18^th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME 2^nd August 2020

The gift of Jesus is different to material wealth; It is more than that. He Promises meaning to life, hope, love that is everlasting He promises himself in friendship to us.

At the finish of the meal, when Jesus fed the crowds, all the leftovers were gathered up, probably for the journey home. Food was not wasted. He knew that nobody should go hungry in a world which has more than enough to feed its population. The waste of food is often a theme of Pope Francis. Addressing the World Food Programme in November 2019, he said “in many places, our brothers & sisters do not have access to sufficient & healthy food, while in others, food is discarded”. He also says that “each human being has a right to healthy & sustainable nutrition”. Our care & respect for food can make a difference. Supermarkets give leftover food each evening to food centres, food which might otherwise have been bought & later thrown out. A care for food means that we become aware of the huge hunger in the world, where 821 million people, or one in nine, still go to bed on an empty stomach each night. The gospel of Jesus calls on us simply not to waste food.

So, we can look in our food recycle bins & decide how we can buy only enough food to use. Food chains can help, for example, selling in quantities that are suitable for single people or a couple. When we thank God for food, we are also saying we are committed to respect for food. Pope Francis again: ‘Families, schools, & the communications media have an important task in educating & raising awareness in this regard.’ Give us this day our daily bread; may all have enough for daily food. Donal Neary SJ, Editor Sacred Heart Messenger

Mass Intentions this Week: Peter McNabb (RD)

Saturday 6pm: Dick Haughton (A) Sr Margaret Burke (RD)

Sunday 10am: Tom McGreal Snr. (A)

We also Remember the following: Charlie Keogh, Peter Cummins

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

Tuesday: Betty Bevan (RD) Get Well Intentions

Wednesday: Special Intentions, Get Well Intentions

Thursday: Frank O’Neill (A) Special Intentions

First Friday: Masses will be offered for all those on the November List of the Dead

Congratulations to the boys & girls from Blessington No 1 School who receive  1^st Holy Communion this weekend, we wish them every blessing.

Bank Holiday Monday Mass will be at 11am in Church of Our Lady Blessington

Adoration & Rosary will take place every Tuesday from 7pm to 8pm in Church of Our Lady, Blessington. If you are unable to come to the Church, you can join us via webcam on blessingtonparish.ie

Saturday and Sunday Masses in Blessington. Due to the extended restrictions on numbers allowed to gather indoors we will continue to issue tickets for  6pm Mass on Saturday & 10am Mass on Sunday in Church of Our Lady, Blessington. Tickets must be collected in the Parish Office between 9am & 12.30pm Mon to Fri – 045 865 327

Happy 7^th Birthday to my wonderful Great Grandson Calum Flynn Martin on Friday 31^st July. Calum is the Blessington Forum “Person of the Year 2019” and I love him so much!! Gaga Owen XXX

Hollywood Mass Rock is on the 9th of August 2020, the pilgrimage will start in the Church car park at 7am and will proceed from here to the Mass Rock at Corragh.  The Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Eamonn Walsh upon arrival at approximately 9am.  All are welcome.

Results of the Valleymount and Lacken Draw for July: Deirdre Ryan, Fr Richard, John Holmes, Liz Cullen, Ita & Jim Hill

Blessington AFC. Notice to all coaches, managers, members, and parents. The Blessington AFC AGM will take place on Monday 10th August 2020 in St Kevin’s Hall Blessington. It will start at 8pm sharp.

