Mass intentions in Blessington

Saturday: Peggy Howlin…A, Gerard O Hanlon…B-Day Rem, Lily Horan…A, Peter & Anne Fennell…A

Sunday: Liam O Reilly…A, Christopher Flanagan…A, Mary McGuire…A, Rebecca Hopkins…A, Simon Hopkins…Rem

We also Remember: Ann O Byrne…A

Monday:  Mass for the Sick & those in Hospital

Tuesday: Muriel Gardiner…RD, Ed Miley…A

Wednesday: Sr. Anne Marie Doyle…RD, Frank Blake…RD

Thursday: Henry Flynn…RD, Annette Cashen…RD

Friday:  1st Friday of the month, Mass offered for all on the November List of the Dead

Rosary & Holy Hour on Tuesday 30th January, 7pm to 8pm in Church of Our Lady Blessington

Pray & Play Group In the Coimin Centre, Every Wednesday From 2.45pm to 4.30pm. For children of all ages with their parents, grandparents, guardians. Contact Áine 0833798366 or Call the office on 045365327

Minister of Eucharist February 2024 Church of Our Lady Blessington SAT 6PM: Ann Hanlon, Frank Hanlon & Theresa Ball SUNDAY 10AM: Brendan Mahon, George Richardson & Kay Clarke

Parish Calendars Last few are still available For sale in Parish Office €5 each.

I would like to thank you all for your continued support in these challenging times, it is greatly appreciated. Our new Neighbourhood Collection account is with AIB if you would like to renew your Standing Order or set up a new one, the account details are:

IBAN IE10 AIBK 9332 3642 2314 05

BIC   AIBKIE2D

Donations can also be made through the Neighbourhood Collection envelopes from

the parish office,

Once again, may I thank all who support the parish through your donations and thank you for your generosity. With every blessing,

Fr Richard

Dates for 2024 – February 3^rd – St Blaise, Patron saint of throats. Ash Wednesday falls on the 14th February Easter Sunday falls on the 31st March.

Popes intention for February February: For the Terminally Ill. The Holy Father encourages prayers “so that terminally ill patients and their families always receive necessary medical and human care and support.”

CARE OF THE EARTH Grow vegetables. The vegetables we eat today are grown with chemicals and pesticides. If you planted your own veggies without using the above mentioned “ingredients”, you will have organic food of excellent quality, beneficial for both your health and the environment as the land will be less intoxicated with chemicals. Another benefit is organic vegetables are tastier so not only are you becoming healthier – you will also get to taste delicious bursts of flavor.

Thought for the week A small house will hold as much happiness as a big one

PRAYER TO ST BRIDGET To St Bridget, Bridget, you were a woman of peace., You brought harmony where there was conflict., You brought light to the darkness. You brought hope to the downcast. May the mantle of your peace cover those who are troubled and anxious. And may peace be firmly rooted in our hearts and in our world. Inspire us to act justly and to reverence all God has made. Bridget, you were a voice for the wounded and the weary. Strengthen what is weak within us. Calm us into a quietness that heals and listens. May we grow each day into greater wholeness in mind, body and spirit. Amen.

Prayer in Honor of St. Blaise O GOD, deliver us through the intercession of Thy holy bishop and martyr Blaise, from all evil of soul and body, especially from all ills of the throat; and grant us the grace to make a good confession in the confident hope of obtaining Thy pardon, and ever to praise with worthy lips Thy most holy name. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

St Brigid’s N.S. are now 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 on Tuesday 30th January 2024.  The school will be open from 6.30pm till 7.30pm. All the staff look forward to seeing you there

Blessington Parish Lotto Numbers on 11^th January: 1,9,13,15. €25 Winner: Christine O’Connor Next Jackpot €4,150

Used Stamp Collection We are collecting any used stamps in aid of the Missions. If you would like to donate the stamps that you have at home you can put them into the box which is located back of the Church of Our Lady, Blessington

Blessington Bridge Club Meets every Monday at 7.30pm in the Kare Centre. All new players welcome.

Valleymount Walking Group Would you like to start walking? This group is open to everyone of all ages and capabilities. Meeting point: Community Shed Valleymount For more information contact Sean 086 250 8230

Sunday 28th January 2024 Songs & Tunes Session, Zellers of Lacken 6 to 9pm. All listeners, singers,  players very welcome. Any song/tune/style; any ability level; all ages. Just for fun! Bring a friend
Info.: Fiona 0838127317 lakesidesessions2@gmail.com

Friendship Club Every Tuesday 3-5pm Manor Kilbride Hall Starting Tue 6th Feb Tea, Coffee, Chat €2 cover charge Adults only. All welcome

4th, 5th & 6th Class Primary School Disco Friday 26th January In St Joseph’s Hall Blessington 7 pm 9.30pm Admission €10paid At Door All Schools Very Welcome

Blessington Walking Club Community support for mental emotional and physical health Morning walks during weekdays  at 9.30am Sunday walks at 11am Meeting point Blessington further ed centre WhatsApp 087 223 4005 insta@blessingtonwalkingclub

Craft Market at The Avon  on the 5th February 12:00-5:00, promoting the very best of affordable art, crafts and artisan foods

Blessington AFC in association with Tramway Theatre presents Blessington Cinema. All proceeds raised will go towards Blessington AFC teams travelling to represent the club in the Manchester Easter Cup 2024. Limited Tickets 🎟️ so get yours now in The OFFICE SHOP.

