Newsletter 4th February 2024 Issue 1488

Mass intentions in Blessington Noel Carroll     Lacken. Alice Ryall     Knockieran

Saturday: Margaret Hayden…A, Bernadette Byrne…A, Edward Boylan…A, Noel O Shea…4th A, Jim O Shea…A, Laurence & Bridget O Shea…A , Micheal Doran…6^th A , Bridget Cummins…1st A , Marcella Butler…MM

Sunday: Bridget O Connell…A, Connor Curran…A

We also Remember:, Joe Tracy…A, Bridie & Owen Naughton…A

Monday:  Mass for the Sick & those in Hospital

Tuesday: David Rossney…RD, Alice Ryall…RD

Wednesday: Mai Whelan…RD, Pat Campbell…REM

Thursday:, John O Hara…14^th A, Teresa O Hara…A, Martin O Hara…A, Margaret Clogher & Tom, Liam, & Geraldine Clogher… A

Friday: Phyllis Farrell…A & Deceased Members of the Farrell family, Hughie Gunn… REM

February 3rd – St Blaise, Patron saint of throats.

The Blessing Of The Throats Will Take Place After All Masses, This Weekend

Rosary & Holy Hour on Tuesday 30th January, 7pm to 8pm in Church of Our Lady Blessington

Pray & Play Group In the Coimin Centre, Every Wednesday From 2.45pm to 4.30pm. For children of all ages with their parents, grandparents, guardians. Contact Áine 0833798366 or Call the office on 045365327

Minister of Eucharist February 2024 Church of Our Lady Blessington SAT 6PM: Ann Hanlon, Frank Hanlon & Theresa Ball SUNDAY 10AM: Brendan Mahon, George Richardson & Kay Clarke

Parish Calendars Last few are still available For sale in Parish Office €5 each.

I would like to thank you all for your continued support in these challenging times, it is greatly appreciated.

Our new Neighbourhood Collection account is with AIB if you would like to renew your Standing Order or set up a new one, the account details are:

IBAN IE10 AIBK 9332 3642 2314 05

BIC   AIBKIE2D

Donations can also be made through the Neighbourhood Collection envelopes from

the parish office,

Once again, may I thank all who support the parish through your donations and thank you for your generosity. With every blessing,

Fr Richard

Dates for 2024 – February 3^rd – St Blaise, Patron saint of throats. Ash Wednesday falls on the 14th February Easter Sunday falls on the 31st March.

Popes intention for February February: For the Terminally Ill. The Holy Father encourages prayers “so that terminally ill patients and their families always receive necessary medical and human care and support.”

Blessington Parish Lotto Numbers on 25^th January: 8,11,16, 17,. €25 Winner: Lisa Kavanagh Next Jackpot €4,200

CARE OF THE EARTH Creatively repurpose unwanted items to put less trash into the world. Instead of throwing things away, give them another purpose by making jewellery, household accessories, or restyled clothing. Upcycling is fun and good for the earth; for example, you could turn an old T-shirt into a grocery bag or use cinder blocks to make outdoor planters. Experiment and look for new ways to reuse old items.

Thought for the week Gods plan for your life is a lot better than the one you’ve been working on.

PRAYER TO ST BRIDGET To St Bridget, Bridget, you were a woman of peace., You brought harmony where there was conflict., You brought light to the darkness. You brought hope to the downcast. May the mantle of your peace cover those who are troubled and anxious. And may peace be firmly rooted in our hearts and in our world. Inspire us to act justly and to reverence all God has made. Bridget, you were a voice for the wounded and the weary. Strengthen what is weak within us. Calm us into a quietness that heals and listens. May we grow each day into greater wholeness in mind, body and spirit. Amen.

Prayer in Honor of St. Blaise O GOD, deliver us through the intercession of Thy holy bishop and martyr Blaise, from all evil of soul and body, especially from all ills of the throat; and grant us the grace to make a good confession in the confident hope of obtaining Thy pardon, and ever to praise with worthy lips Thy most holy name. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Free Online Reflection & Meditation Join us for 40 minutes to find healing and hope through the Sunday Gospel.  We will do this through input, music, guided prayer etc…to help nourish the soul for the week ahead. Sunday Evenings 6.45p.m. Online via Zoom (4th, 11th, 18th February) Presented By Martina & The Ruah Team https://www.ruahrest.com/ Further enquiries & bookings to info@ruahrest.com

February

February is the 2nd month of the year and has 28 or 29 days. The 29th day occurs every 4 years during a leap year. Guess what? 2024 is a leap year so February will have 29 days.  It also means that anyone born on the 29th will celebrate their birthday every four years! In February, birds start to build their nests and if the winter has not been very cold, you will see some little flowers popping up their heads –, snowdrops and some daffodils.

