Masses for Christmas

Will be on 21st and 28th Dec

Names of those being prayed for in the Christmas Remembrance Masses, will be inscribed on an Altar List to be placed on the Altar.

If you would like your loved one remembered, please contact the Parish Office (045 865327)

Before Thursday 20th Dec.

COMMUNITY DIARY

SATURDAY 13^th Dec

11am Healing Mass Church of Our Lady Blessington All are welcome

6pm Communion Mass Church of Our Lady, Blessington Sacrament of Confession: After 6pm Mass

7.30pm Mass Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Lacken.

SUNDAY 14^th Dec

10am Family Mass with Children’s choir Church of Our Lady, Blessington, Refreshments after in Coimin Centre

11.30am Mass St. Brigid’s Church, Manor Kilbride

11:30am Mass Our Lady of Mercy, Crosschapel

MONDAY 15^th Dec

 9.30am Mass Church of Our Lady, Blessington

Blessington Bridge Club 7.15pm, Kare Centre. Information on pg. 3

TUESDAY 16^th Dec

9.30am Mass Church of Our Lady, Blessington

WEDNESDAY 17^th Dec

 9.30am Mass Church of Our Lady, Blessington

 Pray & Play Group 3pm–4.30pm, Coimín Centre

Blessington Parish Children’s Choir 4.20pm-5pm. All are welcome

THURSDAY 18^th Dec

9.30am Mass Church of Our Lady, Blessington

Blessington Indoor Bowls Club 7.30pm in St Kevin’s Hall, Information on pg. 3

FRIDAY 19^th Dec

9.30am Mass Church of Our Lady, Blessington

Mass Intentions in Church of Our Lady, Blessington

Mary Flanagan…RD, Carrig glen

Maria Ilao Macatigbac…RD, Philippines

Saturday Bill Smith…A, Dennis Brereton…A, Thanksgiving Mass

Sunday Brendan & Eva Cummings…A, Tom & Ellen Cummings…A, Chrissie Cummings & Noel Cummings…A, Dan & Margaret Ryan…A

Monday Mass for the Sick & those in Hospital

Tuesday Peter Sheridan…RD, Special Intentions Mass

Wednesday Joseph McDonald…A, Rodger McCarrick…RD

Thursday Blessington Deceased Card List

Friday John Willie…RD, Michael Cody…A

The Annual Vincent de Paul collection will take place this weekend the 13^th & 14^th Dec. This collection will replace the Share collection at all Masses

Feast Days – 18th Dec – St. Flannan, Bishop. Accordingly, Flannan travelled to Rome where Pope John IV consecrated him the first Bishop of Killaloe. He was a wildly popular bishop, and devotion to him seems to have spread to the Hebrides, islands off the coast of Scotland, where he may have preached. Flannan is now the patron saint of Killaloe and of County Clare.

Minister of Eucharist Dec 2025 Church of Our Lady Blessington SAT 6PM: Ann & Frank Hanlon SUNDAY 10AM: Fidelma Dunne & George Richardson

Popes Intentions for December Christians In Areas Of Conflict Let us pray that Christians living in areas of war or conflict, especially in the Middle East, might be seeds of peace, reconciliation and hope.

CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHINGS “Not to share our wealth with the poor is to steal from them.” St John Chrysostom

The Wonder of Creation Penguins can’t fly—but they can swim fast! – Emperor penguins can dive up to 500 meters (1,640 feet) deep.

Blessington Parish Lotto Numbers on 4^th Dec 2025. 6, 20, 25, 29. €25 Winner: Sarah Flynn Next Jackpot €3000.

Women’s Breakfast Blessington & Valleymount Parishes. Dates for 2026 Saturday, 10th January, Saturday, 14th March, Summer breakfast TBC Look forward to seeing you there,  The Women’s Community Team

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

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION SURVEY  – HAVE YOUR SAY. The current Department of Education survey on the future of patronage in the primary sector is important in that it will shape the discussion on primary school divesting for the years to come throughout the Republic of Ireland. The survey is school specific and needs to be responded to by all parents and prospective parents locally. It is important that those who wish for a change in patronage would have their voice heard. It is equally important that those who wish for a Catholic education for their children, and the support for sacramental preparation available in Catholic schools, would have their voice heard also. For those reasons and to ensure that an accurate picture emerges, please participate in this survey if you are a parent or a prospective parent of a Primary school student. The survey can be accessed at www.gov.ie/primaryschoolsurvey/.  It closes on Tuesday, December 16.

Deadline for Notices in the Newsletter The deadline to have your notices in the newsletter is Tuesday at 11am  at the very latest.

