Newsletter 27th July 2025. Issue 1555
Community Diary
Saturday 26th July
Mass at 6pm
Church of Our Lady Blessington
Confessions: After 6pm Mass
Sunday 27th July
Mass at 10am
Church of Our Lady Blessington
Mass at 10am
St. Joseph’s Church, Valleymount
Mass at 11am
St. Brigid’s Church, Manor Kilbride
Mass at 11.30am
Church of our Lady of Mercy, Crosschapel
Monday 28th July
Mass at 9.30am
Church of Our Lady Blessington
Mass at 9am
St. Brigid’s Church, Manor Kilbride
Tuesday 29th July
Mass at 9.30am
Church of Our Lady Blessington
Mass at 9am
St. Brigid’s Church,
Manor Kilbride
Wednesday 30th July
Mass at 9.30am
Church of Our Lady Blessington
Mass at 9am
St. Brigid’s Church, Manor Kilbride
Rosary & Holy Hour
The Holy Hour with Rosary and
Adoration will be at 7pm for the
duration of
the summer months.
Thursday 31st July
Mass at 9am
St. Brigid’s Church, Manor Kilbride
Mass at 9.30am
Church of Our Lady, Blessington
Friday 1st August
Mass at 9.30am
Church of Our Lady, Blessington
A blessing of St Pio’s relic will take place after 9.30 Mass this morning
Mass at 9am
St. Brigid’s Church, Manor Kilbride
Confessions at 7pm
will take place in the
Church of Our Lady, Blessington
Mass intentions in
Church of Our Lady, Blessington
Annie Byrne…RD, Burgage, Mona Magee…RD, Blessington, Miles Balfe…RD, Woodend John Osbourne…RD, UK & US
Saturday: Martin Staines… 10th A, Laura McHugh…A, Betty O Shea…A, Sadie Sargent…A
Sunday: Simon Hopkins…A, Rebecca & Maisy Hopkins…Rem,Peter Hopkins…RD
Monday: Mass for the Sick & those in Hospital
Tuesday: Special Intentions Mass, Special Intentions Mass
Wednesday: Special Intentions Mass, Birthday Remembrance
Thursday: Jim O Connell…A, Birthday Remembrance
Friday: 1st Friday of the month, Mass offered for all on the November List of the Dead A blessing of St Pio’s relic will take place after 9.30 Mass this morning
Dates for your Diary
Family Mass
Sunday 17th August at 10am. Church of Our Lady, Blessington
Healing Mass
Church of Our Lady Blessington
Sat September 13th & Sat December 13th. All Masses will take place at 11am
All are welcome
Women’s Breakfast
Let’s Connect!
Our next breakfast will be on Sat 20th Sept & Sat 22nd Nov
9.30am to 11am, in the Coimin Centre
The Family of the late John Holmes, his mother Nonie, his children Claire and John, brothers and sister, wish to send our sincere thanks to his neighbours, friends and wider community following his recent death. We were humbled by your kindness, hospitality and all the messages of condolences. As it is impossible to thank everyone individually, the holy sacrifice of the mass has been offered for your intentions. The Holmes family.
Deadline for Notices in the Newsletter. The deadline to have your notices in the newsletter is Tuesday at 11am at the very latest
Church of Our Lady, Blessington & Church of Our Lady of Mercy, Crosschapel St. Joseph’s Church, Valleymount & Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Lacken Fr. Gerry Kane PP Tel: 045 865 327
St. Brigid’s Church, Manor Kilbride – Fr. Paraic McDermott C.S.Sp. Tel: 01 4582154
Parish Office: 9am to 1pm Monday to Friday Tel: 045 865 327.
Feast Days. 31st July – St Ignatius of Loyola Saint Ignatius of Loyola, was born in Spain in 1491 and initially lived a life focused on courtly love, he was a former soldier who became a saint, is known for founding the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) a religious order known for its focus on education and service and for his influential “Spiritual Exercises”. His story can be presented as one of a man who transitioned from a worldly life to one dedicated to God, emphasizing his courage, determination, and desire to serve others. St. Ignatius of Loyola is the patron saint of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), spiritual retreats, and soldiers.
A Prayer to Ignatius of Loyola. Trust in Jesus. O Christ Jesus, when all is darkness and we feel our weakness and helplessness, give us the sense of Your presence, Your love, and Your strength. Help us to have perfect trust in Your protecting love and strengthening power, so that nothing may frighten or worry us, for, living close to You, we shall see Your hand, Your purpose, Your will through all things. Amen.
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.
Popes Intentions for July 2025 For information in Discernment Let us pray that we might again learn low to discern, to know how to choose paths of life and reject everything that leads us away from Christ and the Gospel.
