Masses for Christmas Will be on 22^nd and 29^th Dec Names of those being prayed for in the Christmas Remembrance Masses,  will be inscribed on an Altar List to be placed on the Altar.

Mass intentions in Blessington 22^nd Dec

Saturday: Margaret Roche…A, Claire Twyford…A, Derek Larkin…A, May Breen…A, Rosemary & John Walshe…A, Phyllis & Brian Murphy…A

Sunday: Ross McFarland… 1st A, Irene & Micheal O Donnell…A, Noel Lang…A, Claire Twyford…A, John & Mary Pollard…A

Monday: Mass for the Sick & those in Hospital

Tuesday: Christmas Eve People of the parish & surrounding area

Wednesday: Christmas Day People of the parish & surrounding area

Thursday: St Stephens Day Frank & Olwyn Langan…A, Milicent Jones…A,  Louise, Carmel & Mary Walsh…Rem, Peter Murphy …Rem, Joe & Gretta Miley…A, Breda Miley…A, Lisa & Dave Chau…A

Friday: Get Well Mass, Jane Molloy…RD

Mass intentions in Blessington 29^th Dec

Saturday: Kitty & John Nolan…A, Rose Lennon…A

Sunday: Ross Jameson…A, John Burns…RD

Monday: Mass for the Sick & those in Hospital

Tuesday: Marcella Butler…A, Get Well Intention.

Wednesday: New Years Day Day of prayer for world peace

Thursday: John Leahy…RD Sean O’Connor…RD

Friday: 1st Friday of the month, Mass offered for all on the November List of the Dead

Funding Appeal

Our Parish Finances are in a very fragile state. There are many reasons for this – dwindling congregations, lack of regular income, peoples’ own financial situations etc. Historically, our Parish account had been with the Ulster Bank. When that closed, we lost quite a frightening number of Standing Orders. So much so, we are operating from month to month at the moment. I am asking you to consider renewing your standing order with your Bank, and, if your resources permit, to increase your contributions. We need a regular income on which we can depend.

The offerings given at Mass on Sundays do not stay in the parish. They are for the diocesan salaries of priests, and for the support of parishes poorer than our own. The money we rely on comes from the envelopes, the standing orders, and whatever rental income we can generate from our buildings.

Thank you in advance for supporting your parishes. Standing Order forms are available at the back of our churches. As we continue to build the church of the future in hope, may the Lord bless us and the gifts we are able to give.

Masses for Christmas Will be on 22^nd and 29^th Dec Names of those being prayed for in the Christmas Remembrance Masses, will be inscribed on an Altar List to be placed on the Altar. If you would like your loved one remembered, please contact the Parish Office before Thursday 19^th Dec. 045 865327

NEWSLETTER This is the last newsletter of the 2024 , the first newsletter of 2025 will be on 8^th Jan.

Rosary & Holy Hour   There will be no Holy Hour during the month of December. It will resume in early January. We ask that prayers for peace be offered for all who continue to suffer in the war-torn countries of the world.

Pray & Play Group In the Coimin Centre, Every Wed 2.45pm to 4.30pm. For children of all ages with their parents, grandparents, guardians. Contact Áine 086 107 0480

First Friday mass Jan 3rd. In the church of Our Lady, Blessington The blessing with the relic of Padre Pio will take place after Mass.

The Wise Men will come to Valleymount! Sun Jan 12th @3pm.

Minister of Eucharist –January 2025 Church of Our Lady Blessington SAT 6PM: Pat McGrath, Anne Hanlon & Frank Hanlon SUNDAY 10AM: George Richardson, Kay Clarke & Aisling Molloy

Christmas Mass times Blessington, Crosschapel & Manor Kilbride

Christmas Eve December 24th – 5.30pm Children’s Mass, 7.30pm Manor Kilbride, 8pm Blessington

Christmas Day 25th December – 10am Blessington, 11am Manor Kilbride, 11.30am Crosschapel

26th Dec & 27th Dec Eucharistic Service at 10am in Blessington

All Blessington Church Masses Are available on the webcam www.blessingtonparish.ie

