FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT – 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 in Blessington

Recently Deceased: Mick Mills (RD) Carrig Glen & Late of Donard, Robbie John Roche (RD) USA & Late of Lacken

Saturday 6pm: Dan Murphy (A), Sorcha (Ni Kyne) Carroll (A), Robert O’Hara (A), Liz McGinnity (A)

Sunday 10am: Rosaleen Elliot (A), Stephen Masterson (1st A), Elizabeth Dunne (A), Michael Lennon (A)

We also Remember:

Monday: Mass offered for the Sick & those in Hospital

Tuesday: Margaret Corkery (A), Edmund Balfe (RD)

Wednesday: Camillus Balfe (A), Kevin Lillis (RD)

Thursday: Sean Corr (Birthday Rem), Maura Murphy (A)

Friday: 1st Friday, Masses offered for all on the November List of the Dead.

Saturday 26^th November: Mass times: Blessington: 6pm, Lacken: 7.30pm. Confessions: After 6pm Mass in Blessington

Sunday 27^th November: Mass Times: Blessington: 10am, Manor Kilbride: 11am, Valleymount: 10.00am, Crosschapel: 11.30am.

Monday 28^th November: Burgage Cemetery Committee AGM will take place  in the Coimin Centre, Blessington at 7.30pm. All Welcome

Tuesday 29^th November: Rosary & Holy Hour 10 to 11am in Church of Our Lady, Blessington

Friday 2^nd December: 1st Friday, Masses offered for all on the November List of the Dead. Padre Pio Blessing after 9.30am Mass in Blessington

The Square in Blessington will be closed to all traffic on Saturday from 9am to 8pm to facilitate the Blessington Lights Up Christmas event along with the arrival of the Santa truck. We are asking motorists not to park overnight on Friday in the parking bays on the square as we will need to remove your vehicle on Saturday morning. There are ample spaces in Dunne’s and the council car park. Looking forward to seeing everyone on Saturday. Blessington and District Forum

Christmas Community Service Prayers and Carols. Saturday 17^th December at 4pm at Church of Our Lady moving in procession  to St Mary’s Church for Carols. Refreshments afterwards in St Kevin’s Community Hall

Christmas Reconciliation Service: Monday 19^th December at 7:30pm Church of Our Lady, Blessington. Crib Exhibition will be on display beforehand in the Coimin Centre

Variety Concert  in aid of Blessington Men’s Shed. In the Tramway Theatre on Saturday 26^th Nov at 8pm. Music by the R.A.M.S. Tickets, €10 – available from any Shed Member & at the door on night of concert.

Let There Be Christmas Blessington Millennium Choir invites you to join them in singing Christmas songs and carols to celebrate the festive season in Church of Our Lady, Blessington. Sunday December 11^th at 4pm. Tickets €10 (Children under 12 free) (Includes fruit punch and mince pies) Tickets available from choir members & The Parish Office or call: 087 2343 1499 By kind permission of Fr Richard Behan P.P. Proceeds to Coimin Centre Blessington

Car Boot Sale – St. Kevin’s Hall on Sunday 27^th November: 7am to 4pm.  Tea/Coffee. Indoor & Outdoor Spaces. Free Parking. Toilets. Tables €10. Info: Pat Conlan: 086 075 2072

Community Pool for West Wicklow would like to thank everyone who has visited the Pop-Up Pool since it arrived in Blessington! The pool is only here for another 4 weekends so make sure to book in for a swim before it’s gone! This weekend’s Public Swim Slots are Friday Nov 25^th 6pm to 7pm – Saturday Nov 26^th 9am to 3pm – Sunday Nov 27^th 9am to 12pm & 2pm to 4pm. Adults €7.50 Children €3.50. Book online at https://tinyurl.com/WWPopUpPool

