Thank You

To Fr. Gerry and all in the parish for your support and encouragement

and prayers during my ministry as Deacon. It has been a privilege and an honour.

Wishing you Gods Blessings.

Deacon Gerry

COMMUNITY DIARY

SATURDAY 10^th Jan

Women’s Breakfast From 9.30-11am. In the Coimin Centre. All are welcome

6pm Mass Church of Our Lady, Blessington. Sacrament of Confession: After 6pm Mass

SUNDAY 11^th Jan

10am Mass St. Josephs Church, Valleymount

11:30am Mass Our Lady of Mercy, Crosschapel

MONDAY 12^th Jan

9.30am Mass Church of Our Lady, Blessington

Blessington Bridge Club. 7.15pm, Kare Centre. Information on pg. 3

TUESDAY 13^th Jan

9.30am Mass Church of Our Lady, Blessington

WEDNESDAY 14^th Jan

9.30am Mass Church of Our Lady, Blessington

Rosary & Holy Hour. 10am to 11am Church of Our Lady, Blessington

 

Pray & Play Group

3pm–4.30pm, Coimín Centre

Blessington Parish Children’s Choir

4.20pm-5pm. All are welcome

THURSDAY 15^th Jan

9.30am Mass Church of Our Lady, Blessington

Blessington Indoor Bowls Club

7.30pm in St Kevin’s Hall, Information on pg. 3

FRIDAY 16^th Jan

9.30am Mass Church of Our Lady, Blessington

Mass Intentions in

Church of Our Lady, Blessington

John Joe Richardson…RD… Birr & Late of Baltyboys

Saturday

John & Liam Craul…A, Leo Howlin…A, Marie Cruise…A, Suzanne Hynes…B. Rem, Seamus McDonnell…B. Rem, Joan Bird…A , Maurice O Sullivan…A

Sunday

Dermot Dwyer…RD, Ann McCaul…RD , Mary Flanagan… Months Mind, Tom Tyrrell…A, Charlie Hayes…A

Monday

Mass for the Sick & those in Hospital

Tuesday

Special Intentions Mass, Brenda Wilson…RD, Special Living Intention Mass

Wednesday

Mairead O’Sullivan…A, Get Well Mass

Thursday

Blessington deceased card list

Friday

Paddy Dolan …RD, Mary Lenihan…RD

Ned Fitzsimons & Family, Brittas Would like to sincerely thank everyone who sympathised and helped us through the recent bereavement of our beloved wife and mother, Cis Fitzsiomons. A mass will be offer for your intentions. Her months mind will be held in Crosschapel on Sunday 11^th January at 11.30am.

UPCOMING DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Saturday 17^th January at 6pm

First Holy Communion Mass, Church of Our Lady, Blessington.

Sunday 18^th January at 10am,

Family MassChurch of Our Lady Blessington

Refreshments after Mass in the Coimin Centre.

Thursday 5^th February at 7.30pm

A talk on “Where is Pope Leo leading the Church?” will be held in the Coimin Centre.

All Welcome

Church of Our Lady, Blessington & Church of Our Lady of Mercy, Crosschapel. St. Joseph’s Church, Valleymount & Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Lacken Fr. Gerry Kane PP. Tel: 045 865 327

St. Brigid’s Church, Manor Kilbride Fr. Paraic McDermott C.S.Sp. Tel: 01 4582154

Parish Office: 9am to 1pm Monday to Friday Tel: 045 865 327 admin@blessington.info

Deadline for Notices in the Newsletter The deadline to have your notices in  the newsletter is Tuesday at 11am at the very latest

Minister of Eucharist Jan 2026 Church of Our Lady Blessington SAT 6PM: Teresa Ball & Sara Ortega SUNDAY 10AM: Kay Clarke & Mary McHugh

CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHINGS “The Church cannot remain silent before so much injustice without being unfaithful to the Gospel.” St Oscar Romero

Popes Intentions for Jan 2026 For prayer with the Word of God Let us pray that praying with the Word of God be nourishment for our lives and a source of hope in our communities, helping us to build a more fraternal and missionary Church.