Valleymount

Christmas Eve – December 24th – Eucharistic & Carol Service at 7.30pm

Christmas Day 25th December – 10am Mass Valleymount

Lacken

Christmas Eve – 7.3opm Mass Lacken

Eadestown Parish

Christmas Eve December 24th – 9pm Mass Eadestown

Christmas Day 25th December – 10am Mass Kilteel – 11.30am Mass Eadestown

Church Of Ireland

21 December- 4.00pm Community Carol Service: Commencing in St Mary’s Church concluding Church of Our Lady

 22 December – 3.00pm   Carol Service (9 Lessons and Carols)- St Mary’s Church

24 December – 10.00pm Christmas Eve  Holy Communion- St John’s Church Ballymore

 25 December – 10.00am  Christmas Day

 Holy Communion- St Mary’s Church

12.00pm Christmas Day Family Worship – St John’s Cloughleagh (Kilbride)

 29 December 10.30am

First Sunday of Christmas

Holy Communion- St Kevin’s Hollywood

A Prayer for Christmas O Loving God, At this holy time of year, we remember those who are facing hardships and ask you to fill them with strength and courage. Let us live with humanity in our hearts. Amen

Eco Christmas:  Avoid food Waste Plan Christmas menu. Write out a list. Check stocks before you shop. Only buy what you need. Cook as much as is needed. Make soup with left over or roasted veg. Freeze left over food quickly in resealable tubs. Alternatively give goodie bags to your guests to take away. Happy Christmas

CARE OF THE EARTH  Help with the shopping. Consider helping an older person with their shopping in preparation for the Christmas period. This could be sitting with them and asking what they’d like to eat on Christmas Day then getting the ingredients for them or assisting in buying gifts for their loved ones. Spending time together planning these things can be joyful and result in the elderly individual feeling like they’re a part of the festivities.

Thought of the Week “Don’t let the past steal the present. This is the message of Christmas: We are never alone.” – Taylor Caldwell

Blessington Parish Lotto Numbers on 12^th December: 8,12,14,15. €25 Winner: Lisa Kavanagh.  Next Jackpot €2725.

A DECEMBER PRAYER Jesus, Light of the world. When I am afraid and unsure, comfort me with the light of Your presence. When Loneliness chills me, warm me with the light of Your love. When the road ahead seems dark, guide me with the light of Your way. When I don’t understand and my thoughts are unclear, fill me with the light of Your wisdom. When I seem spent like a candle consumed, replenish me with the light of Your life. Then, so filled with Your light, use me, So that I, with You, may be light for the world! Amen.

POPES INTENTION FOR  December  For Pilgrims of Hope Pope Francis requests this month’s prayers “so that this Jubilee strengthens us in faith, helps us recognize Christ risen in our lives, and transforms us into pilgrims of Christian hope.”

Columban missionaries invite students aged 13 to 18 to submit an original piece of writing or an image on the theme “Pilgrims of Hope”. The task is to highlight one community bringing hope into the world. This might be one that they are part of or one that inspires them e.g carers, teachers, food bank volunteers, supporters of migrants and refugees ,climate change activists. Written Prizes 1st €300     2nd €150    3rd €100. Image Prizes   1st €300    2nd €150     3rd €100. For further details   www.columbancompetition.com

PUPPY RAISERS NEEDED Help to train a future Guide or Assistance Dog by fostering a puppy! This full-time volunteer role involves a pup living in your home from 9 weeks up to 14 months old. To find out more, please email pups@guidedogs.ie or visit www.guidedogs.ie.

