Issue 1323 September 13th 2020
24th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME – 13th September 2020
It is not easy to understand the mind of God. He sees goodness where we see none; he showers blessings where none seem to be deserved. Yet even with our limited vision we can be sure he is near us whenever we call him.
One of the meanings of this parable is that God’s forgiveness is unconditional and amazing. The huge debt is a way for Jesus to say that the forgiveness of the first man was like the forgiveness of God. None of us go through life without needing the forgiveness of God in things big and small. It’s like switching on the light in a dark room, or when an ugly scar heals on the body and we live in light and are beautiful again. The forgiveness is offered on trust: we are to trust that no matter what our past, the present is full of the brightness of forgiveness which flows around the world, as it flowed from Jesus on the cross and in his forgiveness of those who had tortured and killed him.
The forgiveness given is contrasted with the forgiveness refused. The only reason sometimes that we forgive another is to live like Jesus or when we know we are forgiven. C.S. Lewis wrote that ‘everyone thinks forgiveness is a lovely idea until they have something to forgive’ (quoted in M Hogan, Journeying with Matthew).
With the help of Jesus, we must learn to forgive but also to help others to learn to repent and forgive.
Forgive us Lord, and may we forgive each other as you forgive us.
Donal Neary SJ, Editor Sacred Heart Messenger
Mass Intentions this Week
Tom Nolan, Grangecon (RD) Noel Walsh Glasnevin (RD) Sean Callaly Dublin (RD)
Saturday 6pm: Gerard O’Dwyer (1st A) Eileen Cox (A)
Sunday 10am: Mary Smith (A) Barry O’Donnell (Rem)
We also remember: Mary Ryan Annie Doyle Frank Sexton
Monday: Mass offered for all the Blessington List of the Sick
Tuesday: Mary Bolger (A) Greg Hand (RD)
Wednesday: Maureen Boyle (RD) Kay O’Malley (RD)
Thursday: Thanksgiving Mass, Special Intentions
Friday: Tom Fitzharris (A) Anton McGettigan (RD)
The Annual Crosscare Collection will be taken up next weekend September 19th/20th. As you will appreciate Crosscare need our support now more than ever before to help those most in need in our communities at this time of crisis.
Monthly Envelopes for September 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.
Eucharistic 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
Eco-Congregation Ireland recently awarded the Parishes of Blessington, Valleymount & Lacken an Eco-Awareness Certificate for their efforts to promote sustainable living & bio-diversity in the parish. It is hoped to continue with this project in the coming months as we work together to promote Climate Justice.
COURSES IN YOUR LOCAL ETB THIS AUTUMN
Health Related Fitness Course Why not try something new this winter? This course will help you to: Develop an awareness of issues around health, fitness and physical activities Make personal choices about food and physical activity Understand stress and how to deal with it Maintain a healthy lifestyle This course will be run for one morning a week. Learn and have fun in a safe and friendly environment. All Covid-19 guidelines strictly adhered to. We also have courses available in Basic computers, English for speakers of other languages and Basic English. For further information on all the above please contact Annette at 086 846 2771 or 045 851 494.
GROW – Community Mental Health Programme
Tues 15th Sept: Understanding & Promoting Positive Mental Health
Tues 22nd Sept: The Power of Sleep
Tues 29th Sept: Boost Your Brain & Achieve Balance through Nutrition & Lifestyle
Tues 6th Oct: Understanding Trauma
Tues 13th Oct: Parenting Skills in Today’s World
Tues 20th Oct: Your Superpowers
Tues 3rd Nov: Mindfulness
Free Access via Zoom – 7.30pm – 9.00pm each evening. To Register For A Place Please Contact 6063184 or
Blessington Mini-Rugby returns outdoors for 4 and 5 year olds. Boys & girls welcome. K.O. 11:15am each Sat starting 5th Sept at St Kevin’s Hall
Blessington Mini-Rugby U10-U13 boys and girls restarts on 8th Sep, from 7pm to 8pm on GAA Astro
Searching for Spanish-English conversation exchange to improve pronunciation. +34687446322 danixa.montero@gmail.com
Anam Cara South Dublin is holding its monthly Parent Evening for bereaved parents on Mon 14th Sept at 7:20pm in the Maldron Hotel, Tallaght. This event is free & open to all bereaved parents regardless of the age your child died, the circumstances of their death, or whether their death was recent or not.
The Parish Office Opening Hours Monday to Friday from 9am to 12.30pm for Mass Bookings, Mass Cards, & Enquiries
Email: office@blessington.info Carol: 045 865 327 – 9am to 12.30pm Jean: 087 235 0835 – 9am to 5pm Please observe social distance, and use hand sanitiser when entering & leaving
St. Marys’ Schools & Blessington Parish Lotto Jackpot next week €2775 sign up for €2 per week on parish website
Email us with your Community Group news: office@blessington.info
Memory Walk Campaign The Alzheimer Society of Ireland. Support the Memory Walk Campaign – Let’s Walk together for Dementia services on September 20thin aid of the Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland See the full details and registration at
https://alzheimer.ie/get-involved/fundraising-events/alzheimer-memory-walk/
BLESSINGTON LIBRARY NEWS
Blessington Library is Open Each Week Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday 10am till 5 pm, Tuesday 1pm till 8.30 pm. Our customers are welcome to come in, browse and borrow books.
Blessington Library has now resumed the 6-day working week with late nights Tuesday and Thursday, for browse and borrow. We are observing social distancing & face coverings, & we are looking forward to seeing you.
NEWSLETTER ADS
Ruth Shine School of Dance Ballet, Modern, Contemporary and Acrobatic Arts Classes Ages 3 to Adult We pride ourselves on the beautiful, confident and happy dancers our students become! Join our dance community, based in our newly renovated, state of the art studio ‘DanceTrax Studios’ Contact Ruth on 086 406 2618, look us up on Instagram/Facebook or visit our website
www.ruthshineschoolofdance.com ‘Make Your Soul Shine!’
Furnished 1 Bed Cottage with conservatory &stunning lake views for rent in Lacken. Enquiries to 087 660 2140
Talbot Chimneys Ltd – Family Run Business Since 1978. Insurance Claims Handled, Chimney Repairs / Reline / Rebuild, CCTv Surveys, Chimney Cleaning. Descaling of Soot & Tar Build Up. Fully Insured. No Call-Out Charge for OAPs on Mention of this Ad. Freephone 1800 406 700 Office 045 850 957
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
Newsletter Advertising Rates For just 50c per word per week you can reach a large, local audience. Final cut-off for receiving adverts is Wed 10am You can email the copy to office@blessington.info and pay in the Parish Office or by bank transfer. Office open from 9am to 1pm Monday to Friday and from 3pm to 4pm Monday to Thursday.
Painter & Decorator Interior & Exterior – Phone: Damian 085 826 0431
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
Happy Faces Pre School Blessington – Situated in the Further Education Centre (old Tech) is a fun, stimulating & welcoming environment with a curriculum focusing on the best care & education for your child. Our staff are highly trained within the childcare sector, child led & Montessori methods of learning & development, limited ECCE & part time places available for Sept 2020. Find us on Facebook or email us happyfaces@blessingtonfec.ie for more information
Naas Golf Driving Range is a flood-lit driving range open to all golfers. Open 7 days a week. Located one mile from Sallins and one mile from Johnstown Garden Centre. 045 874489. All welcome.
Gardening- For Autumn Tidying, Hedge Clipping, Lawn Care, Beds Overhauled, Painting etc Phone Mark 085 133 7714
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
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
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
St Vincent de Paul local number 087 181 1579
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