THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT – GAUDATE – 13^th December

The coming of Christ is a message of joy: a joy founded and rooted in God’s love and care for his people, and his promise of an eternal companionship.

Mass Intentions this Week:

Pamela Shortland (RD) Santry Hill

Saturday 6pm: Vivian Daly (A) Carl Nagle (A) Denis Brereton(A) Patrick & Gretta Reidy (Rem) Deceased Mem of the Doyle Family (Rem)

Sunday 10am: Sheila Kearns (1st A) Sharon Jones (1stA) Cathal Gallagher (A) Roseann & John Joseph Moran (A) Terry Bolton(A) Josie Byrne (5^th A) Johanna & Denis Jones (R)

We also remember: Bill Smith, Julia Hunt, Catherine & John Devoy, Brian Murphy, Julia Hunt, Deceased Members & Friends of the Howard Family, Deceased Members & Friends of the Patterson Family

Monday: Mass offered for all the Blessington List of the Sick

Tuesday Lawrence & Gertrude Kehoe (A) Int Mass, Int Mass, Thanksgiving Mass, Mary & Jimmy Robinson

Wednesday: Thanksgiving Mass, Thanksgiving Mass

Thursday: Joseph McDonald (A), Jimmy Cashman (A)

Friday: Mass offered for all on the Blessington Deceased Mass Card List

On this Sheila Kearns’s 1st Anniversary, the family would like to thank all those who sympathised, attended the wake & funeral, sent mass cards, provided food, floral tributes & supported the family in any way. Thank you to Fr. Paraic & Fr. Jerry Foley who celebrated the mass, & a special thank you to Fr. Paraic who was so kind to Sheila in her final days. Thanks to Tony & Regina for their help & support & to Lorraine for the beautiful singing in the church, also to Sheila’s grandchildren & great grandchildren who took part in the mass. Mass has been offered for your intentions. Sheila’s 1st Anniversary Mass take place in St. Brigid’s Church, Manor Kilbride on Sunday 13th Dec at 11am

Saturday 12^th & Sunday 13^th December. SVP will be holding their Annual collection at this weekend’s Masses.  The funds raised will be spent in the local community helping those who need it most with food, heating & education costs throughout the winter & beyond. People can also donate directly to SVP Blessington through the Parish Office. Many thanks you for your very generous support.

►Daily Mass at 9.30am, Monday to Friday

►Saturday 12^th December: Mass at 6pm

►Sunday 13^th December: Mass at 10am

►Tuesday 15^th December Rosary & Adoration from 7pm to 7.45 pm

All Masses & Services still available via Webcam

Our Churches are open for public Mass. A ticket is required to attend weekend Masses in Church of Our Lady Blessington, available from the Parish Office: 045 865 327. Parish Office from 9am to 1pm – Monday to Friday

Deacon Gerry has created an Online Advent Calendar for adults, older children & teenagers to interact with this Advent. Open a door in the calendar every day for short reflective prayer on the Parish Pastoral Website: www.blessingtonparishes.com

Blessington Parish 2^nd Annual CHRISTMAS CRIB EXHIBITION in the Coimín Centre Blessington on December 18th 10am to 4pm, December 19th 11am to 6pm, December 20th 11am to 5pm. Over 100 exhibits of “Cribs from around the World” Some beautiful new additions this year.

St Marys’ Schools & Blessington Parish Lotto – WIN A PLAYSTATION 5  All you have to do is to have a line in our weekly lotto and you will be entered into a special draw for the PlayStation 5 on the 17^th December and you’ll also have a chance to win our Jackpot. To our existing supporters – your support has been amazing throughout the year and we needed that support this year more than ever – thank you! If you want to play an extra line you can do so by logging into your account  https://www.ourparishfundraiser.ie/parish/blessington To all our parents, family members, friends, neighbours and the wider community please get involved and support us as the funds raised have a hugely positive impact.  Click here to join:  https://www.ourparishfundraiser.ie/parish/blessington and please share the link on your social media, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter.

