Newsletter 2nd June 2024 Issue 1503

Mass intentions in Blessington Patrick (Paddy) Donohoe – Hollywood (Formerly Manor Kilbride), Mary (Carmel) Lyons – Newtown Park Blessington

Saturday: Ann Smith…A , John & Ann Craul…A, Liam Craul…A

Sunday: Jim Toomey…A, Mary Kavanagh…A, Deceased Intentions O’Leary Family

At Masses This Weekend, We Remember the Following Annie Kilbride & Maureen Cuddy…A, James & Kathleen Cullen…A, Larry Smith…A, Paddy & Essie Murray…A, Collette Kelly…A     Carmel Cahill…A,  Maurice & Mary Healy…A

Monday: Mass for the Sick & those in Hospital

Tuesday: Get Well Mass, Bridie O Reilly…Rd

Wednesday: Cathal Lalor…Rd, Patrick Joseph Ryan…Rd

Thursday:, Pauline & Paddy O’Brien…A, Birthday Rem

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

St Josephs Valleymount Corpus Christi Procession Sunday 2^nd June @ 3pm Eucharistic Adoration 11am – 3pm All the First Holy Communion children are invited to participate. Light Refreshments served after the Procession

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

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 0833798366

Minister of Eucharist June 2024 Church of Our Lady Blessington SAT 6PM: Ann Hanlon, Frank Hanlon & Geraldine McMulkin SUNDAY 10AM: Kay Clarke & Aisling Molloy

Annual Blessing of the Graves  Will take place in Hollywood on Saturday 15^th June at 6pm

The Annual Blessing of the Graves & Cemetery Mass will take place in Manor Kilbride Cemetery on Sunday 30^th June 2024 at 2pm

Cemetery Sunday will take place in Templeboden Cemetery Lacken on Sun July 7th at 3pm

Congratulations to the children of St Mary’s N.S., Gaelscoil na Lochanna, St, Joseph’s N.S. and No. 1 School  who recently made their confirmation We wish them well as they progress on to the next stage of their lives.

Many thanks to all who helped  with the weeding of the border area in Blessington Church grounds last Saturday. Next date for clean-up Sat June 8th 11 to 12pm. Don’t forget to bring gloves and a garden tool!

Congratulations to the winners of the May Valleymount & Lacken Parish draw Anne Tipper, Seamus Doyle, Nicola & Steven Byrne, Alice & Peter Byrne (Logstown), Shann & Mark Morris, Matt Reid

We will hold our next Women’s Breakfast on Saturday 15^th June from 9.30 to 11am in the Coimin Centre, Blessington.

Curran and Fanning family would like to thank all those who attended Mary Fanning’s funeral. Thanks to those who came to the funeral home and to all that sent mass cards and condolences.

Prayer before exam Father, Be with me as I take this exam. Keep my mind alert and my memory sharp. Calm my nerves and help me concentrate. I know that you walk with me, Guiding my path and inspiring my heart. I pray that I would feel you with me, And that your friendship would soften the pressure I fee. I pray that I would pass this exam and go on to new things with you. Thank you for your peace and your love in my life. Thank you for your kindness and care for me. 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’ intention for June For migrants fleeing their homes We pray that migrants fleeing from war or hunger, forced to undertake journeys full of danger and violence, find welcome and new opportunities in the countries that receive them.

Anam Cara South Dublin the organisation that supports bereaved parents,  is holding its monthly Parent Evening for bereaved parents on Monday 10th June at 7:15pm in the Maldron Hotel, Whitestown Way, Tallaght. This event is free and open to  all bereaved parents regardless of the age your child died,  the circumstances of their death, or whether their death was recent or not

Reflection For Corpus Christi We worship his presence as the bread of life which nourishes us; we worship his presence as the sacrifice which alone brings us redemption and salvation; we worship his presence as the sign of what achieves among us as we await in faith his coming again.

Blessington Parish Lotto Numbers on 23^rd May. 15,20,25.30. €25 Winner: Ann Marie Russell Next Jackpot €1,600

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.

Sacred Heart Novena This Novena is for the nine days leading to the Feast of the Sacred Heart, which falls this year on 7th June. Maybe you will pray it alone, with family or friends or as part of a Parish Group. Wherever and however you walk these days, know that his heart is there for you. Novena Prayer Lord Jesus Christ, your heart was moved with love for those who came for help in their need. You healed the sick, you fed the hungry, you forgave sinners, you cried over Jerusalem. Above all, you showed to those who were prepared to listen the way to true life, for you are the Way, the Truth and the Life. Lord, your heart is all moved today by your people and their many needs. Open my heart to hear your word, to accept your love and to respond to your call. In particular, I beg you to grant me the favour I ask during this Novena (make your request silently), provided that it will contribute to my own eternal good and to the building up of your kingdom of love, peace and justice here on earth. Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you.

