Sunday 15^th August – Feast of the Assumption of Our Blessed Lady

 “Take my hand, O Blessed Mother, hold me firmly lest I fall. I am nervous when I am walking and to thee I humbly call. Guide me over every crossing, watch me when I am on the stairs, let me know you are beside me, listen to my fervent prayer. Bring me to my destination safely every day. Help me with each undertaking as the hours pass away. And when evening falls upon us, and I fear to be alone, take my hand O Blessed Mother, once again and lead me home”. Amen

Mass intentions this week

Saturday 6pm Mass: Paddy & Christina Jordan (A), Mary & Michael Halloran (A), Special Living Intentions

Sunday 10am: Mary Ann Flanagan (A), William Brady (Birthday Remembrance)

We remember the following:

Monday: Mass for Blessington List of the Sick

Tuesday: Sheila Roche (A), Nora Quill (RD)

Wednesday: Christy Dempsey (15^th A), Cora Mitchell (RD)

Thursday: Birthday Remembrance, Birthday Remembrance

Friday: William Sargent (A), Get Well Intention

►Saturday 14^th August: 6pm Mass in Blessington, 7.30pm Mass in Lacken

►Sunday 15^th August: 10.00am Mass in Blessington, 11.00am Mass in Manor Kilbride, 11.15am Mass in Valleymount & 11.30am Mass in Crosschapel

►Tuesday 17^th August: Holy Hour & Rosary offered for the intentions of our families from 7pm to 8pm in, Blessington

►Daily Mass: 9am Manor Kilbride, 9.30am Blessington, 10am Crosschapel

Monthly Envelopes for the Month of August can be dropped into the Parish Office, Post Box in Church or to the collection boxes at Mass. Many thanks to all contributors for your continued support. Contact the Parish Office if you would like to begin a monthly donation.

Please Support all our Priests by contributing to the Summer Dues. Envelopes are now available in our Churches. You can take one as you visit the Church during the summer months & return to the Parish Office or to the collection boxes in the Church.

PLEASE BOOK A TICKET for 6pm Mass on Saturday & 10am Mass on Sunday and collect from the Parish Office 9am to 1pm Monday to Friday. Ph: 045 865 327

St Mary’s Schools & Blessington Parish Lotto. Numbers drawn for on 12th August: 4, 5, 8, 16. Weekly winner of €25 was Lisa Harrington. Next week’s jackpot is €825. If you’re not in, you can’t win! Text the word Blessington to 51444 or www.blessingtonparish.ie    https://www.ourparishfundraiser.ie/parish/blessington/

Hennessy “100” Walk. The recent walk up Sorrell Hill organised as part of the Hennessy “100” Celebrations raised in excess of €1500 for The Blessington Day-Care Centre. To the 70 people who took part and to everyone who contributed so generously to the cause, we say a very special thank you. To those who helped in any way to make the day the great success it was, your help was very much appreciated. Many thanks from Martin and Ronan Hennessy and Families.

Blessington FC Under 16’s are looking for a Goalkeeper with a little bit of experience. Must be born in 2006. Goalkeeper training will be provided, and you get the chance to join an exciting team and a great bunch of lads. Please reply to Tony: 087 610 6096

Kilbride & Lakeside Music Committee along with Glen Heste Pure Mile Group present a National Heritage Week event on Sunday 15^th August at 11.30am at the forecourt of Craul’s shop (or in the Hall if it’s raining). We will be distributing our new heritage booklet SPECIAL TREASURES OF MANOR KILBRIDE while you enjoy a demonstration of needlework & knitting from four senior members of our community. All welcome to come along to this happy event celebrating the rich heritage of the Manor Kilbride area. You will need to observe government regulations regarding Covid 19 safety & protection

Blessington Outdoor Car Boot Sale. St. Kevin’s Hall on Sunday 29^th August from 7am to 4pm (Des Redmond Charities) Free Car Parking. Toilets. Tables €10 …. Bigi Linn……Bargains Galore! Info: 086 075 2072 – Covid Restrictions in Operation!