Women’s Breakfast Blessington & Valleymount Parishes. Dates for 2026 Saturday, 10th January Saturday, 14th March Summer breakfast TBC. Look forward to seeing you there.

A Prayer for the New Year As the new year begins, I look to You for our hope, joy, and peace. Give me the courage to do all that You ask of me. Please also make me brave to not do what isn’t from You. Show me how to walk in grace and embrace Your love for me even more. Amen

Feast Days – 15^th Jan – St. Ita. St lta was born in Co. Waterford of noble and Christion parents. Early on she set her mind on serving Christ in religious life. She founded o monastery in Killeedy, Co. Limerick, which attracted o great variety of young people. She was given the title ‘foster-mother of the saints of Ireland’. She died in 570. 16^th Jan St Fursa St Fursa was born in Ireland and become one of the great monastic missionaries abroad. He went first with his brothers Foillon and Ulton to live the monastic life in East Anglia. But as great numbers continued to visit him there, he left Foillon as abbot and sought refuge in Fronce around 644. A patron gave him a hermitage at Lagny on the Marne.  He died about 650 at Mezeralles and was buried in Peronne, which become of great center of devotion to him.

BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT The Irish Hospice Foundation provides a free Bereavement Support Line. This National Freephone Service is available from 10am to 1pm, Monday to Friday, by calling 1800 807077. Visit www.hospicefoundation.ie for more information.

Blessington Parish Lotto Numbers on 25^th Dec 2025.: 2,4,18,26. €25 Winner:  Michelle Fitz-Henry. Numbers on 1^st Jan 2026: 5,10,27,29 €25 Winner: Aoifanna Phibbs Next Jackpot €3000.

The Wonder of Creation Mount Everest is the tallest mountain  It stands about 8,848 meters (29,029 feet) above sea level.

Act in such a way that the effects of your actions are compatible with the persistence of genuine human life on earth Hans Jonas

A Prayer for our Parish. Heavenly Father, Bless our Church and our parish, And all the good work that goes on in them. May all who are Christians live and work together for the good of each other and the glory of your Name. May those who do not know you be brought by our example to a loving knowledge and peace with you. Amen

AWARE SUPPORT & SELF CARE GROUPS If you or those with whom you work wish to connect with people in relation to your mental wellbeing, consider using Aware’s phone-in and Zoom support and self-care groups, support line or support mail. For more information, visit www.aware.ie.

Accord Prayer for Marriage & Family Life God of love, show us our place in this world as channels of your love. Give to us the gift of respect, empathy and understanding. Bless and strengthen our love for each other. Help us to appreciate the value of family life and to live in harmony with all whom we come in contact with. Encourage us, we pray, to act justly, love tenderly and walk humbly with the Lord. Praise be to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen

BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT The Irish Hospice Foundation provides a free Bereavement Support Line. This National Freephone Service is available from 10am to 1pm, Monday to Friday, by calling 1800 807077. Visit www.hospicefoundation.ie for more information.

Lacken Naíonra Enrolment Now open for 2026-2027 for Lacken Naíonra pre-school. Please contact office at 045-865086 or email naionra@lackenns.com

St Mary’s Junior N.S.  2026/27 school year Currently accepting applications. To apply please contact Bernadette in the school office 045 865501 or visit our website – www.stmarysjuniorschool.ie – click on Parent Information tab, select Application Forms  in the Policies and Enrolment section.

Blessington Further Education & Training Centre New courses beginning in January 2026. Early Learning and Care Stage 1 and Stage 2 (Childcare Level 5 and 6) Includes compulsory Professional Practice Placement, Special Needs Assistant Level 5 (30 hours compulsory Work Experience), Spreadsheets Methods (Excel) Level 4, Workplace Safety Level 4, Database Methods Level 4, Business with Tourism Level 5, Contact number 086 8503833

Blessington Millennium Choir Will resume practice on  Tuesday 13^th Jan at 7.30pm in  the KARE centre New members welcome

ocial Dancing. Enjoy an evening of dancing to the Gamblers In Donard Community Hall Sat 20^th Dec, 9pm -12am. All Welcome.