Cruthú Gallery at Russborough, Open Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays from 12 noon. Our members have been very creative during the lockdown so we will start posting soon some exciting new art pieces that will be available for purchase. We look forward to seeing you soon and please remember to mind the social distancing rules. www.cruthu.ie or contact us at cruthuart@gmail.com

SENIOR LINE – National Confidential Listening Service for Older People provided by trained older volunteers. All Calls are Free. Open 365 days a year from 10am to 10pm. A telephone listening service for older people. We do not ask for or pass on any information about our callers. FREEPHONE 1800 80 45 91

Annual Novena to Knock Shrine. “It is with great disappointment that we have to postpone the highlight of the annual pilgrimage season at Knock Shrine. I take this opportunity to encourage the people of Ireland & beyond to pray the Novena prayer in their own homes & parishes for the month of August so that we may be united in prayer. The Novena prayer can be found on our website. The proposed theme for this year’s Novena was ‘Faith in Changing Times’ Here at Knock Shrine as we respond to the present challenges of the coronavirus, we continue “to pray with you & for you” as we look forward with faith & hope to brighter days.  We thank everyone for their patience & cooperation. May Our Lady of Knock keep you all safe” Fr Richard Gibbons

Blessington AFC are looking for young footballers and goalkeepers born in 2008 to join (or re-join) the Under 13 teams. if you would like to join please contact enquiries@blessingtonfc.com

Courses in the Further Education and Training Centre Blessington. Are you considering doing a course, changing your career? Do you need Guidance? Here at Blessington Further Education and Training Centre we provide a free, professional, impartial career guidance and information service to all adults. For further information on upcoming courses or changing your career, please contact our Guidance Service, Irene Hayden on 086 806 1569 or irenehayden@kwetb.ie or contact Karen Townsend on 086 850 3833 or karentownsend@kwetb.ie

St. Marys’ Schools & Blessington Parish Lotto. Jackpot next week €2475, sign up for €2 per week on parish website

https://blessingtonparish.ie

Eyelash Extensions: Classic Russian lashes – Full set €45 – Refills €30 – 087 950 9074 for appointment

Affordable Live-in Homecare provides 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 9916791 or 087 7440729. Our website is www.alhomecare.ie

SIXTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME  19th July 2020

God knows the good and evil in a person’s heart and accepts both in us. He knows our struggles over evil and he both heals and forgives the wrongdoing in our lives.

In the normal garden we find flowers, grass, maybe some trees, we also find weeds. Jesus looks at a piece of land – a wheat field with weeds. He talks about the gardener who was constantly digging up weeds and the wheat with them he says to leave them and separate them at the harvest.

Our life is a bit like this field. Faults, failings, and the bits and pieces of ourselves that are sinful. We would like to get rid of them and the intolerances we have, or the bad temper, or the grudges and bitterness and judgements on others. We do our best but some of our personal faults and failings stay with us.

Maybe some faults and failings, or the weaker side of our lives, have made us more compassionate and humble. Maybe if we didn’t fail at something, we would be pompous and proud. We can sometimes feel a bit humiliated by our weaknesses, but in this we grow in humility and in our dependence on the understanding and forgiveness of God. With Jesus we do our best in life, changing what we can and accepting what we cannot. In that there is great wisdom.  Donal Neary SJ, Editor Sacred Heart Messenger

Mass Intentions this Week

Pauline McLoughlin (Leitrim)

Saturday 6pm: James (Jimmy) Mahon Months Mind, Sean Corr (3rd A)

Sunday 10am: Alan Clarke (A) Bob Curtin(A)

We also Remember the following: Teresa Doyle (A) (Old Court) Joseph Burke, Christy Cartwright, Simon Hopkins, Rebecca Hopkins, Maisie Hopkins, Kay Lennon

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

Tuesday: Lorraine Mullins (RD) Msgnr Jim Cassin (RD)

Thursday: Teresa Clarke (RD) Lily Mooney (RD

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

Adoration & Rosary will take place every Tuesday from 7pm to 8pm in Church of Our Lady, Blessington. If you are unable to come to the Church, you can join us via webcam on blessingtonparish.ie

Blessington AFC – Notice to all coaches, managers, members, and parents. The Blessington AFC AGM will take place on Monday 10th August 2020 in St Kevin’s Hall Blessington. It will start at 8pm sharp.

St. Kevin’s Hollywood will be hosting their Annual Cemetery Mass on Sunday July 26th at 5.00p.m.