St Marys’ Schools & Blessington Parish Lotto This week’s Jackpot is €3375!! That would cover the Christmas shopping! If you’re not in you can’t win! Text the word Blessington to 51444 or go to www.blessingtonparish.ie This week’s winner is:Rachel McCudden. The numbers drawn this week are: 1, 5, 7,  27

Small Sum of Money Found in a little zipped purse on the path opposite St Mary’s Junior School. Enquiries: School Office 045 865 501 or Parish Office: 045 865 327

Sum of Money Found in Church On Friday 20^th November Call Parish Office: 045 865 327

Good Dry Kindling for Sale at Blessington Men’s Shed – €3 for 1 Bag. €10 for 3 Bags. For collection information phone: John Flynn at 087 297 7678. All money raised for upkeep of Shed during these difficult times.”

Blessington Parish Office WE ARE OPEN 9am to 1.00pm Monday to Friday. You may still call or email if you wish to have someone prayed for at Mass. Email: office@blessington.info Office: 045 865 327 Jean: 087 235 0835 – 9am to 5pm. Blessington Parish Christmas Mass Bouquets, Christmas Cards and other gift items on sale. All items can be ordered over the phone and collected later.

Blessington Library is open. Our usual opening hours apply: Mon/Wed/Fri/Sat: 10am – 5pm. Tues/Thurs: 10am – 8.30pm The library is open for browsing and borrowing only. Study spaces & computers are not available at this time.

Gaelscoil na Lochanna- Oíche Oscailte agus Chlárúcháin, 14ú Eanáir 2021. Our Open/Enrolment night for places in school for next Sept is on 14th January 7:30pm by Zoom Webinar. Webinar will be open from 7pm. Please see our website to click and join the Zoom, www.gaelscoilnalochanna.com Enrolment period lasts from 14th Jan to 3th Feb, 2021. We have a new website for parents FAQ about joining a Gaelscoil: www.gsnl.info 087 938 8651 for any enquiries.  Fáilte!

Fr Kevin’s Homilies are always available on our website: https://blessingtonparish.ie/homilies-year-b/

Calling all Local Businesses, Artists & Crafters! Community Pool for West Wicklow are hosting an online Christmas Market and we would like you to be part of it! Every day from early November we will be posting a new video to our social media pages, like an extended Advent Calendar. Each video will showcase a different local business or artist and their products. We hope that our online Christmas Market will help to encourage people to shop local and support local businesses this Christmas. If you think this is something you would like to get involved in, then email us at poolforWestWicklow@gmail.com

SUPPORT OUR LOCAL SMALL BUSINESSES THIS CHRISTMAS: follow our New Instagram page BLESSINGTON BUSINESS WOMEN.  A page set up for women in business & also other local  businesses in Blessington & surrounding areas to network, connect & support one another. Find out more about all the amazing small businesses we have in our fantastic village from highly talented nail salons, beauty salons, hair salons, make-up artists, eyelash specialists & holistic therapists, our local cafe & health shop. Or introduce yourself to some of the top fitness specialists, nutritionists, dance & yoga studios, photographers & nutritionists. We even have our very own Doula! Take the hassle & stress out of Christmas Shopping this year and help to support our community by treating someone special to a Gift Voucher for some wonderful pampering or buying a gift from one of our many talented businesses.

Senior Line If you are an older person and would like someone to talk to, consider phoning Senior Line.  A National Confidential Service for Older People. Open every day from 10am -10pm.  We are older people too, trained to listen & support.  Freefone 1800 80 45 91

Crosscare Appeal for Support this Christmas as their normal food collections have been cancelled. Crosscare is appealing to people to support them online this Advent as they will be unable to hold their annual Parish Food Collection for those most in need. Every December, Crosscare collected thousands of Euros worth of non-perishable foods to restock their foodbanks and support their community cafés. This year, due to Covid 19 restrictions Crosscare will not be able to launch a food collection in the Diocese of Dublin as usual. However, in order to ensure they have adequate supplies, they are asking people to support them by making a donation online to make sure families struggling to cope can have food on the table this Christmas. Archbishop Diarmuid Martin has appealed to priests and parishes to encourage those parishioners who would ordinarily have supported food drives and the unwanted gifts appeal to go on line and make a donation www.crosscare.ie

Deacon Gerry has created an Online Advent Calendar for adults, older children & teenagers to interact with this Advent. Open a door in the calendar every day for short reflective prayer beginning on Sunday 29th November on the Parish Pastoral Website:  www.blessingtonparishes.com

FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT 29th November 2020 Advent is a reminder that our life on earth is a preparation for the life of eternity in heaven, and that we wait for the coming of Christ to take us home.

