Issue 1298 22nd March 2020

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.