Newsletter 20th April 2025. Issue 1544

Mass intentions in Blessington

 Holy Saturday: People of the Parish& Surrounding Areas

Easter Sunday: People of the Parish & Surrounding Areas

Monday: Mass for the Sick & those in Hospital

Tuesday: Easter Mass Card List

Wednesday: Easter Mass Card List

Thursday: Easter Mass Card List

Friday: Easter Mass Card List

 

Mass intentions in  Blessington on 26^th & 27^th April

Saturday: Tommy O Dwyer…MM, Desmond (Des) Phelan…1st A, Stephen Broe…A, Phyllis & Patrick Broe…Rem,  Josie Tyrell…1st A, Tom Tyrell…Rem,  Kathleen Tyrell…A,  Anne Foster…Rem

Sunday: Eileen McGreal…A, Arthur & Sheila McMahon…A

Monday: Mass for the Sick & those in Hospital

Tuesday: Amelia Maher…RD, Bridget Rooney…RD

Wednesday: Mary Pryor…RD, Jim O Brien…RD

Thursday: George Devoy…A, Liz Grace…RD

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

Holy Tuesday 15th April 3.00 pm Children’s Stations of the Cross workshop in Eadestown. Holy Thursday 17th April – Mass of the Lord’s Supper 7.30pm  Manor Kilbride 7.30pm Eadestown, ending with a vigil until 9.30 pm., 7.30pm  Blessington Followed by Watch & Pray. Watch & Pray will be in the Coimin Centre Good Friday 18th April – Stations of the Cross 12 noon Blessington (Children), 12 noon Children’s Stations in Eadestown Church., 12 noon Valleymount, 3.00pm Manor Kilbride, 7.30pm  Kilteel. Celebration of the Lords Passion – 3.00pm Eadestowon, 3.00pm Blessington Followed by Confessions, 7.30pm  Manor Kilbride. Prayer around the Cross 7.30pm  Blessington. Holy Saturday 19th April – Blessing of the Easter Baskets 10am Church of Our Lady Blessington. Confessions 11.00am to 12.30pm Eadestown., 12.00pm to 1.00pm Blessington. Easter Vigil 7.30pm Manor Kilbride, 8.00pm Blessington, 9.00pm Eadestown. Easter Sunday 20th April 10.00am Blessington, 10.00am Valleymount, 10.00am Kilteel, 11.00am  Manor Kilbride, 11.30am Crosschapel, 11.30am Eadestown. Easter Monday 21st April to Friday 25th April 10.00am Blessington. No daily Mass in Manor Kilbride. No daily Mass in Eadestown

Blessington Union of Parishes Church of Ireland – Maundy Thursday 17th April 7.30pm St John’s Cloughleagh. Good Friday 18th April 2.00pm St Mary’s Blessington. Easter Sunday 20th April 6.00am Sun rise Service – Blackhill CarPark- Lackan, 10.00am St Mary’s Blessington –   Holy Communion- Easter Egg Hunt, 12am St John’s Cloughleagh – Holy Communion –  Easter Egg Hunt.

Easter Monday 21^st to Friday 25^th April Mass will be at 10am in the church of Our lady, Blessington

Divine Mercy Sunday 27^th April. Divine Mercy devotions in the Church of Our Lady Blessington 2pm-3pm Confessions 2.30pm Exposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament 2.35pm Rosary 3pm Chaplet of Devine Mercy 3.15pm Mass Followed by veneration of the Divine image and blessing with the first-class relic of St Faustina Novena begins on Good Friday. Details on how to obtain the Divine mercy indulgence are available at the back of the church

Trócaire Box Collection Please return your Trócaire boxes to the Parish before Friday 4^th May 2025

Date for your Diary The Annual Blessing of the Graves & Cemetery Mass will take place in Burgage Cemetery on Sunday 18th May 2024 at 3 pm

Blessington Parish office Will be closed the week after easter, Mon 21^st to Fri 25^th

Minister of Eucharist – April 2025 Church of Our Lady Blessington SAT 6PM: Mary Fenton & Pat McGrath SUNDAY 10AM: Fidelma Dunne & George Richardson

Minister of Eucharist – May 2025 Church of Our Lady Blessington SAT 6PM:  Ann Hanlon & Frank Hanlon SUNDAY 10AM:  Kay Clarke & Mary McHugh

Rosary & Holy Hour  The Holy Hour with Rosary and Adoration every Wednesday Morning at 10.00am to 11.00 am for Consider giving one hour to Jesus for Lent.