Church of Our Lady, Blessington & Church of Our Lady of Mercy, Crosschapel St. Joseph’s Church, Valleymount & Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Lacken Fr. Gerry Kane PP. Tel: 045 865 327

St. Brigid’s Church, Manor Kilbride Fr. Paraic McDermott C.S.Sp.  Tel: 01 4582154

Parish Office: 9am to 1pm Monday to Friday Tel: 045 865 327 admin@blessington.info

Blessington Parish Lotto Numbers on 27^th Nov 2025. 3,5,15,16. €25 Winner: Fr. Richard Behan Next Jackpot €3000.

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.

Lacken Naíonra Enrolment Now open for 2026-2027 for Lacken Naíonra pre-school. Please contact office at 045-865086 or email naionra@lackenns.com

St Mary’s Junior N.S.  2026/27 school year Currently accepting applications. To apply please contact Bernadette in the school office 045 865501 or visit our website – www.stmarysjuniorschool.ie – click on Parent Information tab, select Application Forms  in the Policies and Enrolment section.

Candlelight Walk in Russborough  has been rescheduled to Sun 28th Dec at 6pm. Have a catch up with friends and family for a post Christmas Walk. Fundraising for St Mary’s Church and The Irish Cancer Society. The walk has run for over 10 years now and is an enjoyable evening. So don your Santa hats and come along.  €5 per person. Keep an eye on social media for updates and fingers crossed it stays dry.

Congratulations to the Winners of the Valleymount & Lacken Draw Ann & Jimmy Flynn, Tommy Mooney Liz Dignam, Seamus Doyle Kathleen & Philip Leonard, Michael Farrington Sylvia & Liam Kavanagh, Betty & Edward Miley Janet & Henry Ward, Breda & John O’Keefe Alan Ridge, Aislinn & Liam Reid Ann Farrington’s Grandchildren Dorrie Byrne, Maria Gallagher Martina & Ger Traynor, Caitriona Cullen Barry Brophy, Jackie O Neill Mary & Sean Brennan, May Farrington Sadie & Seamus Miley, Margaret Eustace AnneMarie Clarke, Hilary Miley Tanya & John Cullen, Angela & John Richardson, Rosaleen Byrne Anita & Myles Fitzpatyrick, Joan & Sean Farrington,  Sheila Kinane, Mary Norton Ger Conway & Oisin Scally Maureen Phibbs, John Balfe Jimmy Byrne, Cathy Pattan Bernie Fitzpatrick, Tom Guing Fiona Shannon, Eileen Miley Jacinta Shannon, Marie & Johnny Brophy.

Community Carol Service Saturday 13th December at 4pm in St Mary’s Church. Come along and join us for what has become our annual service where we journey with Mary, Joseph and their 2 donkeys telling the Christmas story. We will start in St Mary’s at 4 pm and finish in Church of our Lady. There will be refreshments afterwards in Comin Centre. Great event for all ages.

Blessington Further Education & Training Centre New courses beginning in January 2026. Early Learning and Care Stage 1 and Stage 2 (Childcare Level 5 and 6) Includes compulsory Professional Practice Placement, Special Needs Assistant Level 5 (30 hours compulsory Work Experience), Spreadsheets Methods (Excel) Level 4, Workplace Safety Level 4, Database Methods Level 4, Business with Tourism Level 5, Contact number 086 8503833

Social Dancing. Enjoy an evening of dancing to the Gamblers In Donard Community Hall Sat 20^th Dec, 9pm -12am. All Welcome.

Santa arrives in  Manor Kilbride on Sunday the 14th of Dec at 1pm! All Welcome! Also on the 14th in Manor Kilbride Hall we are holding our annual Christmas Fair including; Cake Sale, Games, local stalls and exhibitors, barista coffee and hot chocolates galore! Venue: Kilbride GAA Clubhouse and Playground from 12pm to 2.30pm or so. Proceeds go towards finishing the Club House which we hope to open in March 2026 Buy a ticket for our raffle and support our new Club House…1 ticket €10, 6 for €50 or buy even more! Buy a ticket online today from €10 @ www.KilbrideGAA.com/shop or use the QR code here Please contact Diarmuid on 0863113443 or email: info@KilbrideGAA.com if you would like to exhibit and have a stand on the day.

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

Blessington Bridge Club Meets every Mon at 7.15pm in the Kare Centre. New players welcome.

Blessington Musical and Dramatic Society Presents Our Annual Panto Cinderella in The Tramway Theatre! Promises to be a great show for all the family!  Tickets available via Eventbrite https://tinyurl.com/BMDS-Panto or in the Office shop or Hennessy’s Next Door. Show times: Jan 15th & 16th at 7pm, Jan 17th at 2:30pm & 7pm, Sun 18th at 2:30pm. Great Christmas stocking filler!

