Newsletter 15th Sept 2024 Issue 1517

Mass intentions in Blessington Thomas (Tommy) Hearns…RD, Ballymore & Late of Blessington. Jerina Darcy…RD, Manor Kilbride.

Saturday: Tom & Mary Tivnan…A, Margaret Lambe…A, Mary Smith…A

Sunday: Martin Whelan…RD

At Masses This Weekend,  We Remember the Following Eileen Cox…10th A, Rem Deceased members of Cox family, Johanna & Lar Bennett…A, Teresa Kelly…Rem, Nuala Haughain…Rem

Monday: Mass for the Sick & those in Hospital

Tuesday: Birthday Mass, Tom Newell…RD

Wednesday: Michael Teague…RD, Intentions Mass

Thursday: Blessington Deceased Mass Card List

Friday: Get Well Mass, Dolores Madden…RD

Crosscare This weekend, September 14 and 15, Crosscare will hold its Annual Appeal for those most in need. This will replace the Share collection at all Masses.

Minister of Eucharist September 2024 Church of Our Lady Blessington SAT 6PM: Theresa Ball, Geraldine McMulkin & Mary McCormack SUNDAY 10AM: Kay Clarke & Aisling Molloy

Feast Days 17th Sept – St. Cornelius Cornelius was a Roman priest who was elected pope during the lull in the persecution of Christians under Emperor Decius and after the papacy had been vacant for more than a year following St. Fabian’s martyrdom. He is the patron of earache, epilepsy, fever, twitching, and also of cattle, domestic animals, and the town of Kornelimünster, Germany, where his head is enshrined.  In June 251, Emperor Decius was killed in battle with the Goths; and persecutions resumed under his successor, Trebonianus Gallus. Cornelius was exiled to Centumcellae, Italy, where he died in June 253. The Liberian catalogue ascribes his death to the hardships of banishment; later sources say he was beheaded.

Women’s Breakfast Blessington & Valleymount Parishes For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Matt 18:20. Our next Women’s Breakfast will be in Coimin Centre Sat Sept 21st 2024, from 9.30 to 11am. This is a great opportunity for women to get together to have a relaxing chat along with a delicious breakfast and hear a short testimony from one woman about her faith journey. A small donation would be appreciated to cover costs.

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

To mark the Season of Creation, there will be a mass of Thanksgiving on Sat Sept 28th@6pm  for the work carried out by our Tidy Town volunteers in the church grounds in recent months. The blessing of the new border area at the front of the church will take place after mass. All who are committed to the care of the earth are invited to attend.

The Haughian Family wishes to thank  our extended family, friends, neighbours, local communities in Manor Kilbride, Blessington, and beyond, the GAA, Fr. Paraic, Fr. Richard and Clarkes for their sympathy and kindness at the passing of our beloved mother, Nuala. We deeply appreciate all your messages, prayers, and thoughts during this difficult time, and we thank you for the continued support and comfort you have all provided. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.

Blessington Parish Lotto Numbers on 5^th September: 5,20,24,28. €25 Winner: Mella Kehoe. Next Jackpot €2150.

This weekend, September 14 and 15, Crosscare will hold its Annual Appeal for those most in need. This will replace the Share collection at all Masses. Crosscare delivers a wide range of homeless, youth, and food poverty support to people at various stages of poverty or marginalisation. Regrettably, the demand for these vital services continues to increase and Crosscare relies on your generosity to reach as many people as possible who need help. Please support the Crosscare collection if you can next weekend at all Masses in the Archdiocese, or you can donate online at www.crosscare.ie.

Prayer of Intercession to St. Cornelius St. Cornelius, holy bishop and servant of the Lord, we turn to you for guidance and inspiration in our lives. Your kindness and compassion towards others, and your unwavering faith in Jesus, are a shining example of the power of love. Grant us the grace to follow in your footsteps, to be kind and compassionate towards others, and to always seek to serve God and the Church. Help us to be steadfast in our faith, even in the face of challenges and obstacles. Intercede on our behalf to the Lord, that we may be blessed with your wisdom and strength. May we always remember your example of faith and dedication, and strive to live our lives in accordance with the teachings of Christ. Amen.

ST BERNADETTE  RELIC PILGRIMAGE In September and October, the relics of St Bernadette will visit three churches in Dublin:  Our Lady of Victories, Ballymun Road, September 25-26. Mary Immaculate, Inchicore, October 23-24. Adam & Eve’s, Merchants Quay, October 25-26.  For more information, visit www.stbernadette.ie.