Blessington Parish
Blessington, Cross Chapel, Manor Kilbride
Income & Expenditure Report – 2024
INCOME
Family Offering € 26,144
of which envelopes € 12,311
of which standing orders € 13,833
Shrines € 40,137
Donations & Bequests € 29,970
Investment Income € 14,256
Other Income € 124,063
Rental Income € 75,440
Tax Refunds € 16,782
Shop Income € 27,316
Fundraising & Event Income € 1,015
Newsletter-Advertising Income € 3,511
TOTAL INCOME € 234,298
EXPENDITURE
Repairs, Renewals and Maintenance -€ 26,043
Salaries, Wages and Professional Fees -€ 91,199
Office Expenses incl printing, telephone & postage -€ 52,355
Liturgical and Pastoral Fees -€ 22,067
Utilities (Heating, Electricity) -€ 21,278
Insurance and Security Costs -€ 7,329
Water Charges, Local Property Tax and Bins -€ 8,433
Bank Charges -€ 2,193
Shop Expenses -€ 5,770
TOTAL EXPENDITURE -€ 230,637
Income less Expenditure {before Depreciation) € 3,661
Note:
- We need roughly €26000 for fire & lighting improvements as per the Diocese.
- Finance Committee Members –
Michael Doyle, Joan McNamara, Gerry Staines, Helen Henessey, Pat Phibbs, Fr. Gerry Kane and Belinda Irmscher (Parish Bookkeeper)
Minister of Eucharist – August 2025 Church of Our Lady Blessington. SAT 6PM: Mary Fenton & Pat McGrath SUNDAY 10AM: Fidelma Dunne, Catriona Cullen & George Richardson
CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING Here we do not ask where you come from, who you are: You are a child of God. Br. Kevin Crowley
CARE OF THE EARTH Flick the switch. Turn off the light when you leave the room. Turn off the TV if no one is watching it.
Blessington Parish Lotto Numbers on 17th July: 7,10,14,18. €25 Winner: Bernadette Rooney Next Jackpot €3000.
A group of parishioners had a very enjoyable pilgrimage to Knock
to mark the Jubilee year of Hope 2025. On arrival, we were welcomed by a group of 16 second level students from the diocese of Leeds who are helping out for the Summer. They presented us with a program of events to mark St Therese’s International Day.
These included a talk on the life of St Therese and a rosary procession with the blessing of roses.
Large numbers availed of Confession in the Centre of Reconciliation which also provides a counselling service .A small group took time to do the Creation Walk which details the story of Creation in 30 steps from the moment of the Big bang 13.6 billion years ago. It is well worth a visit for anybody endeavouring to seek a deep understanding of the Universe and our role in this great mystery.
The highlight for many was the concelebrated mass in the Basilica which attracted large numbers from Ireland and the UK in the celebration of the Eucharist. We were also able to avail of the anointing of the sick before mass.
The group enjoyed a welcome stop on the way home with a meal in Roscommon town. We look forward to visiting this unique and holy place again next year.
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 scheme, initiated by the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul (SVP) and supported by the Department of Communications, Energy & Natural Resources, aims to help families manage their heating bills by spreading the cost of fuel. The €5 Stay Warm Saving Stamps and Savings Card are only available from Hennessy’s Hardware and SVP Shop.
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.
Gaelscoil na Lochanna seek to employ a Bus Escort to assist children with additional needs getting to and from school. Initially 1 hour of work in morning before school time and 1 hour after school time. Candidates should have experience in working with children, have an understanding of additional needs in children, and be able to deal with parents and school staff in a professional manner. Irish ability is an advantage.
This position is subject to satisfactory references and Garda Vetting. The hourly rate of pay is in line with the Department of Education guidelines for School Bus Escorts (€15.20 per hour), processed weekly during school term time. Escorts are not paid over school holidays but receive holiday pay instead.
Application by CV /queries should be emailed to priomhoide@gaelscoilnalochanna.com
Downshire Hotel Staff Reunion 26th July 2025, Food @ 8:00 followed by music In Cullens, Lake View Lounge, Ballyknockan Contact PAT for tickets 087 8228620.
Blessington Carboot Sunday 27th July. 8am to 4pm. beside Aldi Store Free Carparking facilities. Toilets / Teas / Coffee. Indoor and Outdoor Space Available. Cost €10 per Stall. Bargains Galore. Info 0860752072 Pat Conlan.
Donoughmore Summer Fate Bank Holiday Monday 4th August, 2pm-5pm. Afternoon tea, Lots of Stalls, Novelty Races, Horse & Carraige rides, Magic show, Monster Raffel And Lots More Adults €3, Children free. Fun for all the Family. Eircode W91 C971.
Cleaner Available Weekends only Blessington Area Ph: 089-946-8855
Wanted House to Rent WhatsApp Me or Text on 087 82 89 243
ennifer 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
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
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
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
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.
Ustore @ Hollywood Large storage area available Phone 087-356-7601 €100 Per month.
Milkman Delivering door to door All Area Covered Ph 087 2981068.
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