February is also known as the Month of Love. The 14th of February is the Feast of Saint Valentine. This day was established by Pope Gelasius I in AD 496 in honour of Valentine of Rome who died on the same date in AD 269 and became a martyred saint. The date has significance, but it was in the 14th century when it became associated with love. On February 14th you can send the person you love a Valentine’s card. An old tradition says that on February 29th, if a woman proposes marriage to her chosen man and he refuses, he is given a large fine!

January and February are very interesting months. Why not make a resolution to send out love to the planet this year and make 2024 a year of spreading love to everyone you meet? Love is the answer.

Quotation for though Challenges are what make life interesting and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful…Joshua J. Marine

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 Bridge Club Meets every Monday at 7.30pm in the Kare Centre. All new players welcome.

Valleymount Walking Group Would you like to start walking? This group is open to everyone of all ages and capabilities. Meeting point: Community Shed Valleymount For more information contact Sean 086 250 8230

Sunday 28th January 2024 Songs & Tunes Session, Zellers of Lacken 6 to 9pm. All listeners, singers,  players very welcome. Any song/tune/style; any ability level; all ages. Just for fun! Bring a friend
Info.: Fiona 0838127317 lakesidesessions2@gmail.com

Friendship Club Every Tuesday 3-5pm Manor Kilbride Hall Starting Tue 6th Feb Tea, Coffee, Chat €2 cover charge Adults only. All welcome

Blessington Walking Club Community support for mental emotional and physical health Morning walks during weekdays  at 9.30am Sunday walks at 11am Meeting point Blessington further ed centre WhatsApp 087 223 4005 insta@blessingtonwalkingclub

Craft Market at The Avon  on the 5th February 12:00-5:00, promoting the very best of affordable art, crafts and artisan foods

Blessington AFC in association with Tramway Theatre presents Blessington Cinema. All proceeds raised will go towards Blessington AFC teams travelling to represent the club in the Manchester Easter Cup 2024. Limited Tickets 🎟️ so get yours now in The OFFICE SHOP.

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.

Always wanted to sing? All Welcome. No Auditions. Blessington Millennium Choir are looking to recruit new members who love to sing. With mixed ability and experience, we aim to positively impact our community and as such regularly raise funds for organisations and participate in events. So, if you sing in the shower, you are the King or Queen of Karaoke or a keen amateur, Come & Join Us We meet every Tuesday evening 7.30 to 9.30pm at the Kare Centre, Blessington For more details please phone (087) 4352385 or (087) 2431499 www.choirbmc.com

Blessington Library . These are our recurring events. For children and their parents/guardians Tummy Time [0 – 12 months] – Every Thursday, 11.30am Toddler Time [1 – 3 years olds] – Every Friday, 11.30am Story Time [3 – 6 years olds] –  Saturday, 11.30am Children’s Book Club  (Contact the library for more details) Age 8-9 First Thursday of month at 6.30pm Age 10-12 Third Tuesday of month at 7pm. For adults Cuidiú – Breastfeeding group Every second Monday, starting  Monday 15th January. Adult Book Clubs  (Contact the library for more details) Last Thursday of month at 6.30pm Last Friday of month at 11.00am Last Tuesday of month at 6.45pm Writing Group Second Thursday of month at 7pm Poetry Group Third Thursday of month at 6.45pm Crafty Hookers, Knitting Group
Every Wednesday, 11.00am

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.

Attention all. The next music night in Blessington Men’s Shed Will be next Monday night the 5th of February starting at 19.30hrs. Lots of music, tall tales and door prizes on the night. Looking forward to seeing everyone.

Trainee Accountant/Accounting Technician opportunity available in local accountancy practice. Training will be provided. Please call 087 7821159 for further details.

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