Families of all children baptised in any of our Churches during 2019 are invited to bring your child for a special blessing at any Mass on this weekend Saturday 11^th & Sunday 12^th January. This blessing will take place at all Masses in all our churches.

Monday 13^th January 2020

►Holy Hour in Crosschapel every Monday after 10am Mass (ex-Bank Holidays)

►Children’s Choir Rehearsal from 2.45pm to 3.30pm in Church of Our Lady. All Welcome!!

►Blessington & District Forum meet at 8pm in St Mary’s Junior School. All Welcome

►Neighbourhood Collection Envelopes for January are due. Envelopes may be left into the Parish Office or in collection bags at Mass.

Tuesday 14^th January 2020

►Citizens Information Centre in Blessington Library from 1pm to 4pm. Legal advice service on 1st & 3rd Tues of month by appointment

►Blessington & District Active Retired meeting at 2.30pm in the Coimin Centre Blessington, new members welcome.

►Eucharistic Adoration from 7.30pm to 8.30pm in Blessington Church.

Wednesday 15^th January 2020

►The Citizens Information Centre is open in Blessington Library today 10am to 12.30pm.

►The Rosary will be offered at 7.30pm for the intentions of our families in Blessington Church

Mass Intentions this Week

Yvonne Mellin (RD) Regina Duffy (RD)

Saturday 6pm:

Leo Howlin (A) Myles (Miley) Balfe (A)

Sunday 10am:

Sean Duffy (1^st A) John O’Connor (A) John Byrne (A)

We also Remember the following:

William Bolton, Sean, John & Julia Carroll (A) Rose Hastings, Teddy Shirran, Ann Clarke, Harry Lee, Joan Bird

Monday: Mass for those on list for Sick

Tuesday: Blessington Christmas Mass List

Wednesday: William Bolton (A) Nora Coomey (RD)

Thursday: Thora Leahy (RD) Regina Duffy (RD)

Friday: Frankie Kennedy (RD) Laurie Byrne (RD)

Visitation of the Sick: If there are any parishioners ill, at home or in hospital who would like a visit from a priest, please contact the Parish Office to let us know and to make arrangements 045 865 327

GOAL MILE: Thanks to everyone who came along and supported the Goal Mile on Christmas Day. It’s was our largest one yet and you raised €1200 for charity. Well done!

Applications for Junior Infant places in Sept 2020 in St Mary’s Junior School should be submitted by Friday 24^th January 2020. Forms are available from our school website stmarysjns.weebly.com, from the school office between 9am & 3pm Mon – Fri. or from the parish office (9am to 1 Mon – Fri).  Completed forms may be dropped into the school office or emailed to Bernadette at bsec@live.ie Please phone with any queries – St Mary’s Junior School 045 865 501.

The Blessington St Patrick’s Day Committee pick a different charity every year that needs help in our community. The proceeds from all our fundraising events for the year, including the St Patrick’s Day Parade event goes to the chosen charity.  Last year we raised funds for the Blessington Day Care Centre. The committee, who are all Garda vetted, hold discos in St Joseph’s Hall every month during the school term for boys & girls in 4^th to 6^th classes in all our schools as a regular fundraiser.  On Friday 17^th January at 7pm we will be presenting a cheque to the Day Care Committee in the Coimín Centre, Blessington and we would love if everyone could join us. Tea & coffee will be served & we will have cakes donated by cuisine de France. Come see how much we raised!!!  A very big thank you to everyone who attends the discos & has made this happen in our community.

Not long to go, to this year’s Panto ROBIN HOOD! Limited tickets still available from The Office Shop & Next Door Off Licence! Thursday 16^th to Sunday 19^th January. Get yours now to avoid disappointment!

Valleymount Parish Calendar 2020 on sale now, €6 each or 2 for €10 from the Parish Office, Valleymount & Lacken Churches & shops locally. All funds to support Valleymount & Lacken Parish, many thanks to our many sponsors & advertisers for your generous funding.

Hollywood Friendship Club will return on 8^th Jan. Wishing all our friends a Happy Christmas & New Year.  Hope to see new members in 2020.

