Newsletter 3rd Dec 2023 Issue 1481

Mass intentions in Blessington

Saturday: Patrick & Josephine Farrington…A, Jim & Kathleen Hamilton…A, Essie & Jimmy Hanlon…A , Sorcha Ní Kyne…12th A Molly White O Rourke…Rem

Sunday: Brendan & Eva Cummins…A   , Vera Kavanagh…Months Mind, Tom & Ellen Cummins…A , Chrissie Cummins…A, Dan & Margaret Ryan…A , Noel Cummins…A Lilly, Violet, Gerry & Kay Browne…A

We also Remember: Sean Corr…Bir Rem , Bill Kearney…RD

 Monday: Mass offered for the sick.

Tuesday: Get Well Mass,  Anton Trant…RD

Wednesday: John Mahon…RD , Get Well Mass

Thursday: Adam Kiely…RD , Special Intention

Vigil Mass 7.30pm Deceased Members of Blessington GAA

Friday: Feast if the Immaculate Conception, Alice Mc Crory…RD Mary Murphy…RD

Minister of Eucharist December 2023Church of Our Lady Blessington

SAT 6PM: Frank Hanlon, Ann Hanlon & Mary McCormack

SUNDAY 10AM: Aisling Molloy, Deirdre Breen & Mary McHugh

There will be no Holy Hour during the month of December. It will resume on Jan 9th.

Ecumenical Carol Service Sat 16th December at 3pm from St Marys Church to Church of our Lady Blessington. Travel with Mary and Joseph and the donkey Refreshments afterwards in the Coimin Centre.

Day of Prayer for Peace Monday 18^th Eucharistic Adoration 10am -6pm All who would like to spend an hour with Jesus on the day, please leave your name in the parish office

The Epiphany. Welcome the three Wise Men on horseback to meet the baby Jesus on 7th January at 3pm in Valleymount, with the Ballymore Pipe Band, prayers and refreshments afterwards in community Hall

Parish Calendars For sale in Parish Shop and after Weekend masses.  5 Euro each.

Advent Access our Advent calendar on the blessingtonparishes.com

Crosscare Annual food appeal Anyone wishing to contribute can follow the QR link on the posters and flyers to donate online at www.crosscare.ie or call us on 01-8360011 or send a cheque or postal order to Crosscare Christmas Appeal, 2 Saint Mary’s Place North, D07 Y768. We value and appreciate your ongoing support for all that we do. Wishing you and your loved ones a Happy and Peaceful Christmas.

Dates for Diary

First Holy Communion

Parish Candidates – Saturday April 27^th @11am

Lacken – Saturday May 4^th @ 11am in Lacken Church

St Mary’s Blessington – Saturday May 11^th   Two ceremonies time TBC

Valleymount – Sunday May 12^th @10am in St Joseph’s Church

Gaelscoil – Saturday May 18^th @11am

Used Stamp Collection We are collecting any used stamps in aid of the Missions. If you would like to donate the stamps that you have at home you can put them into the box which is located back of the Church of Our Lady, Blessington.

Blessington Parish Lotto Numbers on 9th November:1,4,14,28. €25 Winner: Marion McKeown Next Jackpot €3,850

Winners of the final Valleymount & Lacken Draw. Betty O Brien, Molly & Kevin Byrne, Eileen Balfe, Seamus McDonnell (Kylebeg) Bernie & Matt Kelly, Freda Miley, Eileen Miley, Sylvia & Liam Kavanagh Caitriona Cullen, Patricia & Frank Donnelly, Maureen Phibbs, Jennifer Mahon Brid & Peter O Sullivan, Sheila & Anthony Geoghegan, Ita & Jim Hill, Nellie Mulligan, Tom Guing, Teresa & John Reid, Kit & Francis Duffy, Brigid & John Cahill, Tanya & John Cullen, Jackie O Neill,, Maura & Paddy Byrne, Kathy Patton, Nuala & Shay Kelly, Joe Miley Snr, May Farrington, Mary & Liam Kavanagh (Lacken), Mary Norton, Breda Broe,, Mary & Jack Patton, Siobhan & Derek McEvoy, Martina & Ger Traynor, John Balfe (Lodge Lane), Jane Fleming, Liz Cullen, Alan Ridge, Mary & William Clarke, Jake Kavanagh, Catherine Tobin, Ann & Jimmy Flynn, Paddy Broe, Bernie Fitzpatrick Emer Miley.

