Newsletter 28th July 2024 Issue 1511

Mass intentions in Blessington Martin Tivnan…RD (Burgage), Marie Keogh…RD (Ballyknockan)

Saturday: Sadie Sargent…A, Ita Brennan…RD, Mary & Eamon Tully …A

Sunday: John O’Dwyer…RD (Dublin), Laura McHugh… 7th A, Betty O Shea…A

At Masses This Weekend, We Remember the Following, Annette O Malley…A, Chris Melody…RD, Noel Dixon…RD, Seamus Reid…A

Monday: Mass for the Sick & those in Hospital

Tuesday: Tom & Katie Bohan…A, Breda Williams…A

Wednesday: Jim O Connell…A,  Get Well Mass

Thursday: Maureen Mulvaney…RD, Frank O’Malley…RD

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

Rosary & Holy Hour  on Every Tuesday  7pm to 8pm in Church of Our Lady Blessington

Minister of Eucharist August 2024 Church of Our Lady Blessington SAT 6PM: AnnMarie Wall, Pat McGrath & Colette Fennan SUNDAY 10AM: Fidelma Dunne, Brendan Mahon & George Richardson

July 28^th – World day for the Grandparents and elderly Pope Francis established a World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly which took place for the first time on Sunday 25 July 2021. The World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly will be celebrated for the fourth time in 2024 on Sunday 28 July – the Sunday closest to the Feast of Saints Joachim and Anne, Grandparents of Jesus. The theme chosen by Pope Francis for this year’s celebration is: Do not cast me off in my old age” (cf. Psalm 71:9). The Catholic Grandparents Association has been at the forefront in campaigning for a greater recognition of Grandparents for their role and vocation in passing on their faith to the next generation. This new worldwide celebration in the Universal Church calendar is a momentous achievement for Grandparents and the Elderly and will hopefully reassure them that they are loved and that they are needed. “By cherishing the charisms of grandparents and the elderly, and the contribution they make to the life of the Church, the World Day seeks to support the efforts of every ecclesial community to forge bonds between the generations and to combat loneliness, in the awareness that – as Scripture states – “It is not good for man to be alone” (Gen 2:18),” according to the press release.

Blessington Parish Lotto Numbers on 18^th July: 6,13,19,24. €25 Winner: Leanne Tyrrell. Next Jackpot €1,900.

Women’s Breakfast Dates for your diary The next two dates for our breakfast will be September 21^st and November 23^rd. Looking forward to seeing you there.

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.

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

July 30th International day of friendship God values friendship. It is mentioned many times in the Bible Luke 10.1 After this the Lord appointed seventy-two[a] others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labour: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. The disciples didn’t have to go alone They had a loving faithful friend by their side so they could bear all things

In his message, Pope Francis will draw on the verse from Psalm 71 that depicts the plea of an elderly person who reflects on the story of their friendship with God. “By cherishing the charisms of grandparents and the elderly, and the contribution they make to the life of the Church, the World Day seeks to support the efforts of every ecclesial community to forge bonds between the generations and to combat loneliness, in the awareness that – as Scripture states – “It is not good for man to be alone” (Gen 2:18), according to the press release

Prayer for a Friend O Lord, please bless our friendship. Our friendship is like a long steady soft rain. It’s not so harsh that it will destroy. Yet itis not so soft that it goes unnoticed. Our friendship is growing in your grace. Please bless our friendship, and keep it holy at all times. friendship is a gift from you, O Lord, and we thank you. May our friendship always produce the fruits of the spirit. And may the soft rain of our friendship nourish the heart forever. Amen

On July 14th, a group of parishioners from Blessington and neighbouring townlands visited the new Creation garden in Knock.  This innovative garden, which was blessed at the end of May, tells the story of creation beginning with the moment when the universe began some 13.8 billion years ago. Through a series of 30 steps, we learn about the evolution of our planet from the moment of the Big Bang to the present day. Each step along the 0.5km walk displays a relevant quote from scripture. This garden is worth a visit for all who desire to enrich their understanding of our Common home.

POPES INTENTION FOR JULY For the pastoral care of the sick. Pope Francis’ intention for July 2024 is “For the pastoral care of the sick”12. He prays that the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick will give strength from the Lord to those who receive it and their loved ones, becoming a visible sign of compassion and hope for everyone

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.

CARE OF THE EARTH  Use eco-friendly shopping bags Take a break from paper or plastic bags when you shop for groceries. Paper and plastic bags need more than 400 years to decompose. Opt for eco-friendly jute bags when you need to go shopping.

Thought for the week Only God knows what’s next

Become a positive thinker. No matter how dark things seem to be or actually are, raise your sights and see possibilities – they are endless

Pathways Adult Faith course Have you ever wanted to know more about your faith? Are you looking for a course that can help you grow in your ministry? Pathways is an Adult Faith formation programme run by the Archdiocese aimed at all adults, members of PPCs and those in parish ministry. It is a 2-year course running on Thursday evenings from September to May (excluding holidays) from 7pm-9.30pm in DCU, Drumcondra, Dublin 9. The course has a number of modules including input on Images of God, Discipleship, Scripture, Liturgy, Church, Vatican II, Sacraments and Parish. The Second Year has a more intentional focus on Ministry. Each evening includes a presentation on the topic as well as small group sharing and discussion and there is no written work or assessments. The cost is €400 per year (Some parishes may help to cover some of the cost or you can contact us to discuss the possibility of a bursary)For more details, and to complete the online application form, please visit www.missionministry.ie/pathways or email peter.siney@dublindiocese.ie

Blessington Library Bring your children to Blessington Library and sign up for Summer Stars.  Here’s how you take part:

1. Sign up and collect your reading card.
2. Borrow some books from the library
3. Write the names of your books in your summer stars card as you finish reading them
4. Return your card to the library to get rewards and enter our BIG PRIZE DRAW!

Movie Afternoon Every Wednesday during July and August at 3 pm All welcome. Limerick Writing Workshop Thursday 4th July at 3 pm Booking essential Call 045 891740 or blessingtonlib@wicklowcoco.ie. Yoga with Katie Fu -Twinkle Kids Children 6-9 years old Tuesday 9th July 2.30 pm Booking essential Call 045 891740 or blessingtonlib@wicklowcoco.ie Batik Glue T-Shirt Design Kid’s  Summer Craft. Children 7+ Thurs 11th and Fri 12th July at 3pm (Children must be available to attend both afternoons) Booking essential Call 045 891740 or blessingtonlib@wicklowcoco.ie Story time (Age 3+) Every Saturday at 11.30 am No booking required All welcome.

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.”

lessington 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.

Local Lady  willing to mind cats and/or walk dogs in own home, Blessington area only. Ph 085-7111342

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

Tulfarris Hotel and Golf Resort Spa Now Open. Booking online www.tulfarrishotel.com contact us directly spa@tulfarishotel.com 045 867633

Gardening For Hedge clipping, Beds overhauled, Pruning, etc Phone Mark 085-1337714 (Greenleaf Garden Care)

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

To Let Very nice self-contained private office at Aran Centre, Blessington opposite Aldi.  From €125 per week plus VAT.  Contact Sean on 087 8175227.

Building & 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

The Avon has a number of functions rooms available to hire for your next special occasion. Email us at info@theavon.ie and we can send on our 2024 brochure Mark Hyland Solicitors Main Street, Blessington Phone number: 045-851149 Email: markhylandsolicitors@gmail.com

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

Person Looking for Temporary Accommodation 2-3 Months during house move Ph 085 106 7017