Mass intentions in Blessington Marcella Butler…RD

Saturday: Liam Craul…A Josephine Murphy…A

Sunday: Ann Clarke…A Maurice O Sullivan…A

We also Remember: Leo Howlin…A, Alan Clarke & Clarke Family…Rem, Carol Kavanagh…RD, Nixon Family…Rem, Maureen Murphy…RD, Flynn Family…Rem

Monday:  Mass for the Sick & those in Hospital

Tuesday: Blessington Christmas Masses

Wednesday: Blessington Christmas Masses

Thursday: Blessington Christmas Masses

Friday: Blessington Christmas Masses

The Feast of the Epiphany  will take place on 6th Jan. There will only be one in Mass in the area for this Feast day. Mass is at 10am in the Church of Our Lady Blessington

The Epiphany. Welcome the three Wise Men on horseback to meet the baby Jesus on 7th January at 3pm in Valleymount, with the Ballymore Pipe Band, prayers and refreshments afterwards in Community Hall

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

Thank you to all who helped with the liturgy for our Christmas masses. Your support is much appreciated. A special thank you to the children of St Mary’s who sang beautifully at the Children’s mass on Christmas Eve.

Parish office Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 1pm. Contact details: Phone 045 865 327 Email: admin@blessington.info

Blessington Parish Lotto Numbers on 21st December: 2,14,21,23, €25 Winner: Kirsty Hudson. Numbers on 7^th December: 3,12,13,19, €25 Winner: Thirza Dillon Next Jackpot €4,050

Thought for the week Make a gratitude Jar. Decorate an empty jar, to be filled throughout the year with notes about good things that happen. Don’t let these good things pass by unnoticed, however small they may be.

CARE OF THE EARTH The water you use in the preparation of food, you can store it to later water your plants with it Water your plants or very early or late, to avoid evaporation by the sun and use water-saving hoses.

Blessington Musical and Dramatic Society’s annual panto is back in the Tramway Theatre from 4th – 7th January. Get ready to embark on an enchanting adventure as we bring the classic tale of “Jack and The Beanstalk” to life! All tickets €12 on sale on Eventbrite, The Office Shop and Hennessy’s Next Door, with special preview tickets €10 for Thursday’s show. Come along and support your local Theatre, looking forward to seeing you there!!

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.

Thanks to everyone who came along to the GOAL MILE  on Christmas Day. Miserable weather but we still raised 1070 euro for the GOAL charity so thank you for all the donations

Sakura Due to continuous business growth in Sakura Montessori, we are hiring additional staff for our busy school in Blessington. The three positions that have become available are: –

* Part-time morning Childcare Practitioner with minimum level 5 qualification (a Montessori qualification and an interest in Gaelic an advantage). 9am – 1 pm, Monday – Friday

**Morning Aims Practitioner – Minimum Level 5 in Childcare. 9am – 12pm, Monday – Friday

*** Driver with full clean driver’s licence. 8.1Oam – 9.10am (1 hour per morning), Monday- Friday

Please apply with CV and cover letter to: Antoinette Byrne, Sakura Montessori at antoinettebyrnesakurabless@gmail.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

To Let Very nice self-contained private office at Aran Centre, Blessington opposite Aldi.  From €125 per week plus VAT.  Contact Sean on 087 8175227.

Building & Roofing Contractor Available All Roof Repairs, Slates, Tiles, Lead Valleys, Velux Windows, PvC Fascia & Soffit, Extensions, AtticConversions & Renovations. All Work Guaranteed Niall Kearns 0862746969.

Driving instructor RSA and ADI approved.  Contact Michael 087 459 4258  for bookings.

Mass intentions in Blessington

Saturday: Mick Mills…1st A, Sharon O’Brien…Birthday Rem, Edith McInerney…A , Dan Murphy…A, Bridie Coughlan…A, Robert O Hara…8th A, Elizabeth McGinnity…A

Sunday: Camillus Balfe…A, Elizabeth Dunne…A, Myles & Hannah Wilson…A

We also Remember: Larry, Mary & Matthew Lennon…B Rem     Ann Mary & Michael Norton…Rem Stephen Masterson…A, Phyllis Murphy…A

 Monday:  Mass offered for the sick.