Happy Faces Play School Blessington Education Centre is a fun, stimulating & welcoming environment with a curriculum focusing on the best care & education for your child. Our staff are highly trained in up to date childcare & Montessori methods of learning and development. Places available, full & part time. Enrolling now for Sept 2020.

GAELSCOIL NA LOCHANNA, Oíche Oscailte agus Chlárúcháin, 16ú Eanáir 2019 Open/Enrolment night for places in school for next Sept is on 16th January 7:30pm in Gaelscoil (Kilmalum road, Blessington) We also invite parents who might be thinking of joining the Gaelscoil in next few years to come along also. PPS and birth cert required to enrol. 087 938 8651 for enquiries.  Fáilte! PLEASE SEE OUR NEW PARENTS’ WEBPAGE www.gsnl.info for all the information new parents may need

Hollywood Friendship Club every Wednesday from 2.15 to 4.15pm in Hollywood Centre New members welcome.Social Dancing on 18^th January from 9pm to12 midnight in Donard Community Hall, Donard, Co Wicklow. Refreshments will be served. Social Dancing night will be held the 3^rd Saturday of every month to follow.

Cub Scout Blessington. Is your child aged 9-11years, if they are interested in joining scouts & you would like to become a scout leader (free training provided) please contact me aoibheannmc1@yahoo.ie for more details.

GROW Community Mental Health “West Wicklow” Support Group every Wednesday at 7.30pm in Camphill, Grangebeg, Dunlavin. Why not come along & learn more about positive mental health, wellbeing, recovery & how GROW may help you achieve this.  New members are always welcome (free of charge).  Info: John 086 803 3126 or www.grow.ie

Enriching your Marriage. A Marriage Enrichment Weekend offers married couples of all ages, time away from the busyness of life to refresh their love for one another. The next (residential) weekends (Fri 8pm to Sun 4pm) will be held at the Dromantine Conference Centre, Newry from 31^st Jan to 2^nd February & at The International Hotel Cork from 3^rd to 5^th April. For info & booking visit www.marriageencounter.ie or Ph: 087 216 2436.

The Parish Book Club meets 4 times a year.  The books chosen for review are varied and are of spiritual & philosophical interest.  We notify the book under review here in the newsletter.  Our next meeting will be on Thurs 13^th Feb at 10am in The Church Meeting Room.  The book for discussion is ‘Following Jesus: Finding Our Way Home in an Age of Anxiety’ by Henri Nouwen, SPCK Publishing (17 Sept. 2019).  New members are always welcome.  Please contact the Parish Office if you are interested and would like to go on the text reminder list.

Retired Civil and Public Servants Association.   The Kildare Branch of the RCPSA invites recently & long retired colleagues to the quarterly meeting in the Town House Hotel, Newbridge Rd., Naas, Co Kildare on Tuesday 14^th January @ 11.15am  Teas/Coffees will be served from 11am.  The meeting will be updated on issues applicable to retired colleagues & will conclude with a presentation of the options available on health insurance.

Adult Fencing Classes will be starting again on Tuesday 21^st January from 8pm in St Kevin’s Hall. Fencing is a fun sport & all ages & levels of fitness can enjoy. No special equipment required only comfortable clothes & trainers. All are welcome to pop along & give it a go with no obligation. Call 087 676 4183 if you need any additional information

MEDJUGORJE IRISH CENTRE PILGRIMAGES Apr to Oct 2020: 7 Nights inc Airport Shuttle from Dubrovnik or Split €266 per person sharing. Book any flight – any time & we provide guaranteed airport shuttle service. Call us for further info & book the dates that suit you: 01 4434510 or email: reservations@med-irishcentre.com

Blessington Comhaltas Classes in Bodhran, Concertina, Accordion, Whistle, Flute, Beginner Fiddle, Intermediate Fiddle, Tune Classes, Guitar Lessons, Singing Classes, Ceili Band. Classes on Sundays from 5pm in St. Mary’s SNS Info Pat 086 075 2072 or Rebecca 087 228 2012 www.blessingtoncomhaltascoislocha@gmail.com

Lacken Community Centre Calendar 2020 on sale now from Supervalu, Blessington Bookstore, The Office Shop, Blessington Tourist Office, West Wicklow House, Flowers by Enda, Zellers Lacken & Cullens Bar Ballyknocken

LOOKING FOR A GREAT NIGHT OUT? Blessington Bowls meet every Thurs at 7.30pm in St. Kevin’s Hall, Blessington, guests welcome, come along & bring a friend.

