Newsletter 10th March 2024 Issue 1493

Mass intentions in Blessington

Saturday: Mary Nolan…A, Mario Mowlds…Birthday Rem, Patrick, Mary, Judy & John Behan…A Mary & Patrick Stynes…A, Jack & Madge Morris…A, Sean Tracey …Rd Nora Flemming…A

Sunday: Patricia Hynes…Rem  , Joseph Butler…RD

At Masses This Weekend, We Remember The Following Margaret & Micheal Byrne…A        Johanna & Thomas O Neill…A

Monday: Mass for the Sick & those in Hospital Tuesday: Lily Doyle… Rem, Catriona McNamee…Rem

Wednesday: Shirley Cullen…Rem, Kevin Ennis…RD

Thursday: Get Well Mass, Liam Donavan…Rem

Friday: Margaret Kinsella…A , John Gallagher…Rem

Communion Preparation Masses – Sat 9^th March St Mary’s School 6pm Blessington Church.

Rosary & Holy Hour: Every Tuesday, 7pm to 8pm in Church of Our Lady Blessington

Pray & Play Group In the Coimin Centre, Every Wednesday From 2.45pm to 4.30pm. For children of all ages with their parents, grandparents, guardians. Contact Áine 0833798366 or Call the office on 045365327

Minister of Eucharist March 2024, Church of Our Lady Blessington, SAT 6PM: Colette Fennan, Mary McCormack & Geraldine McMulkin. SUNDAY 10AM: Aisling Molloy & Margaret Flynn

Blessington Parish Lotto Numbers on 29th February 2,5,9,29. €25 Winner: Not Won Jackpot Winner: John Keogh Next Jackpot €1,200

MOTHERS DAY PRAYER Heavenly Father, we thank You for our mothers through whom Your gift of life begins and through whom we are nurtured into great human beings. We lift up all mothers to Your love and care. We pray for them, for their needs of strength and support to continue to nurture a family of love, in honour and love for You, our God.

CARE OF THE EARTH Buy locally produced food Eating fresh, local food consumes less fuel and packaging materials. Shipping products by truck, rail, flight, or boat creates pollution and takes a toll on the environment. Instead, shop at local farmer’s markets and grocery stores that stock locally sourced products. Alternatively, use a CSA (community-supported agriculture) service to get fresh produce regularly. Thought for the week God often comes to us in disguises.

Church of the apostles Ballybrack – Women in the Bible – 20^th March at 7.30pm Naomi (from Ruth story), 17^th April at 7.30pm The Syrophoenician women, 15^th May at 7.30pm Mary Magdalene. Talks given by Dr Jesse Rogers Lecturer/Dean of Theology at St Patricks Pontifical Maynooth Friends Of Calcutta. Clothes Collection supporting Friends of Calcutta (CHY No. 13218) on Tuesday March 19th.  All items of wearable clothing, footwear, curtains etc most welcome. Collection ends at 2pm in Church of Our Lady Car Park. All enquiries to Michael Hopkins 087-9073074 who will be delighted to arrange a home collection if requested.

Marriage Enrichment Weekend: The Marriage Enrichment program that has been transforming marriages in Ireland for over 50 years and in 94 countries around the world. The programme involves a Weekend experience that transforms the way spouses communicate to deepen their love for each other. The experience allows you to create a dialogue with each other and with God, to create a higher and broader understanding of what it means to be married. This is taking place in Prosperous, Co. Kildare 26th-28th April 2024.

Popes’ intention for March For the new martyrs We pray that those who risk their lives for the Gospel in various parts of the world inflame the Church with their courage and missionary enthusiasm.

KNOCK PILGRIMAGE Archbishop Dermot Farrell will lead our annual pilgrimage to Knock on Saturday, April 27.  This year we are celebrating 145 years since the apparition in 1879. We are glad to say that the Choir of Many Voices from throughout the Archdiocese will be back this year. A series of workshops with interesting and thought-provoking speakers and being planned, more details to follow. As in previous years, parishes should plan to arrive in Knock for 11.45am. If you would like to take part in the choir or have any other queries, please email knockpilgrimage@dublindiocese.ie

Prayer for peace Lord Jesus, You came that the world might know the peace that You have experienced with the Father eternally. Yet, You taught us that in this life there will be wars and rumours of wars. Nations will rise against nations as violence works itself out in the world. However, through You, the world may be saved.

West Wicklow Cancer Support  welcomes you to our weekly sound bath meditation with essential oils, hosted by Gemma Deeney. Take that hour to yourself to relax, rewind and rejuvenate. Wednesday Mornings, 11am Primary Care Centre. Open to all, bring your own cushion and blanket. No charge, no need to book. Contact us on 087 4346004 / westwicklow15@gmail.com with any enquiries.

