Newsletter 30th June 2024 Issue1507

Mass intentions in Blessington

Saturday: John, Josephine & Joeseph McNamara…A, Teresa Ball…A

Sunday: Bridie Byrne…A, John Brady…Rd

At Masses This Weekend, We Remember the Following

Hannah & Myles Wilson…A, Jim Power…Rd, John & Florence Smyth…Rem, William & Elizabeth Jones…Rem

Monday: Mass for the Sick & those in Hospital

Tuesday: Sally Egan…A, Get Well Mass

Wednesday: Ray O Donnell…A, John Sweeney…Rd

Thursday: John L O Sullivan…Rd, Special Intentions

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 July 2024. Church of Our Lady Blessington. SAT 6PM: Mary McCormack, Mary Fenton & Margaret Keogh. SUNDAY 10AM: Margaret Flynn, Mary McHugh & Charmaine Quinn.

Saturday 29th June: A reception is being held to mark the  leaving of Fr. Richard as Parish Priest and Aine Egan as a Pastoral Worker. The reception will take place after 6pm mass  on Saturday 29th June in the Coinim Center. All Are Welcome.

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

Pilgrimage to Knock A pilgrimage to Knock will take place on Sun July 14th. The bus will depart at 7.30 am from Blessington church carpark. The pilgrimage will include a walk through the new Creation garden adjacent to the Museum. Anointing of the sick will be at 2.30pm followed by mass in the Basilica at 3pm to mark St Theresa’s International Day. Early booking essential as places are limited. Cost between 20/30 euro depending on numbers. Contact 086 1609 293 for more information for Booking.

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

The Appointment/Announcement Of Newly Appointed Parish Priest This is to announce that the Very Reverend Gerry Kane, newly appointed Parish Priest, will assume the pastoral care of the Parish of Blessington and the Parish of Valleymount, on Sunday 7th July 2024. Father Kane has been dispensed from the normal means of assuming the pastoral care of the parishes.

Sunday 30^th June A reception will be held in the Stables Valleymount after 10am mass Sun 30th to mark the leaving of Fr Richard. All parishioners are invited to attend.

Baltyboys Cemetery A Big thank you to the volunteers who helped to clean up the cemetery on Saturday 22^nd June, by way of strimming, mowing  and weeding.  It was very much appreciated.

Blessington Parish Lotto Numbers on 20^th June: 1,9,10,25. €25 Winner: Anna Nagle. Next Jackpot €1,750

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.

Thank you

I wish to thank the People of Valleymount and Blessington Parishes for all the support and Kindness shown to me over my time here. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the Play & Pray group and our new venture “Women’s Breakfast”. A big thank you to Carol, Sharon, Kellie, Olga, Christine, Eamon, Edel, Jean and Teresa, All have made working here very enjoyable. Above all, I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to Fr. Richard & Deacon Gerry. The time I have spent on this pastoral team and in this Parish have made a lasting impact on me.My new appointment begins on the 6^th & 7^th July in Celbridge. God Bless. Aine

Labyrinth

A prayer labyrinth is a circular path that leads to a center and back out again. It is a metaphor for the spiritual journey and a way of praying with the body and the soul12. A prayer labyrinth can be used to worship and praise God, intercede for others, and seek personal and spiritual transformation2. Walking meditation gives us time and space to listen and respond to the Lord . The earliest examples of labyrinths go back nearly 5,000 years.  There is one in Glendalough. Steps of praying with a Labyrinth you can begin your walking meditation with the following steps. 1. Name your intention Since we embark on a walking meditation in order to hear and respond to the Lord, invite God to walk with you during this prayer period. Ask for the grace to hear and respond to him. If you have any particular intentions on your heart, name them to God at this time and tell him that you will carry these intentions with you during the walk. 2. Walk the path Enter and follow the path of the labyrinth, knowing that God is with you. Go at a pace that feels natural. let your prayer unfold as you go and trust in God’s guidance. If your mind wanders to thoughts that seem like distractions, name the distraction, lift it up to God and ask God to guide your mind and heart back to him. If the distraction returns, explore it with God. 3. Give thanks When you reach the centre of the labyrinth, thank God for having walked with you along the way. 4. Reflect Afterwards, take time to reflect on your walking meditation.