Blessington Further Education Centre’s new term starting in January 2025 is open to adults who want to return to education. We provide free classes and work with early school leavers and people who have not been in a learning environment in some time. We work with people who are in employment and also those in receipt of social welfare payments. Classes are offered day, night and afternoon on a part-time basis ranging from 2-6 hours per week. We work at the learner’s pace in a friendly environment We offer classes in: Blow drying hair, – Gardening,-  Art, – Food and nutrition – We can help you with your C.V and interview skills. – Computers/ Laptop & Phones for beginners and those who need to improve their skills.- Horticulture QQI Level 4 – Growing Vegetables, – Office Skills QQI Level 4 – customer service and desktop publishing, Information Technology Skills, – Business Administration QQI Level 5  – word processing and desktop publishing, NEW COURSE IN APPLIED SOCIAL STUDIES – please phone for more details, SNA Level 5 – day class,  FREE Course/Job Guidance service also available We provide 1-1 support to improve English skills of reading and writi= ng as well as numeracy. One of our past students commented that – Leanne said “I was able to talk to my child’s teacher with confidence and express my concerns and listen to advice”. For more information on any of the above please contact us on 045 891099 or email info@blessingtonfetc@kwetb.ie

AWARE SUPPORT & SELF CARE GROUPS If you or those with whom you work wish to connect with people in relation to your mental wellbeing, consider using Aware’s phone-in and Zoom support and self-care groups, support line or support mail. For more information, visit www.aware.ie.

Accord Prayer for Marriage & Family Life God of love, show us our place in this world as channels of your love. Give to us the gift of respect, empathy and understanding. Bless and strengthen our love for each other. Help us to appreciate the value of family life and to live in harmony with all whom we come in contact with. Encourage us, we pray, to act justly, love tenderly and walk humbly with the Lord. Praise be to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen

BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT The Irish Hospice Foundation provides a free Bereavement Support Line. This National Freephone Service is available from 10am to 1pm, Monday to Friday, by calling 1800 807077. Visit www.hospicefoundation.ie for more information.

ALZHEIMER CAFÉ NAAS The Alzheimer Café evening takes place on the last Wednesday of every month from 7pm to 9pm in the Convent Tea Rooms at McAuley Place, Sallins Road, Naas (Beside Parish Church). Those living with a dementia, families, carers and professionals with an interest in the area are all welcome to attend. Each month a different speaker will give a perspective on Alzheimer disease and an open discussion takes place with questions and answers.

A Prayer for our Parish Heavenly Father, Bless our Church and our parish, And all the good work that goes on in them. May all who are Christians live and work together for the good of each other and the glory of your Name. May those who do not know you be brought by our example to a loving knowledge and peace with you. Amen

VERY EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT!!! TICKETS ARE NOW ON SALE FOR THIS YEAR’S PANTO!!! Thurs 2nd 7pm Fri 3rd 7pm Sat 4th 2pm & 7pm Sun 5th 2pm This year’s show is one like never before. An original story by Thomas O’Leary, it features all things girl power! You don’t want to miss our amazing cast in yet another fun-filled family pantomime. Get tickets from the Office Shop or Hennessy’s Next Door, Blessington.

Blessington Community Employment Vacancies These are developmental opportunities, no experience necessary. St Mary’s Church Blessington Caretaker  Duties to include but not limited to Grass-cutting, caretaking, painting, weeding, planting and litter picking. CES 2366328 closing 27/12/2024 Valleymount GAA Caretaker  Duties to include but not limited to Grass-cutting, caretaking, painting, weeding, planting and litter picking. CES 2366330 closing 13/12/2024. Please contact us on 085-2523563 or martincahill@blessingtonce.ie Please note *You must be in receipt of a social welfare payment for the last 12 months to qualify for these positions. * CE Rates Apply.

Blessington Bridge Club Meets every Monday at 7.30pm in the Kare Centre. All new players welcome.

Blessington Bowls Club meet every Thursday night at 7.30pm in St Kevin’s Hall, Main Street Blessington. Guests are most welcome, why not come along and bring a friend

Blessington Library Events If you need help with your smart phone, tablet, laptop, or navigating the internet, Blessington Library offers 45-minute sessions one – one with a qualified tutor on Mondays, 1.30pm – 4.30 pm & Thursdays, 3 – 7 pm. Book your place: (045) 891 740 / blessingtonlib@wicklowcoco.ie Social Inclusion Week Sunday, 13th -19^th October Stories, Crafts and Music with Agata Lojek – children 5-9 (Wed 16th Oct at 3 pm) Connection through song with Mags from Blessington Choir (event for adults, coffee and tea provided). Thurs 17th Oct at 10 am. Book your place: (045) 891 740 / blessingtonlib@wicklowcoco.ie