CROSSCARE Christmas Food Poverty Appeal. This Christmas, Crosscare are asking for help for the Food Poverty Service, where they support families who find it hard to provide nutritious food. Sadly, almost 800 families and individuals, including 1,000 children, have needed help from the Service this year & demand is likely to increase in the coming months. Crosscare ensures they have a good supply of food while at the same time looking at all the issues that may have brought them into food poverty. If you can, you can donate online at www.crosscare.ie or call 01 8360011 or send a cheque or postal order to Crosscare Christmas Appeal, 2 Saint Mary’s Place North, Dublin D07 Y768. Envelopes will also be available in all Churches

St Mary’s Schools & Blessington Parish Lotto. 24th November: 4, 9, 16, 19 – €25 Winner: Rose-Marie Nugent. Next Jackpot is €2,075

November List of the Dead. Envelopes are now available in all the Churches and can be returned to the Parish Office or in the collection boxes/bags during the month of November. Masses will be offered on the 1st Friday of every month throughout the year.

Lacken National School are now accepting enrolment applications for 2023/2024 school year. Enrolment applications also being accepted for the 2023/2024. Early Intervention Class. Please email school@lackenns.com   or contact the school office on 045 865 086.

Valleymount Parent & Baby/Toddler Playgroup meets every Friday during school term from 9.30am to12 in Valleymount Hall. New parents most welcome. Pop in for a cuppa & a chat.

Bethany Bereavement Support offers a safe, free, confidential supportive listening service to those who are suffering loss. The organisation are seeking expressions of interest for their new training course which will be held early in 2023. If you or someone you know might be interested in training, please forward contact details & name of parish (with their permission) to Andrea Hayes 087 418 4292 or email mail@andreahayes.ie Places are limited. Further details following registration.

Tús Job Opportunity in Blessington County Wicklow Partnership’s Tús Programme has a work placement opportunity in Blessington Educate Together National School Position available: Caretaker Gain valuable work experience while contributing to your community at the same time. The placement will be for 1 year & participants will be required to work for 19½ hours per week & are free to take up other employment outside of their 19½ hours. To qualify, you must be fully unemployed for 12 months. Tús payment is at the full rate of Jobseekers Allowance plus €22.50 top-up. For more information or to apply contact Neil Doyle on 087 640 9273 or ndoyle@wicklowpartnership.ie

“You Don’t Need Irish to Send Your Child to The Gaelscoil!” Gaelscoil na Lochanna is accepting places for the school year 2023-2024 from now up to 21^st December. Parents will be notified of places on 13^th January & will have to 27^th January to accept the place. There are 31 places available. Tá an fógra bliantiúl maidir le ligean isteach fógraithe anois ar www.gaelscoilnalochanna.com  mar aon le foirm iontrála. Spriocdháta dona hiarratais ná 21ú Nollaig agus cuirfear tuistí ar an eolas ar an 13ú Eanáir. Beidh ar thuistí/chaomhnóirí an áit a chinntiú roimh/ar an 27ú Eanáir 2023.Tá 31 spás sna Naíonáin ar fáil (más chuí). View the Annual Admissions Notice & access enrolment forms on the school website www.gaelscoilnalochanna.com “Gaelscoil na Lochanna will have an Open Night on  7^th December at 7:30pm  in the Gaelscoil for any parents interested  in joining the Gaelscoil”. Follow us on Instagram #gsnalochanna

Are you a Bridge Player? If so, you are welcome to join Blessington Bridge Club. Resuming on Monday 17^th October & subsequent Mondays other than Holiday Mondays  at the KARE Centre which is located off the Blessington By-Pass. Ample car parking. Play begins at 7.30pm

Parent & Toddler Group in St Kevin’s Hall every Tuesday & Wednesday from 10am to12pm €4 per family per day

Blessington Bowls Club – Thursday at 7.30pm in St. Kevin’s Hall, Blessington. Guests are most welcome, why not come along and bring a friend.

