Issue 1432 December 11th 2022

3rd SUNDAY OF ADVENT – The coming of Christ is a message of joy: a joy founded & rooted in God’s love & care for his people, & his promise of an eternal companionship.

Mass intentions this week in Blessington

Saturday 6pm: Denis Brereton (A), Geoff O’Sullivan (RD)

Sunday 10am: Phyllis Moran (Months Mind), Josephine Byrne (A), Michael & Irene O’Donnell (A)

We also Remember: Maisie O’Reilly (A)

Monday: Mass offered for the Sick & those in hospital

Tuesday: Tina Fennan (RD), Margaret Reilly (Rem) (Late of Lacken)

Wednesday: Get Well Mass, Birthday Mass

Thursday: Laurence & Gertrude Kehoe (A), Michael Meagan (RD)

Friday: Pauline McAuley (RD), Noel Murphy (RD

St Vincent de Paul Annual Collection will take place at all Masses this weekend, 10th & 11th December, replacing the Share Collection. Please give generously.

Saturday 10th December: Mass times: Blessington: 6pm, Lacken: 7.30pm – Confessions: after 6pm Mass in Blessington

Sunday 11th December: Mass Times: Blessington: 10am, Manor Kilbride: 11am, Valleymount: 10.00am, Crosschapel: 11.30am.

Tuesday 13th December: Rosary & Holy Hour 10 to 11am in Church of Our Lady, Blessington

Bernie & the Mill’s families would like to thank everyone that comforted them throughout Mick’s time in hospital & at the funeral. We’d especially like to thank all the doctors, nurses & staff that cared for Mick in Naas Hospital, especially those in the Moat Ward. Thank you to Blessington GAA for their guard of honour. A special word of thanks to Fr. Behan & Tony & Regina Clarke for their kindness shown at Mick’s funeral. To all those who sent Mass cards, your thoughts & wishes have comforted us so much. It would be impossible to thank everyone individually so please accept this notice as our thanks. Mass will be offered for all your intentions in Blessington. Mick’s Month’s Mind Mass will be in Blessington on Tuesday 20th December 9.30am

NOTICE: Blessington Parish ULSTER BANK A/C is now closed. If you still have a Standing Order going to it, please call Jean in the Parish Office if you would like to continue to support the parish this way. Many thanks to all who have made the switch!

Industry Professional Emmett Kelly from Burning House Productions will be in Blessington Library on Saturday, 10th December at 1pm for a film production workshop. Emmett will show you how to create a polished holiday movie that will make the perfect family keepsake. A great opportunity for anyone interested in filmography or photography. Suitable for ALL the family (adults, teens & children). Booking required: blessingtonlib@wicklowcoco.ie

Let There Be Christmas Blessington Millennium Choir invites you to join them in singing Christmas songs and carols to celebrate the festive season in Church of Our Lady, Blessington. Sunday December 11th at 4pm. Tickets €10 (Children under 12 free) (Includes fruit punch and mince pies) Tickets available from choir members & The Parish Office or call: 087 2343 1499 By kind permission of Fr Richard Behan P.P. Proceeds to Coimin Centre Blessington

Santa arrives in Manor Kilbride on 11th December at 12.30pm. Also: Kilbride GAA Christmas Raffle, Cake Sale, Games & some stalls – in Manor Kilbride Hall – Proceeds towards the Playground for Manor Kilbride. All Welcome. Buy a Raffle ticket online today from €5 @ www.KilbrideGAA.com/shop Prizes include: €300 Voucher from Colin Murphy at BRYCO & One All Ireland Final Hurling Ticket for 2023. All Prizes are listed: https://www.kilbridegaa.com/news/santa-arrives-christmas-raffle/

Book Launch “Left at the Lamb” on Tuesday 13th December at 6.45pm in Blessington Library. A flavour of the History & Heritage of the Blessington area by Aiden Cruise, David Harrington & Seamus Balfe. All Welcome

Christmas Community Service Prayers and Carols. Saturday 17th December at 4pm at Church of Our Lady moving in procession  to St Mary’s Church for Carols. Refreshments afterwards in St Kevin’s Community Hall

Social Dancing Donard Community Hall (W91YW57) Saturday 17th December from 9pm to 12. Music by Teddy & Cathal Barry – Adm €10 – Refreshments Served

Christmas Reconciliation Service: Monday 19th December at 7:30pm Church of Our Lady, Blessington. Crib Exhibition will be on display beforehand in the Coimin Centre

Kilbride & Lakeside Music Committee Present a Christmas Concert in Manor Kilbride Hall on Saturday 17th December at 7pm. Featuring Kilbride & Lakeside Youth Ensemble, also soloists & singers. Guest artist- the amazing Aoife Garry on Trumpet. Family friendly. All welcome. Pay at the door €10

PLEASE SUPPORT St. Mary’s Schools by buying our Christmas cards! Available to purchase in the Parish Office, Brew 21, the Post Office, Martikas Hair Salon, the Tourist Office & Enda’s Flower Shop. Pack of 10 cards – two lovely local designs in each pack. €6 per pack or 2 packs for €10.