Interested in a social cycle in the Blessington area?  Led by an experienced volunteer, Cycling Ireland/Axa Community Bike Rides are gentle, social bike rides for adults, usually followed by coffee & chat.  New series for beginners added for Wednesdays at 10:30am. Join for FREE at www.AxaCommunityBikeRides.com

FOUND A Silver Ring with 3 diamond bands was found on yard in St Mary’s JS before Christmas. Contact school office for details

Take my hand O Blessed Mother,

Hold me firmly lest I fall,

I am nervous when I am walking,

And to thee I humbly call.

Guide me over every crossing,

Watch me when I am on my way,

Let me know you are beside me,

Listen to my frequent prayers.

Bring me to my destination,

Safely every single day,

Help me with my understanding,

As the hours pass away.

And when evening falls upon me,

And I fear to be alone,

Take my hand O Blessed Mother,

And once again guide me home.

St Vincent de Paul 087 181 1579

Blessington Parish CHRISTMAS CRIB EXHIBITION in the Coimín Centre Blessington on

December 14th 1pm to 8pm

December 15th 11am to 8pm

December 16th 10am to 4pm

Over 100 exhibits of “Cribs from around the World”

 Saturday 14^th December 2019

► Sacrament of the Sick & Healing Mass at 12 noon in Church of Our Lady, Blessington. There will be tea & coffee served in the Coimín Centre after Mass.

Sunday 15^th December 2019

►First Communion & Confirmation preparation Mass at 11.15am in Valleymount

►Blessington Ecumenical Carol Service at 5pm in Church of Our Lady, Blessington.

► Valleymount & Lacken Parish Concert in St Joseph’s Church Valleymount at 7pm.  Tickets €10 or 2 for €15.

Monday 16^th December 2019

►St. Mary’s Junior School Christmas Mass.

at 9:30am in Church of Our Lady. All welcome.

►Holy Hour in Crosschapel every Monday after 10am Mass (ex-Bank Holidays)

►Blessington Children’s Choir practice 2:45pm to 3.30pm in the Church.

►Neighbourhood Collection Envelopes for December now due Envelopes may be left into the Parish Office or in collection bags at Mass.

Tuesday 17^th December 2019

►Citizens Information Centre in Blessington Library from 1pm to 4pm. Legal advice service on 1st & 3rd Tues of month by appointment

►Eucharistic Adoration from 7.30pm to 8.30pm in Blessington Church.

Wednesday 18^th December 2019

►The Citizens Information Centre is open in Blessington Library today 10am to 12.30pm.

► The Holy Face of Jesus Prayer Group in Church of Our Lady, Blessington “Crying Room” from 11am to 11.45am. All welcome.

Mass Intentions this Week

Mary Brennan (RD) Edward (Ned) Slattery

Saturday 6pm: Bill Smith (A) Denis Brereton (A)

Sunday 10am: Cathal Gallagher (1^st A) Bridget Norton (1^st A) Laurence & Gertrude Kehoe (A)

We also Remember the following: Jimmy, Maisie & May Nolan. Christy, Kathleen, Goo & Pete Nolan. Julia Hunt (A) Sean & Elizabeth O’Donnell, Sidney & Maureen Humbley. Michael & Irene O’Donnell

Monday: Mass for those on the list for Sick

Tuesday: Mary Harney (Mths Mind) Nellie Carroll (Mths Mind) Annie & Patrick Carroll (A) Teresa & Leo Sheridan (A)

Wednesday: Jenny & Mary Robinson (A) Barry O’Donnell (Rem)

Thursday: Sean & Elizabeth O’Donnell, Sidney & Maureen Humbley. Michael & Irene O’Donnell Jimmy, Maisie & May Nolan. Christy, Kathleen, Goo & Pete Nolan.

