Newsletter 22nd June 2025. Issue 1551

Mass intentions in Church of Our Lady, Blessington

Saturday: Rachel Murphy…A, Kevin Shiels…A, John & Sarah Magee…A, Jimmy Mahon…A, Margaret Kearney…Rem, Smyth Family…Rem, Michael, AnnMary Norton…A, Larry, Matthew & Mary Lennon…Rem, Alex McDonnell…A, James Nolan…A, Gus Hearne…A, James Kavanagh…A, Vincent Bohan…A

Sunday:  Josephine Horgan (Mama Jo) …A, Kathleen Kelly…A, Gus Hearne…A, James Edwards…A, Sweeney Family & Teresa Kavanagh…Rem, Nuala Haughian…A, Vincent Bohan…A

Monday: Mass for the Sick & those in Hospital

Tuesday: Mary Davin…Rem, John Ward Snr…RD

Wednesday: Harry (Henry) Magee…A, Get Well Mass

Thursday: Tommy O’Dwyer…RD, Special Intentions Mass

Friday: Special Intentions Mass, Thanksgiving Mass

Feast Days – 24^th June – The Nativity of John the Baptist . The Nativity of St. John the Baptist,  celebrated on June 24, commemorates the birth of Jesus’s cousin, John the Baptist. John was born to Zechariah and Elizabeth, who were very old and believed to be unable to have children. The angel Gabriel appeared to Zechariah, telling him that Elizabeth would conceive a son and name him John. Zechariah doubted the angel’s words and was unable to speak until John’s birth. John was a special figure in Christian tradition, preparing the way for Jesus and baptizing him in the Jordan River. His birth, like Jesus’, was miraculous, announced to his parents Zechariah and Elizabeth by an angel.

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

Rosary & Holy Hour  The Holy Hour with Rosary and Adoration will be at 7pm every Wed for the duration of the Summer months.

Minister of Eucharist – June 2025 Church of Our Lady Blessington SAT 6PM: Teresa Ball & Sarah Ortega SUNDAY 10AM: Aisling Molloy & AnnaNora Hudson

Blessington Parish Lotto Numbers on 29^th May: 6,16,27,30. €25 Winner: Mary Toomey. Next Jackpot €3000.

A Prayer to John the Baptist. O Jesus, since You have left us a remembrance of Your Passion beneath the veils of this Sacrament,  grant us, we pray,  so to venerate the sacred mysteries of Your Body and Blood that we may always enjoy the fruits of Your Redemption, for You live and reign forever. Amen

Popes Intentions for JUNE 2025 THAT THE WORLD MAY GROW IN COMPASSION Let us pray that each one of us might find consolation in a personal relat1onsh1p with Jesus, and from his Heart, learn to have compassion on the world.

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

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.

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

The Parish Warmly Supports, The Bethlam Care And Hospital Trust.  Working to sustain the first ever hospice service for the terminally ill in Bethlehem Visit www.bcandht.ie to donate.

The Family of the late Nuala Haughian Snr.  Wish to advise people know that Nualas first Anniversary mass  will take place in St. Brigid’s Church Manor Kilbride on Saturday 21^st June  at 10am all are welcome to attend.

Corpus Christi – Sunday 22nd June  The annual Corpus Christi procession will take place at 3pm in the grounds of St Joseph’s Church Valleymount. All First Holy Communion children are invited to join in the procession. The Feast of Corpus Christi, also known as the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, is a Catholic feast that celebrates the real presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist, the bread and wine consecrated during Mass. It is celebrated today 22nd June.

The Archdiocese of Dublin. Saturday 21^st & Sunday 22^nd June.

A Message from Archbishop Farrell about the Summer Dues initiative

Our readings at Mass today focus, for Corpus Christi, on Priesthood and the Eucharist. The people following Jesus were tired and hungry (Luke 9:11-17). Theywere in need of nourishment and healing, at every level. ‘Give them something to eat yourselves’, Jesus says provocatively to the Twelve, but they were at a loss. They had very little, just five loaves and two fish. The miracle recounted is that from what little they had, Jesus made so much. The call to ministry and to participation in the Eucharist is central to the life and wellbeing of the Christian community. We are grateful for our priests and for the service they offer. From what each one has, they pass on all we have ‘received from the Lord’ (1 Corinthians 11:23), and bring his healing presence and love alive. Gathered around Christ, and through the gift of his Spirit, each parish and partnership of parishes is called to mission. Please support your priests through the Summer Dues appeal. The generosity that you have towards your priests is indispensable. Please play your part, too, in a renewed and active involvement of all parishioners as together we nourish and support each other, counting the wonderful blessings of God in our lives.