SENIOR LINE – National Confidential Listening Service for Older People provided by trained older volunteers. All Calls are Free. Open 365 Days a Year from 10am to 10pm. A telephone listening service for older people. We do not ask for or pass on any information about our callers. FREEPHONE 1800 80 45 91

St. Marys’ Schools & Blessington Parish Lotto Jackpot next week €2375 sign up for €2 per week on parish website

https://blessingtonparish.ie

Cruthú Gallery at Russborough Open Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays from 12 noon. Our members have been very creative during the lockdown so we will start posting soon some exciting new art pieces that will be available for purchase. We look forward to seeing you soon and please remember to mind the social distancing rules. www.cruthu.ie or contact us at cruthuart@gmail.com

The Irish Hospice Foundation – National Freephone Service. Have you been impacted by a bereavement during COVID-19?  Are you finding it difficult to cope with a bereavement at this time?  Would it help to talk to someone in confidence about your loss? The Irish Hospice Foundation Bereavement Support Line is a national freephone service – 1800 80 70 77 – available from 10.00am to 1.00pm, Monday to Friday.

DONATE to the Parish Online you can now make donations to Blessington, Crosschapel, Manor Kilbride, or Valleymount/Lacken or Donations to the Archdiocese, Easter Dues & the 1st & 2nd Collections that are normally taken up at Mass. It is straightforward to use, but if you need any help call Jean 087 235 0835 or Carol 045 865 327 during the week.

The Parish Office is open – Monday to Friday 9.00am to 12.30pm for Mass Bookings, Mass Cards, & General Enquiries. Email: office@blessington.info, Call: 045 865 327. from 9am to 1pm. Please observe social distance & please use hand sanitiser when entering & leaving.

Courses in the Further Education and Training Centre Blessington Are you considering doing a course, changing your career? Do you need Guidance? Here at Blessington Further Education and Training Centre we provide a free, professional, impartial career guidance and information service to all adults. For further information on upcoming courses or changing your career please contact our Guidance Service, Irene Hayden on 086 806 1569 or irenehayden@kwetb.ie or contact Karen Townsend on 086 850 3833 or karentownsend@kwetb.ie

Saturday and Sunday Masses in Blessington – Due to the extended restrictions on numbers allowed to gather indoors we will continue to issue tickets for 6pm Mass on Saturday & 10am Mass on Sunday in Church of Our Lady, Blessington. Tickets must be collected in the Parish Office between 9am & 12.30pm Mon to Fri – 045 865 327

FOURTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME   5th July 2020

The presence of Christ in our world and our lives is a friendship, companionship and love that gives peace to the restless hearts and hope and meaning in times of stress and trouble. You may feel overburdened at times. Even as you read this, you may be getting a bit of ‘time off’ from different cares – children, grandchildren, pupils in your school, parents. While you may love the people who you care for, it can be wearing. You may have the burden of redundancy, homelessness, addiction, or prison. In such times, people have found the words, ‘come to me all you who are overburdened, and I will give you rest’. It’s rest not just for the body, but for the soul. The rest Jesus offers is his love and his word. He also has been through times of heavy burdens. He knows what is the worst of our lives and he will give the best of himself just as he did for the many who came his way in search of healing and of peace. The rest Jesus provides often comes through others. We can offer a listening ear when those near to us are burdened. We can offer help in many ways to those burdened with poverty, discrimination, or injustice.

 ‘Once we have received the refreshment and comfort of Christ, we are called in turn to become refreshment and comfort for our brothers and sisters, with a gentle and humble attitude, in imitation of the Master.’ Pope Francis, (July 2014).