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

CARE OF THE EARTH  Did you know… There are live enzymes in honey. When in contact with a metal spoon these enzymes die the best way to eat honey is with a wooden spoon. Honey contains a substance that helps your brain work better. Honey is one of the rare foods on earth that alone can sustain human life. One teaspoon of honey is enough to sustain human life for 24 hours. Propolis that bees produce, is one of the most powerful natural antibiotics. Honey has no expiration date. A bee lives less than 40 days, visits at least 1000 flowers and produces less than a teaspoon of honey in its lifetime. Deep gratitude to the humble bee.

Thought for the week Stop using your energy to worry. Use your energy to believe, create, love, grow, manifest and heal

St. Maria Goretti is the Patron Saint of purity, young women, and youth in general. She is also the Patron Saint of children, young girls, the poor, martyrs, chastity, and forgiveness. She was canonised by Pope Pius XII in 1950, becoming the youngest Roman Catholic saint officially recognised by name. She is known for her ability to forgive the man who murdered her even as she lay on her deathbed.

The Great Amen It is the Amen we use at the end of the Eucharistic prayer. It is known as the Great Amen. Amen means “so be it”. This means you are not a spectator at Mass. You, like the priest. Are offering the Body and Blood of Jesus to the Father. When you say the word Amen you are giving your assent to what has been happening throughout the Eucharistic prayer. As it is so important it should be said with devotion and conviction

How often can you receive the Anointing of the Sick? As often as a person needs. You can receive the Anointing of the Sick if you are seriously ill, especially when the condition is worsening. It does not matter whether you are old or young. In serious spiritual need or before an operation, people often ask for the Anointing of the Sick.

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 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.

Blessington Library ⭐⭐Summer stars is back in all public libraries. It runs from 4th June – 31st August 2024. Just drop into Blessington Library, pick up your FREE starter pack and set sail on your reading adventure. Keep an eye on our library display board and social media for Activities for Summer Stars 2024 in Blessington Library!  It is going to be fun! ⭐⭐ Conscious Parenting (The real purpose of parenting) 20th June 7pm – 8 pm. Booking essential Call 045 891740 or blessingtonlib@wicklowcoco.ie The Crafty Hookers Knitting Group, every Wednesday at 11 am. No booking required. Adult Poetry Group 3rd Thursday of the month at 6.45 pm (Next Meeting 20th June) .All welcome. Storytime (Age 3+). Every Saturday at 11.30 am. No booking required. All welcome Great news! Now you can read your favourite enewspapers and emagazines on BorrowBox! That means eBooks, eaudiobooks, enewspapers, and emagazines all in one place, 24/7.

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.”

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

For Sale Sturdy flatbottomed adult canoe for sale. Good buoyancy, 2 new paddles. €250. phone 087 797 3650

Thank you everyone who helped me raise funds for Cancer Research in the mini marathon…Phyllis

Blessington Men’s Shed Music sessions continue next Monday night, starting 19.30. The shed is also hosting a recital by our local Ukraine choir at same session. An evening of beautiful music  awaits our audience. See you there

Retired Lady Willing to walk dogs Daily Basis Blessington Only Ph 085 711 1342

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

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

JK Jamie Kershaw —Plant & Agri — Our services – Plant hire, Agri Services, Land Drainage, Land reclamation, Tractor Hire, Site clearance, Bulk excavation, Driveways, Mulchers, Tree Shears, Roch Breakers, Tree Surgery, Concrete Works, Demolition. We provide the choice of ECO Friendly fuels and oils in out Machinery Contact 087463 2228 info@jkplantagriltd.ie

Local Handyman Commercial & Residential Property Management Citywest-Naas-West Wicklow Mobile:089 211 9881 www.localhandyman.ie Email: info@localhandyman.ie