CROSSCARE Christmas Food Poverty Appeal. This Christmas, Crosscare are asking for help for the Food Poverty Service, where they support families who find it hard to provide nutritious food. Sadly, almost 800 families and individuals, including 1,000 children, have needed help from the Service this year & demand is likely to increase in the coming months. Crosscare ensures they have a good supply of food while at the same time looking at all the issues that may have brought them into food poverty. If you can, you can donate online at www.crosscare.ie or call 01 8360011 or send a cheque or postal order to Crosscare Christmas Appeal, 2 Saint Mary’s Place North, Dublin D07 Y768. Envelopes will also be available in all Churches

St Mary’s Schools & Blessington Parish Lotto. 1st December: 5, 7, 21, 25 – €25 Winner: Seanna Pender. Next Jackpot is €2,0125

Lacken Naíonra Open for enrolments. ECCE & part-time places available. For information or to book a viewing, please contact 045 865 086. Follow us on Facebook – Lacken National School.

Valleymount Parent & Baby/Toddler Playgroup meets every Friday during school term from 9.30am to12 in Valleymount Hall. New parents most welcome. Pop in for a cuppa & a chat.

Tús Job Opportunity in Blessington County Wicklow Partnership’s Tús Programme has a work placement opportunity in Blessington Educate Together National School Position available: Caretaker Gain valuable work experience while contributing to your community at the same time. The placement will be for 1 year & participants will be required to work for 19½ hours per week & are free to take up other employment outside of their 19½ hours. To qualify, you must be fully unemployed for 12 months. Tús payment is at the full rate of Jobseekers Allowance plus €22.50 top-up. For more information or to apply contact Neil Doyle on 087 640 9273 or ndoyle@wicklowpartnership.ie

West Wicklow Cancer Support Our group hosts a weekly Mindful soundbath Meditation with Gemma Deeney on Wednesdays at 11am in the Primary Care Centre Blessington. No cost, open to all. Do bring your own cushion, blanket & a friend. If your life has been impacted by cancer through a diagnosis, a family member, friend, or carer we are here for you. Call: 087 4346004 or westwicklow15@gmail.com

Community Employment Assistant Supervisor – Job Description: Fulltime CE Assistant Supervisor to assist in ensuring the effective & efficient administration & co-ordination of the human, financial & material resources of CE Project in Blessington. Community Employment, working closely with the Supervisor & Sponsoring Committee to maximise opportunities for participants through training & development towards long term employment or further education. Previous experience in office administration, computerised accounts & payroll is essential. Skills in MS Office or computerised accounts packages. Skills relevant to people management through previous work experience. For full job spec contact martincahill@blessingtonce.ie Applications including CV & Cover Letter posted to The Chairman, Blessington & District CE Ltd, Unit 8 Newtown Square, Blessington, Co. Wicklow or by email to martincahill@blessingtonce.ie Closing Date for receipt of applications is Monday December 19th, 2022, at 4pm

New Year! New Start! Courses available for all at the Further Education & Training Centre Blessington & Baltinglass: Tourism, Healthcare, Office Skills, Ebusiness, SNA, Pathways to Employment & more. Please call Irene Hayden 086 806 1569 or Karen Townsend 086 850 3833

St Vincent de Paul Blessington, local number 087 181 1579

  • NEWSLETTER ADS

Urgently Wanted 3 Bed House to Rent for Syrian Family. Rent Guaranteed. Call: 087 646 3939

CHRISTMAS TREES Direct from FARM Only €30 to €39 each. Opposite entrance to Slade Valley Golf Club, Brittas (1 mile off the N81 Blessington Road Brittas or 2 miles off the N7 Saggart) EirCode: D24 TEP6 Phone 087 925 0064

CLEANER WANTED to clean a 4-bed house in Blessington Village for 3 hours every week. €15 per hour please call: 086 385 2484

Fluent Irish speaker wanted to give Grinds to two teenagers, 2nd & 5th year students. Contact 087 266 0649. Valleymount area.

