COMMUNITY DIARY

SATURDAY 24^th Jan

 6pm Mass First Holy Communion Mass

Church of Our Lady, Blessington

Sacrament of Confession: After 6pm Mass

SUNDAY 26^th Jan

10am Mass St. Josephs Church, Valleymount

10am Mass Church of Our Lady, Blessington,

11:30am Mass Our Lady of Mercy, Crosschapel

MONDAY 26^th Jan

9.30am Mass Church of Our Lady, Blessington

Blessington Bridge Club7.15pm, Kare Centre. Information on pg. 3

TUESDAY 27^th Jan

9.30am Mass Church of Our Lady, Blessington

WEDNESDAY 28^th Jan

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

THURSDAY 29^th Jan

9.30am Mass Church of Our Lady, Blessington

Blessington Indoor Bowls Club

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

FRIDAY 30^th Jan

9.30am Mass Church of Our Lady, Blessington

Mass Intentions in Church of Our Lady, Blessington

Elizabeth Byrne…RD Australia Late of Blessington

 Saturday  Alice Ryall…A, Peggy Howlin…A, Peter & Annie Fennell…A, Winnie McDermott…A, Noel Carroll…A, Jamie Mahon…A & Mahon & Smith Family Rem, Margaret Kearney…A, Betty & Sean Tutty…A

Sunday  Jimmy Keogh… 60th Birthday Rem, Christopher Flanagan…A Sean & Elizabeth O’Donnell…A  Sidney & Maureen Hambly…A

Monday  Mass for the Sick & those in Hospital

Tuesday  Miriam Hillary…RD, Joseph Brady…RD

Wednesday  Special Intentions Mass, Phillip Monaghan…RD

Thursday Peggy Tiernan…RD, Pat Murray…RD

Friday Special Intentions Mass, Gerry O’Donnell…RD

UPCOMING DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Thursday 5^th February at 7.30pm

Where is Pope Leo leading the Church?

Join us for a cuppa and conversation with Fr Gerry Kane.

All welcome!

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

Minister of Eucharist Jan 2026 Church of Our Lady Blessington SAT 6PM: Teresa Ball & Sara Ortega SUNDAY 10AM: Kay Clarke & Mary McHugh

CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHINGS There are many things that can only be seen through eyes that have cried. St Oscar Romero

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.

The SVP Blessington Committee would like to extend their sincere thanks to everyone who so generously supported the SVP Xmas Appeal over  the festive season. We are deeply grateful for the donations received through church collections, as well as the many boxes of food and hampers that were so kindly donated. Special thanks also go to the local business community who have always been major supporters of SVP and to those individuals who made personal donations. Your kindness and generosity have made a real difference, helping us support those less fortunate within our local community at a time when it is needed most. Thank you.

Feast Days. 28th Jan – St Thomas Aquinas St. Thomas Aquinas was a famous Italian theologian from the 13th century. He was famous for reconciling theology and philosophy, which started the movement known as scholasticism. He spent many years in monasteries learning about religion. Thomas’s best-known works are the unfinished Summa Theologica, or Summa Theologian, the Disputed Questions on Truth and the Summa contra Gentiles. His commentaries on Christian Scripture and on Aristotle also form an important part of his body of work. St Thomas is the patron saint of universities and scholars. He died in a monastery in 1274

The Wonder of Creation Trees are the longest-living organisms on Earth Some trees live for thousands of years. The oldest known tree is over 4,800 years old!

Popes Intentions for Jan 2026 For prayer with the Word of God Let us pray that praying with the Word of God be nourishment for our lives and a source of hope in our communities, helping us to build a more fraternal and missionary Church.

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: 5,6,14,15. €25 Winner:  Irene Murray. 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.

Accommodation Available  Blessington Studio suit 1 person 085-1370986

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

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

Thank You

To Fr. Gerry and all in the parish for your support and encouragement

and prayers during my ministry as Deacon. It has been a privilege and an honour.

Wishing you Gods Blessings.