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

Blessington Bridge Club Meets every Mon at 7.15pm in the Kare Centre. New players welcome.

Blessington Musical and Dramatic Society Presents Our Annual Panto Cinderella in The Tramway Theatre! Promises to be a great show for all the family!  Tickets available via Eventbrite https://tinyurl.com/BMDS-Panto or in the Office shop or Hennessy’s Next Door. Show times: Jan 15th & 16th at 7pm, Jan 17th at 2:30pm & 7pm, Sun 18th at 2:30pm. Great Christmas stocking filler!

Gaelscoil na Lochanna seek to employ a Bus Escort to assist children with additional needs getting to and from school. Initially 1 hour of work in morning before school time and 1 hour after school time. Candidates should have experience in working with children, have an understanding of additional needs in children, and be able to deal with parents and school staff in a professional manner. Irish ability is an advantage. This position is subject to satisfactory references and Garda Vetting. The hourly rate of pay is in line with the Department of Education guidelines for School Bus Escorts (€15.20 per hour), processed weekly during school term time. Escorts are not paid over school holidays but receive holiday pay instead. Application by CV /queries should be emailed to priomhoide@gaelscoilnalochanna.com

Helix Motorcycles repair shop just opened in Stratford, if you need a simple service, complex repair or just a touch up on the paintwork call or text on 087 373 5709

Masses for Christmas

Will be on 21st and 28th Dec

Names of those being prayed for in the Christmas Remembrance Masses, will be inscribed on an Altar List to be placed on the Altar.

If you would like your loved one remembered, please contact the Parish Office (045 865327)

Before Thursday 20th Dec.

COMMUNITY DIARY

SATURDAY 13^th Dec

11am Healing Mass Church of Our Lady Blessington All are welcome

6pm Communion Mass Church of Our Lady, Blessington Sacrament of Confession: After 6pm Mass

7.30pm Mass Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Lacken.

SUNDAY 14^th Dec

10am Family Mass with Children’s choir Church of Our Lady, Blessington, Refreshments after in Coimin Centre

11.30am Mass St. Brigid’s Church, Manor Kilbride

11:30am Mass Our Lady of Mercy, Crosschapel

MONDAY 15^th Dec

 9.30am Mass Church of Our Lady, Blessington

Blessington Bridge Club 7.15pm, Kare Centre. Information on pg. 3

TUESDAY 16^th Dec

9.30am Mass Church of Our Lady, Blessington

WEDNESDAY 17^th Dec

 9.30am Mass Church of Our Lady, Blessington

 Pray & Play Group 3pm–4.30pm, Coimín Centre

Blessington Parish Children’s Choir 4.20pm-5pm. All are welcome

THURSDAY 18^th Dec

9.30am Mass Church of Our Lady, Blessington

Blessington Indoor Bowls Club 7.30pm in St Kevin’s Hall, Information on pg. 3

FRIDAY 19^th Dec

9.30am Mass Church of Our Lady, Blessington

Mass Intentions in Church of Our Lady, Blessington

Mary Flanagan…RD, Carrig glen

Maria Ilao Macatigbac…RD, Philippines

Saturday Bill Smith…A, Dennis Brereton…A, Thanksgiving Mass

Sunday Brendan & Eva Cummings…A, Tom & Ellen Cummings…A, Chrissie Cummings & Noel Cummings…A, Dan & Margaret Ryan…A

Monday Mass for the Sick & those in Hospital

Tuesday Peter Sheridan…RD, Special Intentions Mass

Wednesday Joseph McDonald…A, Rodger McCarrick…RD

Thursday Blessington Deceased Card List

Friday John Willie…RD, Michael Cody…A

The Annual Vincent de Paul collection will take place this weekend the 13^th & 14^th Dec. This collection will replace the Share collection at all Masses

Feast Days – 18th Dec – St. Flannan, Bishop. Accordingly, Flannan travelled to Rome where Pope John IV consecrated him the first Bishop of Killaloe. He was a wildly popular bishop, and devotion to him seems to have spread to the Hebrides, islands off the coast of Scotland, where he may have preached. Flannan is now the patron saint of Killaloe and of County Clare.