Donal Neary SJ, Editor Sacred Heart Messenger

Mass Intentions this Week

Teresa Clarke (RD)

Saturday 6pm: John McNamara (1^st A) John Geoghegan (A) Teresa Ball (A)

Sunday 10am: Eddie Conroy (1^st A) Rita Toner(A)

We also Remember the following: Ray O’Donnell, Christy Keogh, John & Nora Moran, Martin & Bridget McDonald, Denis & Mary-Ann Byrne

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

Tuesday: Eddie Conroy (1^st A) John & Nora Moran (A) Martin & Bridget McDonald (A) Rita Toner (A) Ann Walsh (A)

Thursday:  Charlie Dunne (1^st A) Sean & Hester Dunne (Rem) Eloise Dunne (Rem)

Friday: Margaret Ellis (nee Atkinson) London (Rem)

MEMORIAL NOTICE

1st Anniversary – Tuesday 7^th July 2020

EDDIE CONROY, late of Beechdale, always remembered & sadly missed by your loving family, relations & many friends.

His wife PAT & family would like to thank everyone for their kindness & support throughout the last year.

Will those who think of Him today, a little prayer to Jesus say!

Saturday and Sunday Masses in Blessington

Due to the restrictions on numbers allowed to gather indoors we feel 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 & 12.30pm Mon to Fri – 045 865 327

Adoration & Rosary will take place from Tuesday 14^th July, 7pm to 8pm in Church of Our Lady, Blessington. If you are unable to come to the Church, you can join us via webcam on blessingtonparish.ie

St Mary’s School 1^st CommunionDay 2020

Saturday 25^th and Sunday 26^th July,  Saturday 11am and 1pm – Sunday 1pm.  The details of the class groupings will be sent to parents from the school.

Monthly Envelopes for July are now due, they may be dropped into the PDF Boxes in the Church or the post-box at the Coimin Centre. Many thanks to all who are making a special effort to return their envelopes this time it is greatly appreciated.

Valleymount Private Members Draw Results for June: Margaret & Theo Clarke, Catherine & Sean Miley, Bernie & Jimmy Reid, Paul Farrell, Maria Gallagher

Cruthú Gallery at Russborough Open Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays from 12 noon. Our members have been very creative during the lockdown so we will start posting soon some exciting new art pieces that will be available for purchase. We look forward to seeing you soon and please remember to mind the social distancing rules. www.cruthu.ie or contact us at cruthuart@gmail.com

DONATE to the Parish Online you can now make donations to Blessington, Crosschapel, Manor Kilbride, or Valleymount/Lacken or Donations to the Archdiocese, Easter Dues & the 1st & 2nd Collections that are normally taken up at Mass. It is straightforward to use, but if you need any help call Jean 087 235 0835 or Carol 045 865 327 during the week.

The Parish Office has re-opened to the Public – Monday to Friday 9.00am to 12.30pm for Mass Bookings, Mass Cards, & General Enquiries. Email: office@blessington.info, Call: 045 865 327. from 9am to 1pm. Please observe social distance & please use hand sanitiser when entering & leaving.

West Wicklow Cancer Support Our resident Mediation Facilitator Gemma Deeney is guiding a Meditation every Thursday on Facebook live free of charge. If you are interested in connecting to the group please contact us on facebook, by email westwicklow15@gmail.com or by phone 087 4346004

Courses in the Further Education and Training Centre Blessington Are you considering doing a course, changing your career? Do you need Guidance? Here at Blessington Further Education and Training Centre we provide a free, professional, impartial career guidance and information service to all adults. For further information on upcoming courses or changing your career please contact our Guidance Service, Irene Hayden on 086 806 1569 or irenehayden@kwetb.ie or contact Karen Townsend on 086 850 3833 or karentownsend@kwetb.ie

As we can only have 50 people in the Church for Mass it is necessary to book a ticket for weekend Masses. Tickets must be collected in the Parish Office between 9.30am & 12.30pm Mon to Fri – 045 865 327

A bit of good humour is very beneficial for us, for the feast of St Thomas More which fell on July 1^st  it is advantageous to remember his prayer for good humour. I pray it every day and find it a great help, hope you do as well. Fr. Richard.

Prayer for Good Humour

By St Thomas More

Grant me O lord, good digestion,

And also, something to digest.

Grant me, a healthy body,

And the necessary good humour to maintain it.

