Sunday Mass in Manor Kilbride

will return this Sunday 15^th February

We are delighted to have

Fr. Paraic back celebrating our Sunday Mass

COMMUNITY DIARY

SATURDAY 14^th Feb

 11am Healing Mass Church of Our Lady, Blessington. Refreshments after Mass in the Coimin Centre. All Welcome

6pm Mass Church of Our Lady, Blessington

Sacrament of Confession: After 6pm Mass

SUNDAY 15^th Feb

10am Mass St. Josephs Church, Valleymount

10am Mass Church of Our Lady, Blessington,

11:30am Mass St Brigids Church. Manor Kilbride

11:30am Mass Church of Our Lady Blessington.

MONDAY 16^th Feb

9.30am Mass Church of Our Lady, Blessington

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

TUESDAY 17^th Feb

9.30am Mass Church of Our Lady, Blessington

WEDNESDAY 18^th Feb

9.30am Mass Church of Our Lady, Blessington Ash Wednesday Ashes will be distributed during mass

Rosary & Holy Hour10am to 11am Church of Our Lady, Blessington

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

7pm Funeral Ministry Training Course. Coimin Centre. Information on Pg. 2

THURSDAY 19^th Feb

9.30am Mass Church of Our Lady, Blessington

 Blessington Indoor Bowls Club7.30pm in St Kevin’s Hall, Information on pg. 3

7.30pm Blessington History Society talk in the Coimin Centre. Info on Pg 3

FRIDAY 20^th Feb

9.30am Mass Church of Our Lady, Blessington

18th February Ash Wednesday

Ashes will be distributed during mass

 at 9.30am in the

 Church of Our Lady, Blessington

Mass Intentions in Church of Our Lady, Blessington

Saturday

Mary Balfe…A, Kevin Ennis…A, Annemary & Michael Norton…A, Mary, Larry & Matthew Lennon…Rem

Sunday

Peter Doyle…A, Rosemary O Carroll…RD, Marie Brennan…RD, John, Laurence, Joe & Mary Wright…A

Monday

Mass for the Sick & those in Hospital

Tuesday

Breon O’Connor…RD, Special Intention Mass

Wednesday

Steve Crofton…RD, Austin Brereton…RD John, Laurence, Joe & Mary Wright…A

Thursday

Blessington Deceased card list

Friday

Sean Mulvey…RD, Bridie McNeely…RD

UPCOMING DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

14^th February at 11am Healing Mass

Church of Our Lady, Blessington

Women’s Breakfast

Dates for 2026: Saturday, 14th March:Summer breakfast 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

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

Columban missionaries are currently looking for students to submit a piece of writing or an original image on the plight of refugees in our communities. The title of the Competition is “Becoming a refugee is never a choice, but how we respond is.” Age entry 13-18years 1st prize: €300, 2nd prize €150, 3rd prize €100 Closing date is Feb 14th. more details www.columban competition.com

Popes Intentions for Feb 2026. For children with incurable diseases Let us pray that children suffering from incurable diseases and their families receive the necessary medical care and support never losing strength and hope.

Minister of Eucharist. Feb 2026 Church of Our Lady Blessington SAT 6PM: Geraldine McMulkin& Colette Fennan SUNDAY 10AM: Aisling Molloy & Annanora Hudson.

CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHINGS “The patient and humble endurance  of the cross—whatever nature  it may be— is the highest work we  have to do.” St Katherine Drexel

The Wonder of Creation Bees communicate by dancing Honeybees do a “Waggle dance” to tell other bees where to find flowers with nectar.

February is the month of  the Holy Family. February is the month dedicated to the Holy Family. Though the start of the Lenten season changes within the calendar year, a fair-sized portion of February gives us a space of time between the Christmas celebrations and the increased focus on  Jesus’s public life and ministry,  which occurs in Lent. It is a transition from the feast of Christmas to the fasting of Lent. Therefore, traditionally, February has become a time to recall the Holy Family. within the Holy Family is where Jesusspent the time between his birth and embarking on his public journey.

Feast Days – 5^th March – Ash Wednesday Ash Wednesday- Is the first day in Lent. We place ashes on our forehead on this day to help us remember that we come from God and to God we will return some day. God is the beginning of all things and God is the end too. The ashes also remind us to turn to God with our hearts and minds. Since the Middle Ages, the Church has used ashes to mark the beginning of the penitential season of Lent, when we remember our mortality and mourn for our sins. In our present liturgy for Ash Wednesday, we use ashes made from the burned palm branches distributed on the Palm Sunday of the previous year. Ash Wednesday begins the 40 days of lent, a time when we remember that Jesus spent 40 days in the desert fasting and resisting temptation.