The Blessington Fencing Club Spaces available in the 8-11yrs Beginners Class in St Kevin’s Hall – Fridays 5pm. Only comfortable clothing & runners are needed. Pop in & watch or participate in a free trial lesson. We have a great mixed group of children. Some children don’t enjoy traditional team sports or battle in some way. Every child can be taught to fence. Adult Beginner Classes  starting on Tuesday evenings. Give us a call if you would like to try. Call Lee: 087 676 4183

West Wicklow Cancer Support Our group hosts a weekly Mindful soundbath Meditation with Gemma Deeney on Wednesdays at 11am in the Primary Care Centre Blessington. No cost, open to all. Do bring your own cushion, blanket & a friend. If your life has been impacted by cancer through a diagnosis, a family member, friend, or carer we are here for you. Call: 087 4346004 or westwicklow15@gmail.com

Mass intentions this week

Recently Deceased: Phyllis Moran, Cissy McEvoy, Dan Kenny

Saturday 6pm: Cathy, Jim, Michael & Seamus Corry (A), William O’Donoghue (A), Special Intentions

Sunday 10am: Noreen Wilson (1^st A), Ray McGreal (A) Dickie Reid (A)

We also Remember: Paddy Minton (A), Patricia Mahon (A)

Monday: Mass offered for the Sick & those in Hospital

Tuesday: Special Intentions, Birthday Mass

Wednesday: Special Intentions, Special Intentions

Thursday: Barry O’Donnell (Rem), Sheila Melia (RD)

Friday: Mark Allen (RD), Eleanor Bishop (RD)

Saturday 12^th November: Mass times: Blessington: 6pm, Lacken: 7.30pm – Confessions: After 6pm Mass in Blessington

Sunday 13^th November: Mass Times: Blessington: 10am, Manor Kilbride: 11am, Valleymount: 10.00am, Crosschapel: 11.30am.

Tuesday 15^th November: Rosary & Holy Hour 10 to 11am in Church of Our Lady, Blessington

Share Appeal Sunday takes place this weekend, November 12th & 13th highlighting the important work that is funded by the weekly Share collection. Copies of the 2022 Share Newsletter are available in the Church porch. There is a short video available on the Diocesan website www.dublindiocese.ie giving an overview of the benefits of this weekly collection.

St Mary’s Schools & Blessington Parish Lotto. Numbers: 10th November: 4, 11, 14, 16 – €25 Winner: Patricia Kinsella. Next Jackpot is €2,025

In November We Remember – On our Parish Sacramental Website, we have a link to submit prayer requests for our relatives & friends who have died  www.blessingtonparishes.com Prayers offered during Evening Prayer

November List of the Dead. Envelopes are now available in all the Churches and can be returned to the Parish Office or in the collection boxes/bags during the month of November. Masses will be offered on the 1st Friday of every month throughout the year.

Community Pool for West new term swim lessons at the Swim Ireland Pop-Up Pool in Blessington on sale. Swim lessons for all ages (children & adults) and levels will run from the week starting November 7^th till the week finishing December 16^th. For details & booking visit: www.westwicklowpool.ie  Book online through Swim Ireland

West Wicklow Chamber Music Festival Winter Weekend 11^th to 13^th November. Last’s year’s inaugural Winter Weekend of chamber music was such a success that our friends in the West Wicklow Chamber Music Festival have decided it’s here to stay! There are four wonderful concerts to enjoy in Russborough’s stunning Salon over the weekend & booking is now open. Choose from concerts featuring leading Irish & international artists include Róisín Walters (violin), Paul Grennan (cello), Fiachra Garvey (piano), Tai Murray (violin), Silke Avenhaus (piano), Elizabeth Llewellyn (soprano) & Simon Lepper (piano). Tickets can be purchased directly from www.westwicklowfestival.com

Make the most of your Smartphone. Join us at the Blessington. Further Education Centre for a 4-week course, 21^st November to 12^th December 1:30pm to 3:30pm. For more information, Call 045 851 494 or email: abeblessington@kwetb.ie