Grant me a simple soul,

That knows to treasure all the good things,

And doesn’t frighten easily at the sight of evil.

Give me a soul that knows no boredom,

Grumblings, sighs and laments,

Nor excess of stress,

Because of that obstructing thing called ‘I’.

Grant me, O Lord, a sense of good humour,

Allow me the grace to be able to take a joke,

To discover in life a bit of joy,

And to be able to share it with others.

Amen.

NEWSLETTER ADS

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The Office Shop Blessington

It’s never too early to get organised for going back to school.

Great value in packs of A4 Hardback & Softback Copies, Pencil Cases, School Bags and Lunch Boxes/Bottles but only while stocks last

Fantastic value on all Stationary Packs for St. Marys Junior & Senior Schools we are keeping our prices at 2019 rates

We are happy to help with stationary requirements for all other schools in the area please drop into the shop or call 045 865 878

Cleggs Locksmith Service

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Handles – Cylinders – Multi-Point Strips – Letter Boxes. Sallin’s Road, Naas. Shop: 045 876 702 Mobile: 087 232 3663

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

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

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

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

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

www.mcevoymonumentalworks.com

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

Time to get your Ride-On/Lawnmowers serviced or treat yourself to a new Mower. For full backup service and professional advice Philip Jones 087 6638788. Visit our website

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Gardening. For Summer Tidying, Hedge Clipping, Lawn Care, Beds overhauled Phone Mark 085 133 7714

BLINDS. Roller, Vertical and Venetian. For all your requirements home or office Contact Seamus 087 4060 434 Email: seamusjban@outlook.com

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

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

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“THANK YOU”

to those who are supporting the parish through standing orders and the Neighbourhood Envelope Collection.

We now have a DONATE button on our website for those who would like to contribute to

Blessington, Crosschapel, Manor Kilbride, Valleymount/Lacken

or directly to the Archdiocese.

It is a quick and secure way to contribute to the parish.

If you experience any difficulties,

please phone the parish office 045 865 327

for assistance

https://blessingtonparish.ie/

TWELFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME 21st June 2020

God is always with us. He knows our every thought, word and deed. He loves us and constantly cares for us. He looks upon us and says, ‘Do not be afraid.’

Be proud of Jesus! In the gospel today Jesus says not to be ashamed of him or the word of God. We often say to someone, ‘I was really proud of you’; at other times we find ourselves standing up for an individual or groups of people who are being criticised. Jesus knows that in following him, we will find opposition, in what we might sometimes say or in our way of life. A person, young or old, may find themselves the only one in a family group who is a regular mass-goer, or who stands up for the principles in some moral issue. We find support in like-minded and like-believing people, or in people who may disagree with us but respect our point of view. We find support also in our practice of faith where we meet such people, also in prayer; as Jesus says, ‘every hair of your head has been counted’ by the Father who knows us and loves us through and through. We have a lot to be proud of in Jesus: his love and concern for all, especially the poor; his giving us a meaning in life, and his love which brought him against the powerful, even to death. Like Jesus, we too will find ‘the Lord at our side’ as the first reading proclaims, as we live our Christian life as best we can.

Donal Neary SJ, Editor Sacred Heart Messenger

Mass Intentions this Week – James (Jimmy) Mahon (RD) Mary Bohan (Belmullet)(RD) Paul Osborne UK & late Ballyknockan (RD)

Saturday 6pm – John & Sarah Magee (A) Daragh Rowan (A) Paddy Byrne (A) Marie McEvoy (A)

Sunday 10am – John Boylan (Mths Mind) Jospehine Horgan (1^st A) Kevin Shiels (A) Walter Shirran (A)

We also Remember the following: Peter Nolan (Jnr) Vincent, Bohan, Patrick Boylan, Thomas McNally, Martin & Nora Murphy, Gabriel Murphy, Seamus Murphy, Lilian Darcy