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 10^th April: 2,21,23,26. €25 Winner: Ann Moran.   Next Jackpot €3000.

Women’s Breakfast Blessington & Valleymount Parishes Our next Breakfast will be on Saturday May 17th From 9.30-11am. All are welcome.

Dates for your Diary – Healing Mass, Church of Our Lady Blessington Saturday May 24^th, Saturday September 13^th, Saturday December 13^th All Masses will take place at 11am All are welcome

Popes Intentions for APRIL 2025 For the use of the new technologies Let us pray that the use of the new technologies will not replace human relationships, will respect the dignity of the person, and will help us face the crises of our times.

Prayer For April Oh, may Thy grace on us bestow the Father and the Son to know; and Thee, through endless times confessed, of both the eternal Spirit blest. Now to the Father and the Son, Who rose from death, be glory given, with Thou, O Holy Comforter, henceforth by all in  earth and heaven.  Amen

Tradition of the Hot Cross Buns This tradition of baking and enjoying buns with ‘holy cross’ baked in, are thought have come from many ancient sources including pre-Christian times, where in the Old Testament, Israelites baked cakes for their religious idols. Some historians argue that the ancient Greeks adopted this customs but then ‘blessed’ the buns with a cross.

Where did the Easter egg come from? In Medieval Europe, Christians didn’t eat eggs or meat during the Lent season, so they preserved the eggs laid during the period by boiling them and later gave them away as Easter gifts to children. However, according to some traditions, eggs symbolize the resurrection of Jesus — the shell representing the sealed tomb.

World Earth Day is April 20th. Have you made an Eco Pledge recently? We would like know about it! To mark World Earth Day on April 22nd we invite you to put your Eco Pledge in the Green box at the back of the church. We will include one pledge each week in the parish newsletter and also display your ideas on the Eco Board in the church porch . Let’s Go Green this Spring !

Ballymore Eustace & Hollywood Lourdes 4 Nights Pilgrimage. 12th August – 16th August 2025, €795 per person sharing (Full Board – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) 12th August 2025 Dublin –Lourdes, 07:45 – 10:55. 16th August 2025 Lourdes – Dublin, 09:25 – 10:35 Your Lourdes package includes: Transport & Accommodation ✓ Return flights Dublin to Lourdes ✓ 10kg Baggage allowance to be checked in. ✓ Transfer on arrival from Lourdes airport to your hotel with guided assistance ✓ 4 nights in the 4* Hotel Astrid ✓ Free Wi-Fi in the hotel ✓ Breakfast, Lunch and Evening meal served each day at hotel – as per pricing above. 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 4 dinners. ✓ Services of Marian Pilgrimages Tours representative and professional English-speaking guide throughout the pilgrimage ✓ Luxury air-conditioned coach throughout the itinerary ✓ All airport & local City taxes Tours & Religious Programme ✓ Full religious programme organised by Marian Pilgrimages with a complete programme of sightseeing and visits to sites of interest. ✓ Mass daily & Spiritual activities Not Included Single Room Supplement €40 per night Comprehensive Travel Insurance €30. Extra €30 for pilgrims over 85 years Optional excursions Please contact Ballymore Eustace Parish Office Secretary Frances, 045 864114 Email, ballymoreeustaceparish@gmail.com Hollywood Parish Secretary Tina,  045 864528 Email,hwparishoffice@gmail.com

Thought of the Week Who am I to judge others?

CARE OF THE EARTH Always carry your own bottle of water i.e. non-plastic, Look for a bottle that is made of no pollutant material

The Jubilee Prayer Father in heaven, may the faith you have given us in your son, Jesus Christ, our brother, and the flame of charity enkindled in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, reawaken in us the blessed hope for the coming of your Kingdom.

May your grace transform us into tireless cultivators of the seeds of the Gospel. May those seeds transform from within both humanity and the whole cosmos in the sure expectation of a new heaven and a new earth, when, with the powers of Evil vanquished, your glory will shine eternally.