Six-week Christmas Themed Gardening Course: Fridays 9:30am to 12 noon 11^th November to 16^th December Blessington Further Education Centre. Further Information: 045 851 494 or 086 846 2771 abeblessington@kwetb.ie

Origins Foster Care are urgently looking for foster carers in the Blessington area.  www.originsfostercare.ie For Information call or text 087 052 9749 one of our team will get back to you

 “You Don’t Need Irish to Send Your Child to The Gaelscoil!” Gaelscoil na Lochanna is accepting places for the school year 2023-2024 from now up to 21^st December. Parents will be notified of places on 13^th January & will have to 27^th January to accept the place. There are 31 places available. Tá an fógra bliantiúl maidir le ligean isteach fógraithe anois ar www.gaelscoilnalochanna.com  mar aon le foirm iontrála. Spriocdháta dona hiarratais ná 21ú Nollaig agus cuirfear tuistí ar an eolas ar an 13ú Eanáir. Beidh ar thuistí/chaomhnóirí an áit a chinntiú roimh/ar an 27ú Eanáir 2023.Tá 31 spás sna Naíonáin ar fáil (más chuí). View the Annual Admissions Notice & access enrolment forms on the school website www.gaelscoilnalochanna.com “Gaelscoil na Lochanna will have an Open Night on  7^th December at 7:30pm  in the Gaelscoil for any parents interested  in joining the Gaelscoil”. Follow us on Instagram #gsnalochanna

Collection for the Capuchin Day Centre for the Homeless Saturday 19th November – Lakeshore Striders A.C annual charity collection for the Capuchin Day Centre for the Homeless will run for its 7^th year & will take place on Saturday 19^th November at the entrance foyer to SuperValu Blessington (back entrance at carpark) from 12pm to 3pm. Items in high demand by the centre include nappies, baby formula, baby food, toiletries (shampoo, shower gel, deodorant, razors, toothpaste, toothbrushes, etc), hats, socks, gloves, scarves as well as long life foods such as canned items. Please note: all items must be new & unopened & food must be in date.  Cash donations also accepted on the day.  For further information call Edel on 087 961 8337 or please email lakeshorestriders@gmail.com

Anam Cara South Dublin, support for bereaved parents, is holding it’s monthly Parent Evening for bereaved parents on Monday 14^th November at 7:15pm in the Maldron Hotel, Tallaght. This event is free & open to all bereaved parents regardless of the age your child died, the circumstances of their death, or whether their death was recent or not.

Are you a Bridge Player? If so, you are welcome to join Blessington Bridge Club. Resuming on Monday 17^th October & subsequent Mondays other than Holiday Mondays  at the KARE Centre which is located off the Blessington By-Pass. Ample car parking. Play begins at 7.30pm

Parent & Toddler Group in St Kevin’s Hall every Tuesday & Wednesday from 10am to12pm €4 per family per day

Blessington Bowls Club – Thursday at 7.30pm in St. Kevin’s Hall, Blessington. Guests are most welcome, why not come along and bring a friend.

The Blessington Fencing Club Spaces available in the 8-11yrs Beginners Class in St Kevin’s Hall – Fridays 5pm. Only comfortable clothing & runners are needed. Pop in & watch or participate in a free trial lesson. We have a great mixed group of children. Some children don’t enjoy traditional team sports or battle in some way. Every child can be taught to fence. Adult Beginner Classes  starting on Tuesday evenings. Give us a call if you would like to try. Call Lee: 087 676 4183

West Wicklow Cancer Support Our group hosts a weekly Mindful soundbath Meditation with Gemma Deeney on Wednesdays at 11am in the Primary Care Centre Blessington. No cost, open to all. Do bring your own cushion, blanket & a friend. If your life has been impacted by cancer through a diagnosis, a family member, friend, or carer we are here for you. Call: 087 4346004 or westwicklow15@gmail.com