GAELSCOIL NA LOCHANNA will hold their open night on 9 January 2025, 7:30. Fáilte [All parents welcome to find out what life is like in the Gaelscoil] Enrolments for 25-26 school year accepted all through January. (31 spaces) Enrolments for our Autism class accepted all through February. (4 spaces left) Fáilte romhaibh – You don’t need Irish to join the Gaelscoil!! www.gaelscoilnalochanna.com 087 9388651 / 045 900525 …AGUS NOLLAIG SHONA DAOIBH 

Manor Kilbride Community Hall Available for hire for Classes, Training Groups Parties & Events. Email: Kilbridecommunitypage@gmail.com

For Sale Skoda Fabia 2018 1.0 Petrol 23,000 kms Genuine Full-service History NCT to 03/26 Taxed to 10/25 €12.500 Contact 0868209743

The Bridge Christmas Farm Get your quality Christmas Tree direct at Noble & Nordman Just off the sally gap ‘Athdown’ Unbeatable Value €35-€50 selection Eircode W91 KW94 Email: athdownee@gmail.com

Daz Auto Motors Blessington Newly opened a small garage for motor repairs and car valeting Contact 0894564703 Beside Pet Hospital in Blessington Unit 4 Blessington Industrial Estate W91HY32

Ustore @ Hollywood Large storage area available Phone 087-356-7601 €100 Per month

Catriona Byrne & Co Solicitors BESIDE AIB – OVER 20 YEARS ESTABLISHED FOR ALL YOUR LEGAL NEEDS 3 Mill Bank, Blessington County Wicklow Tel: 045 857 537 www.catrionsbyrne.ie

Septic Tanks Emptied & Digger Hire Call Dermot or Adam Phibbs 087 799 5320 – 083 037 4750 lizmphibbs6@gmail.com      License no: NWCPO-21-12619-01

Blessington Counselling & Psychotherapy – Mandy Downes MAPCP 085 134 9813 Specialist in CBT & Solution focused Therapy

Wicklow & Kildare Mental Health Services  Counselling & Psychotherapy. Aran Centre, Blessington, Co. Wicklow. For Bookings please contact, by phone: 089 274 4920 or e-mail: info@wicklowandkildarementalhealth.ie

Driving instructor RSA and ADI approved.  Contact Michael 087 459 4258  for bookings.

GF Services Tile Cleaning Upholstery Cleaning Carpet Cleaning 0899889861 info@gfservices.ie

Painter & Decorator Interior & Exterior Call Damien 085 826 0431

HEADSTONES McEvoy Monumental Works Blessington. Headstones, Inscriptions, Renovations. Serving the people of Blessington for over 40 years. Call to our workshop at Millbank Blessington Call: Mick 045 865 487 – 086 843 8832 or Gary 087 933 3487 www.mcevoymonumentalworks.com

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

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

Eagle Cleaning Solutions Chimney Cleaning, Exterior Power Washing, Window Cleaning, Gutter Cleaning & Repairs. Find us on Facebook! Call for appointment: 087 247 4388. info@eaglecleaningsolutions.com

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

Upcoming events at The Avon Santa at the Avon, 13-23 December. Tickets for both at www.ticketstop.ie. Email info@theavon.ie for details of our Christmas party nights.

Tomphibbs.ie Kiln-Dried Firewood Standard bag from €110 Large bag from €180 Larch, birch, hornbeam, or ash available. Call 01-2118469 Delivery charge – €20 per order

Niall Kearns Building & Roofing Contractor 086 274 6969 nkbuildandroof@gmail.com Building New Homes, Extensions, Sunrooms Attic Conversions, Renovations, Chimney Repairs Roofing New Roofs, All Roof Repairs Flat Roofs, Gutter Repairs Roof Replacement, PVC Fascia & Soffit All Work Fully Guaranteed