Season of Creation 2024 Theme: To Hope and Act with Creation The Season of Creation is marked throughout the Christian world from Sept 1st to Oct 4th ( feast of St Francis of Assisi) and celebrates the joy of Creation as well as encouraging awareness raising initiatives to protect the natural environment. Dates for ceremonies to mark the Season of Creation in the parish to follow.

POPES INTENTION FOR SEPTEMBER Pope Francis releases the prayer intention for the month of September, For The Cry Of The Earth Let us pray that each of us listens with our hearts to the cry of the Earth and of the victims of environmental disasters and the climate crisis, making a personal commitment to care for the world we inhabit.

At a ceremony in St Peter’s Basilica on Ascension Thursday, Pope Francis solemnly proclaims the upcoming Jubilee Year 2025, “Hope” is the overarching theme. Pope Francis announces that the Jubilee Year will begin with the opening of the Holy Door of St Peter’s Basilica on Christmas Eve, 2024

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.

Pathways Adult Faith course Have you ever wanted to know more about your faith? Are you looking for a course that can help you grow in your ministry? Pathways is an Adult Faith formation programme run by the Archdiocese aimed at all adults, members of PPCs and those in parish ministry. It is a 2-year course running on Thursday evenings from September to May (excluding holidays) from 7pm-9.30pm in DCU, Drumcondra, Dublin 9. The course has a number of modules including input on Images of God, Discipleship, Scripture, Liturgy, Church, Vatican II, Sacraments and Parish. The Second Year has a more intentional focus on Ministry. Each evening includes a presentation on the topic as well as small group sharing and discussion and there is no written work or assessments. The cost is €400 per year (Some parishes may help to cover some of the cost or you can contact us to discuss the possibility of a bursary)For more details, and to complete the online application form, please visit www.missionministry.ie/pathways or email peter.siney@dublindiocese.ie

Be Grateful We’re grateful for the trees, The oxygen we breathe, In the summer roses bloom, At the end of the day look up at the moon. We are worried about our environment, We need some enlightenment, Let’s stop all the confusion,  Let’s start a green revolution.  We need to stop and listen,  To our world’s petition.  We need to recycle, We need to re-use  Not to waste water, We need to choose.

MARY following in her footsteps, you will not lose your way; Praying to her You will not despair; Thinking about her, You will not be deluded. If she takes you by the hand, You will not fall; If she guides you, You will not know fatigue If she is with you, You will reach your destination.

CARE OF THE EARTH  Conserve water. The less water you use, the less runoff and waste that eventually ends up in the ocean.

Thought for the week God is able to make the impossible, possible. Trust in the Lord.

Blessington History Society are Hosting a talk by local Historian Alfie Zeller on Thursday 19th September at 8pm in the Coimin Centre Blessington. The talk will be on a wide-ranging aspect of history and stories in connection with the Lacken area.  It will be of interest to people who would like to connect with the local history in the Blessington and Lacken area.

The Valleymount Community shed  invites you again to come far & wide & join the fun on our next night of music / song/ poems. On this Saturday 14th September at 7.30 sharp in the Community shed. Looking forward meeting you all to a wonderful, packed night again. Bring a friend, refreshments will served after the show.

Blessington U3A are pleased to welcome Michael Traynor to present a talk about Irish female pilots pre the Second World War. Talk Title: “Petticoat Pilots” Date: Tuesday 17th September 2024 at 10.30am Venue: Avon Hotel, Blessington. All are welcome to attend, Non-members €5 per person.

Donard Country Market  with a great variety of stalls, selling luxury soaps, handmade crafts, tasty cakes and much, much more, Donard Country Market is taking place from 11 till 4 on Sunday 15th September, in Donard Community Hall W91 YW57. Light refreshments are also available. So please come along and support this great local initiative.

Blessington Carboot Sunday 22nd September 9am to 4pm. St. Kevin’s Community Centre beside Aldi Store. Indoor and outdoor facilities available. Free Carparking, Teas /coffee, Toilets Stalls 10 Euro. Info / Booking 0860752072 Pat Conlan. Bigi Linn. Bargains Galore.

West Wicklow Cancer Support invites you to join us on Wednesday mornings for our Soundbath Meditation with essential oils hosted by Gemma Deeney. Primary Care Centre Blessington, 11 am, bring your own cushion and a blanket, no need to book. The group also host a monthly Drop-In Evening on the last Thursday of the month in the Coimin Centre Blessington from 7.30pm with different activities including Arts, Craft, Journaling, Health and Wellness and guest speakers. We also offer Counselling by appointment. Our services are private and confidential, free of charge and open to anyone on a cancer journey including family members and carers. Contact us on 087 4346004 / westwicklow15@gmail.com or find us on Facebook.