West Wicklow Cancer Support invites you to join us at our monthly Drop In Evening, when we welcome a local horticulturist offering tips on Spring gardening success. Discussing the best colours, to cleaning your garden beds and preparing the soil, this promises to be an evening enjoyed by all with green fingers! Thursday 14th March 7.30pm Coimin Centre Blessington.  Open to all. Contact us on 087 4346004 / westwicklow15@gmail.com with any enquiries

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

Valleymount Walking Group Would you like to start walking? This group is open to everyone of all ages and capabilities. Meeting point: Community Shed Valleymount For more information contact Sean 086 250 8230

Blessington Walking Club Community support for mental emotional and physical health Morning walks during weekdays  at 9.30am Sunday walks at 11am Meeting point Blessington further ed centre WhatsApp 087 223 4005 insta@blessingtonwalkingclub

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.

PICKLEBALL FOR OVER 60’s  being held on Fridays from 10-12  in St Kevins Hall. It’s the fastest growing sport for retirees. Come and give it a go or just come & watch. Its lots of fun

Always wanted to sing? All Welcome. No Auditions. Blessington Millennium Choir are looking to recruit new members who love to sing. With mixed ability and experience, we aim to positively impact our community and as such regularly raise funds for organisations and participate in events. So, if you sing in the shower, you are the King or Queen of Karaoke or a keen amateur, Come & Join Us We meet every Tuesday evening 7.30 to 9.30pm at the Kare Centre, Blessington For more details please phone (087) 4352385 or (087) 2431499 www.choirbmc.com

Blessington Library – Seachtain na Gaeilge  with Carmel Stephens. A bilingual, (Irish/English) storytelling and crafting session for children aged 5-9 and their families)Saturday 9th March 2.30 pm. Children 5-9 and their families Booking essential. St Patrick’s Day Arts and Craft Wednesday 13th March at 3.30 pm Booking essential. Supporting a person with an eating disorder by Bodywhys. Thursday 14th March at 7 pm (no Booking required).

Blessington Community Employment Vacancies These are developmental opportunities, no experience necessary. St Kevin’s, Cemetery, Hollywood Duties inclusive of but not restricted to grass cutting, light maintenance, key holding, and cleaning. Closing Date: 20/02/2024 Reference: CES: 2317015. Secretary, St Kevin’s  Community Centre. Duties inclusive of but not restricted to admin, answering calls,  And secretarial work. Closing Date: 02/02/2024 Reference: CES: 2317031. Caretaker, Hollywood Community Centre. Duties to include but not restricted to preparing hall for meetings and events, cleaning, light maintenance, and painting. Closing Date: 02/02/2024 Reference: CES: 2317081 Caretaker, St. Johns Cemetery, Ballymore. Duties inclusive of but not restricted to grass cutting, light maintenance, key holding, and cleaning. Closing Date: 16/02/2024 Reference: CES: 2317525 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 FETC Full and part time, daytime and evening education courses are available. We are here to help you get back into education, learn at your own pace, reach your potential, have some fun, meet other people and gain confidence. We offer 1 to 1 support in English, maths, and IT.  Courses are free, flexible, and fun. (eligibility criteria will apply). If you are interested in upskilling or learning new skills in: Gardening, Art, Sewing, Beginners Hairdressing, IT – laptop, notebooks, smart phones in 2024 contact u, or drop into the Blessington FETC. We would be delighted to hear from you.  Contact us on 045 891099/ 0868462771. West Wicklow Youthreach offers an education and training programme for early school leavers aged 16-21. We offer QQI level 3 and 4 junior and leaving cert equivalent, and personal development programmes in a small, welcoming, and supportive environment. If you are interested in our full-time programme, why not contact us to find out more! Call the centre at 086-8159593 or 045-851498 or drop into the Blessington Further Education and Training Centre and pick up an enquiry form. Alternatively, you can send an email to carolinemccabe@KWETB.ie For more information about our programme visit www.blessingtonfetc.ie/youthreach

DATE FOR DIARY Blessington GAA Development Fundraiser- Jungle Challenge Saturday 23 Mar @ 8pm Lawlor’s Hotel Naas For tickets call 083 075 7844

Social Dancing. Enjoy an evening of dancing to Unity. In Donard Community Hall Saturday 16^th March 9pm -12pm All Welcome

Valleymount Community Shed NEW MEMBERS. If you or someone you know would like to join our Shed, drop in any Monday or Friday from 10.30 to 12.30 at the back of the priest’s house (The old stables) for a chat and to see what we do.

DAFFODIL DAY 2024 is on Friday 22nd March Daffodil Day started in 1988 and is a major fundraising event for the Irish Cancer Society and your support helps to provide FREE services and support to cancer patients and their families throughout the country. After a break of a couple of years, it is back in Blessington this year and we need YOUR help. If you can spare just ONE hour on the day, please phone or text Ann on 087 9141757 and select a time that suits you. Thank you very much in advance, all help greatly appreciated.

Ambrosial Reflexology Benefits of Reflexology include Improved Sleep, Relaxation Adjunct to mental health care (Depression, Anxiety) Contact Eibhlin Ambrose (MNRRI, RGN, PHN) 0870534127