeting at 2.30pm in the Coimín Centre Blessington, new members welcome.

►Eucharistic Adoration from 7.30pm to 8.30pm in Blessington Church.

Wednesday 26^th February 2020

►Ash Wednesday Mass in Blessington with distribution of ashes 9.30am & 8pm

►Service of Ashes will take place in Valleymount at 10.30am & Lacken at 12 noon

►The Citizens Information Centre is open in Blessington Library today 10am to 12.30pm.

►The Rosary will be offered at 7.30pm for the intentions of our families in Blessington Church

►Prayers to the Holy Face of Jesus in Crying Room Blessington Church 11am

►Christian Meditation Group meet in the Mass Centre in Brittas from 11am. All welcome

Thursday 27^th February 2020

► West Wicklow Cancer Support – Monthly Drop-in. An evening of meditation, stillness & mindfulness hosted by artist & therapist Margot Ussher at 7.30pm in the Coimin Centre Blessington. No charge, all welcome. Contact 087 434 6004 / westwicklow15@gmail.com

►Taize Evenings of Prayer every Thurs for Lent at 8pm in Blessington Church.

►St Mary’ Schools & Blessington Parish Lotto Draw at 8pm. Last week’s numbers: 4, 9, 10, 13. Jackpot not won. Congratulations to the 1^st weekly prize winner of €25 – Andreea Patrici. See notice boards & leaflets for how to join or call Parish Office 045 865 327.

Mass Intentions this Week

Matthew Lennon (RD) Stephen Hand (RD) Sean Mangan (RD)

Saturday 6pm: Peter Fennell (Mths Mind) Vera Byrne (1^st A) Paddy Byrne, Jane Miley & Thomas Miley (Birthday Rem)

Sunday 10am: Trevor Kinsella (A) Toddy & Kathleen Hennessy (A)

We also Remember the following:

Hugh Finnegan (A) Josephine O’Toole (A) Maura & Tom McNally (A) Alan Fleming (A) Hugh, Alicia & Billy Hamilton (A)

Monday: Mass for those on list for Sick

Tuesday: Hugh, Alicia & Billy Hamilton (A) Brendan Mealy (RD)

Wednesday: Ann Marie Walsh (1^st A) Teresa Devine (RD)

Thursday: Birthday Rem, Birthday Rem

Friday: Blessington Deceased Mass Card list

The Family of the late Bunny McDonald (Margaret Hyland) would like to thank everyone most sincerely for their kindness, sympathy & support on the passing of our mother. Thank you to relatives, neighbours & friends who attended the wake at the house, to all who attended Bunny’s funeral Mass, who sent flowers & Mass cards & who spoke most highly of Bunny. it was such a great comfort to us all. Heartfelt thanks to Fr. Paraic for his visits & kind words. To Tony & Regina Clarke for their caring professionalism & thanks to Lorraine & Richie Willoughby & Una McLoughlin for the beautiful singing & music. Mass will be offered for your intentions. May she rest in peace.

Blessington Parish are hosting the Climate Justice Candle for the month of Feb. following Sr Catherine Brennan of Eco Congregation Ireland’s talk last weekend at our Masses, there will be a Coffee Morning on 1st March after 10am Mass with all donations going towards the “Green Wall”, Planting trees across Africa at the bottom of Sahara desert www.ecocongregationireland.com

1st Communion Preparation Mass next weekend at 10am in Blessington Church

Lacken Church will host the Climate Justice candle on Sat Feb 29th at 7.30 Mass.

Visitation of the Sick: If there are any parishioners ill, at home or in hospital who would like a visit from a priest, please contact the Parish Office to let us know and to make arrangements 045 865 327

Women’s World Day of Prayer on 6^th March at 11am in Church of Our Lady, Blessington

Blessington Scouts are holding a Church Gate collection next weekend, 29^th Feb & 1st March. Many thanks for all your support.

The Divine Mercy Conference 2020 takes place in the Main Hall, RDS Ballsbridge

Friday 21st February, Saturday 22nd & Sunday 23rd February.

THEME: “Deliver us from Evil” (Mt 6:13)

Sat: 10am to 9pm Rosary, Holy Hour & Mass,

Sun: 10am to 5pm again concluding with Mass

DIVINE MERCY IN DEED, WORD & PRAYER.

Info: Margaret 087 669 8745 or Eileen 087 990 5723 www.divinemercyconference.com

♫ Sunday 23rd February (+ every Last Sunday). All sorts of SONGS & TUNES; Zellers, Lacken; 6pm to 9+. Warm welcome for all listeners, singers & musicians; ALL ages; just for fun!

Blessington Youth Theatre – BYT – presents, “The Magic of Musicals” on Fri 20^th & Sat 21^st March at 7.30 in The Tramway Theatre, Blessington. Tickets €10 from The Office Shop & Hennessy’s Next Door. The show will feature excerpts from well-loved shows such as Annie, High School Musical, Mama Mia & Legally Blonde – Suitable for all the family.  Please support the talented members of BYT, only 2 shows, so get your tickets early!!