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 National School Enrolment Now open for 2026-2027 for Lacken National School. Please contact office at 045-865086 or email school@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.

St Brigid’s N.S. are accepting enrolments for all pupils wishing to start in September. Please contact the school office on 01-4582550 for an enrolment form. St Brigid’s will also be having an open evening for all prospective students and their families Wednesday 11th February.  The school will be open from  6.30pm till 7.30pm.  This is a wonderful opportunity to explore the school, meet our staff, and get a feel for life at St Brigid’s. We look forward to seeing you there.

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 Carboot Sale  Sunday 22^nd February 8am to 4pm. St. Kevin’s Community Centre beside Aldi Store on Main Street. Free Carparking. Stalls indoors and outdoors availableTeas / Coffee. Toilets. Stalls €10. Please Support. Bigi Linn. Info / Booking  0860752072…Pat Conlan.

Blessington & District Day Care would like to thank everyone who supported the Day Care over the past year, those who made financial contributions as well as those who supported our recent raffle Your support is greatly appreciated! Blessington Daycare Committee.

Blessington U3A are pleased to announce our next talk Speaker: Blessington U3A Writing Skills Group members Title: “Tuesday Miscellany: Readings of  their work by Group Members” Date: Tuesday 17th February at 10.30am Venue: Russborough House. All are welcome to attend, Non-members €5 per person.

Blessington History Society  will present a talk on Thurs Feb 19th @ 7.30 pm in the Coimin Centre. Topic: “The Flooding of the upper Liffey valley and its effects on local families.” Presenter: Seamus Cullen.

Blessington Parish Lotto Jackpot Numbers on 5^th Feb 2026: 1,3,9,10. €25 Lucky Draw Winner: Alan Sinclair Next Jackpot: €3000.

Double room to Rent Blessington Abbey Females only Ph:085 2067708

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

Social Dancing. Enjoy an evening of dancing to Thomas Maguire & Fhiona Ennis In Donard Community Hall Sat 21^st February, 9pm -12am. All Welcome.

Leaving Cert Higher Level Maths Grinds Intensive 2026 Course. In-person tuition with online support. Reasonable rates. Phone 085-1742218 or admin@numscoil.ie

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

GARDENING SERVICES Grass cutting / Ride on lawnmower Push Lawnmower, Hedge cutting Chainsaw Cutting, Splitting Timber, Spraying, Weeding, Powerwashing Driveway Patios, General Maintenance around your home. Just Call for reasonable Quates/ Price. Call or text 0876640695.

Blessington Taxi Phone Greg 087 2626 393

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

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

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

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

Niall Kearns Building & Roofing Contractor 086 274 6969 nkbuildandroof@gmail.com Building New Homes, Extensions, Sunrooms Attic Conversions, Renovations, Chimney Repairs Roofing New Roofs, All Roof Repairs Flat Roofs, Gutter Repairs Roof Replacement, PVC Fascia & Soffit All Work Fully Guaranteed

JP&M Doyle What’s Your Property Worth? Talk to us today for your free-Market Appraisal Specializing In Residential Town & Country Homes Development & Agricultural Land Commercial Property Lettings, Valuations. 2025 is your year to make it happen! With high demand and a lack of supply, now is the perfect time to maximise your property’s value. www.jpmdoyle.ie Tel: 045-865568.

KILDARA HEATING & PLUMBING Call Dara: 0862356610 Email: Kildaraheating@gmail.com Heating & Plumbing Services Bathroom Renovations Boiler install/service Heat pumps Central Heating Power flushing Fully Insured RGI & Oftec Registered

Jennifer Kavanagh Sports & Remedial Therapy: *Muscle Aches and Pains *Chronic Muscle or Joint Pain *Struggling to perform Day-to-Day Tasks *Injury Prevention & Rehabilitation *Increased Mobility Fully qualified ITEC NCVA,  fully insured and local experienced Therapist.  Ph: 087 9021099

ZOME Menopause Health and Fitness Coaching for Perimenopause and Postmenopausal women Strength focused, small group personal training Private gym studio Menopause Health Coaching Nutrition Support Contact Dee 0871258917 Website: www.zome.ie

Chair Yoga Classes @ Healers Dance. Mondays, 11am-12pm Contact Patricia 086-0717-384

Satellite and Saorview installations. Service calls. Repairs. Retuning. email;ewtninstalls@gmail.com  mob; 087 2352377

Bluestream. DRIVERS WANTED Blessington Area Training Provided Excellent Rates Company Pension Applicants must have C Licence Safe Pass Can do attitude Phone 045 851801

Strength & Grace Mat Pilates Classes coming to Manor Kilbride and Blessington Parish  in the coming weeks! Higher Diploma level instructor led,  open to all levels. All enquiries contact Grace on 0874007027 to book your place. Or follow our group  QR Code here for more details.