Tax on Donation Scheme. The generosity that people show towards their priests is very reassuring. Your contributions can go further without any additional cost to you thanks to the tax relief available on charitable donations. With your help the parish can claim a tax refund from Revenue up to the value of 45% of your identifiable contributions amounting to €250 or more in any given year. Please use the envelope provided, giving your details so that the parish can contact you, to help process the tax rebate from Revenue. The parish can reclaim the tax no matter whether you are PAYE or Self-Assessed. This tax rebate from Revenue is now an important source of income for the parish.

There will be a pilgrimage to Knock on Sun July 13th departing at 7.30am from the Blessington church carpark. The pilgrimage will include meditation anointing of the sick, Confession and mass at 3pm. For further details contact 086 1609293.

Thought of the Week A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery while on a detour.

CARE OF THE EARTH Trees provide food and oxygen. They help save energy, clean the air, and help combat climate change.

A Summer Prayer Long warm days… The pace of life slows… A time for picnics and rest in the shade… Lord, help me to rest awhile in the cooling shade of your presence. Slow down my restless heart and fill me with gentle compassion for all your people. Amen.

 

HILLBILLY TRACTOR  & CAR RUN 20th Anniversary June 29th Picnic Area, Ballyknockan Registration From 10am Departing At 12.30pm Contact Jack 0872863636

Four Host Families Needed For Spanish Boys & Girls ages between 12 & 15 Dates:28^th June -26^th July Students attend school every day. If you are interested contact WhatsApp Paloma 00 33 628 11 49 38 Michelle 085 253 1377 Email: Kinsdale.paloma@gmail.com

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 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. Ref Number: 2381875 Valleymount GAA Caretaker: Duties will include but not limited to: Grass cutting and pitch maintenance, Some cleaning duties.  Ref Number: 2381878 Blessington Greenway Caretaker: Duties to include but not restricted to grass cutting, verge and tree maintenance. Ref Number: 2386069 Hollywood Community Center Caretaker: Duties to include but not limited to: General light maintenance. Some cleaning duties. Ref Number: 2386070

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.

Midsummer Carboot  Sunday 22nd June 8am to 4pm.  Blessington Carboot beside Aldi Store Free Carparking facilities. Toilets / Teas / Coffee.  Indoor and Outdoor Space Available. Cost 10 euro per Stall. Bigi Linn. Bargains Galore. Info 0860752072  Pat Conlan

Social Dancing. Enjoy an evening of dancing to Philip English In Donard Community Hall Saturday 21^st June  9pm -12am.  All Welcome.

Book your Hearing Test in McGreals Pharmacy today! Visit www.mcgreals.ie or talk to a member of our team in store

Cleaner Required  with own transport, 4hrs weekly 0872220494/045865535

Piano, harp and theory lessons available  based in Kilteel, 10km from Blessington. Qualified teacher with a Bachelor of Music degree and 5 years teaching experience in Alexandra College Dublin. Experienced in both RIAM and ABRSM exam syllabus. Limited spaces available. All ages above 7 are welcomed. Please contact sineadking565@gmail.com  for more information.

Balance Looking to improve strength, flexibility, and stress levels in a supportive space? Balance Reformer Pilates offers low-impact, high-results workouts designed for every body no matter your fitness level, or experience. Located over the SVP shop. Intro offer available. 4 classes €60. www.balancestudios.ie

GARDENING SERVICES Grass cutting / Ride on lawnmower Push Lawnmower, Chainsaw Cutting, Splitting Timber, Spraying, Weeding, Power washing Driveway Patios, General Maintenance around your home. Just Call for reasonable Quotes/ Price. Call or text 0876640695.

GROUND WORKS  All aspects of groundwork, landscaping, drainage work, concrete, general tidy ups and  digger hire available Call Kevin 087 698 3849

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

Jennifer Kavanagh Sports & Remedial Therapy: *Muscle Aches and Pains *Chronic Muscle or Joint Pain *Struggling to perform Day-to-Day Tasks *Injury Prevention & Rehabilitation *Increased Mobility. Fully qualified ITEC NCVA, fully insured and local experienced Therapist. Ph: 087 9021099

Piano And Music  Theory Lesson in Ballymore-Eustace (CLASSICAL and JAZZ). Experimented teacher (20 years of teaching) Trial lesson (30min) €25 €zacharieblin@yahoo.fr 089 483 7341

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.

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

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.