May the grace of the Jubilee reawaken in us, Pilgrims of Hope, a yearning for the treasures of heaven. May that same grace spread the joy and peace of our Redeemer throughout the earth. To you our God, eternally blessed, be glory and praise for ever. Amen

Pilgrimage for the Jubilee year 2025 Pilgrimage is an important component of a Jubilee year. Many travel abroad for pilgrimage, but a pilgrimage can also take place with the abundant Christian locations we have within our own Diocese. An exhibition ‘Pockets of Hope’ has been set up in the four Jubilee Churches in our Archdiocese: -St. Mary’s Pro-Cathedral, Marlborough Street. -Our Lady of Lourdes, Sean McDermott Street. -Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, City Quay. -St. Andrew’s Church, Westland Row. There is a further display in St. Kevin’s Parish Church, Glendalough.

We are having FREE gardening classes in the Stables, Valleymount every Tuesday from the 8th of April till the end of  May from 14.45 until 16.45 (except for Easter holidays). They will be run by a very experienced teacher from Kildare and Wicklow Education Board. All seeds, compost and top soil will be provided free of charge and all plants grown can be taken home. The course will cover flower and vegetable growing as well as lawn care. Hope to see you there.

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

Féile an Chnocáin Programme of Events: Thursday 1st May: 7:30pm – Ballymore Connect Choir  (Doors open @ 6:45pm) St. Joseph’s Church, Valleymount. Friday 2nd May: 7:30pm – Tales of a Drowned Valley: The Flooding of the Blessington Lake Talk and Slideshow St. Joseph’s Community Hall Valleymount 8:30pm – Live Music in Cullen’s Lakeview Lounge, Ballyknockan Saturday 3rd May: 11am – “Top O’ The Hill” –  Guided Hike up Silséan Meet at Cullen’s Car Park 10:45am 3pm – Stonecutting & Heritage Museum – McEvoy’s Quarry, Ballyknockan 8pm – Live Music in Cullen’s Lakeview Lounge, Ballyknockan. Sunday 4th May: 1pm – Family Fun Day, Picnic area, Ballyknockan. 7:30pm – Live Music in Cullen’s Lakeview Lounge. Monday 5th May: 2pm –  Open Trad Session – Cullen’s Lakeview Lounge 4pm Live Music – Cullen’s Lakeview Lounge.

Donard Country Market 19th April Easter Saturday, 11am and 4pm. Donard Community Hall, W91 YW57, great variety of stalls, cafe will be open (from 11am till 2.30pm) Easter themed fun for the family.  contact James on 087 340 7294.

Blessington Library (045) 891 740 Chess Club for children Every Friday from 3 pm No booking required. English Conversation Group Tuesdays 12 – 2 pm Thursdays 5 -7 pm No booking required.

Blessington History Society are hosting a talk on Thursday 24th April at 7.30pm in the Coimin Centre Blessington. The title of the talk is ” Dead interesting tales from Glasnevin” and will be given by Paddy Gleeson a local historian from Valley Mount. Paddy is a former tour guide for Glasnevin Cemetery and he has amassed a wealth of knowledge about many of the significant people buried there. In addition to his knowledge about the Cemetery Paddy has gathered a wide range of stories both funny and otherwise. The talk promises to shine a light on aspects of the Cemetery which are known only to Paddy.

Thank you so much to all who contributed so generously to Daffodil Day on 28th March. Thank you to the business owners who allowed us to set up outside their premises and to all the volunteers who gave their time. We raised the amazing sum of €13,790. We are so grateful to our community for such support. Maura, Margaret & Ann

Blessington Community Employment Vacancies These are developmental opportunities, no experience necessary. 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. 

St Mary’s Church Caretaker: This is a developmental opportunity, no experience necessary. Duties will include but not limited to: General light maintenance. Some cleaning duties. Painting. Assisting in general operations of the centre to include key holding, setting up rooms for meetings etc. Adhere to health and safety. Hall duties. Ref Number: 2381875 Valleymount GAA Caretaker: Duties will include but not limited to: Grass cutting and pitch maintenance, Some cleaning duties. Painting. Assisting in general operations of the centre to include key holding, setting up rooms for meetings etc. Adhere to health and safety. Hall duties. Ref Number: 2381878 Blessington Greenway Caretaker: Duties to include but not restricted to grass cutting, verge and tree maintenance. Ref Number: 2386069 Closing Date:  13/05/2025 Hollywood Community Center Caretaker: Duties to include but not limited to: General light maintenance. Some cleaning duties. Painting. Assisting in general operations of the centre to include key holding, setting up rooms for meetings etc. Adhere to health and safety. Hall duties. Ref Number: 2386070 Closing Date: 13/05/2025