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY!! Table quiz by St. Mary’s Schools Parents Association will take place Friday 24th April! More details to follow soon

Health & Wellbeing Talks at Blessington Library continue this week with ‘Healthy Eating for Active Children’ presented by Cliona McCarthy from McGreal’s  – Thursday 20^th Feb  in  Blessington Library  7pm-8pm All Welcome

GROW YOUR OWN VEGETABLES FOR FREE We are located on a farm between Blessington & Ballymore Eustace.  We have a Polly Tunnel and Vegetable Garden that I will be unable to use this year due to work and study commitments. If you are interested in using these facilities for free but share the produce, I would be delighted to hear from you. Please call me on 087 627 8650 or email andymoneill@gmail.com

Join us for Blessington Bingo every Wednesday in the Avon at 8.15 pm. Great prizes, weekly Jackpot & bonus prizes if you check on Lucky Number, Raffle etc. Shuttle Bus available €2 return. €10 for book and flyers. Contact Catherine 087 122 4019 or Jess 086 860 2822

Blessington Community Walking Group. Walks from the Coimín Centre on Mon (ex-bank hols) & Thurs at 7pm. All levels catered for & welcome. Find us on Facebook

The Parish Book Club will meet on Thurs 2^nd April at 10am in the Church Meeting Room.  The book for Lent & our Spring meeting is ‘The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming, by Henri Nouwen. New members are always welcome.  Please call the Parish Office if you are interested & would like to go on the text reminder list.

Affordable Live-in Homecare provide live in carers for the elderly in your area. If you are looking for a live-in carer for your relative, please call Eileen or Tom today on 087 991 6791. Our website is www.alhomecare.ie

West Wicklow Cancer Support – Weekly Meditation with essential oils hosted by Gemma Deeney of Yogagym on Wednesdays at 11.30am Primary Care Centre Blessington.  If your life has been touched by cancer in any way come & join us. No charge, all welcome. Facebook or westwicklow15@gmail.com

Storytime in Blessington Library – Every Wed at 3pm

TRY IT OUT, Blessington Mini-Rugby for Tots is looking for new members to play fun & games every Sat @ 10:15am at St Kevin’s Hall, Main St, Blessington (opposite Vincent’s Charity Shop). Ages 3-5 years

Hollywood Friendship Club every Wed from 2.15pm to 4.15pm in the Hollywood Centre. New members welcome

LOOKING FOR A GREAT NIGHT OUT? Blessington Bowls meet every Thurs at 7.30pm in St. Kevin’s Hall, Blessington. guests welcome, come along & bring a friend.

GAELSCOIL NA LOCHANNA are hosting an open day and family day on 7^th March. Lá Oscailte agus Lá Clainne. Did you ever want to know what happens in a Gaelscoil?  We are opening our doors and putting on our best show for anyone to come see us in action 11-2pm, 7 March.  Rince, Drámaíocht, Ceol agus Spraoi.  Fun and Free activities for the family to spend a while with us.This is part of our Seachtain na Gaeilge schedule. Tá fáilte roimh chách.

St Brigid’s N.S. Manor Kilbride are accepting enrolments for all pupils wishing to start in September.  Please contact the school office on 01-4582550 for an enrolment form.

Lacken NS are currently accepting enrolments for September 2020. Enrolment forms are available on www.lackenns.com or from the school, call 045 865 086 and we will post one out to you. Lacken NS also runs a pre-school & an after-school service.

St. Joseph’s National School (Valleymount) are now accepting enrolment forms for September 2020. Forms available from the school office, please call in or phone 045 867289. Places are filling up fast. Closing date for applications April 30th.

Happy Faces Play School Blessington Education Centre is a fun, stimulating & welcoming environment with a curriculum focusing on the best care & education for your child. Our staff are highly trained in up to date childcare & Montessori methods of learning and development. Places available, full & part time. Enrolling now for Sept 2020.

LOOKING FOR A GREAT NIGHT OUT? Blessington Bowls meet every Thurs at 7.30pm in St. Kevin’s Hall, Blessington. guests welcome, come along & bring a friend.

Adult Fencing Classes on Tuesdays from 8pm in St Kevin’s Hall. Fencing is a fun sport & all ages & levels of fitness can enjoy. No special equipment required only comfortable clothes & trainers. All are welcome to pop along & give it a go with no obligation. Call 087 676 4183 if you need any additional information

Interested in a social cycle in the Blessington area?  Led by an experienced volunteer, Cycling Ireland/Axa Community Bike Rides are gentle, social bike rides for adults, usually followed by coffee & chat.  New series for beginners added for Wednesdays at 10:30am. Join for FREE at www.AxaCommunityBikeRides.com