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

Tuesday – John & Sarah Magee (A) Daragh Rowan (A) Special Living Intention,

Wednesday – John Magee (RD) Kieran Stynes (RD)

Thursday – Maura McNally (A) Tommy Nolan (Rem) John Reynolds (RD)

Friday – Mass offered for all on Blessington Deceased Mass Card List

In a Framework Document from the Irish Bishopsconcerning the return of the public celebration of Mass and the sacraments, an important requirement for this to take place in Church of Our Lady in Blessington  is that we have teams available to sanitise the church after the mass is celebrated. With this in mind, I am appealing for volunteers to take on this important requirement. We will need to have teams in place after every Mass: 9.30am Monday to Friday,  6pm on Saturday and  10am on Sunday in order to be ready to re-open our Church to the public after 29^th June.  Many thanks to those who have already volunteered but we will need more people…… If you are willing to volunteer for this very important service, please contact the Parish Office for further arrangements.  Thanking you in anticipation. Fr Richard

DONATE to the Parish Online you can now make donations to Blessington, Crosschapel, Manor Kilbride, or Valleymount/Lacken or Donations to the Archdiocese Easter Dues & the 1st & 2nd Collections that are normally taken up at Mass. It is straightforward to use, but if you need any help call Jean 087 235 0835 or Carol 045 865 327 during the week

The Parish Office has re-opened to the Public  – Monday to Friday 10am to 12.30pm for Mass Bookings, Mass Cards, & General Enquiries. Email: office@blessington.info Call: 045 865 327 from 9am to 1pm Please observe social distance & follow one-way system & please use hand sanitiser when entering & leaving

We are so happy to confirm that Cruthú Gallery at Russborough will reopen the week of 29th June!!! Open Fridays/ Saturdays/Sundays from 12 noon.Our members have been very creative during the lockdown so we will start posting soon some exciting new art pieces that will be available for purchase.We look forward to seeing you soon and please remember to mind the social distancing rules.

www.cruthu.ie or contact us at cruthuart@gmail.com

West Wicklow Cancer Support Our resident Mediation Facilitator Gemma Deeney is guiding a Meditation every Thursday on Facebook live free of charge. If you are interested in connecting to the group please contact us on facebook, by email westwicklow15@gmail.com or by phone 087 4346004.

St. Marys’ Schools & Blessington Parish Lotto. Jackpot next week €2150 sign up for €2 per week on parish website

www.blessingtonparish.ie

Deacon Gerry leads a Holy Hour of Prayer & Benediction via Webcam from 7.30pm to 8.30pm Church of Our Lady Blessington. Log in for an hour of prayer, music & reflection.

Blessington Library has reopened with a “Click & Collect” service Get in touch today to request books or items,and arrange a pick-up time to collect them. Contact us on 045 891 740 or at blessingtonlib@wicklowcoco.ie Opening hours: Monday 9am to 5pm, Tuesday 1pm to 8.30pm, Wednesday 9am to 5pm, Thursday 9am to 5pm, 9am to 5pm

Many people are hanging on by the very thinnest of threads. Be kind…….

Blessington Parish Appeal – How to support your parish during the current restrictions

You will be aware of our need to maintain an in-flow of funds at the present to help us meet payments and expenses: insurance, heat & light, church expenses, maintenance, staff expenses, priests salaries & the Coimin Centre. “THANK YOU” to those who are supporting the parish through standing orders and the Neighbourhood Envelope Collection.We now have a DONATE button on our website for those who would like to contribute to Blessington, Crosschapel, Manor Kilbride, Valleymount/Lacken or to the Archdiocese. It is a quick and secure way to contribute to the parish. If you experience any difficulties, please phone the parish office who will assist you. Once again may I take this opportunity to thank you all for your generosity. Fr. Richard

Coronavirus Poem. 