Mass Intentions this Week

Rachel Furey (RD) Kill Dolores Keogh (RD) Donaghmede

Saturday 6pm: Elanor Noonan (A) Daniel Murphy (A)

Sunday 10am: Rosemary Elliott (A) Sheila Walsh (1st A)

We also remember: Edith McInerny, Patrick & Josephine Farrington, Jim & Kathleen Hamilton, Christy Toomey, Molly White, Camillus Balfe, Liz McGinnity, Patsy Kavanagh, Kathleen & Rory Hayden

Monday: Mass offered for all the Blessington List of the Sick

Tuesday: Get Well Mass, Get Well Mass

Wednesday: Frances Miller (RD) Anne Hayes (RD)

Thursday: Thanksgiving Mass, Deceased Intention Mass

Friday: 1^st Friday of the Month, Masses offered for all whose names are on the November List of the Dead

All Masses & Services via Webcam www.blessingtonparish.ie

►Daily Mass at 9.30am, Monday to Friday please join us in prayer for the rosary at 9am

►Saturday 28^th November 2020: Mass at 6pm

►Sunday 29^th November 2020 Mass at 10am

►Thursday 3^rd December: Holy Hour / Benediction with Deacon Gerry at 7.30pm in Blessington Church

►Friday 4^th December – 1st Friday: Masses offered for all whose names are on the Altar List of the Dead. Padre Pio Mass will take place at 8pm, Church of Our Lady Blessington.

November List of the Dead Envelopes still available in Blessington, Manor Kilbride, & Valleymount Churches. They can be returned to Blessington Parish Office. Masses offered on the 1^st Friday of every month.

Join with Fr. Richard & Fr. Joe, in evening prayer via Zoom Monday, Wednesday, & Friday at 7.30pm. Log on to http://www.blessingtonparishes.com and click on the Zoom button. If you have any difficulty logging in, please contact us at info@blessingtonparishes.com

Financial Support for the Parish – Blessington, Crosschapel, Manor Kilbride, Valleymount & Lacken. During this time, you can make donations to support all our Churches via the DONATE BUTTON on the parish website  www.blessingtonparish.ie All SHRINE MONEY remains in the parish Donations through the black PDF BOXES in Blessington Church also go towards the running of the parish. We are very grateful for your ongoing support. Support for our Diocese  through the 1st & 2nd collections may also be made via the DONATE BUTTON on our website. The 1st collection goes to towards the support of the parish. The 2nd collection goes to the Diocese. There are also envelopes available in all Churches for these donations.

Blessington Parish Office will remain closed to the public during the current restrictions. Please call or email if you wish to have someone prayed for at Mass. Blessington Parish Christmas Mass Bouquets, Christmas Cards and other gift items now on sale. Email: office@blessington.info Carol: 045 865 327 – 9am to 12.30pm Jean: 087 235 0835 – 9am to 5pm Call or email for Mass Bookings, Mass Cards, Baptisms, Weddings & General Enquiries. All items can be collected…………

SAINT VINCENT de PAUL BLESSINGTON  – URGENT APPEAL – Unfortunately, due to Covid-19 restrictions SVP Blessington could not carry out their regular annual fundraising activities to raise much needed funds to service the people & families in hardship in the local community of Blessington, Valleymount, Lacken, Ballyknockan, Manor Kilbride & the surrounding areas. SVP Blessington is appealing to the community to give what you can to help families in need during this critical time. Your donation will make all the difference. Donations can be made by dropping your donation in an envelope marked SVP Blessington to the Parish Office or by making a lodgement to Ulster Bank Blessington A/c: 15436018, S/c: 985340 All donations will be acknowledged where details are supplied. YOUR SUPPORT IS VERY MUCH APPRECIATED

Fr Kevin’s Homilies are always available on our website: https://blessingtonparish.ie/homilies-year-a/