Neil “Plunkett” Boyle A commemoration booklet to mark the centenary of the death of Neil “Plunkett” Boyle, anti-treaty soldier at Knocknadruce, Valleymount. References to incidents at Blessington, Manor Kilbride, Lacken, Kylebeg, Ballyknockan, Valleymount, Dunlavin. Available from Blessington Tourist Office, Texaco Garage, Baltinglass Road and Daly’s shop Hollywood Cross. Cost €7.00

Manor Kilbride Christmas Fair Raffle and Santa Visit Santa arrives in Manor Kilbride on Sunday the 10th of December at 12.30. Christmas Fair starts at Noon with a Cake Sale, some amusements, and our annual Christmas Raffle – which includes a chance to win an All-Ireland Final Tickets

Christmas Market A Festive Showcase Of Local Crafts And Artisans Because they deserve something as special and unique as they are The Avon, Blessington, Co. Wicklow. W91HFX3 Sunday 3^rd Dec 12 noon to 5pm Purplellama.market@gmail.com

CHRISTMAS GALLERY OPEN Saturday & Sunday 12:00 – 17:00 11^th November – 10^th December END OF SEASON SALE EVERYTHING MUST GO TO MAKE WAY FOR NEW EXHIBITION NO REASONABLE OFFER REFUSED Fabulous Original Art Ancient Bog Oak Sculptures This secret Gallery is located in The Glen of Imaal, Eircode W91 P653. Free Tea/Coffee for all Visitors

Come & join in all welcome @ The Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann. Christmas Shed Sessions Bigi Linn Traditional music and song with tea & refreshments Christmas Draw for Blessington Comhaltas Pat Conlan 0860752072

Up Coming Events at Blessington Library

Flute and Harp recital by The Old Court Duo Monday 4th December at 11am. All are welcome to come along and enjoy some traditional music in the warm surroundings of Blessington Library from The Old Court Duo. Music will start from 11am and will last approximately 45 minutes to an hour. Booking is not required for this event, all are welcome to attend.

Way With Words Literary Festival-In Conversation with Edel Coffey, moderated by Olivia Fitzsimons Saturday 9th December at 4pm Join Irish journalist, broadcaster and award-winning writer Edel Coffey for a reading from her debut novel Breaking Point followed by a conversation moderated by local writer Olivia Fitzsimons. Please contact blessingtonlib@wicklowcoco.ie or call 045 891740 to book a place.

Sakura The following positions have become available at our service in Blessington, Co. Wicklow * Driver with full clean driver’s license. 1 hour per morning, 5 days per week. Term time only. ** After school leader part time 3.5 hours per day Mon- Thurs & 4.5 hours Friday *** Morning Aims Practitioner – Minimum QQI Level 5. 5 days per week. Term time only. **** Part-time morning Childcare Practitioner with minimum FETAC level 5 qualification. A Montessori qualification and an interest in Gaelic an advantage. 4 hours per day, 5 days per week. Please apply with CV and cover letter to: Antoinette Byrne, Sakura Montessori at antoinettebyrnesakurabless@gmail.com

Blessington Bowls Club meet every Thursday night at 7.30 pm in St Kevin’s Hall, Main Street Blessington. Guests are most welcome, why not come along and bring a friend

Happy Faces Pre-school St Marys JNS Contact 0877658420 Email: happyfaces.blessington@gmail.com ECCE places available

Ігрова група Valleymount Parent & Baby/toddler працює щочетверга протягом шкільного семестру з 09.30 до 12.00 у Valleymount Hall.  Щиро вітаються нові батьки.  Заходьте випити чашечку чаю та побалакати Valleymount Parent & Baby/Toddler Playgroup meets every Thursday during school term from 9.30am to 12 in Valleymount Hall. New parents most welcome. Pop in for a cuppa & a chat.

Tuesday Rural Bus Service to Naas & Newbridge. Your support is needed to keep this service open. This is ideal as a “shopping bus”. Adult return journey €3.50 & €1 for students. (a free service for many qualifying adults) Departs Blessington Bus Shelter at 10am via Naas to Newbridge (Whitewater Shopping Centre) Departs Whitewater at 1.45pm. Further info: Jane Auld 087 266 0616 or Pat Conlan 086 075 2072

Blessington Bridge Club meets every Monday 18th September at 7.30pm in the Kare Centre. All new players welcome.