The Valleymount  Community Shed Sessions Have cancelled their session as a mark of respect on the recent passing of Mary Flanagan RIP

Christmas Trees Direct form the Farm Slade Valley Brittas, Eircode D24TEP6, Ph. 087 925 0064

Helix Motorcycles repair shop just opened in Stratford, if you need a simple service, complex repair or just a touch up on the paintwork call or text on 087 373 5709

Masses for Christmas

Will be on 21st and 28th Dec

Names of those being prayed for in the Christmas Remembrance Masses, will be inscribed on an Altar List to be placed on the Altar.

If you would like your loved one remembered, please contact the Parish Office (045 865327)

Before Thursday 20th Dec.

COMMUNITY DIARY

SATURDAY 29^th Nov

3pm Blessington Christmas Lights Launch. Info on Pg 3

1pm Christmas Market in aid of Cystic Fibrosis. Info on Pg 3

6pm Mass Church of Our Lady, Blessington

Sacrament of Confession: After 6pm Mass

7.30pm Mass Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Lacken.

SUNDAY 30^th Nov

10am Mass Church of Our Lady, Blessington,

11am Mass St. Brigid’s Church, Manor Kilbride

11am Christmas Craft and Gift Fare St. Kevins Hall, Info on Pg 3

11:30am Mass Our Lady of Mercy, Crosschapel

MONDAY 1^st Dec

9am Mass St. Brigid’s Church, Manor Kilbride

9.30am Mass Church of Our Lady, Blessington

Blessington Bridge Club 7.15pm, Kare Centre. Information on pg. 3

TUESDAY 2^nd Dec

9am Mass St. Brigid’s Church, Manor Kilbride

9.30am Mass Church of Our Lady, Blessington

WEDNESDAY 3^rd Dec

9am Mass St. Brigid’s Church, Manor Kilbride

 9.30am Mass Church of Our Lady, Blessington

Rosary & Holy Hour 10am to 11am Church of Our Lady, Blessington for the duration of the winter months

 Pray & Play Group 3pm–4.30pm, Coimín Centre

Blessington Parish Children’s Choir 4.20pm-5pm. All are welcome

THURSDAY 4^th Dec

9am Mass St. Brigid’s Church, Manor Kilbride

9.30am Mass Church of Our Lady, Blessington

Blessington Indoor Bowls Club 7.30pm in St Kevin’s Hall, Information on pg. 3

FRIDAY 5^th Dec

9am Mass St. Brigid’s Church, Manor Kilbride

9.30am Mass Church of Our Lady, Blessington

Mass Intentions in Church of Our Lady, Blessington

 Rev. Fr Pat Reilly …RD Dublin

Rev. Kesh Govan…RD Aus & late of Blessington

Saturday

Edith McInerney…A, Rosaleen Elliott…A, Dan Murphy…A, Maryanne Hallissey…A Jim & Kathleen Hamilton…A Molly White…Rem

Sunday

Lily, Violet & Gerry Brown…A, Thomas & Johanna O Neill…A

Monday

Mass for the Sick & those in Hospital

Tuesday

Pat Lynch…RD, Frances Burke…RD

Wednesday

Peter Greaney …RD, Mary Harte…RD

Thursday

Mario Mowlds…4th A, Teresa Byrne & Dora Byrne …Rem

Friday

1st Friday of the month, Mass offered for all on the November List of the Dead A blessing of St Pio’s relic  will take place after 9.30 Mass  this morning

UPCOMING DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Healing Mass

Church of Our Lady Blessington

Sat December 13th Mass will take place at 11am

All are welcome

Minister of Eucharist  November 2025 Church of Our Lady Blessington SAT 6PM: Mary Fenton & Pat McGrath SUNDAY 10AM: Charmaine Quinn & Catriona Cullen.

Popes Intentions NOV 2025 FOR THE PREVENTION OF SUICIDE Let us pray that those who are struggling with suicidal thoughts might find the support, care and love they need in their community, and be open to the beauty of Life.

Pope Francis

The great danger in today’s world, pervaded as it is by consumerism, is the desolation and anguish born of a complacent yet covetous heart, the feverish pursuit of frivolous pleasures, and a blunted conscience. Whenever our interior life becomes caught up in its own interests and concerns, there is no longer room for others, no place for the poor. God’s voice is no longer heard, the quiet joy of his love is no longer felt, and the desire to do good fades. This is a very real danger for believers too. Many fall prey to it, and end up resentful, angry and listless. That is no way to live a dignified and fulfilled life; it is not God’s will for us, nor is it the life in the Spirit which has its source in the heart of the risen Christ.

The joy of the gospel fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus. Those who accept his offer of salvation are set free from sin, sorrow, inner emptiness and loneliness.

With Christ joy is constantly born anew.

