Newsletter 25th May 2025. Issue 1547

Mass intentions in Blessington Nick McHardy RD  Baltyboys

Saturday: Nicolas Dunne…A,  Annie & Jim O Toole…A, Marian O Toole…A, Noleen Duff…A, Bridget O Hagan…MM, Mairead Hudson…A, Larry Smith…A Patrick Flanagan…A

Sunday: John McGuire…A, James & Teresa McGuire…Rem

Monday: Mass for the Sick & those in Hospital

Tuesday: Micheal O Driscoll…RD, Get Well Intentions

Wednesday: Ray Govier…RD, Geraldine Watson…RD

Thursday: Micheal Slattery…RD, Fergus Walsh…RD

Friday: Edward Boylan…RD, Giovanni Mauri…RD

Feast Days – 29^th May – St Paul VI. St Paul VI, born 1897, died 6 August 1978. Ordained priest 29 May 1920 and worked in Vatican for most of the time before becoming Archbishop of Milan in 1954. Elected pope in 1963, taking the name Paul VI, succeeding Pope John XXIII  and continuing the Second Vatican Council.  A messenger of peace, he sought to open the Church to  the modern world. he began the papal apostolic visits, as a pilgrim to the Holy Land and a historic meeting with Athenagoras, the Ecumenical Patriarch. Beatified 2014, canonised 2018, his memorial is on the anniversary of his priestly ordination.

Date for your Diary –  Saturday May 24^th Healing Mass in Church of Our Lady Blessington. Sunday 29^th June at 2pm Manor Kilbride Cemetery Sunday.

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 15^th May: 8,9,21,22. €25 Winner: Michael Kennedy.  Next Jackpot €3000.

Congratulations to the boys and girls from St. Joseph’s School, Valleymount who received their First Holy Communion on Sunday morning at the 10.00 am. Mass  in St Joseph’s Church. It was a very joyous occasion for their families and the Community.

Popes Intentions  for May 2025 FOR WORKING CONDITIONS Let us pray that through work, each person might find fulfilment, families might be sustained in dignity, and that society might be humanised.

Prayer of Pope Paul VI Make us worthy, Lord, to serve our brothers and sisters throughout the world who live and die in poverty and hunger. Give them, through our hands, this day their daily bread, and by our understanding love, give peace and joy.  Amen.

Prayer to the Virgin Mary for the Month of May O most beautiful Flower of Mount Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. O Star of the Sea, help me and show me, That you are my Mother and my protector. O Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart To aid me in my need. Amen

Queen of the May

Bring flowers of the rarest

Bring blossoms the fairest

From garden and woodland and hillside

and dale

Our full hearts are swelling, our glad

voices telling

The praise of the loveliest flower

of the vale

Oh Mary we crown thee with

 blossoms to-day

Queen of the angels and Queen of the May

Oh Mary we crown thee with

 Blossoms to-day

Queen of the angels and

 Queen of the May

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

CARE OF THE EARTH. NoMowMay is one of the easiest ways to help and connect with wildlife, and the perfect way to start supporting nature in your garden (in May and beyond!).

Thought of the Week Clouds come floating into my life. No longer to carry rain or usher storm, But to add colour to my sunset sky – Rabindranath Tagore

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.

Give thanks daily for your blessings. Get the habit of thinking happy thoughts. Go out of your way to make other people happy. There is your formula for real happiness and enthusiasm

 

Lacken Naíonra (Preschool) have a limited number of ECCE places for September 2025 To find out more or to arrange a viewing, please email naionra@lackenns.com.

West Wicklow Cancer Support invites you to our monthly Drop in Evening for May, we are hosting a gardening evening when we welcome a local horticulturist giving tips and advice on that perfect seasonal garden! Thursday 29th May 7.30pm, Coimin Centre, Blessington. This is open to all, no booking required and do bring a friend and enjoy some tea and refreshments afterwards. Contact us on 087 4346004 westwicklow15@gmail.com with any enquiries

Notice of AGM for St Mary’s College, Past Pupils Alumni. As we approach the 90th Anniversary of our school,  and with a new building on the horizon, we are planning something special to celebrate and honour the school’s rich history. We are calling on all past pupils of St Mary’s College to come and join our committee to be part of fundraising opportunities and the celebrations. AGM takes place in the school Library, Wednesday May 28^th at 7.30pm, we hope you see you there.

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

Table Tennis Club. If anyone is interested in helping to set up a table tennis club for children please contact the parish office with your details. Call 045 865327 between 9am & 1pm

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.

Volunteer Opportunity  Join our Monthly Social Club! Hosted by the Alzheimer Society of Ireland. The Coimin Centre, Blessington, Co. Wicklow. Last Friday of every month Starting 30 May  Just 2 hours of your time We’re looking for warm, friendly volunteers to help create a welcoming space for people living with dementia. Interested? Contact Teresa Nagle at  085 870 6852 or email teresa.glover@alzheimer.ie

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.

Blessington U3A are pleased to announce our next talk Speaker: Lt. Colonel (retired) Ray Lane Title: “Only a Soldier Knows” Date: Tue 20th May at 10.30am Venue: Avon Hotel, Blessington All are welcome  Non-members €5 per person.

Blessington Carboot Sunday 25th May. St. Kevin’s Community Centre on Main Street. 8am to 4pm. Free Carparking. Toilets Teas / Coffee.  Stalls €10. 0860752072.

Blessington Millennium Choir – Spring/Summer Concert SATURDAY, 24 MAY 2025 AT 7 PM St Kevin’s Hall, Blessington Musical Director: John Francis Murphy Harp Solo: Harry Carpendale Soprano Solo: Ursula Conlon Tickets Available from: West Wicklow Cancer Support: 087-434 6004
or westwicklow15@gmail.com Blessington Tourist Office Shay Cunningham 086-2313796 Admission €15 Profits donated to cancer support

Large Double bedroom  with own Private Lounge to Rent in beautiful house in Kill Co Kildare. Only 45 minutes from O’ Connell Bridge. Suit Mature Senior Women  who speaks English. Massive kitchen to arrange suitable hours for use. Refuse Bins, Electricity, Sky Television all in the cost of €950 Euro per month. Driving space available. Call 086/1912777 Terry

 

Alexandro Ferreira Atelier Expert precision tailoring and high-quality alterations for all garment types — from elegant bridal and evening wear to everyday clothing. Based in Blessington. Phone: 0871946331 Instagram: alexandrofatelier.

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.

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 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

Counselling/ Psychotherapy at The Healer’s Dance Blessington Adult Counselling, Adolescent Counselling & low-cost counselling for adults Call today for more information on 0872362955 or check us on Instagram or our website www.healersdance.com