The Community Café is on Wednesday 5th June from 10.30 am to 12.30 pm in Kilteel Hall.  Please join us for a cup of tea/coffee a slice of cake, a chat, or a game of Bridge.

Please note that our next music session in the Men’s Shed will be held next Monday the 3^rd June, Bank Holiday Monday, starting at 7.30. Come along for a great night of music, singing and tall tales, followed by refreshments and spot prizes See you all there.

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.

West Wicklow Cancer Support are a charity based in Blessington who run weekly and monthly support services for people whose lives have been impacted by Cancer. We are currently seeking volunteers to expand our group. Did you know that National Volunteering Week took place from 20th – 26th of May, a week to celebrate the incredible people who give their time and resources to help and support their communities. We would be lost with the dedication of these valued individuals which enable us to run and develop our services. If you would like to get involved, expand your horizons, meet new people and give back to your community contact us at 087 4346004 / westwicklow15@gmail.com

Kind reliable lady available to offer companionship to you or your loved one in your own home Available Monday to Friday Phone 0862668681 for further details

Blessington Community Employment Vacancies These are developmental opportunities, no experience necessary. St Kevin’s, Cemetery, Hollywood Duties inclusive of but not restricted to grass cutting, light maintenance, key holding, and cleaning. Closing Date: 20/02/2024 Reference: CES: 2317015. Secretary, St Kevin’s  Community Centre. Duties inclusive of but not restricted to admin, answering calls,  And secretarial work. Closing Date: 02/02/2024 Reference: CES: 2317031. Caretaker, Hollywood Community Centre. Duties to include but not restricted to preparing hall for meetings and events, cleaning, light maintenance, and painting. Closing Date: 02/02/2024 Reference: CES: 2317081 Caretaker, St. Johns Cemetery, Ballymore. Duties inclusive of but not restricted to grass cutting, light maintenance, key holding, and cleaning. Closing Date: 16/02/2024 Reference: CES: 2317525 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.

CHOICE    CHANCE    CHANGE – Blessington Further Education and Training Centre 045 891099 email:blessingtonfetc@kwetb.ie We at Blessington Further Education and Training Centre are here to help you on your learning journey from 16 years onwards.  We offer part time and full-time courses using a flexible learning approach.  Most courses are daytime, but some are evening/night-time.   We offer noncertified courses which can be short courses.  We also offer longer term courses which offer QQI certification.    This could be your stepping stone to further education opportunities. Our courses are free to participants. Drop into the Centre or phone 045 891099 or email blessingtonfetc@kwetb.ie We currently have the following courses starting in September 2024: Youthreach: West Wicklow Youthreach is an education programme for early school leavers aged 16-21. We offer QQI level 3 and 4 certifications, junior and leaving cert equivalent, and personal development programmes in a welcoming and supportive environment. Our programme is 2 years full time with a range of exciting course modules to capture all interests in areas such as Health & Fitness, Short Order Cooking, Science, Art & Design, Sustainable Education, and Technology.  We also provide valuable practical and skills-based workshops and training which complement our academic offerings such as First Aid Response (FAR) and Manual Handling. Learners are supported to complete work experience, hone their individual strengths, and start planning their future path to the world of work or higher education. Part Time Courses: ELC Stage 2 – Monday and Wednesday nights 6.30 to 9.30 Painting Level 5 – Mondays 9.30 to 11.30 SNA Level 5 – Tuesdays 9.30 to 12.30 Spreadsheet Methods Level 5 – Monday and Wednesdays 9.30 to 12.30 Spreadsheet Methods Level 4 – Mondays 9.30 to 12.30 Business Administration Level 5 – Mondays and Wednesdays 9.30 to 12.30. IT/Computer classes – beginner and more advanced. Develop/improve your English Reading and Writing Skills. Maths – working on number skills, CV Preparation /Interview Skills Study skills to support your return to education, Gardening QQI level 3, Hair dressing – blow drying, Art for beginners.

Artisan food, handmade crafts and local artists displaying at The Avon this Bank Holiday Monday 3rd June from 12:00-5:00. Why not drop up and spoil yourself?

The Blessington Millennium Choir presents Gounods ‘Messe Solennelle de St. Cécile’ in St. Columcille’s Church, Rathmore on Saturday the 8th of June at 4pm This concert will also include well-loved classical choral pieces by Gabriel Fauré and Karl Jankins and some beautiful solos from Paul Linehan, Ursula Conlan and David Parkinson. Our organist is Charles Pearson, one of Ireland’s most talented players and a widely recognised specialist in French and contemporary music. Proceeds will go towards the ongoing restoration works at Rathmore Graveyard and essential works at St. Columcille’s Church. Tickets €10 Available from:  087 2431499/ 087 9481930 (Nuala)  Or Email: blessingtonmilleniumchoir2@gmail.com  or  rathmoregy.restoration@gmail.com

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.