Feast Days – 3^rd Dec – St. Francis Xavier St. Francis Xavier was a Spanish missionary born in 1506. When he was 19, he moved to Paris to study and become a university professor. In Paris, he met Ignatius of Loyola and was inspired to serve God. He who helped found the Jesuit order and travelled to Asia to spread Christianity. He worked as a priest in places like India and Japan, living among the poor and baptizing thousands of people. He died in 1552 on an island off the coast of China while trying to reach the mainland.

Powerful Prayer to St. Francis Xavier. Great Saint Francis, well-beloved and full of charity, in union with you I reverently adore the Divine Majesty. I give thanks to God for the singular gifts of grace bestowed on you in life and of glory after death, and I beg of you, with all the affection of my heart, by your powerful intercession, obtain for me the grace to live a holy life and die a holy death. I beg you to obtain for me … (mention your petition). But if what I ask is not for the glory of God and for my well-being, obtain for me, I beseech you, what will more certainly attain these ends. Amen.

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

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION SURVEY  – HAVE YOUR SAY. The current Department of Education survey on the future of patronage in the primary sector is important in that it will shape the discussion on primary school divesting for the years to come throughout the Republic of Ireland. The survey is school specific and needs to be responded to by all parents and prospective parents locally. It is important that those who wish for a change in patronage would have their voice heard. It is equally important that those who wish for a Catholic education for their children, and the support for sacramental preparation available in Catholic schools, would have their voice heard also. For those reasons and to ensure that an accurate picture emerges, please participate in this survey if you are a parent or a prospective parent of a Primary school student. The survey can be accessed at www.gov.ie/primaryschoolsurvey/.  It closes on Tuesday, December 16.

The Wonder of Creation Coral reefs are living structures Though they look like rocks, coral reefs are made up of tiny living animals called coral polyps.

CATHOLIC SOCIAL  TEACHINGS “Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire.” St Catherine of Sienna

Prayer for November Lord God, whose days are without end and whose mercies beyond counting, keep us mindful that life is short and the hour of death unknown. Let your Spirit guide our days on earth in the ways of holiness and justice, that we may serve you in union with the whole Church, sure in faith, strong in hope, perfect in love. And when our earthly journey is ended, lead us rejoicing into your kingdom, where you live forever and ever. Amen

Deadline for Notices in the Newsletter The deadline to have your notices in the newsletter is Tuesday at 11am  at the very latest.

Holy Communion Dates 2026

Lacken National School – Sat 2^nd May 2026 at 11am

St Josephs School Valleymount – Sun 10^th May 2026 at 10am Mass

St Marys School Blessington Sat – 9^th May 2026 at 11am

No.1 School – Sun 17^th May at 10am

Gaelscoil Na Lochanna – TBC

Confirmations Dates 2026

St Josephs School Valleymount – Thurs 4^th June 2026 at 11am

No.1 School – Tues 9^th June at 11am

St Marys School Blessington Thurs 11^th June 2026 – Times TBC

Gaelscoil Na Lochanna – TBC

Church of Our Lady, Blessington & Church of Our Lady of Mercy, Crosschapel St. Joseph’s Church, Valleymount & Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Lacken Fr. Gerry Kane PP. Tel: 045 865 327

St. Brigid’s Church, Manor Kilbride Fr. Paraic McDermott C.S.Sp.  Tel: 01 4582154

Parish Office: 9am to 1pm Monday to Friday Tel: 045 865 327 admin@blessington.info

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.

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

Blessington Bridge Club Meets every Mon at 7.15pm in the Kare Centre. New players welcome.

Cuppa For K.A.R.E December 12^th 10AM-12PM Join us for tea, coffee, treats & chats plus A chance to enter our raffle

Christmas Wreath Making Workshops at Manor Kilbride Community Hall. Join us for a cosy & relaxed wreath-making workshop and create your own beautiful Christmas wreath while enjoying some mulled wine and festive treats! Thursday 27th Nov / Thursday 4th Dec 7-9pm, €50 per person. Book now at mkchristmaswreaths.com

The sessions in the shed 1st Dec at 7.30pm Blessington Men’s Shed As it is the Christmas session there will be hampers and spot prizes galore as well as great music and song to entertain on you all the night. All welcome.

Local and trusted Homecare assistant for the elderly.  Compassionate, reliable support for elderly residents in our community. Help with daily tasks, companionship, and maintaining independence at home. Call/Text: Aoife Mescall: 0872120149 Email: mescallaoife@hotmail.com

PART-TIME CARER  wanted for companionship and gentle support at home, assistance with cooking and appointments. Requirements: Experience/quals. in elder care, female, driver, non-smoker.

Hennessy’s Hardware Season’s Greetings and thanks to all our customers for their support during the year. Pay a visit to our wonderful hardware for that unique gift. Christmas decorations, lights, and all essential items for Christmas.

Helix Motorcycles repair shop just opened in Stratford, if you need a simple service, complex repair or just a touch up on the paintwork call or text on 087 373 5709