We live in a scary

World today

It’s different than

Before

No more hugs kissing

Our happiness gone away

Like never before

The virus has taken our

Loved ones away

Families suffering

Like never before

The fear of the unknown

Has arrived

The worry of what will happen

Tomorrow to you and me

Coronavirus on our mind’s

Coronavirus everywhere

Our lives in danger

Like never before

We practice social distancing

Every day to keep the virus

At bay as we shop in different ways

Were asked to stay at home

Like never before

When will this

Virus ever go away

But I promise

I’ll love and pray for everyone

Suffering

Every day.

David P Carroll

NEWSLETTER ADS

The Blessington Bookstore is delighted to offer our school book service this year from a temporary location in St. Mary’s School in Blessington.  Order online at blessingtonbookstore.ie or call us on 083 8486745 (Mon-Fri 10.00am to 4.00pm) Alternatively, email your list to us at info@blessingtonbookstore.ie  Looking forward to helping everyone again!

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

Alder Interiors Ltd. Fitted kitchens & wardrobes & custom-made units. For a Free estimate & quotation.Please phone Sinead on 01-4587617. Visit our website & see our reviews from our happy customers. www.alderinteriors.com Email us @ info@alderinteriors.com

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

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

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

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

www.mcevoymonumentalworks.com

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

Time to get your Ride-On/Lawnmowers serviced or treat yourself to a new Mower. For full backup service and professional advice Philip Jones 087 6638788. Visit our website

www.jonespowertools.ie

Gardening. For Summer Tidying, Hedge Clipping, Lawn Care, Beds overhauled Phone Mark 085 133 7714

BLINDS. Roller, Vertical and Venetian. For all your requirements home or office Contact Seamus 087 4060 434 Email: seamusjban@outlook.com

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

Ace Robotic Lawn Care

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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

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Mr. Power Washer. Driveway Cleaning, Shopfront, Window Cleaning, High Reach Wash, Gutter Cleaning, Roof Cleaning Contact Mark 085 246 5549 01 516 7316

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THE MOST HOLY TRINITY 7th June 2020                                

The life of God is a sharing of life in the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. The call of the Christian is to share this life in family and in community with others, so that we are all sharers of faith, hope and love with others.

Whatever we make of the mystery of the Trinity, the readings today stress that God, no matter how we talk of God, is love. The god of tenderness in the first reading, and in the gospel God so loved the world as to send his son. St Ignatius Loyola speaks of the Trinity, looking down on the world, and saying ‘our lovely world needs to be saved’. They saw people in darkness and wanted to send the light of the world; in grief and wanted to send the joy of their life into the world.  Trinity Sunday is the feast of God’s desire to be with us in the dark times of life to bring the light of the risen Lord. The Trinity is not all up in the sky! – they look into the world… the heartache, the violence, the depressions, the weaknesses and know we need help, so Jesus came among us, as one of us, God has skin and humanity.Our people need to be saved through love, and a just society.  Our planet needs to be saved from the damage and hurt caused to it. May we, in the words of the second reading ’live in peace’ – with each other and with our planet. I bless myself today and always: in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Donal Neary SJ, Editor Sacred Heart Messenger

Congratulations and Best Wishes to Fr Noel Campbell as he celebrates his 40^th Anniversary of Ordination to the Priesthood on Monday 8^th June

Mass Intentions this Week

Emma Gale Mack, Lacken (RD

Saturday 6pm

Mick Curran (A) Vera Byrne (Birthday Rem) Dick Byrne (A) Deceased members of Byrne & Geoghegan Families

Sunday 10am

Vera Kirwan (A) Catherine & Tom Fitzharris (3rd A)

We also Remember the  following:

Desmond Kennedy, James Cullen, Essie Murray, Paddy Murray, Tom Cullen, John Crickley, Bill Garry, Gerry O’Connor (3rd A), Tommy Nolan, Caroline Sully (RD) Margaret Deegan (RD)

Monday

Mass offered for all the Blessington List of the Sick

Tuesday

Dick Byrne (A) Deceased members of Byrne & Geoghegan Families

Wednesday

Lorcan McGrath (RD) Alice Lennon (RD)