Friday: Blessington Deceased Mass Card List

The family of the late Dicky (Richard) Reid, Crosscoolharbour, Blessington, Co. Wicklow, wish to acknowledge the many expressions of sympathy & gestures of kindness shown to us during Dicky’s long illness & at the time of his sad passing on 7^th November 2018. We offer sincere thanks to family, friends, neighbours & all those who called to the house, attended the funeral mass & burial & also those who sent cards & messages of condolences. As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our deepest gratitude. The holy sacrifice of the Mass will be offer for your intentions.

The Winter Fair at St Brigid’s Manor Kilbride was a great success and a special gathering of all ages across our community.    The organising team and the wider school community would like to sincerely thank all those who supported our event

Visitation of the Sick: If there are any parishioners ill, at home or in hospital who would like a visit from a priest, please contact the Parish Office to let us know and to make arrangements 045 865 327

West Wicklow Cancer Support: – Would like to wish everyone a wonderful Christmas & a healthy & happy New Year.  There will be no monthly drop in on the last Thurs of Dec. Our next Drop will be on Thurs 23rd Jan. We are available on 087 434 6004 or by email westwicklow15@gmail.com over the holiday season. Thanks for your ongoing support.

St. Vincent De Paul would like to offer our sincere gratitude for all the donations we received last weekend. If anyone still wishes to donate, can you please drop it into the Parish Office marked for SVP. All donations dropped in here remain in Blessington & the surrounding areas & 100% of donations are distributed to those in need. Any donations left in the SVP Shop are sent to Dublin.

Blessington Allotments public meeting on Sat 14^th Dec at 12:30 in Blessington Library Would you be interested in allotments in Blessington? Our group is continuing to campaign for the provision of allotments in the Blessington area. – come & show your support for allotments at this meeting! For more details, contact Dónal at blessingtonallotments@gmail.com

Valleymount Parish Calendar 2020 on sale now, €6 each or 2 for €10 from the Parish Office, Valleymount & Lacken Churches & shops locally. All funds to support Valleymount & Lacken Parish, many thanks to our many sponsors & advertisers for your generous funding.

Christmas Collection for the Homeless at Method Physiotherapy. Accepting unused toys, clothes, toiletries etc. For more info call 045 857 444

 ♫ Sunday 29th December 2019 (+ every Last Sunday). Free session of SONGS & TUNES. Zellers, Lacken; 6pm to 9+. Used to sing or play? A ‘novice’? ‘Just a listener’? ALL welcome. ALL ages ANY song, tune, acoustic self-accompaniment. No mic. Just for fun!

Lacken Community Centre Calendar 2020 on sale now from Supervalu, Blessington Bookstore, The Office Shop, Blessington Tourist Office, West Wicklow House, Flowers by Enda, Zellers Lacken & Cullens Bar Ballyknocken

Happy Christmas to all our Mini-Rugby Players from Blessington RFC!!

Many thanks to all who supported ‘An Evening with Oscar Wilde’ at Russborough House recently. Great night had by all! Happy Christmas! Richard Lynch.

LOOKING FOR A GREAT NIGHT OUT? Blessington Bowls meet every Thurs at 7.30pm in St. Kevin’s Hall, Blessington, guests welcome, come along & bring a friend.

Valleymount Parish Private Members Draw

We wish to thank you all for your generous support for the draw which has been a great success. One of the reasons for its success has been the tireless work of the committee & its collectors over the years. They have given their time & energy to running this draw & we thank them very much for this service. The Committee are now taking a well-deserved break from fund-raising & are passing on the task. Their dedication & diligence have paved the way for the next group to take up this important work for our parish. All the money from this draw has funded the roof repairs, the repairs to the back wall & some painting in the Church. As there are further works needed to keep our beautiful Church maintained & to keep the parish running, we are appealing for volunteers to take up this task & join those who will continue to make the draw a success. If you are available to help, please leave your name & contact details in the sacristy after Mass & we will call you. Again, we want to thank the outgoing committee for al l their work & ask God to bless them for their generosity. The next draw will be in February 2020 & we hope for your continuous support. Good luck to all in the final draw for 2019 this Sunday.

Valleymount Theatre Company have cancelled Scrooge. Refunds from the Office Shop, Blessington.

