Issue 1431 December 4th 2022
2nd SUNDAY OF ADVENT: The message of repentance during this season of Advent is a call to each of us to look into our lives, to renew & deepen our relationship with God.
Mass intentions this week in Blessington
Noel Murphy (RD) Tinode, Tina Fennan (RD) Ballymore, Bill Roche (RD)Blessington
Saturday 6pm: Essie Hanlon (10th A), Jimmy Hanlon (Rem)
Sunday 10am: Kitty Whittle (1st A), Tom & Ellen Cummins (A), Chrissie & Noel Cummins (A), Margaret & Dan Ryan (A), Brendan & EBA Cummins (A), Lily, Violet & Gerry Browne (A)
We also Remember: Patrick & Josephine Farrington (A), Jim & Kathleen Hamilton (A), Molly White O’Rourke (Rem)
Monday: Mass offered for the Sick
Tuesday: Laszlo Mate (A), Nicky Bennett (A)
Wednesday: Pat Mitchell (RD), John O’Rourke (RD)
7.30pm – Holy Day Vigil Mass: Remembrance for Deceased Members of Blessington GAA
10am Holy Day – Thursday: Michael Behan (A), Tony Mahon (RD)
Friday: Get Well Int, Get Well Int.
St Vincent de Paul Annual Collection will take place at all Masses next weekend, 10th & 11th DecemberReplacing the Share Collection. Please give generously.
Saturday 3rd December: Mass times: Blessington: 6pm, Lacken: 7.30pm. Confessions: after 6pm Mass in Blessington
Sunday 4th December: Mass Times: Blessington: 10am, Manor Kilbride: 11am, Valleymount: 10.00am, Crosschapel: 11.30am.
Tuesday 6th December: Rosary & Holy Hour 10 to 11am in Church of Our Lady, Blessington
Holy Day – Feast of the Immaculate Conception:
Wednesday 7th December Vigil Mass for Holy Day 7.30pm in Blessington
Thursday 8th December: Blessington: 10am Mass, Manor Kilbride: 11am Mass, Valleymount: 11.15am Mass
Joe Walsh & Family, Old Paddocks, would like to thank all who sent Mass Cards & messages of sympathy for the loss of his mother Carmel Walsh. Your kindness is greatly appreciated.
Valleymount Private Members Draw November Winners: Tommy & Jack Farrington, Teresa Mahon, Maureen Phibbs, Breda Broe, Ann & Gerry Malone.
Let There Be Christmas Blessington Millennium Choir invites you to join them in singing Christmas songs and carols to celebrate the festive season in Church of Our Lady, Blessington. Sunday December 11th at 4pm. Tickets €10 (Children under 12 free) (Includes fruit punch and mince pies) Tickets available from choir members & The Parish Office or call: 087 2343 1499 By kind permission of Fr Richard Behan P.P. Proceeds to Coimin Centre Blessington
Santa arrives in Manor Kilbride on 11th December at 12.30pm. Also: Kilbride GAA Christmas Raffle, Cake Sale, Games & some stalls – in Manor Kilbride Hall – Proceeds towards the Playground for Manor Kilbride. All Welcome. Buy a Raffle ticket online today from €5 @ www.KilbrideGAA.com/shop Prizes include: €300 Voucher from Colin Murphy at BRYCO & One All Ireland Final Hurling Ticket for 2023. All Prizes are listed: https://www.kilbridegaa.com/news/santa-arrives-christmas-raffle/
Book Launch “Left at the Lamb” on Tuesday 13th December at 6.45pm in Blessington Library. A flavour of the History & Heritage of the Blessington area by Aiden Cruise, David Harrington & Seamus Balfe. All Welcome
Christmas Community Service Prayers and Carols. Saturday 17th December at 4pm at Church of Our Lady moving in procession to St Mary’s Church for Carols. Refreshments afterwards in St Kevin’s Community Hall
Christmas Reconciliation Service: Monday 19th December at 7:30pm Church of Our Lady, Blessington. Crib Exhibition will be on display beforehand in the Coimin Centre
Kilbride & Lakeside Music Committee Present a Christmas Concert in Manor Kilbride Hall on Saturday 17th December at 7pm. Featuring Kilbride & Lakeside Youth Ensemble, also soloists & singers. Guest artist- the amazing Aoife Garry on Trumpet. Family friendly. All welcome. Pay at the door €10
“You Don’t Need Irish to Send Your Child to The Gaelscoil!” Gaelscoil na Lochanna is accepting places for the school year 2023-2024 from now up to 21st December. Parents will be notified of places on 13th January & will have to 27th January to accept the place. There are 31 places available. Tá an fógra bliantiúl maidir le ligean isteach fógraithe anois ar www.gaelscoilnalochanna.com mar aon le foirm iontrála. Spriocdháta dona hiarratais ná 21ú Nollaig agus cuirfear tuistí ar an eolas ar an 13ú Eanáir. Beidh ar thuistí/chaomhnóirí an áit a chinntiú roimh/ar an 27ú Eanáir 2023.Tá 31 spás sna Naíonáin ar fáil (más chuí). View the Annual Admissions Notice & access enrolment forms on the school website www.gaelscoilnalochanna.com “Gaelscoil na Lochanna will have an Open Night on 7th December at 7:30pm in the Gaelscoil for any parents interested in joining the Gaelscoil”. Follow us on Instagram #gsnalochanna
PLEASE SUPPORT St. Mary’s Schools by buying our Christmas cards! Available to purchase in the Parish Office, Brew 21, the Post Office, Martikas Hair Salon, the Tourist Office & Enda’s Flower Shop. Pack of 10 cards – two lovely local designs in each pack. €6 per pack or 2 packs for €10.