Minister of Eucharist Dec 2025 Church of Our Lady Blessington SAT 6PM: Ann & Frank Hanlon SUNDAY 10AM: Fidelma Dunne & George Richardson

Popes Intentions for December Christians In Areas Of Conflict Let us pray that Christians living in areas of war or conflict, especially in the Middle East, might be seeds of peace, reconciliation and hope.

CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHINGS “Not to share our wealth with the poor is to steal from them.” St John Chrysostom

The Wonder of Creation Penguins can’t fly—but they can swim fast! – Emperor penguins can dive up to 500 meters (1,640 feet) deep.

Blessington Parish Lotto Numbers on 4^th Dec 2025. 6, 20, 25, 29. €25 Winner: Sarah Flynn Next Jackpot €3000.

Women’s Breakfast Blessington & Valleymount Parishes. Dates for 2026 Saturday, 10th January, Saturday, 14th March, Summer breakfast TBC Look forward to seeing you there,  The Women’s Community Team

A Prayer for our Parish. Heavenly Father, Bless our Church and our parish, And all the good work that goes on in them. May all who are Christians live and work together for the good of each other and the glory of your Name. May those who do not know you be brought by our example to a loving knowledge and peace with you. Amen

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION SURVEY  – HAVE YOUR SAY. The current Department of Education survey on the future of patronage in the primary sector is important in that it will shape the discussion on primary school divesting for the years to come throughout the Republic of Ireland. The survey is school specific and needs to be responded to by all parents and prospective parents locally. It is important that those who wish for a change in patronage would have their voice heard. It is equally important that those who wish for a Catholic education for their children, and the support for sacramental preparation available in Catholic schools, would have their voice heard also. For those reasons and to ensure that an accurate picture emerges, please participate in this survey if you are a parent or a prospective parent of a Primary school student. The survey can be accessed at www.gov.ie/primaryschoolsurvey/.  It closes on Tuesday, December 16.

Deadline for Notices in the Newsletter The deadline to have your notices in the newsletter is Tuesday at 11am  at the very latest.

Church of Our Lady, Blessington & Church of Our Lady of Mercy, Crosschapel St. Joseph’s Church, Valleymount & Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Lacken Fr. Gerry Kane PP. Tel: 045 865 327

St. Brigid’s Church, Manor Kilbride Fr. Paraic McDermott C.S.Sp.  Tel: 01 4582154

Parish Office: 9am to 1pm Monday to Friday Tel: 045 865 327 admin@blessington.info

Blessington Parish Lotto Numbers on 27^th Nov 2025. 3,5,15,16. €25 Winner: Fr. Richard Behan Next Jackpot €3000.

AWARE SUPPORT & SELF CARE GROUPS If you or those with whom you work wish to connect with people in relation to your mental wellbeing, consider using Aware’s phone-in and Zoom support and self-care groups, support line or support mail. For more information, visit www.aware.ie.

Accord Prayer for Marriage & Family Life God of love, show us our place in this world as channels of your love. Give to us the gift of respect, empathy and understanding. Bless and strengthen our love for each other. Help us to appreciate the value of family life and to live in harmony with all whom we come in contact with. Encourage us, we pray, to act justly, love tenderly and walk humbly with the Lord. Praise be to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen

BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT The Irish Hospice Foundation provides a free Bereavement Support Line. This National Freephone Service is available from 10am to 1pm, Monday to Friday, by calling 1800 807077. Visit www.hospicefoundation.ie for more information.

Lacken Naíonra Enrolment Now open for 2026-2027 for Lacken Naíonra pre-school. Please contact office at 045-865086 or email naionra@lackenns.com

St Mary’s Junior N.S.  2026/27 school year Currently accepting applications. To apply please contact Bernadette in the school office 045 865501 or visit our website – www.stmarysjuniorschool.ie – click on Parent Information tab, select Application Forms  in the Policies and Enrolment section.