Christmas Trees, Planters & Wreaths, Living Christmas Trees in pots or root ball. Gifts & Vouchers. Open daily 9-5 Sunday 10-5 BLESSINGTON LAKES GARDEN CENTRE – Good Advice, Great Plants. 045 865 403 or 087 931 9111

FOR SALE – Double Buggy – €250. Grey Moses Basket with White Base (as new) €25. Toddler Rocking Horse, Momma & Poppas – (as new) €25. Also available, Baby Sling (New, unused) & baby toys in immaculate condition. Tel: 085 801 3372 Blessington Area

Birch+Fern Garden Design & Landscaping – Qualified garden designer & landscaper. Specialising in wildlife friendly gardening. Phone: Chris Walsh on 085 123 6868. Email: info@birchandfern.ie  Social Media: @birchandfern.ie Webs

Window & Door Repairs – PVC Repairs – Hinges & Handles Replaced. Misted, Foggy or Cracked Windows? Change your Existing Glass to ‘A Rated Glass’ – EVERY PANE’S MY PLEASURE – Call Gerry on 085 786 4273

BRYKO – Shop / Yard Assistant Required – Full time Position, Manual Lifting Ability Essential/ Please Drop in your CV to Emilia or email to bryko.products@gmail.comite: www.birchandfern.ie

Jones Power Tools Ltd. Baltinglass. Supply Sales and Services. Stihl Chainsaws/Blowers/Power Washers and many more. Great Ideas for Christmas for the woman or man in your life! Fleetwood Paint mixed to your favourite colours. Contact 059 64 81033 or Philip 087 663 8788

Rods + Cones Opticians Blessington. Beside the GARDA station. Formerly Cullinane Opticians. Open for all your eyecare needs. FREE Eye Exam + Glasses with PRSI + Medical Card. Large selection of Designer Frames + Sunglasses. Special Offers + Discounts on 2nd Pairs. Varifocal Experts – try them with our 30-Day Guarantee. Many Thanks to all our loyal customers. Call 045 891 056 for an appointment.

Tús Job Opportunity in Blessington County Wicklow Partnership’s Tús Programme has a work placement opportunity in Blessington Educate Together National School Position available: Caretaker Gain valuable work experience while contributing to your community at the same time. The placement will be for 1 year & participants will be required to work for 19½ hours per week & are free to take up other employment outside of their 19½ hours. To qualify, you must be fully unemployed for 12 months. Tús payment is at the full rate of Jobseekers Allowance plus €22.50 top-up. For more information or to apply contact Neil Doyle on 087 640 9273 or ndoyle@wicklowpartnership.ie

Massage Therapist – Therapeutic Deep Tissue Massage, Lakeshore Wellness. WatsApp: 087 792 6332 @blessomassage

SeeThru Solution – Your Local Trustworthy Cleaning Service for Windows, Gutters, Fascia, Pressure Washing, Softwash, Carpet & Upholstery. Call Greg: 085 858 1850

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

Blessington Roofing and Guttering. All Roof Repairs Slate Tiles Chimneys Guttering Fully Insured Free Quotations 24/7 Emergency call-out 25 Year Guaranteed Roof Installation and Roof Repairs. Call Today for a free no-obligation quote. 087 379 4038   www.roofrepairsandguttering.ie Email:   roofingr7@gmail.com

Paying too much for SKY or Virgin Media? We Install or Repair Free to Air and Saorview! No more Bills! Call Billy 086 868 0053

Local Builder Available – All services under one roof, Windows & Doors, Plumbing, Tiling, Roofing, Plastering, Electrical, Carpentry, Insulation. All levels of construction services available. Fully registered. Call Paul 086 309 1829

Interior Designs by Elizabeth Creative, Unique, Personal. Please phone: 086 088 1806. Email: elizabethdoyle.ed@gmail.com

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

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

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

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 www.funeraldirectorsblessington.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

Newsletter Advertising Rates, For just 50c per word per week you can reach a large, local audience. Cut-off for receiving adverts is Wed 10am. You can email the copy to office@blessington.info and pay in the Parish Office, or via the Donate button on our website or by bank transfer. Call the Parish Office: 045 865 327

  • PARISH INFORMATION

Church of Our Lady, Blessington – Mass Times: Saturday 6.00pm.  Sunday 10.00am

Weekdays: Monday to Friday 9.30am – Fr. Richard Behan PP. Tel: 045 865327

Church of Our Lady of Mercy, Crosschapel – Mass Times: Sundays 11.30am

St. Brigid’s Church, Manor Kilbride – Mass Times: Sundays 11.00am

Weekdays: Monday to Friday 9am – Fr. Paraic McDermott C.S. Sp., Tel: 01 4582154

St. Joseph’s Church, Valleymount – Mass Times: Sunday 10am

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Lacken – Mass Time: Saturdays 7.30pm

Parish Office: 9am to 1pm Monday to Friday Tel: 045 865 327

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