CROSSCARE Christmas Food Poverty Appeal. This Christmas, Crosscare are asking for help for the Food Poverty Service, where they support families who find it hard to provide nutritious food. Sadly, almost 800 families and individuals, including 1,000 children, have needed help from the Service this year & demand is likely to increase in the coming months. Crosscare ensures they have a good supply of food while at the same time looking at all the issues that may have brought them into food poverty. If you can, you can donate online at www.crosscare.ie or call 01 8360011 or send a cheque or postal order to Crosscare Christmas Appeal, 2 Saint Mary’s Place North, Dublin D07 Y768. Envelopes will also be available in all Churches
St Mary’s Schools & Blessington Parish Lotto. 1st December: 5, 7, 21, 25 – €25 Winner: Seanna Pender. Next Jackpot is €2,0125
Lacken National School are now accepting enrolment applications for 2023/2024 school year. Enrolment applications also being accepted for the 2023/2024. Early Intervention Class. Please email school@lackenns.com or contact the school office on 045 865 086.
Valleymount Parent & Baby/Toddler Playgroup meets every Friday during school term from 9.30am to12 in Valleymount Hall. New parents most welcome. Pop in for a cuppa & a chat.
Tús Job Opportunity in Blessington County Wicklow Partnership’s Tús Programme has a work placement opportunity in Blessington Educate Together National School Position available: Caretaker Gain valuable work experience while contributing to your community at the same time. The placement will be for 1 year & participants will be required to work for 19½ hours per week & are free to take up other employment outside of their 19½ hours. To qualify, you must be fully unemployed for 12 months. Tús payment is at the full rate of Jobseekers Allowance plus €22.50 top-up. For more information or to apply contact Neil Doyle on 087 640 9273 or ndoyle@wicklowpartnership.ie
Are you a Bridge Player? If so, you are welcome to join Blessington Bridge Club. Resuming on Monday 17th October & subsequent Mondays other than Holiday Mondays at the KARE Centre which is located off the Blessington By-Pass. Ample car parking. Play begins at 7.30pm
Parent & Toddler Group in St Kevin’s Hall every Tuesday & Wednesday from 10am to12pm €4 per family per day
Blessington Bowls Club – Thursday at 7.30pm in St. Kevin’s Hall, Blessington. Guests are most welcome, why not come along and bring a friend.
The Blessington Fencing Club Spaces available in the 8-11yrs Beginners Class in St Kevin’s Hall – Fridays 5pm. Only comfortable clothing & runners are needed. Pop in & watch or participate in a free trial lesson. We have a great mixed group of children. Some children don’t enjoy traditional team sports or battle in some way. Every child can be taught to fence. Adult Beginner Classes starting on Tuesday evenings. Give us a call if you would like to try. Call Lee: 087 676 4183
West Wicklow Cancer Support Our group hosts a weekly Mindful soundbath Meditation with Gemma Deeney on Wednesdays at 11am in the Primary Care Centre Blessington. No cost, open to all. Do bring your own cushion, blanket & a friend. If your life has been impacted by cancer through a diagnosis, a family member, friend, or carer we are here for you. Call: 087 4346004 or westwicklow15@gmail.com
St Vincent de Paul Blessington, local number 087 181 1579
- NEWSLETTER ADS
CLEANER WANTED to clean a 4-bed house in Blessington Village for 3 hours every week. €15 per hour please call: 086 385 2484
Fluent Irish speaker wanted to give Grinds to two teenagers, 2nd & 5th year students. Contact 087 266 0649. Valleymount area.