Blessington GAA  JUNGLE CHALLENGE  Official launch night. Saturday 27th January, Murphy’s Bar, Blessington 8pm – 10pm. Come along and meet this year’s contestants.  (over 18’s event)

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

Always wanted to sing? All Welcome. No Auditions. Blessington Millennium Choir are looking to recruit new members who love to sing. With mixed ability and experience, we aim to positively impact our community and as such regularly raise funds for organisations and participate in events. So, if you sing in the shower, you are the King or Queen of Karaoke or a keen amateur, Come & Join Us We meet every Tuesday evening 7.30 to 9.30pm at the Kare Centre, Blessington For more details please phone (087) 4352385 or (087) 2431499 www.choirbmc.com

Blessington Library . These are our recurring events. For children and their parents/guardians Tummy Time [0 – 12 months] – Every Thursday, 11.30am Toddler Time [1 – 3 years olds] – Every Friday, 11.30am Story Time [3 – 6 years olds] –  Saturday, 11.30am Children’s Book Club  (Contact the library for more details) Age 8-9 First Thursday of month at 6.30pm Age 10-12 Third Tuesday of month at 7pm. For adults Cuidiú – Breastfeeding group Every second Monday, starting  Monday 15th January. Adult Book Clubs  (Contact the library for more details) Last Thursday of month at 6.30pm Last Friday of month at 11.00am Last Tuesday of month at 6.45pm Writing Group Second Thursday of month at 7pm Poetry Group Third Thursday of month at 6.45pm Crafty Hookers, Knitting Group
Every Wednesday, 11.00am

Blessington Community Employment Vacancies These are developmental opportunities, no experience necessary. St Kevin’s, Cemetery, Hollywood Duties inclusive of but not restricted to grass cutting, light maintenance, key holding, and cleaning. Closing Date: 20/02/2024 Reference: CES: 2317015. Secretary, St Kevin’s  Community Centre. Duties inclusive of but not restricted to admin, answering calls,  And secretarial work. Closing Date: 02/02/2024 Reference: CES: 2317031. Caretaker, Hollywood Community Centre. Duties to include but not restricted to preparing hall for meetings and events, cleaning, light maintenance, and painting. Closing Date: 02/02/2024 Reference: CES: 2317081 Caretaker, St. Johns Cemetery, Ballymore. Duties inclusive of but not restricted to grass cutting, light maintenance, key holding, and cleaning. Closing Date: 16/02/2024 Reference: CES: 2317525 Please contact us on 085-2523563 or martincahill@blessingtonce.ie Please note *You must be in receipt of a social welfare payment for the last 12 months to qualify for these positions. * CE Rates Apply.

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

Blessington Counselling & Psychotherapy – Mandy Downes MAPCP 085 134 9813 Specialist in CBT & Solution focused Therapy

Wicklow & Kildare Mental Health Services  Counselling & Psychotherapy. Aran Centre, Blessington, Co. Wicklow. For Bookings please contact, by phone: 089 274 4920 or e-mail: info@wicklowandkildarementalhealth.ie

Mass intentions in Blessington Harry Carroll…RD

Saturday: Michael, Catherine & Mary Kearns…A John O Connor…A  Joan Bird…A  Mollie McEvoy…A Tom Tyrrell…A  James, Mary & Daniel Nolan…A

Sunday: Sean & Elizabeth O Donnell…A Charlie Hayes…A Sidney & Maureen Hambly…A

We also Remember: Muriel Brown…A Vera Kavanagh…Rem Sally Drumm…Rem  Cissy McEvoy…Rem

Monday:  Mass for the Sick & those in Hospital

Tuesday: Mass Intentions Carmel Kelly…RD

Wednesday: Jim O Leary…RD        Bridie Burke…RD

Thursday: Tony Walsh…A  Anniversary Mass

Friday:  Betty Griffin…Rd  Marcella Butler…RD

Rosary & Holy Hour returns  on Tuesday 16^th January 7pm to 8pm in Church of Our Lady Blessington

Pray & Play Group In the Coimin Centre, Every Wednesday From 2.45pm to 4.30pm. For children of all ages with their parents, grandparents, guardians. Contact Áine 0833798366 or Call the office on 045365327

Minister of Eucharist January 2024 Church of Our Lady Blessington SAT 6PM: Margaret Keogh Annmarie Wall & Pat McGrath SUNDAY 10AM: Michael Keogh & Margaret Flynn

Parish Calendars Last few are still available For sale in Parish Office €5 each.

