Newsletter Archive

Newsletter 14th Jan 2024 Issue 1485

January 12, 2024

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

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.

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

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

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

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

Newsletter 7th Jan 2024 Issue 1485

January 5, 2024

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