Block Laying & small building works 30 years’ experience Reliable, Quality & Fair pricing. Ph 085-150-5668

COMMUNITY DIARY

SATURDAY 31^st Jan

6pm Mass Church of Our Lady, Blessington

Sacrament of Confession: After 6pm Mass

7.00pm Mass Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Lacken

SUNDAY 1^st Feb

10am Mass St. Josephs Church, Valleymount

10am Mass Church of Our Lady, Blessington,

11:30am Mass St. Brigids, Manor Kilbride

MONDAY 2^nd Feb

9.30am Mass Church of Our Lady, Blessington

Blessington Bridge Club

7.15pm, Kare Centre. Information on pg. 3

TUESDAY 3^rd Feb

9.30am Mass Church of Our Lady, Blessington

WEDNESDAY 4^th Feb

9.30am Mass Church of Our Lady, Blessington

Rosary & Holy Hour

10am to 11am Church of Our Lady, Blessington

Pray & Play Group

3pm–4.30pm, Coimín Centre

Blessington Parish Children’s Choir

4.20pm-5pm. All are welcome

7pm Funeral Ministry Training Course.

Coimin Centre. Information on Pg. 2

THURSDAY 5^th Feb

9.30am Mass Church of Our Lady, Blessington

7.30pm Where is Pope Leo leading the Church? Join us for a cuppa and conversation

with Fr Gerry Kane. All welcome!

Blessington Indoor Bowls Club

7.30pm in St Kevin’s Hall, Information on pg. 3

FRIDAY 6^th Feb

9.30am Mass Church of Our Lady, Blessington

Mass Intentions in Church of Our Lady, Blessington

Saturday

Liam O Reilly…A, Edward Boylan…A, Ann O Byrne…A, Margaret Hayden…A, Lilly Horan…A, Tommy O Dwyer…Bday Rem, Bridget Cummins…A, Mary Curtin…Bday Rem

Sunday

Mary & James Maguire…A, Connor Curran…A, Bridget O’Connell…A, Frances O’Donaghue…A, Bridget & John Tipper…A, Tom Tipper…A

Monday

Mass for the Sick & those in Hospital

Tuesday

McGuirk & Graham Families …Rem, Paddy Toomey…RD

Wednesday

Special Intentions Mass, Olivia Mulholland…RD

Thursday

Thanksgiving Mass, Alan Anderson…RD

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.

Theresa & Liam and the  extended Creighton family would like to thank everyone for their kindness and support during Maura’s short illness and after her death. Thanks to all who attended the Funeral Home and the Mass, sent Mass Cards and messages of sympathy. Thanks to Fr. Gerry & Deacon Gerry for the beautiful Mass and their kindness to us all. To Tony, Regina & team at Clarkes for their care & professional guidance, you all helped us through this difficult time, and we are very grateful. Special thanks to all of Maura’s former VHI colleagues who came in such large numbers and her many, many friends. Maura’s Months Mind Mass will be on Sat 7th Feb at 6pm.

The Family of the Late William Clarke Carrigacurra Would like to sincerely thank everyone who sympathised with them. We offer our heartfelt thanks to the many friends, neighbours and well wishers and those who helped in any way. A Mass will be offered for your intentions. Williams months mind will be held in Valleymount on Sunday 1^st February at 10am.

UPCOMING DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

14^th February at 11am Healing Mass

Church of Our Lady, Blessington

Women’s Breakfast

Dates for 2026: Saturday, 14th March:Summer breakfast 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

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

Columban missionaries are currently looking for students to submit a piece of writing or an original image on the plight of refugees in our communities. The title of the Competition is “Becoming a refugee is never a choice, but how we respond is.” Age entry 13-18years 1st prize: €300, 2nd prize €150, 3rd prize €100 Closing date is Feb 14th. more details www.columban competition.com

Popes Intentions for Feb 2026. For children with incurable diseases Let us pray that children suffering from incurable diseases and their families receive the necessary medical care and support never losing strength and hope.

