Newsletter 17th Nov 2024. Issue 1524

Mass intentions in Blessington

Saturday: Winnie Hayes…A, Netta & George Campbell…A, Michelle Pender… 5th A, Patricia Mahon…A, Alicia Hugh & Billy Hamilton…A, Billy Sargent…A, Nora Shirran…A

Sunday: Ray McGreal…A, Rita Jameson…A, John & Ross Jameson…Rem, Nelly Carroll…A, Rainsford Hendy…Rem, The Patel Family…Rem, Elizabeth Dunne…A, Mick Mills…A, Bill Moore…A

Monday: Mass for the Sick & those in Hospital

Tuesday: Greg Mulcahy…A, Pauline Power…RD

Wednesday: Special Intentions Mass, Christine Carroll…RD

Thursday: Blessington deceased mass card list

Friday: Francis Galvin…A, Special Intentions Mass, The Tyrell Family Special Intentions

Blessington Parish

are recruiting a suitably qualified chef, 20 Hours per week, Monday to Thursday.

 If you are interested, please email your CV to

 the parish office

The family of the late Martin (Marty) Tivnan would like to thank everyone who sent mass cards, flowers & Condolences Thank you to Clarkes funeral services, to Corina & staff of St Marys Naas. Thank you to all our neighbours, friends & family for supporting us at this sad time. The holy sacrifice of the mass will be offered for all.

Angela Freeman and family would like to thank all their neighbours, relatives and friends for all their kind words and support following the recent death of her husband and their dad Michael Freeman, thanks to Father Campbell and the singers and musicians for a lovely funeral service, thanks to Deacon Gerry Malone for his assistance with the arrangements for the funeral service and a particular thanks to the staff of Clarkes Funeral Home for all their help and professionalism with the funeral

Our Bishops have issued a Pastoral Letter on Immigration.In it they encourage us to welcome migrants and reject voices that attempt to sow division. A new group, Blessington Welcomes, has organised an afternoon in St. Joseph’s Hall for Sunday 24th November at 2.00pm.There will be music galore. Music is a language that is universal, and playing and sharing your own music is a wonderful way of beginning to feel at home. Everyone is welcome to come and share hospitality with those who have come to live among us. The traditional Irish Tea and biscuits will also be available.

Feast Days – 21^st November – Presentation of the Blessed Virgin The Presentation of Mary is when, according to tradition, Mary’s parents, Saints Joachim and Anne, brought her to the Temple as a child to dedicate her to God. This event is celebrated by the Church every year on November 21. 22^nd November – St. Cecilia, Virgin & Martyr Saint Cecilia probably lived in the second or third century, and tradition says she died about 177 AD. Although details of her life may be unknown to us, Saint Cecilia was one of the most revered early virgin martyrs of Rome, as evidenced by her name appearing in the Roman Canon of the Mass. She is the patron Saint of Music and Musicians.

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.

Change of Mass Times For Bank Holidays and Holy Days All Masses will now be at the usual time of Morning Mass at 9.30am in the Church of Our Lady Blessington. Weekend Masses will remain the same. Saturday 6pm & Sunday 10am

Rosary & Holy Hour  Every Tues 7pm to 8pm in Church of Our Lady Blessington

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

Blessington Parish Lotto Numbers on 14^th November: 4,8,20,23. €25 Winner: Valerie Hamilton. Next Jackpot €2475.

Team Hope Shoe Box Appeal Team Hope’s Christmas Shoebox Appeal is an annual campaign that delivers gifts straight into the hands of children affected by poverty. Often these shoebox gifts are the only gift that a child will receive at Christmas and the joy that they bring is incredible. If you would like to take part in the shoe box appeal, Please drop off your show box into the Blessington Parish Office.  Leaflets can also be picked up in the Parish office. The office is open Monday to Friday 9am to 1pm  or you can call 045 865327 for more information.

POPES INTENTION FOR November – For anyone who has lost a child We pray that all parents who mourn the loss of a son or daughter find support in their community and receive peace and consolation from the Holy Spirit.

Minister of Eucharist –November 2024 Church of Our Lady Blessington SAT 6PM: Colette Fennan, Geraldine McMulkin &  Teresa Ball. SUNDAY 10AM: Aisling Molloy, Mary McHugh & Margert Flynn.

Prayer to Saint Cecilia O glorious St. Cecilia, virgin and martyr, you won the martyr’s crown without renouncing your love for Jesus, the delight of your soul. We ask that you help us to be faithful in our love for Jesus, that, in the communion of the saints, we may praise Him twice in our song of rejoicing for the Blood that He shed which gave us the grace to accomplish His will on earth. Amen.

Prayer for November Lord God, whose days are without end and whose mercies beyond counting, keep us mindful that life is short and the hour of death unknown. Let your Spirit guide our days on earth in the ways of holiness and justice, that we may serve you in union with the whole Church, sure in faith, strong in hope, perfect in love. And when our earthly journey is ended,  lead us rejoicing into your kingdom, where you live forever and ever. AMEN

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 November 23rd 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.

t 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.

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

Communion Letter for Parents

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We hope you have settled into the new school year. This is a very special year for you, your child and for your Family.

To help support you and your child in the preparation for First Communion, the Parish team have a program that we hope will enrich and inform you and your child for this great day. This program will run parallel with the school curriculum Grow in Love. In the hope that with the support of the Parents, the School and the Parish, your child will be focused on this great day.