Christmas Trees, Planters & Wreaths, Living Christmas Trees in pots or root ball. Gifts & Vouchers. Open daily 9-5 Sunday 10-5 BLESSINGTON LAKES GARDEN CENTRE – Good Advice, Great Plants. 045 865 403 or 087 931 9111
FOR SALE – Double Buggy – €250. Grey Moses Basket with White Base (as new) €25. Toddler Rocking Horse, Momma & Poppas – (as new) €25. Also available, Baby Sling (New, unused) & baby toys in immaculate condition. Tel: 085 801 3372 Blessington Area
Birch+Fern Garden Design & Landscaping – Qualified garden designer & landscaper. Specialising in wildlife friendly gardening. Phone: Chris Walsh on 085 123 6868. Email: info@birchandfern.ie Social Media: @birchandfern.ie Webs
Window & Door Repairs – PVC Repairs – Hinges & Handles Replaced. Misted, Foggy or Cracked Windows? Change your Existing Glass to ‘A Rated Glass’ – EVERY PANE’S MY PLEASURE – Call Gerry on 085 786 4273
BRYKO – Shop / Yard Assistant Required – Full time Position, Manual Lifting Ability Essential/ Please Drop in your CV to Emilia or email to bryko.products@gmail.comite: www.birchandfern.ie
Jones Power Tools Ltd. Baltinglass. Supply Sales and Services. Stihl Chainsaws/Blowers/Power Washers and many more. Great Ideas for Christmas for the woman or man in your life! Fleetwood Paint mixed to your favourite colours. Contact 059 64 81033 or Philip 087 663 8788
Rods + Cones Opticians Blessington. Beside the GARDA station. Formerly Cullinane Opticians. Open 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.
Tús Job Opportunity in Blessington County Wicklow Partnership’s Tús Programme has a work placement opportunity in Blessington Educate Together National School Position available: Caretaker Gain valuable work experience while contributing to your community at the same time. The placement will be for 1 year & participants will be required to work for 19½ hours per week & are free to take up other employment outside of their 19½ hours. To qualify, you must be fully unemployed for 12 months. Tús payment is at the full rate of Jobseekers Allowance plus €22.50 top-up. For more information or to apply contact Neil Doyle on 087 640 9273 or ndoyle@wicklowpartnership.ie
Massage Therapist – Therapeutic Deep Tissue Massage, Lakeshore Wellness. WatsApp: 087 792 6332 @blessomassage
SeeThru Solution – Your Local Trustworthy Cleaning Service for Windows, Gutters, Fascia, Pressure Washing, Softwash, Carpet & Upholstery. Call Greg: 085 858 1850
Painter & Decorator – Interior & Exterior Phone: Damien 085 826 0431
Blessington Roofing and Guttering. All Roof Repairs Slate Tiles Chimneys Guttering Fully Insured Free Quotations 24/7 Emergency call-out 25 Year Guaranteed Roof Installation and Roof Repairs. Call Today for a free no-obligation quote. 087 379 4038 www.roofrepairsandguttering.ie Email: roofingr7@gmail.com
Paying too much for SKY or Virgin Media? We Install or Repair Free to Air and Saorview! No more Bills! Call Billy 086 868 0053
Local Builder Available – All services under one roof, Windows & Doors, Plumbing, Tiling, Roofing, Plastering, Electrical, Carpentry, Insulation. All levels of construction services available. Fully registered. Call Paul 086 309 1829
Interior Designs by Elizabeth Creative, Unique, Personal. Please phone: 086 088 1806. Email: elizabethdoyle.ed@gmail.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
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
- PARISH INFORMATION
Church of Our Lady, Blessington – Mass Times: Saturday 6.00pm. Sunday 10.00am
Weekdays: Monday to Friday 9.30am – Fr. Richard Behan PP. Tel: 045 865327
Church of Our Lady of Mercy, Crosschapel – Mass Times: Sundays 11.30am
St. Brigid’s Church, Manor Kilbride – Mass Times: Sundays 11.00am
Weekdays: Monday to Friday 9am – Fr. Paraic McDermott C.S. Sp., Tel: 01 4582154
St. Joseph’s Church, Valleymount – Mass Times: Sunday 10am
Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Lacken – Mass Time: Saturdays 7.30pm
Parish Office: 9am to 1pm Monday to Friday Tel: 045 865 327