Candlelight Walk in Russborough  has been rescheduled to Sun 28th Dec at 6pm. Have a catch up with friends and family for a post Christmas Walk. Fundraising for St Mary’s Church and The Irish Cancer Society. The walk has run for over 10 years now and is an enjoyable evening. So don your Santa hats and come along.  €5 per person. Keep an eye on social media for updates and fingers crossed it stays dry.

Congratulations to the Winners of the Valleymount & Lacken Draw Ann & Jimmy Flynn, Tommy Mooney Liz Dignam, Seamus Doyle Kathleen & Philip Leonard, Michael Farrington Sylvia & Liam Kavanagh, Betty & Edward Miley Janet & Henry Ward, Breda & John O’Keefe Alan Ridge, Aislinn & Liam Reid Ann Farrington’s Grandchildren Dorrie Byrne, Maria Gallagher Martina & Ger Traynor, Caitriona Cullen Barry Brophy, Jackie O Neill Mary & Sean Brennan, May Farrington Sadie & Seamus Miley, Margaret Eustace AnneMarie Clarke, Hilary Miley Tanya & John Cullen, Angela & John Richardson, Rosaleen Byrne Anita & Myles Fitzpatyrick, Joan & Sean Farrington,  Sheila Kinane, Mary Norton Ger Conway & Oisin Scally Maureen Phibbs, John Balfe Jimmy Byrne, Cathy Pattan Bernie Fitzpatrick, Tom Guing Fiona Shannon, Eileen Miley Jacinta Shannon, Marie & Johnny Brophy.

Community Carol Service Saturday 13th December at 4pm in St Mary’s Church. Come along and join us for what has become our annual service where we journey with Mary, Joseph and their 2 donkeys telling the Christmas story. We will start in St Mary’s at 4 pm and finish in Church of our Lady. There will be refreshments afterwards in Comin Centre. Great event for all ages.

Blessington Further Education & Training Centre New courses beginning in January 2026. Early Learning and Care Stage 1 and Stage 2 (Childcare Level 5 and 6) Includes compulsory Professional Practice Placement, Special Needs Assistant Level 5 (30 hours compulsory Work Experience), Spreadsheets Methods (Excel) Level 4, Workplace Safety Level 4, Database Methods Level 4, Business with Tourism Level 5, Contact number 086 8503833

Social Dancing. Enjoy an evening of dancing to the Gamblers In Donard Community Hall Sat 20^th Dec, 9pm -12am. All Welcome.

Santa arrives in  Manor Kilbride on Sunday the 14th of Dec at 1pm! All Welcome! Also on the 14th in Manor Kilbride Hall we are holding our annual Christmas Fair including; Cake Sale, Games, local stalls and exhibitors, barista coffee and hot chocolates galore! Venue: Kilbride GAA Clubhouse and Playground from 12pm to 2.30pm or so. Proceeds go towards finishing the Club House which we hope to open in March 2026 Buy a ticket for our raffle and support our new Club House…1 ticket €10, 6 for €50 or buy even more! Buy a ticket online today from €10 @ www.KilbrideGAA.com/shop or use the QR code here Please contact Diarmuid on 0863113443 or email: info@KilbrideGAA.com if you would like to exhibit and have a stand on the day.

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

Blessington Bridge Club Meets every Mon at 7.15pm in the Kare Centre. New players welcome.

Blessington Musical and Dramatic Society Presents Our Annual Panto Cinderella in The Tramway Theatre! Promises to be a great show for all the family!  Tickets available via Eventbrite https://tinyurl.com/BMDS-Panto or in the Office shop or Hennessy’s Next Door. Show times: Jan 15th & 16th at 7pm, Jan 17th at 2:30pm & 7pm, Sun 18th at 2:30pm. Great Christmas stocking filler!

The Valleymount  Community Shed Sessions Have cancelled their session as a mark of respect on the recent passing of Mary Flanagan RIP

Christmas Trees Direct form the Farm Slade Valley Brittas, Eircode D24TEP6, Ph. 087 925 0064

Helix Motorcycles repair shop just opened in Stratford, if you need a simple service, complex repair or just a touch up on the paintwork call or text on 087 373 5709