Issue 1316 July 26th 2020

17^th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME  26th July 2020

We choose good or evil often in our lives. To follow something good, we reject paths which are less good. Following Christ means saying ‘No’ to other riches. The gospel today is a call to be joyful in giving up our bad habits for Jesus.

I said to the granny once, ‘I couldn’t bring you anything today’. The answer was ‘but you brought yourself’. The best gift I could give her that day was to visit her. That was the treasure of the day for her, as she had so often been the treasure of life for me. The treasure that Jesus offers is himself. His life is given in love to each of us, and then to the whole world. What comes with him are the gifts that he leaves behind through the Holy Spirit: ‘the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control’ (Gal 5: 22-23). These are among the most attractive human qualities we could ask for. This treasure comes to us in the gift of Jesus’s peace and friendship, especially in hard times; in his forgiveness no matter what our past, and in his promise that this treasure will last forever. With Jesus and his word, we have something that nothing can take from us. We share this treasure with others as we share those gifts of the Holy Spirit. Send forth your spirit O Lord and renew the face of the earth. Donal Neary SJ, Editor Sacred Heart Messenger

Mass Intentions this Week

Saturday 6pm: Mag Higgins (1^st A) Rita Fitzpatrick (RD)

Sunday 10am: Laura McHugh (A) Nancy Doheny (RD)

We also Remember the following:  Patrick Cullen, Sarah Sargent

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

Tuesday:  Birthday Remembrance, Special Intentions

Wednesday:  Tom Wilson (RD) Paddy Howlin (RD)

Thursday: Breda Kelly (RD) Margaret Kitt (RD)

Friday: Patsy Hamilton (1^st A) Special Intentions, Special Intentions

Congratulations to the boys & girls from St Mary’s Junior School who receive  1^st Holy Communion this weekend,  we wish them every blessing.

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.

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

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 €2400 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

Want to do your own garden/building project?

Hire the machines and save time and labour mini diggers, dumpers and other equipment available. Contact Padraig

BALLYMORE TARMAC on 087 271 6749 or

info@kilbrideplant.ie

ROBOTIC LAWNMOWERS now available locally.

Free garden assessment. Installation service also available.

Contact Ken@aceroboticlawncare.ie

or call 086 834 4332 for more information