I would like to thank you all for your continued support in these challenging times, it is greatly appreciated. Our new Neighbourhood Collection account is with AIB if you would like to renew your Standing Order or set up a new one, the account details are:

IBAN IE10 AIBK 9332 3642 2314 05

BIC   AIBKIE2D

Donations can also be made through the Neighbourhood Collection envelopes from

the parish office,

Once again, may I thank all who support the parish through your donations and thank you for your generosity. With every blessing,

Fr Richard

Christianity Unity Week begins Thursday 18th January  The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is an ecumenical Christian observance in the Christian calendar that is celebrated internationally. The theme of the Week in 2024 is “You shall love the Lord your God … and your neighbour as yourself”. The prayer for Christian unity is that all may be one as the gracious Trinity:  Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Christians are called to act like Christ in loving like the Good Samaritan1. The prayer is for unity and harmony among nations and communities, and for visible unity among all who believe in him.

Dates for 2024  Ash Wednesday falls on the 14th February Easter Sunday falls on the 31st March

Popes Intention for January The gift of diversity Pope Francis’ prayer intention for the month of January is for the gift of diversity in the Church. “There is no need to fear the diversity of charisms in the Church. Rather, living this diversity should make us rejoice,”

Thought for the week Who is my, neighbour

CARE OF THE EARTH Recycle Properly Recycling preserves natural resources, limits waste, and reduces pollution. All you need to do to recycle is to make the right decisions by buying products or materials that can be recycled. When you go shopping, buy products with little packaging. When trashing your bin, trash the recyclable materials in the recycle bin

St Brigid’s N.S. are now 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 on Tuesday 30th January 2024.  The school will be open from 6.30pm till 7.30pm. All the staff look forward to seeing you there.

Blessington Parish Lotto Numbers on 4^th January: 2,10,13,25 €25 Winner: Sheila Kinane Next Jackpot €4,075

Left at the Lamb Book Reprint available In the Parish Office

Used Stamp Collection We are collecting any used stamps in aid of the Missions. If you would like to donate the stamps that you have at home you can put them into the box which is located back of the Church of Our Lady, Blessington

Blessington Bridge Club Meets every Monday at 7.30pm in the Kare Centre. All new players welcome.

Valleymount Community Shed NEW MEMBERS. If you or someone you know would like to join our Shed, drop in any Monday or Friday from 10.30 to 12.30 at the back of the priest’s house (The old stables) for a chat and to see what we do.

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

Valleymount Community Shed Committee We would like to express our gratitude for the wonderful support we received at all our Saturday night events last year. We are now available on Facebook, click on and like our page to see how our shed is progressing and have a look at the videos from our recent music nights. We are open to new members, young and old. Send us a message and we will contact you with all the details on how to join. Our next music night is January 13^th at 7.30pm in the shed stables.  All are most welcome to attend, especially musicians, poets, singers, and storytellers. We will have something new at each upcoming music night this year, a 10-minute talk or demonstration by some interesting people, Not To Be Missed!! Come along and see what we’re all about

Blessington History Society AGM is holding its Annual General Meeting as follows: Date: Thursday 18th January Venue: Coimin Centre Time: 7.45 pm Prior to the meeting Mr. Gavin Woods CEO of St Patrick’s Cathedral will make a presentation and speak on the link between the town of Blessington and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. This connection arises through Archbishop Michael Boyle who established and designed Blessington as we know it today and is buried in St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Gavin is a native of the Blessington area and currently resides in Blessington. On the night the Blessington History Committee for the coming year 2024 will be elected. Annual membership fees are due on the night: Individual: 25 euro Couple: 35 euro All are welcome to attend and please encourage you friends and acquaintances to come along and become a member of Blessington History Society.

Always wanted to sing? All Welcome. No Auditions. Blessington Millennium Choir are looking to recruit new members who love to sing. With mixed ability and experience, we aim to positively impact our community and as such regularly raise funds for organisations and participate in events. So, if you sing in the shower, you are the King or Queen of Karaoke or a keen amateur, Come & Join Us We meet every Tuesday evening 7.30 to 9.30pm at the Kare Centre, Blessington For more details please phone (087) 4352385 or (087) 2431499 www.choirbmc.com

Blessington Counselling & Psychotherapy – Mandy Downes MAPCP 085 134 9813 Specialist in CBT & Solution focused Therapy

Wicklow & Kildare Mental Health Services  Counselling & Psychotherapy. Aran Centre, Blessington, Co. Wicklow. For Bookings please contact, by phone: 089 274 4920 or e-mail: info@wicklowandkildarementalhealth.ie