Minister of Eucharist. Feb 2026 Church of Our Lady Blessington SAT 6PM: Geraldine McMulkin& Colette Fennan SUNDAY 10AM: Aisling Molloy & Annanora Hudson.

CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHINGS. To each of us Christ is saying: If you want your life to have meaning, do as I do give your life for others. St Oscar Romero

The Wonder of Creation Ladybugs play dead when threatened When scared, ladybugs may curl up and stay still, pretending to be dead. Some even release a smelly fluid to deter predators.

Feast Days 3rd Feb – St. Blaise. Saint Blaise was a bishop in the city of Sebaste, part of modern-day Armenia. Though the year of his birth is unknown, we know that he lived in the fourth century. Saint Blaise left Sebaste to escape persecution. He made his home in a mountain cave and lived there, surrounded by wild animals, until he was found, brought back to Sebaste and arrested. In prison, Saint Blaise was ordered to renounce his faith. He refused so was beaten with wool combs and beheaded. After his death, he was made a saint and has become the patron saint of wool combers, wild animals, candle makers and ailments of the throat. He died in the year 316.

Feast Days. 1^st Feb – St. Brigid of Kildare is Ireland’s patroness saint, known for founding monasteries, embodying a blend of Celtic and Christian traditions, and performing miracles,notably her generosity with milk and her legendary cloak that expanded to cover vast land for her Kildare convent; her life marks the transition to Christianity in Ireland, Born in Faughart, she was the daughter of a chieftain and a slave, chose religious life, established a prominent double monastery, and became a symbol of Irish faith, healing, and new life.

Funeral Ministry A course of training for funeral ministry teams will begin in the Coimin Centre, Blessington, on Wednesday February 4th at 7.00pm (cuppa available at 6.45), lasting two hours. It is a six week course on consecutive Wednesdays, conducted by Saule Cameron from the diocesan Mission and Ministry team. It concludes on Wednesday, March 11th. You are very welcome, whether setting up a new team, or refreshing and expanding a current team.

Radio Maria. Sat 31^st Jan & Sun 1^st Feb  a representative form Radio Maria will be in the Church of our Lady, Blessington to provide information and answer any questions you may have regarding the service the station provides.

Women’s Breakfast Blessington & Valleymount Parishes. Dates for 2026  14th March Summer breakfast TBC. Look forward to seeing you there.

A Prayer for the New Year As the new year begins, I look to You for our hope, joy, and peace. Give me the courage to do all that You ask of me. Please also make me brave to not do what isn’t from You. Show me how to walk in grace and embrace Your love for me even more. Amen

Blessington Parish Lotto Numbers on 15^th Jan 2026: 7,12,13,21. €25 Winner:  Michael Kennedy. Next Jackpot: €3000

Lacken National School Enrolment Now open for 2026-2027 for Lacken National School. Please contact office at 045-865086 or email school@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.

St Brigid’s N.S. are accepting enrolments for all pupils wishing to start in September. Please contact the school office on 01-4582550 for an enrolment form. St Brigid’s will also be having an open evening for all prospective students and their families Wednesday 11th February.  The school will be open from  6.30pm till 7.30pm.  This is a wonderful opportunity to explore the school, meet our staff, and get a feel for life at St Brigid’s. We look forward to seeing you there.

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.

Gaelscoil na Lochanna seek to employ a Bus Escort to assist children with additional needs getting to and from school. Initially 1 hour of work in morning before school time and 1 hour after school time. Candidates should have experience in working with children, have an understanding of additional needs in children, and be able to deal with parents and school staff in a professional manner. Irish ability is an advantage. This position is subject to satisfactory references and Garda Vetting. The hourly rate of pay is in line with the Department of Education guidelines for School Bus Escorts (€15.20 per hour), processed weekly during school term time. Escorts are not paid over school holidays but receive holiday pay instead. Application by CV /queries should be emailed to priomhoide@gaelscoilnalochanna.com

Social Dancing. Enjoy an evening of dancing to Thomas Maguire & Fhiona Ennis In Donard Community Hall Sat 21^st February, 9pm -12am. All Welcome.

Blessington Mens Shed Music in the mens shed continues Monday 2^nd Feb St. Brigids day, Starting at 7.30, Great music and songs. All welcome.

Leaving Cert Higher Level Maths Grinds Intensive 2026 Course. In-person tuition with online support. Reasonable rates. Phone 085-1742218 or admin@numscoil.ie

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