Blessington Christmas Bingo Bonanza Nights in the Avon on 4^th, 11^th & 18^th December at 8.15pm. Single Books inc. Flyer Sheets €10. Double Books inc Flyer Sheets €20. Jackpot €1500 in 45 calls or less. Bonus Prizes of Turkeys, Hams & lots more.

Community Pool for West Wicklow Christmas Monster Raffle! Prizes include a family pass for Kaleidoscope, Afternoon Tea at Ballymaloe, dinner for two at Tulfarris Hotel & Golf Resort & much, much more! Tickets €5 each & 4 for €20 at www.tinyurl.com/CPWWMonsterRaffle All monies raised go towards a pool for West Wicklow. Draw in Murphy’s Bar on Sun Dec 22^nd. For more information email poolforWestWicklow@gmail.com.

GOAL MILE: The annual Goal Mile will take place on Christmas Day at 12:30pm. It happens on the running track at the rear of the Community College, Naas Road. Everyone is welcome to run/walk this event, so come along and support this great cause!

Blessington Comhaltas Classes in Bodhran, Concertina, Accordion, Whistle, Flute, Beginner Fiddle, Intermediate Fiddle, Tune Classes, Guitar Lessons, Singing Classes, Ceili Band. Classes on Sundays from 5pm in St. Mary’s SNS Info Pat 086 075 2072 or Rebecca 087 228 2012 www.blessingtoncomhaltascoislocha@gmail.com

Interested in a social cycle in the Blessington area?  Led by an experienced volunteer, Cycling Ireland/Axa Community Bike Rides are gentle, social bike rides for adults, usually followed by coffee & chat.  New series for beginners added for Wednesdays at 10:30am. Join for FREE at www.AxaCommunityBikeRides.com

Adults Beginners Fencing Classes on Tuesdays from 8pm to 9.30pm in St Kevin’s Hall

Community Pool for West Wicklow would like to thank everyone who came & supported our Christmas Market at Russborough House on Saturday. It was a wonderful day & was only possible because of our amazing volunteers, stall holders, sponsors, musicians, the team at Russborough House, Clare & all at East Coast FM, Philip & Leo from Water Safety Ireland & of course Santa! We’re already looking forward to next year’s Christmas Market!

Christmas Storytime for 3 to 6-year olds on Monday 16^th December at 2pm in Blessington Library

Happy Faces Play School Blessington Education Centre is a fun, stimulating & welcoming environment with a curriculum focusing on the best care & education for your child. Our staff are highly trained in up to date childcare & Montessori methods of learning and development. Places available, full & part time. Enrolling now for Sept 2020.

Hollywood Friendship Club will return on 8^th Jan. Wishing all our friends a Happy Christmas & New Year.  Hope to see new members in 2020.

Events this Weekend in Blessington

►Cruthú West Wicklow Art Group Christmas Exhibition in Blessington Tourist Office from 11am to 6pm daily until Sun 15^th Dec.  Late opening Friday to 8pm.  There will be original locally produced Art, Craft, Photography on display, all available to buy.   Find a perfect Christmas gift, or simply drop in to enjoy the art & be inspired.  Like us on Facebook & Instagram or visit www.cruthu.ie

►Kilbride & Lakeside Music Committee Concert on Saturday 14^th December in Manor Kilbride Community Hall at 6.30pm. Featuring KILBRIDE & LAKESIDE YOUTH MUSIC With guest artist one of Ireland’s most revered musicians DONAL LUNNY along with rising star SIOBHÁN HARTE (granddaughter of singer & song collector, the late great Frank Harte) also the amazing Manor Kilbride native, KELAN WALSH baritone sax. Admission €10 Adults

►Valleymount & Lacken Parish Concert St Joseph’s National School Present ‘The Nativity’ according to The Gospel of St Luke. Concert featuring St John’s Gospel Choir, Ballinteer & Blessington Folk Group in St Joseph’s Church Valleymount on Sunday 15^th December at 7pm. Tickets €10 each or 2 for €15, available from St Joseph’s School or Valleymount Church (after Sunday Mass) and from Blessington Parish Office