Newsletter 20th October 2024 Issue 1520

Mass intentions in Blessington Suzanne Hynes – Blessington & Brittas, Gerry Kiernan – Manor Kilbride, Bishop Donal Murray – Dublin/Limerick

Saturday: Sadie Burke…RD, Emma Holmes…RD

Sunday: John Keegan…RD, James Cassidy…RD

At Masses This Weekend, We Remember the Following Gerard Buckley…RD, Patrick Eustace…A, Geraldine Walsh…RD, Finbar Darcy…RD

Monday: Mass for the Sick & those in Hospital

Tuesday: Bart Linanne…1st A, Mary Keogh…90th Birthday Rem

Wednesday: Special Intentions Mass, Bridie Griffen…Rem, Ann & Thomas Whittle…Rem

Thursday: Paul Higgins…RD,  Special Intention Mass

Friday: Micheal Freeman Rd, Marian Brennan…RD

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.

Feast Days

 22^nd October – St John Paul II, Pope Pope Saint John Paul II was born Karol Wojtyla in the small Polish town of Wadowice. During World War II, when the Nazis invaded Poland, Karol secretly studied for the priesthood in an underground seminary established by the archbishop of Krakow. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1946. He was the first pope in many years who wasn’t from Italy. He travelled around the world, met with leaders of other religions, and spoke out against violence. On 2 April 2005, John Paul II had died at 84 years old, in his private apartment. On May 1, 2011, Pope Benedict XVI beatified Pope John Paul II, and Pope Francis canonized Saint John Paul II alongside Saint John XXIII on April 27, 2014.

23rd October – St John of Capistrano St. John of Capistrano was born 1386, Capistrano, Kingdom of Naples and died October 23, 1456. He canonized in 1690 and was one of the greatest Franciscan preachers of the 15th century and leader of an army that liberated Belgrade from a Turkish invasion. John of Capistrano helped bring about a brief reunion with the Greek and Armenian Churches.

Rosary & Holy Hour  During the month of October, you are invited to join us in offering the Rosary for peace in our troubled world every Tuesday at 7pm in Blessington church. This will be followed by quiet prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.

Minister of Eucharist October 2024 Church of Our Lady Blessington SAT 6PM: Theresa Ball, Ann Hanlon & Frank Hanlon SUNDAY 10AM: Kay Clarke, Brendan Mahon & George Richardson

The Annual Mass of Harvest Thanksgiving will take place in Lacken church on Sat Oct 26th @ 7.30 pm. There will be a blessing prayer for our farming community. Donations of home baking and garden produce welcome. All produce will be sold after mass in aid of Lacken church fund.

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 10th October: 9,13,20,27. €25 Winner: Breda Sheedy. Next Jackpot €2325.

POPE JOHN PAUL II’S  PRAYER TO OUR LADY OF LOURDES This prayer was said during the Holy Father’s August 15, 2004 visit to Lourdes, France.

The Pope asked her among other things to “be our guide along the paths of the world.” Hail Mary, poor and humble Woman, Blessed by the Most High! Virgin of hope, dawn of a new era, We join in your song of praise, to celebrate the Lord’s mercy, to proclaim the coming of the Kingdom and the full liberation of humanity. Hail Mary, lowly handmaid of the Lord, Glorious Mother of Christ! Faithful Virgin, holy dwelling-place of the Word, Teach us to persevere in listening to the Word and to be docile to the voice of the Spirit, attentive to his promptings in the depths of our conscience and to his manifestations in the events of history. Hail Mary, Woman of sorrows, Mother of the living! Virgin spouse beneath the Cross, the new Eve, Be our guide along the paths of the world. Teach us to experience and to spread the love of Christ, to stand with you before the innumerable crosses on which your Son is still crucified. Hail Mary, woman of faith, First of the disciples! Virgin Mother of the Church, help us always to account for the hope that is in us, with trust in human goodness and the Father’s love. Teach us to build up the world beginning from within: in the depths of silence and prayer, in the joy of fraternal love, in the unique fruitfulness of the Cross. Holy Mary, Mother of believers, Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us. Amen.

