Issue 1339 January 17th 2021

SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME  17th January 2021

(Christian Unity Week begins)

The Christian life is a calling from God to be companions of Jesus and work for the spread of his love and justice. All of us are asked to do this in our own lives.

Mass Intentions next Week

Paudie Fitzgerald (RD) Tralee, Pat Twyford (RD) Grangecon, Tony Howard (RD) Grangecon

Saturday 6pm: Alice Garry (A) Jamie Mahon (A)

Sunday 10am: Helen Kennedy Lundane (A) Ann Clarke(A)

We also remember: Ann & John Craul (A) Mary McCarthy (A) Jim, Betty & Michael McDonnell John O’Connor (A) Tom Carroll (A) Seán Duffy (A)

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

Tuesday: Tom Carroll (A) Jimmy Cashman (RD)

Wednesday: Eileen Davitt (RD) Pat Davitt (RD)

Thursday: Special Intentions, Living intentions

Friday: Mass offered for all on the Blessington Deceased Mass Card List

All Masses & Services via Webcam www.blessingtonparish.ie

Daily Mass at 9.30am, Monday to Friday please join us in prayer for The Rosary at 9am

Saturday 16^th January Mass at 6pm

Sunday 17^th January Mass at 10am and 11.30am office@blessington.info

Financial Support for our Parish is very important at this time and we are most grateful for your contributions. You can make donations to support all our Churches via the DONATE BUTTON on the Blessington parish website (options available for all our Churches.) All SHRINE MONEY remains in the parish. Donations through the black PDF BOXES in Blessington Church also go towards the running of the parish. We are very grateful for your ongoing support. Support for our Diocese through the 1st & 2nd collections may also be made via the DONATE BUTTON on our website,  the 1st collection goes to towards the support of the parish. The 2nd collection goes to the Diocese. There are also envelopes available in all Churches for these donations.

If they want to grow in His friendship, Jesus’ disciples, must not complain and look inward. They must act and commit themselves, certain that the Lord will support and accompany them.

The Blessington Interfaith Group is organising the next event, hopefully sometime around Easter, if circumstances permit. We will be in touch regarding the details. In the meantime, if anyone is interested in meeting on line we would like to hear from you. Call us on any of the numbers below.  Many thanks to all who have supported us over the years & we wish you & your families every blessing for Christmas & the New Year. Anton Trant: 086 3389553 – Grania Glancy: 087 125 3190. Joan Griffith: 087 9704832 – Gerry Curran: 087 284 1009

COURSES IN YOUR LOCAL ETB THIS NEW YEAR – Blessington Further Education and Training Centre. Why not try something new this new year? We have a range of courses available to brighten up the dark days and evenings:

• How to lead a healthier, stress free life
• Basic and improver computer skills
• Introduction to art
• Help with reading, writing, spelling and communications
• English for speakers of other languages

Our courses are free of charge and open to those who never fully completed their formal education. A great way to learn and have fun in a safe and friendly environment. All Covid-19 guidelines are strictly adhered to. For further information on all the above please contact. Annette at 086-8462771 or Caroline at 045-851494.

Courses in the Further Education & Training Centre Blessington. We are currently enrolling for courses for our new term starting in January 2021

Part Time Courses (Day and Evening) Looking to up-skill or learn something new whilst gaining a QQI qualification? Our part time courses are two days a week and are either day or evening. We have part time courses available in the following starting this January: eBusiness  (Day course)

Tourism with Business (Day course)

Healthcare  (Evening course)

Employment Skills  (Day course)

Horticulture (Day course)

Office Skills  (Day course)

For further information please contact Anne McGrath or Karen Townsend on 086 850 3833 or 045 891 099 or blessingtonfetc@kwetb.ie

Priory Institute – Online Open Day. We are moving our Open Day, Saturday January 23^rd, to an online format. Our courses have offered people the chance to study from home in their own time and be part of a supportive student community. This is much appreciated particularly in these restricted times. Our next semester starts on February 13^th The Open Day is a chance to look into what it would be like to study with us.

