Issue 1297 15th March 2020

In the current Covid-19 crises restrictions and the suspension by the Archbishop of the Sunday obligation there will be no public Masses this weekend, St Patrick’s Day and until further notice in Blessington, Crosschapel, Manor Kilbride, Valleymount & Lacken Churches. You can join us for Mass on the Webcam at 6pm Saturday and 10am Sunday and 10am on St Patrick’s Day. www.blessingtonparish.ie

As there are normally less than 100 people at the weekday Masses these will continue for the present.

To encourage the faithful to enter into spiritual communion through these means. Please see prayer below.  This is a time where there is a great need for prayer. Therefore, Blessington Church will be open for quiet prayer and reflection.

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.

Mass Intentions this Week

Gerard & Robert Fane (RD)

Saturday 6pm: Oliver McDonnell (1^st A) Molly Brady (A) Margaret Kinsella (A)

Sunday 10am: Laurence Kinsella (A) Raimundo da Sousa Oliveira

We also Remember the following: Bridie Toomey (A) Simon Foster (A)

Monday: Mass for those on list for Sick

Vigil of St Patrick’s Day 8pm:  Margaret Kinsella (RD) Brendan Kelly (RD)

Tuesday St Patrick’s Day 10am: Margaret Kinsella, Sean & Annie Newman (A)

Wednesday: Michael O’Connell (Rem) Fran Ferguson (A)

Thursday: Maureen Brien (RD) Jane O’Shea (RD)

Friday: Living Mass Intention, Living Mass Intention

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

 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, and hours may be extended to meet the demand

The Memorare

Remember,

O most gracious Virgin Mary,

that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection,

implored thy help or sought thy intercession, was left unaided.

Inspired with this confidence,

I fly unto thee,

O virgin of virgins, my Mother,

to thee do I come,

before thee I stand,

sinful and sorrowful.

O Mother of thy Word Incarnate,

despise not my petitions,

but in thy clemency

hear and answer me.

Amen.

CAKE SALE in MANOR KILBRIDE HALL on Sunday 22^nd March, Mother’s Day from 11.45am. Treat your Mum or yourself to some delicious homemade cakes. Raffle for Easter Hamper. In aid of Kilbride & Lakeside Youth Music. Cake donations most welcome. Contact Maria 087 9656257

Way With Words Festival in Blessington Library Friday, 13^th March at 8pm – Cliodhna Ni Anluain will be joined by contributors to the publication marking 50 Years of Sunday Miscellany Saturday, 14^th March at 2pm – Paul Gaffney, a visual artist whose practice focuses on bookmaking, will discuss executing his landscape photography & the photobook Saturday 14^th March at 7.30pm – Michael Russell will discuss his crime narratives & screen writing past. Booking at 045 891740 or on eventbrite.ie.

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

 St Vincent de Paul local no: 087 181 1579

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

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, and 28^th/29^th March from 11am.  Artist talk 3pm Saturday 21^st March.   All welcome. The Cruthú Members 2020 art exhibition will reopen at Easter weekend continuing at weekends until October

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. 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

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

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.

Longest Graveyard in Ireland. The Dublin/Blessington Tram Talk on 16^th April at 7pm in Blessington Library. The talk is by Jim Corley & will be followed by an exhibition the following week. If anyone has knowledge of artefacts of the tram to loan us, please contact Aidan Cruise 086 3958 207 or Jim Corley 085 1082 503

St Vincent de Paul local no: 087 181 1579