Thursday

Katie Van Alphen (A) Thomas Kelly (RD) Margaret Hyland (RD)

Friday

Special intentions, Living Intentions, Special Intentions

The Parish Office will be reopening from 10am to 12 noon each morning from Tuesday. Outside of this time Jean & Carol are still available by telephone or email if you want to have a relative or friend prayed for at mass, for mass cards or for any General Enquiries. Contact details on the Website

The Church opening hours will be extended from next week, it will now be open from 10am to 5pm each day to allow people to drop in for quiet prayer or to light a candle. There is a small area cordoned for this purpose. We will keep the area cleaned and disinfected but please use the HAND SANITISER as you enter & as you leave the Church.

Please keep up with Parish Events on  Blessington Parish Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/blessington.info

Monthly Envelopes for June are now due, they may be dropped into the PDF Boxes in the Church or the post-box at the Coimin Centre. Many thanks to all who are making a special effort to return their envelopes this time it is greatly appreciated.

►“THANK YOU” to those who are supporting the parish through standing orders and the Neighbourhood Envelope Collection. Just We now have a DONATE button on our website for those who would like to contribute to Blessington, Crosschapel, Manor Kilbride, or to the Archdiocese PLEASE NOTE there is an option to donate to Valleymount/Lacken parish through the donate button. If you experience any difficulties, please phone the parish office who will assist you. Many thanks for your generosity

Blessington Library will reopen with a “Click & Collect” service from Monday, 8th June. Get in touch today to request books or items, and arrange a pick-up time to collect them. Contact us on 045 891 740 or at blessingtonlib@wicklowcoco.ie Opening hours: Monday 9am to 5pm, Tuesday 1pm to 8.30pm, Wednesday 9am to 5pm, Thursday 9am to 5pm, 9am to 5pm

Lough Derg Online Retreat Days in June During May people who would normally come to Lough Derg for a day retreat joined us for a different experience, an Online Retreat Day. The responses have been very encouraging with many people asking for further dates.In response, we have decided to offer three further Online Retreats Days:

Sunday 7 June 2020

Saturday 13 June 2020

Thursday 18 June 2020

Visit https://loughderg.live/ on these dates to join Fr La and the Lough Derg Pastoral Team in an experience of pilgrimage

Coronavirus, Church and You – DCU’s Mater Dei Centre for Catholic Education (Director, Dr. Gareth Byrne) has made an important survey available. The Covid-19 pandemic has obviously had a profound effect on Church. As we pass the most severe period of lockdown, it seems a good time to assess how clergy and churchgoers have responded to the experience, and what they think the future might hold. The views of priests, religious and lay people are all welcome. To have your say go to: https://www.dcu.ie/materdei-centre-for-catholic-education/news/2020/May/Coronavirus-Church-You-Survey.shtml

Community Pool for West Wicklow Annual General Meeting will be held on Thursday June 18^th at 7pm. As per Government restrictions we will be holding the meeting online using the Zoom app. All are welcome to join us to hear what the campaign has been up to & what we have planned for the coming year. Please email us at poolforWestWicklow@gmail.com & we will send you Zoom meeting log in details. Thank you for your continued support.

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

Deacon Gerry leads a Holy Hour of Prayer & Benediction via Webcam from 7.30pm to 8pm Church of Our Lady Blessington. Log in for an hour of prayer, music & reflection.

West Wicklow Cancer Support may be closed but they are still available to help. Call: 087 4346004 or westwicklow15@gmail.com with any enquiries.

Happiness is ….. not having what you want, but appreciating what you have.

Mass Cards by Phone or On-Line Blessington Parish Office can take orders for Mass cards on line & over the phone. Online: e-mail your Mass Card order and details to office@blessingtonparish.ie When you receive confirmation you can pay through the website.  Click the “Donate” button and pick “Mass Card, Shop, Newsletter Items” product    Cards will then be posted out or left in the Church for collection By Phone Monday to Friday between 9am and 1pm, call in your details to 045 865 327 or 087 235 0835.

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