Words from  St John Paul II It is Jesus who stirs in you the desire to do something great with your lives, the will to follow an ideal, the refusal to allow yourselves to be ground down by mediocrity, the courage to commit yourselves humbly and patiently to improving yourselves and society, making the whole world more human and more fraternal.

St. John Capistrano Prayer O God, who raised up Saint John of Capistrano to comfort your faithful people in tribulation, place us, we pray, under your safe protection and keep your Church in everlasting peace. Almighty ever-living God, grant that we may always conform our will to yours and serve your majesty in sincerity of heart.

Reflection of St. John Capistrano He was a tireless preacher, missionary and apostle; distinguished as an excellent jurist and statesman, but also as a mystic, theologian, wonderworker and even a warrior. He fought like a lion against his defects and the enemies of Holy Church.

POPES INTENTION FOR OCTOBER We pray that the Church continue to sustain in all ways a Synodal lifestyle, as a sign of co-responsibility, promoting the participation, the communion and the mission shared among priests, religious and lay people.

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

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.

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

Reflection Of Autumn As we watch leaves fluttering to the ground in the fall, we are reminded that nature’s cycles are mirrored in our lives.  Autumn is a time for letting go and releasing things that have been a burden. This is the right time to practice getting out of the way and letting Spirit take charge of our lives.

Prayer for Autumn We bless you; God of Seed and Harvest and we bless each other in this season of mellow fruitfulness. May the beauty of this world and the love that created it be expressed through our lives and be a blessing to others, now and always. And until we meet again, may God keep us in the hollow of His hand.

CARE OF THE EARTH  Shopping at local farmers’ markets and eating in season helps reduce the demand for long-distance transportation of food.

Thought of the Week Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine. Anthony J. D’Angelo.

To mark Breast Cancer Awareness month, West Wicklow Cancer Support will be holding an evening focusing on women empowering themselves hosted by Claire of Clarity Coaching and enjoy a beautiful Sound bath Meditation with Brian O’Nuanain. We will have light refreshments and goodie bags! “Behind every great woman is another great woman” Join us Thursday 24th October @ 7.30pm Coimin Centre Blessington. Bring a friend, no need to book. Contact us on 087 4346004 / westwicklow15@gmail.com with any enquiries.

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 Car Boot Sale Sunday 27th October @ St. Kevin’s Community Centre 8am – 4pm Indoor and outdoor facilities available. Toilets. Free Carparking Teas/Coffee Info 0860752072 Pat Conlan Bigi Linn Bargains Galore.

GAELSCOIL NA LOCHANNA Enrolments for next September 2025 will be advertised soon and open after Christmas. Our ASD Classroom is up and running and has few spaces left. Please get in touch with any queries, or to find out about the school. Remember: you don’t need Irish to send your child to the Gaelscoil! Príomhoide Seán, 087 938865 priomhoide@gaelscoilnalochanna.com @gsnalochanna #gsnalochanna (Instagram)

St Mary’s Junior National School, Main Street, Blessington W91YN0P Phone:045865501 Is open for applications from 1/10/24 for Junior Infant Places for the 2025/26 school year. Our Admission Policy & Application Form can be downloaded from our website: www.stmarysjuniorschool.ie Can be requested by emailing: secretary@stmarysjuniorschool.ie and pre-printed copies are available from the shelf at school reception.

St Brigid’s N.S. Is now accepting enrolments for the next school year, 2025 – 2026. To enrol your child please call Charlotte in our school office on, 01 4582550 or find the enrolment documents on our school website http://manorkilbridens.scoilnet.ie/blog/

Lacken National School Bus Escort Required, Send CV and references to school@lackenns.com or post to Lacken National School, Lacken, Blessington, Co. Wicklow. Enquiries to 045 865 086.

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

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

SAKURAJob VacanciesSakura Montessori have the following positions available: -* Afterschool Leader.  14 hrs per week Monday – Thursday, immediate start. No childcare qualification needed.* Dinner person.  1.30pm – 4.30pm Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, immediate start. Training will be provided.* 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

If you’re looking for something to do on Saturday 19th October,  then why not come along to the Donard Country Market in the Donard Community Hall, W91 YW57. Running from 11 till 4, we’ll have a brilliant range of top-quality foods and crafts and plants and also a nice hot cup of tea/ coffee for you to enjoy.

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

uilding & 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

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