We will have an information meeting to outline the program on Monday 18^th November 2024 at 7.30pm in the Church of our Lady Blessington.

You will be required to register online before the information meeting at Blessingtonparish.ie

Click on the First Communion Registration box on the home page. We ask for a contribution of €25.00 per Family to help with the cost of this program. If you have any difficulty, contact the Parish office and they will assist you.

We look forward to working with you and your Child during the year. We ask All God’s Blessing on you and your Family.

Sincerely yours,

Parish Team.

CARE OF THE EARTH  Fight plastic pollution by using reusable water bottles, bringing reusable bags with you to the shops, and always taking your rubbish home with you.

Thought of the Week Know that you are yourself a miracle. And believe you can make Miracles happen – by Thinking, Praying, Believing, Working and by helping people.

Blessington U3A are pleased to welcome our own U3A Writing Skills Group Event Title: “Tuesday Miscellany: Readings of their work by Group Members” Date: Tuesday 19th November 2024 at 10.30am Venue: Avon Hotel, Blessington. All are welcome to attend, Non-members €5 per person.

Blessington History Society are hosting a talk on Thursday, 21st November 2024 at 8 pm in the Coimin Centre, Blessington. The talk will be on the Ballyknockan Quarries and their important history in connection with the quarrying and supply of their famous granite over many generations. The talk will be given by John McEvoy of McEvoy Quarries, Ballyknockan and it will deal with the rich history of the granite, the quarries and the stone masons and artisans who worked and shaped the granite over many generations.

Blessington Carboot Sunday 1st of December 2024 St Kevin’s Community Centre beside Aldi 9am – 4pm, Free Carparking. Indoor and outdoor facilities. Toilets / Teas. Bargains Galore. .Bigi Linn. .. Info 0860752072 Pat Conlan.

Cruthu art Group would like to thank Principal Carmel Dillon & Staff for facilitating our AUTUMN ART EXHIBITION last weekend.  We especially thank all the pupils of St Mary’s Junior National School for their enthusiastic and engaged response to the exhibition.  And thank you to all who paid us a visit over the weekend. Cruthú Art remains on display in Blessington Tourist Office, and we promise a fresh new display for the month of December. Find us on Facebook and Instagram @cruthuart or get in touch cruthuart@gmail.com.

Christmas at Russborough ✨ ✨ The holiday season is upon us, and we’re thrilled to invite you to a series of magical events to celebrate Christmas at Russborough! Join us for unforgettable festive experiences, from carols at our tree lighting to creative workshops and concerts. Book now and make this season extra special with family and friends. 🎄🎶🎄 Christmas Tree Lighting & Carols: Sunday 24th November Kick off the season with our annual tree lighting! Join us for a night of carols, community, and festive cheer as we light up Russborough’s Christmas tree. 💐 Pop-Up Festive Floral Shop: Sunday 1st December Discover a one-day-only floral shop, brimming with seasonal arrangements and decorations to bring holiday magic to your home. 🌿 Wreath-Making Workshops: Wednesday 4th & Thursday 5th December Craft a beautiful wreath with locally sourced foliage—perfect for welcoming guests this season. 🎁 Wrapping Paper Workshops: Saturday 7th & Saturday 14th December Get creative with your gift wrapping this year! Join us to design unique, hand-crafted wrapping paper that’s as beautiful as your gifts. 🎶 Festive Harp & Soloist Concert: Saturday 14th December Experience the elegance of live harp music and solo performances to end the season on a truly magical note. Book now at www.russborough.ie

Social Dancing. Enjoy an evening of dancing to Thomas McGuire & Fhiona Ennis In Donard Community Hall Saturday 16^th Nov 9pm -12am. All Welcome

We are staging ‘The Nutcracker’ ballet this Christmas. A joint production, between Ruth Shine School of Dance and Valleymount Theatre Company. The dates this year are 7th, 8th & 14th 15th December at Valleymount hall. Doors at 6pm start at 6.30pm. Tickets available at Eventbrite  Nutcracker Ballet Valleymount.

Donard Annual Variety Show the best of local talent. Performing on Friday 22nd November at 8pm in Donard community hall. Tickets are €10 on the door. Lots of fun prizes throughout the evening. All welcome.

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.

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

Childminder wanted: Looking for a kind, responsible person to mind our two children (4 & 2) in our home. Monday to Thursday, typically 9-5pm until March, then 12-5pm from March onwards. Creche/School pickups required, would need own transport. Contact CP 0851446632

Donard Christmas Market In aid of Donard N.S. Sunday 17^th November 11am to 4pm Donard Hall 1pm – Video from Santa 2pm – Christmas Cupcake Competition

Job Vacancy Sakura Montessori require an AIM Practitioner.  9am – 12pm Monday – Friday. Minimum FETAC qualification level 5 in Childcare. Please apply with CV and cover letter to: Antoinette Byrne at antoinettebyrnesakurabless@gmail.com

Weightless Wonders Weight Loss & Wellness Class Coimin Centre Every Wednesday 6 – 7pm Everyone Welcome Ph: 01-9609865 Website: weighlesswonders.ie

Get your SECOND pair of Glasses for FREE at McGreals Opticians! Book your Appointment today in-store or online at www.mcgreals.ie

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

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

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

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.

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

Ben Higgins Stone Masonry And Stone Landscaping Services.  Lime Pointing, Garden Renovations, Features And Walls. No Job Too Big Or Too Small Call, Text Or WhatsApp 0851498343 Today For A Quote. @higgins_stonemasonry on Instagram

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