Good Dry Kindling for Sale at Blessington Men’s Shed €3 for 1 Bag, €10 for 3 Bags. For collection information phone John Flynn at 087 297 7678. All money raised for upkeep of Shed during these difficult times.”

St Marys’ Schools & Blessington Parish Lotto. Next week’s Jackpot is €3800. If you’re not in you can’t win! Text the word Blessington to 51444 or go to www.blessingtonparish.ie Thanks to all for the support!

RECENT €25 Weekly Prize Winners

 Thursday 24^th December – Sandra Burke – Numbers Drawn: 5, 6, 18, 21

 Thursday 31^st December – Tina McNamara – Numbers Drawn: 1, 12, 13, 27

 Thursday 7^th January – Emma Murphy – Numbers Drawn:  17, 22, 23, 26

Thursday 14^th January – Donna Robbins – Numbers Drawn: 2, 5, 25, 27

St Vincent de Paul local number 087 181 1579

• NEWSLETTER ADS

BLESSINGTON LAKES GARDEN CENTRE –Due to COVID-19 restrictions we can only deliver to our customers. Please call to discuss your order with us. All spring seeds and bulbs are in stock. 045 865 403 – 087 931 9111

Just Got Engaged ? Elegant & Stylish Wedding photography.n€1250 for full digital package + free Engagement photo session. Ring Jim on 087 679 9008. Instagram jimschofieldphotography

Gardening For Hedge clipping, Beds overhauled, Fruit Tree pruning, Painting etcnPhone Mark 085 133 7714

Funbugs Childcare have the following positions available: RELIEF STAFF & IN-HOUSE CLEANER. Relief Staff must have a passion for working with children In-House Cleaner: flexible working hours, 4-6 hrs per week. Own transport for both is desirable. For more details, please contact Sinead or Leslie-Ann at 045 862 929 or Manager@funbugs.ie Funbugs Childcare, Rathmore, Eadestown, Naas.

GasHome – Boiler Servicing and Repairs – RGI Registered. Phone Stephen 087 9060 894

Career Guidance Service for students and parents with experienced qualified guidance counsellor, individual attention Phone Gary: 086 857 4262

Gardening- For Winter Tidying, Hedge clipping, Beds overhauled, Fruit Tree pruning, Painting etc Phone Mark 085-1337714

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

Noel Nolan Blessington Heating & Plumbing Service  www.blessingtonheatingandplumbing.ie Call Noel: 087 243 1499 or email nolannoel2@gmail.com

 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  www.activeappliancerepairs.ie

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

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

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

Paying too much to SKY or UPC? We install & Repair Free to Air and Saorview!! No more bills!! Call Billy: 086 868 0053

German Autoworks – Service Specialist, VW/Audi, Mercedes, Skoda, Seat, Opel. Call 087 286 3997  www.germanautoworks.ie

Painter & Decorator – Interior & Exterior – Phone: Damian 085 826 0431

COVID-19 Support Lines for Older People ALONE manage a national support line and additional supports for older people who have concerns or are facing difficulties relating to the outbreak of COVID-19. Professional staff are available to answer queries and give advice and reassurance where necessary. The support line is open seven days a week, 8am – 8pm, by calling 0818 222 024.

If The Mountain Seems Too Big Today

Then climb a hill instead.

If the morning brings you sadness,

it’s okay to stay in bed.

If the day ahead weighs heavy

And your plans feel like a curse,

there’s no shame in rearranging,

Don’t make yourself feel worse.

If a shower stings like needles

And the bath feels like you’ll drown,

If you haven’t washed your hair for days,

Don’t throw away your crown.

A day is not a lifetime

A rest is not defeat,

Don’t think of it as failure,

Just a quiet, kind retreat.

It’s okay to take a moment

From an anxious, fractured mind,

The world will not stop turning

While you get realigned.

The mountain will still be there

When you want to try again,

You can climb it in your own time,

Just love yourself til then

-Laura Ding-Edwards