Tuesday: Rose Elliott…A, Maurice O Connell…A, Jim O Connell…A

Wednesday: Nancy Murray…RD, Michael McCarthy…RD

Thursday: William Keogh…A Camillus Balfe…A

Friday: 1st Friday of the month, Mass offered for all on the November List of the Dead The blessing with the relic of Padre Pio will take place after Mass.

November Altar List of the dead envelopes are on the table at the back of the church. Please fill them in if you wish to have their name included. Mass is offered once a month for all names included.

Minister of Eucharist December 2023Church of Our Lady Blessington

SAT 6PM: Frank Hanlon, Ann Hanlon & Mary McCormack

SUNDAY 10AM: Aisling Molloy, Deirdre Breen & Mary McHugh

Dates for Diary

First Holy Communion

Parish Candidates – Saturday April 27^th @11am

Lacken – Saturday May 4^th @ 11am in Lacken Church

St Mary’s Blessington – Saturday May 11^th   Two ceremonies time TBC

Valleymount – Sunday May 12^th @10am in St Joseph’s Church

Gaelscoil – Saturday May 18^th @11am

Parish Remembrance Tree People are invited to write the name of a loved one on a tag and place it on our parish remembrance tree in Clane Church. All will be remembered at our masses during November

Blessington Parish Lotto Numbers on 9th November:3,10,14,25. €25 Winner: Fiona Duffy Next Jackpot €3,825

There will be no Holy Hour during the month of December. It will resume on Jan 9th.

Team Hope Christmas shoebox appeal Would like to say a huge thank you to the people of Blessington and Valleymount parishes for the 131 Shoeboxes filled this year for needy children in Eastern Europe and Africa. Last year the boxes (74) from this parish went to Burkina Faso a small country in Northern Africa.

Valleymount & Lacken Parish Draw Final Draw will take place on Sunday 26^th November after 10am Mass In St Joseph’s Church Valleymount

Lakeshore Striders Blessington are running their 8^th annual collection for the Capuchin Day Centre  with a fresh appeal this year ‘To fill a sock’ for the homeless with any of the following items: Toothbrush & toothpaste, Bar of soap /small shower gel, Roll on deodorant, Gloves, Boxers / underwear. Don’t forget to pack the other sock and tie it at the top with a ribbon or piece of string and please identify if it’s for a male or female / boy or girl. All items must be brand new. Drop off your sock between 12 & 3pm at the Crying Room, Church of Our Lady, Blessington on Sat, 25^th Nov. You can also drop off any of the following items to the collection point at Kenny’s Super Valu Blessington between the 18^th and the 25^th of Nov or to us in the Church of Our Lady’s on the 25^th of Nov: Tea bags, Tins of beans, 1lb packets of sugar, Nappies (all sizes), Baby wipes, Baby formula, Baby food. Financial donations also accepted on the day on behalf of the Capuchin Centre. For further info contact lakeshorestriders@gmail.com

Up Coming Events at Blessington Library I Am Baba, 30th November. Three sessions at 10am, 11am and 12pm.

Flute and Harp  recital by The Old Court Duo Monday 4th December at 11am

Way With Words Literary Festival-In Conversation with Edel Coffey, moderated by Olivia Fitzsimons

Saturday 9th December at 4pm

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

Happy Faces Pre-school St Marys JNS Contact 0877658420 Email: happyfaces.blessington@gmail.com ECCE places available

Ігрова група Valleymount Parent & Baby/toddler працює щочетверга протягом шкільного семестру з 09.30 до 12.00 у Valleymount Hall.  Щиро вітаються нові батьки.  Заходьте випити чашечку чаю та побалакати Valleymount Parent & Baby/Toddler Playgroup meets every Thursday during school term from 9.30am to 12 in Valleymount Hall. New parents most welcome. Pop in for a cuppa & a chat.

Tuesday Rural Bus Service to Naas & Newbridge. Your support is needed to keep this service open. This is ideal as a “shopping bus”. Adult return journey €3.50 & €1 for students. (a free service for many qualifying adults) Departs Blessington Bus Shelter at 10am via Naas to Newbridge (Whitewater Shopping Centre) Departs Whitewater at 1.45pm. Further info: Jane Auld 087 266 0616 or Pat Conlan 086 075 2072

Blessington Bridge Club meets every Monday 18th September at 7.30pm in the Kare Centre. All new players welcome.