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

Looking to upskill or do a new course? Blessington Further Education and Training Centre are now enrolling for Part Time courses in September:

• Digital Marketing
• Database Methods
• Early Leaning & Care
• Stage 1 – Childcare
• Care Skills & Care
• of the Older Person
• Horticulture Science
• Word Processing
• Tourism
• Spreadsheet Methods
• Business Administration
• Social Studies
• & many more… All courses are QQI certified in either Level 4 or 5 Contact: 045 891 099 – 086 850 3833 – 086 806 1569 or email karentownsend@kwetb.ie irenehayden@kwetb.ie

GARDENING SERVICES. Grass cutting. Ride-on lawnmower/ push lawnmower, Strimming. Hedge cutting , Chainsaw Cutting. Spraying, Spitting timber. Weeding, Power washing Drives patios, General Maintenance around your home, All types of gardening services, Just call for reasonable Quotes/ Prices, Call/ Text 0876640695.

Piano / music theory lessons. Two teachers available in Ballymore-Eustace and Blessington. Both professional pianists graduated from the Conservatory and the University. Over 13 years teaching experience. Excellent references. Lessons in English or French. Classical and Jazz. Contact 0894276057 / blin.rime.pianists@hotmail.com

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, AtticConversions & Renovations. All Work Guaranteed Niall Kearns 0862746969.

Driving instructor RSA and ADI approved.  Contact Michael 087 459 4258  for bookings.

Ashling Frames are delighted to now offer a full photo printing service in Blessington, including passport photos, in partnership with Fujifilm, in addition to our custom and standard framing. ashlingframes@gmail.com or follow us on Instagram

Blessington Taxi Phone Greg 087 2626 393

SeeThru Solution – Your Local Trustworthy Cleaning Service for Windows, Gutters, Fascia, Pressure Washing, Softwash, Carpet & Upholstery. Call Greg: 085 858 1850Painter & Decorator – Interior & Exterior Phone: Damien 085 826 0431

Paying too much for SKY or Virgin Media? We Install or Repair Free to Air and Saorview! No more Bills! Call Billy 086 868 0053

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 and Repairs. Call for appointment: 087 247 4388. Email: info@eaglecleaningsolutions.com Find us on Facebook

German Autoworks – Service Specialist VW/Audi, Mercedes, Skoda, Seat, Opel. Call 087 286 3997  www.germanautoworks.ie

Noel Nolan – Blessington Heating & Plumbing Service  www.blessingtonheatingandplumbing.ie Call Noel: 087 243 1499 or email nolannoel2@gmail.com

Clarkes Funeral Directors I.A.F.D. Funeral Home & Office, Burgage, Blessington. All areas serviced. Phone: Tony, Regina or Gordon: 087 273 9048 / 087 659 6426 / 087 249 5411 www.funeraldirectorsblessington.ie

HEADSTONES – McEvoy Monumental Works, Blessington. Headstones, Inscriptions, Renovations. Serving the people of Blessington for over 40 years. Call to our workshop at Millbank Blessington or phone: Mick 045 865 487 or 086 843 8832 or Gary 087 933 3487  www.mcevoymonumentalworks.com

Newsletter Advertising Rates, For just 50c per word per week you can reach a large, local audience. Cut-off for receiving adverts is Wed 10am. You can email the copy to office@blessington.info and pay in the Parish Office, or via the Donate button on our website or by bank transfer. Call the Parish Office: 045 865 327

• PARISH INFORMATION

Church of Our Lady, Blessington – Mass Times: Saturday 6.00pm.  Sunday 10.00amWeekdays: Monday to Friday 9.30am – Fr. Richard Behan PP. Tel: 045 865327Church of Our Lady of Mercy, Crosschapel – Mass Times: Sundays 11.30amSt. Brigid’s Church, Manor Kilbride – Mass Times: Sundays 11.00amWeekdays: Monday to Friday 9am – Fr. Paraic McDermott C.S. Sp., Tel: 01 4582154St. Joseph’s Church, Valleymount – Mass Times: Sunday 10amOur Lady of Mount Carmel, Lacken – Mass Time: Saturdays 7.30pmParish Office: 9am to 1pm Monday to Friday Tel: 045 865 327