Blessington Community Employment Vacancies These are developmental opportunities, no experience necessary. Caretaker, Hollywood Community Centre. Duties include, but not restricted to, preparing hall for meetings and events, cleaning, light maintenance, and painting. CES 2341099 Closing Date: 28/06/2024 Caretaker, St. Johns Cemetery, Ballymore. Duties include, but not restricted to, grass cutting, light maintenance, key holding and cleaning. CES 2339500 Closing Date: 28/06/2024 Barista/ Customer Service, Kilbride GAA. Duties include, but not limited to, serving tea/ coffee, meeting and greeting, light cleaning, phone/ message taking. CES: 2339656 Closing Date: 28/06/2024 Caretaker, Hollywood Cemetery. Duties include, but not limited to, grass cutting, light maintenance, key holding. CES: 2341100 Closing Date: 28/06/2024 Secretary Hollywood Parish Office Duties include, but not limited to, administration, message taking, key holding. CES: 2341101 Closing Date: 28/06/2024 Admin/ Project Worker West Wicklow Cancer Support Duties include, but not limited to, administration, social media, promotional work. CES: 2341103Closing Date: 28/06/2024 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

FUEL STAMP SAVING SCHEME Fuel Stamps are a great way to help budget for your fuel costs. Start saving now towards your fuel bills during the winter months. The Stay Warm Saving Scheme is an easy payment option plan which enables households to budget for their central heating oil or solid fuel. Start saving the €5 Stay Warm Saving Stamps on the savings card and use the stamps to pay (in full or part payment) for fuel with the listed suppliers on the card. A new supplier to the scheme but not listed on the card is Tom Phibbs Fuels Tel: 01 2118469.  The Scheme is open to all households in the Blessington area and full details are available on the card. This initiative is in association with the Department of Communications Energy & Natural Resources. The €5 Stay Warm Saving Stamps and Savings Card are only available from Hennessy’s Hardware and SVP Shop.

DOMINICAN RETREATS: Harvesting Gratitude – Carol Barry. 13th to 15th September 2024 In light of the great Judeo-Christian tradition of Harvest Thanksgiving, a graced space is offered during these days to glean the kernels of truth and wisdom hidden in the mystery of our own daily life.  This will be a time to ‘ingather’ i.e. to reflect, remember and recognise the grace of God at work within and around us in order to cultivate a spirit of gratitude, hope and outreach. Cost:  €280 residential; €180 non-residential. Email dominicanretreats@gmail.com.

Blessington GAA  will host a series of “FREE Irish storytelling for children” between the ages of 4 and 8 in Blessington Library every two weeks starting Sat 14 Sep to Sat 14 Dec 2024 from 1pm to 2pm. Contact Noreen on 0872858375 to book a child’s place. Places will be offered on a first come first served basis.

Blessington Lakes Golf Club are hosting A Golf Classic on Friday, 20th September Tee times available from 7.30 a.m.  €200 per team of 4 which includes food. Sponsorship of a Tee box €100 Monster Raffle to take place in Blessington Lakes Golf Club on Friday 20th September. In support of Members Carmel and Chris who lost their home in a devasting fire. Contact Blessington Lakes Golf Club:   045 867146

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

At Blessington Self-Storage we make storing your goods simple,  cost effective and convenient. All our units are 20ft x8ft – Open 7 days a week.  Visit our website or call 085 196 1659 us for more information. www.blessingtonselfstorage.com

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

To Let Very nice self-contained private office at Aran Centre, Blessington opposite Aldi.  From €125 per week plus VAT.  Contact Sean on 087 8175227.

Building & Roofing Contractor Available All Roof Repairs, Slates, Tiles, Lead Valleys, Velux Windows, PvC Fascia & Soffit, Extensions, Attic Conversions & Renovations. All Work Guaranteed Niall Kearns 0862746969.

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

Leigha Andrews Driving School Cars. Trucks. Trailers. Ph 045851867 www.leighaandrewsdrivingschool.ie

Interior design by Elizabeth. Creative. unique. Personal. call 086 0881806. Email elizabethdoyle.ed@gmail.com

Upcoming events at The Avon Johnny Cash, 23 November. 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.

Local beekeeper selling 100% Local Raw Heather Honey. From Apiaries at Woodend and Sorrell Hill. 230-gram Jars of Local Heather Honey. €10 per jar. Contact John 0862572505