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

Looking to upskill or do a new course? Blessington Further Education and Training Centre are now enrolling for Part Time courses in September:

• Digital Marketing
• Database Methods
• Early Leaning & Care
• Stage 1 – Childcare
• Care Skills & Care
• of the Older Person
• Horticulture Science
• Word Processing
• Tourism
• Spreadsheet Methods
• Business Administration
• Social Studies
• & many more… All courses are QQI certified in either Level 4 or 5 Contact: 045 891 099 – 086 850 3833 – 086 806 1569 or email karentownsend@kwetb.ie irenehayden@kwetb.ie

Christmas Market A Festive Showcase Of Local Crafts And Artisans Because they deserve something as special and unique as they are The Avon, Blessington, Co. Wicklow. W91HFX3 Sunday 3^rd Dec 12 noon to 5pm Purplellama.market@gmail.com

CHRISTMAS GALLERY OPEN Saturday & Sunday 12:00 – 17:00 11^th November – 10^th December END OF SEASON SALE EVERYTHING MUST GO TO MAKE WAY FOR NEW EXHIBITION NO REASONABLE OFFER REFUSED Fabulous Original Art Ancient Bog Oak Sculptures This secret Gallery is located in The Glen of Imaal, Eircode W91 P653. Free Tea/Coffee for all Visitors

Building & Roofing Contractor Available All Roof Repairs, Slates, Tiles, Lead Valleys, Velux Windows, PvC Fascia & Soffit, Extensions, AtticConversions & Renovations. All Work Guaranteed Niall Kearns 0862746969.

Driving instructor RSA and ADI approved.  Contact Michael 087 459 4258  for bookings.

Ashling Frames are delighted to now offer a full photo printing service in Blessington, including passport photos, in partnership with Fujifilm, in addition to our custom and standard framing. ashlingframes@gmail.com or follow us on Instagram

Blessington Taxi Phone Greg 087 2626 393

SeeThru Solution – Your Local Trustworthy Cleaning Service for Windows, Gutters, Fascia, Pressure Washing, Softwash, Carpet & Upholstery. Call Greg: 085 858 1850Painter & Decorator – Interior & Exterior Phone: Damien 085 826 0431

Paying too much for SKY or Virgin Media? We Install or Repair Free to Air and Saorview! No more Bills! Call Billy 086 868 0053

Local Builder Available – All services under one roof, Windows & Doors, Plumbing, Tiling, Roofing, Plastering, Electrical, Carpentry, Insulation. All levels of construction services available. Fully registered. Call Paul 086 309 1829

Interior Designs by Elizabeth Creative, Unique, Personal. Please phone: 086 088 1806. Email: elizabethdoyle.ed@gmail.com

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

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

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

Clarkes Funeral Directors I.A.F.D. Funeral Home & Office, Burgage, Blessington. All areas serviced. Phone: Tony, Regina or Gordon: 087 273 9048 / 087 659 6426 / 087 249 5411 www.funeraldirectorsblessington.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

Newsletter Advertising Rates, For just 50c per word per week you can reach a large, local audience. Cut-off for receiving adverts is Wed 10am. You can email the copy to office@blessington.info and pay in the Parish Office, or via the Donate button on our website or by bank transfer. Call the Parish Office: 045 865 327

• PARISH INFORMATION

Church of Our Lady, Blessington – Mass Times: Saturday 6.00pm.  Sunday 10.00amWeekdays: Monday to Friday 9.30am – Fr. Richard Behan PP. Tel: 045 865327Church of Our Lady of Mercy, Crosschapel – Mass Times: Sundays 11.30amSt. Brigid’s Church, Manor Kilbride – Mass Times: Sundays 11.00amWeekdays: Monday to Friday 9am – Fr. Paraic McDermott C.S. Sp., Tel: 01 4582154St. Joseph’s Church, Valleymount – Mass Times: Sunday 10amOur Lady of Mount Carmel, Lacken – Mass Time: Saturdays 7.30pmParish Office: 9am to 1pm Monday to Friday Tel: 045 865 327