CROSSCARE Annual collection. Times are difficult for everyone at the moment particularly the most vulnerable people in our community. As the need for people to access our services increase, we are finding it more difficult to keep our stock at a level that can cope with the demand. Donations of new toiletry products and in their original packaging may be dropped into: Community Food Bank, Fortunestown Rd, Tallaght, Church of St Thomas the Apostle on Wed 9^th & Wed 16^th Dec from 1pm to 2pm Please contact vcummins@crosscare.ie if you need to make an alternative drop off arrangement. If you wish to support the work of Crosscare at this difficult time for those most in need in our Diocese, please remember you can donate on line at www.dublindiocese.ie

Home sharing – Give a Little Time- Make A Big Difference. have you the time to offer breaks to an adult with an intellectual disability in your home for mid-week and weekend overnight BREAKS? You don’t need a qualification, just energy, commitment & the desire to support a person with a disability in your community. Information & support are PROVIDED, & you will be paid an allowance. If you are interested in hosting, please contact: Jennifer Alfa Ogbaje, Social Worker, KARE,  Mc Mahon Centre, Kilcullen, Co. Kildare. Email; Jennifer.alfaogbaje@kare.ie 045 480 200 or 087 720 6779

Virtual Book Launch on December 30^th A book of daily reflections for Advent – “News Too Good to Keep” by Gerard Gallagher  to get your link to the event, email events@veritas.ie  Let’s try to offer new hope as we begin a new Church year. To get a copy of the book – use this link – https://www.veritasbooksonline.com/advent-news-too-good-to-keep-9781847309792-46126/ Or Call Veritas Books (01) 878 8177

St. Joseph’s National School Valleymount are now taking applications for Junior Infants starting September 2021. Phone the office at 045-867289 or email valleymountns@gmail.comm for enrolment forms. Closing date for applications – November 30th, 2020

Lacken Naíonra NOW ENROLLING. Emphasis is on the holistic development of pre-school children through outdoor activity. ECCE and NCS approved. Enquiries  to lackenschool@eircom.net or phone 045 865086

Lacken National School has places available in the Early Intervention Class. Enquiries to  lackenschool@eircom.net or phone 045 865086

Blessington Lights up for Christmas 2020 Your Community needs your help!! We are looking for each household to make a small donation to ensure we can light up our Christmas Tree and Streetlights this December. We need to raise €4,500. Nobody wants to drive down the Main Street in Darkness this December. We need plenty of Christmas cheer. Come on Blessington Community, dig deep!! Donation Buckets in McGreals, The Credit Union and Wonkas, alternatively, please donate via  www.gofundme.com/blessington-lights-up

Calling all Local Businesses, Artists & Crafters! Community Pool for West Wicklow are hosting an online Christmas Market and we would like you to be part of it! Every day from early November we will be posting a new video to our social media pages, like an extended Advent Calendar. Each video will showcase a different local business or artist and their products. We hope that our online Christmas Market will help to encourage people to shop local and support local businesses this Christmas. If you think this is something you would like to get involved in, then email us at poolforWestWicklow@gmail.com

Community Pool for West Wicklow have taken our Christmas Market online this year! Join us every day when we will showcase a new local business or artist and help you to shop local and support local businesses this Christmas! Videos can be viewed on our Facebook page @PoolforWestWicklow Instagram @westwicklowpool Twitter @poolforWestWic1 and on our brand new You Tube Channel https://tinyurl.com/CPWWYouTube Christmas will be a little different this year, but we can still spread a bit of magic & cheer!

SUPPORT OUR LOCAL SMALL BUSINESSES THIS CHRISTMAS: follow our New Instagram page BLESSINGTON BUSINESS WOMEN.  A page set up for women in business & also other local  businesses in Blessington & surrounding areas to network, connect & support one another. Find out more about all the amazing small businesses we have in our fantastic village from highly talented nail salons, beauty salons, hair salons, make-up artists, eyelash specialists & holistic therapists, our local cafe & health shop. Or introduce yourself to some of the top fitness specialists, nutritionists, dance & yoga studios, photographers & nutritionists. We even have our very own Doula! Take the hassle & stress out of Christmas Shopping this year and help to support our community by treating someone special to a Gift Voucher for some wonderful pampering or buying a gift from one of our many talented businesses.