Blessington Carboot 27^th April St. Kevin’s Community Centre beside Aldi 8am – 4pm. Free Customer Parking, Toilet Facilities. Tea / Coffee. Stalls €10 info. 0860752072 Pat Conlan

6 week course in Self awareness  and Well being Commencing Wednesday April 30th. 11am-1230pm €80. Anna Nagle 087-2273925 Willow3artstudios Oldcourt

Learning Support Extra Help For Students Dyslexia / Dyscalculia– all ages English / Irish / Maths 1st –  6th Class Irish / English to Leaving Cert Assumpta 0872068176

BLESSINGTON LIBRARY WRITERS’ GROUP. Have you ever fancied putting pen to paper, perhaps a memoir of times past, a Scandi noir set in West Wicklow, maybe a sonnet or a Limerick? Then we’ve got you. Meet a like-minded bunch of scribblers on the second Thursday of every month in Blessington Library, from 7:00pm to 8:00pm. Just bring a pen, a notebook and an open mind. No experience necessary, we all started somewhere. Contact Blessington Library at 045 891 740 or email Ray at mako.enmity.1d@icloud.com for further information. NEXT DATE –TUESDAY 10TH APRIL 2025 Blesssingtonlib@wicklowcoco.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.

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

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

Farm Fresh Duck Eggs €6 for a pack of 12 Call Margaret on 087 9660685

Supervalu Blessington Communion & Confirmation Cakes Made to order Please call-in store to enquire

Are you feeling every Muscle Ache and Pain? Are you struggling Lifting the Kids or Sitting at a Desk in Work? Have you got Chronic Muscle or Joint Pain? And struggling to perform Simple Day-to-Day Tasks? We have just opened a new local Sports & Holistic Therapy Clinic. Fully qualified ITEC, fully insured and well experienced Therapist. Looking forward to welcoming all our new clients today. Phone Jennifer: 087 9021099.

STRUGGLING WITH INVOICES, OVERDUE PAYMENTS OR PAYROLL HEADACHES? I can help! Whether on-site or remotely, I’ll streamline your office processes with simple, efficient procedures—so you can focus on growing your business and serving your clients. I help small businesses stay organised and financially secure by providing flexible, ad hoc support in office administration and accounts.  No job too small. Contact Andy 0876278650 or email

New local maintenance/ landscaping business available  for all your gardening needs. Planting, mowing, mulching, cutbacks, etc. please call Shane on 0851279740 or email hollywoodlandscaping@hotmail.com

BLESSINGTON BUSINESS NETWORKING GROUP Grow Your Business with Exclusive Networking Opportunities Are you looking to expand your business, gain local and nationwide support, and build valuable professional relationships? We are here to help you gain access to local and national business connections, professional support/collaboration and build a competitive edge in your industry. 0876278650 Andy [bni.ie] Business Networking Ireland Website

Blessington Taxi Phone Greg 087 2626 393

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

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

JP&M Doyle What’s Your Property Worth? Talk to us today for your free-Market Appraisal Specializing In Residential Town & Country Homes Development & Agricultural Land Commercial Property Lettings, Valuations. 2025 is your year to make it happen! With high demand and a lack of supply, now is the perfect time to maximise your property’s value. www.jpmdoyle.ie Tel: 045-865568

Local Professional Painting Services Also can do all other projects in your garden or house. Contact 087 1046654 paintnbuild10@gmail.com

Patricias Nails Blessington Now Re-Open New Clients Welcome BIAB Removal & Redo Including Colour €45, Including French €50

WhatsApp 087-2234005 Find me on Instagram @patricias_nails_blessington

Professional Tree Care Tree pruning, Tree Removal, Emergency tree works, Hedge Maintenance We are your local tree service, with over 15 years in the tree industry. Fully qualified  & insured. Call Shane Keogh 0833846287 Email info@protree.ie

Paragon Bathrooms We design, supply & fit your dream bathroom in just 5 days! Wicklow Co.Co approved for grant work on mobility bathrooms Call Aidan 085 137 8770 for an appointment at our showroom on Blessington Main St

R Noone Groundworks LTD Groundworks, Mulching, sawing, tree shears, Site Clearance, Concrete Works 087-6234977 Robbie7550@gmail.