Deacon Gerry

COMMUNITY DIARY

SATURDAY 10^th Jan

Women’s Breakfast From 9.30-11am. In the Coimin Centre. All are welcome

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

SUNDAY 11^th Jan

10am Mass St. Josephs Church, Valleymount

11:30am Mass Our Lady of Mercy, Crosschapel

MONDAY 12^th Jan

9.30am Mass Church of Our Lady, Blessington

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

TUESDAY 13^th Jan

9.30am Mass Church of Our Lady, Blessington

WEDNESDAY 14^th Jan

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

THURSDAY 15^th Jan

9.30am Mass Church of Our Lady, Blessington

Blessington Indoor Bowls Club

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

FRIDAY 16^th Jan

9.30am Mass Church of Our Lady, Blessington

Mass Intentions in

Church of Our Lady, Blessington

John Joe Richardson…RD… Birr & Late of Baltyboys

Saturday

John & Liam Craul…A, Leo Howlin…A, Marie Cruise…A, Suzanne Hynes…B. Rem, Seamus McDonnell…B. Rem, Joan Bird…A , Maurice O Sullivan…A

Sunday

Dermot Dwyer…RD, Ann McCaul…RD , Mary Flanagan… Months Mind, Tom Tyrrell…A, Charlie Hayes…A

Monday

Mass for the Sick & those in Hospital

Tuesday

Special Intentions Mass, Brenda Wilson…RD, Special Living Intention Mass

Wednesday

Mairead O’Sullivan…A, Get Well Mass

Thursday

Blessington deceased card list

Friday

Paddy Dolan …RD, Mary Lenihan…RD

Ned Fitzsimons & Family, Brittas Would like to sincerely thank everyone who sympathised and helped us through the recent bereavement of our beloved wife and mother, Cis Fitzsiomons. A mass will be offer for your intentions. Her months mind will be held in Crosschapel on Sunday 11^th January at 11.30am.

UPCOMING DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Saturday 17^th January at 6pm

First Holy Communion Mass, Church of Our Lady, Blessington.

Sunday 18^th January at 10am,

Family MassChurch of Our Lady Blessington

Refreshments after Mass in the Coimin Centre.

Thursday 5^th February at 7.30pm

A talk on “Where is Pope Leo leading the Church?” will be held in the Coimin Centre.

All Welcome

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

Minister of Eucharist Jan 2026 Church of Our Lady Blessington SAT 6PM: Teresa Ball & Sara Ortega SUNDAY 10AM: Kay Clarke & Mary McHugh

CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHINGS “The Church cannot remain silent before so much injustice without being unfaithful to the Gospel.” St Oscar Romero

Popes Intentions for Jan 2026 For prayer with the Word of God Let us pray that praying with the Word of God be nourishment for our lives and a source of hope in our communities, helping us to build a more fraternal and missionary Church.

Women’s Breakfast Blessington & Valleymount Parishes. Dates for 2026 Saturday, 10th January Saturday, 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

Feast Days – 15^th Jan – St. Ita. St lta was born in Co. Waterford of noble and Christion parents. Early on she set her mind on serving Christ in religious life. She founded o monastery in Killeedy, Co. Limerick, which attracted o great variety of young people. She was given the title ‘foster-mother of the saints of Ireland’. She died in 570. 16^th Jan St Fursa St Fursa was born in Ireland and become one of the great monastic missionaries abroad. He went first with his brothers Foillon and Ulton to live the monastic life in East Anglia. But as great numbers continued to visit him there, he left Foillon as abbot and sought refuge in Fronce around 644. A patron gave him a hermitage at Lagny on the Marne.  He died about 650 at Mezeralles and was buried in Peronne, which become of great center of devotion to him.

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 Parish Lotto Numbers on 25^th Dec 2025.: 2,4,18,26. €25 Winner:  Michelle Fitz-Henry. Numbers on 1^st Jan 2026: 5,10,27,29 €25 Winner: Aoifanna Phibbs Next Jackpot €3000.

The Wonder of Creation Mount Everest is the tallest mountain  It stands about 8,848 meters (29,029 feet) above sea level.

Act in such a way that the effects of your actions are compatible with the persistence of genuine human life on earth Hans Jonas

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

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.

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

Blessington Millennium Choir Will resume practice on  Tuesday 13^th Jan at 7.30pm in  the KARE centre New members welcome

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

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!

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

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