Senior Line If you are an older person and would like someone to talk to, consider phoning Senior Line.  A National Confidential Service for Older People. Open every day from 10am -10pm.  We are older people too, trained to listen & support.  Freefone 1800 80 45 91

St Vincent de Paul local number 087 181 1579

• NEWSLETTER ADS

Flowers by Enda has moved…. just down the road beside SuperValu – OPENING Friday 4^th December. 045 851 000 or 083 002 0088

BLESSINGTON LAKES GARDEN CENTRE – Christmas trees now in. We have trees from 3 foot to 14 foot all non-shed. We have a limited supply of 10 to 14 foot so order early. Also, small Christmas trees in pots to plant out after or keep for next year. Free delivery for OAPS OPEN EVERY DAY 9am to 5.30pm UNTIL THE 24^th DEC 045 865 403 or 087 931 9111 check out Facebook for more.

MARTIN CRAUL & CO, STATUTORY AUDITORS, Accountants and Chartered Tax Advisors – NOW AT: Block One, Unit 1F, Blessington Business Park, W91 XT18 (near Fire Station). 045 891 505 or 045 891 507  087 279 1325 (Martin) mcraulco@gmail.com Delivery Box 1 in lobby, letterbox 2 Millbank still in use.

Wanted – Teaching Council Registered Teacher/s for Leaving Cert student for DES approved 10 hrs of Home/Online Tuition. Subjects include Maths, Biology, Business & Home Economics. Phone 087 952 4659

Beautiful, Outdoor Family Photography. By the lake or in the woods. Just in time for Christmas. €120 for full digital package,mRing Jim on 087 6799008Instagram jimschofieldphotography

Junior Office Administrator with experience is currently looking for work. Phone Orla 087 3190779

GasHome – Boiler Servicing and Repairs – RGI Registered. Phone Stephen 087 9060 894

Career Guidance Service for students and parents with experienced qualified guidance counsellor, individual attention Phone Gary: 086 857 4262

Gardening- For Winter Tidying, Hedge clipping, Beds overhauled, Fruit Tree pruning, Painting etc Phone Mark 085-1337714

Eagle Cleaning Solutions – Chimney Cleaning, Exterior Power Washing, Window Cleaning, Gutter Cleaning and Repairs. Call for appointment: 087 247 4388. Email: info@eaglecleaningsolutions.com Find us on Facebook

Noel Nolan Blessington Heating & Plumbing Service  www.blessingtonheatingandplumbing.ie Call Noel: 087 243 1499 or email nolannoel2@gmail.com

 Active Appliance Repairs over 20 years’ experience repairing and servicing all brands of domestic and commercial appliances. For a fast, friendly and efficient service call us today on 086 393 7762 or 086 361 9082. Call out Charge €75  www.activeappliancerepairs.ie

Clarkes Funeral Directors I.A.F.D. Funeral Home & Office, Burgage, Blessington. All areas serviced. Phone: Tony or Regina: 087 273 9048 / 087 659 6426

Blessington Airport Taxi – 087 255 7993 Standard Taxi €77 one way Large 7-Seater €87 one way Call Richard on 087 255 7993 Or email: richardmc.keever@yahoo.ie

HEADSTONES – McEvoy Monumental Works, Blessington. Headstones, Inscriptions, Renovations. Serving the people of Blessington for over 40 years. Call to our workshop at Millbank Blessington or phone: Mick 045 865 487 or 086 843 8832 or Gary 087 933 3487  www.mcevoymonumentalworks.com

Paying too much to SKY or UPC? We install & Repair Free to Air and Saorview!! No more bills!! Call Billy: 086 868 0053

German Autoworks – Service Specialist, VW/Audi, Mercedes, Skoda, Seat, Opel. Call 087 286 3997  www.germanautoworks.ie

Painter & Decorator – Interior & Exterior – Phone: Damian 085 826 0431

COVID-19 Support Lines for Older People ALONE manage a national support line and additional supports for older people who have concerns or are facing difficulties relating to the outbreak of COVID-19. Professional staff are available to answer queries and give advice and reassurance where necessary. The support line is open seven days a week, 8am – 8pm, by calling 0818 222 024.

Blessington Parish Office Christmas Mass Cards, Christmas Cards & other gift items now on sale. Carol: 045 865 327 9am to 12.30pm Jean: 087 235 0835 9am to 5pm.  office@blessington.info