Outdoor story-time with Blessington Library, taking place on Thursday, 12 & 19^th August 2021 at 3pm. Join us under the Library Gazebo to listen to some tall tales and adventures. Suitable for children aged 2 – 6 years. Booking is required. Contact Blessington Library to book your space: blessingtonlib@wicklowcoco.ie or 045 891 740.

Your donations help to keep our parish facilities running. Thank you to everyone who has donated so far through the Donate button on www.blessingtonparish.ie

Blessington FC INTERSPORT Elverys FAI Summer Soccer Schools. Blessington Camp will be at our Crosschapel pitches running from 9th to 13th August from 10am to 1pm. To book a place go to https://bookings.summersoccerschools.ie/s/

Lakeshore Striders: Our website is updated and OPEN FOR ENTRIES.  http://www.thelakes10k.ie/ We are gearing up for a great event on11th September and hope to see as many locals as possible on the day. At present the entries are capped to 200 but if public health guidelines allow this may be increased so get your entry in fast to ensure your slot.

Cruthú Art Gallery at Russborough will be open Saturdays/Sundays/Bank Holidays throughout the summer from 12 noon – 4pm. Our members have been very creative over the last 12 months, and we are looking forward to exhibiting exciting new art pieces that will be available for purchase. We look forward to seeing you soon and please remember to mind the social distancing rules. www.cruthu.ie or contact us at cruthuart@gmail.com Also check out the Cruthú Art display at Blessington Tourist Office.

COVID-19 SUPPORT LINE  for older people. ALONE manage a national support line and additional supports for older people who have concerns or are facing difficulties relating to COVID-19. Professional staff are available to answer queries and give advice and reassurance where necessary. The support line is open 7 days a week, 8am – 8pm, by calling 0818 222 024

Thank you to all parishioners who have donated through our online donation facility so far. You can donate by simply visiting https://blessingtonparish.ie/ and click on the Donate button.

St Vincent de Paul Blessington, local number 087 181 1579

• NEWSLETTER ADS

Hollywood Café are recruiting now! We are looking for waiting staff, full time, weekdays, with only occasional weekend days. If you have front of house waiting experience, energy, great customer service skills and want to work in a friendly and vibrant environment, email your cv to chris@hollywoodcafe.ie Experience is a definite advantage, as are barista skills, but training will be given to the right applicant.

Experienced, reliable full-time childminder wanted in Brittas preferably in our own home, but open to childminders home. Our son attends local play-school & will need picking up daily. Our daughter is 1yr & 8 months. Please Call: 087 911 8251

Childminder Needed for two girls aged 9 and 11. Needed just for two hours a day Monday to Friday, to pick up from school (St Mary’s),  bring home & stay with them until 4:30. If interested please call: 086 052 2222

Hennessy’s Hardware has a vacancy for Driver/Yard Operative. Must be over 25 years with a full clean licence. Please email CV to hennessyhardware@gmail.com  or call Martin on 0879846867

West Wicklow House is looking for a kitchen porter, weekly hours 35-40. Includes weekends. Please contact info@westwicklowhouse.com or drop in with CV

Part-time Cleaner wanted for Lacken National School, also, Bus Escort required one day a week on Wednesdays.Those interested need to apply to the Chairperson of the BOM of Lacken School on or before 25^th August.  Please include relevant qualifications with CV. Applications can be sent by post or email school@lackenns.com

Person Required for House Cleaning and possibly some Cooking. Phone: 087 356 7601

Job Vacancy – R&H have vacancies for full and part-time. General Operatives. Please email your CV to Sharon for further information  s.casey@rh-lenses.com

We are delighted to announce that we have two positions on the Blessington and District Community Employment Scheme. Applicants must be in receipt of a social welfare payment to qualify. Burgage Cemetery Groundskeeper. Job Ref. 2187579. Closing Date: 05/08/21. Hollywood Parish Secretary. Job Ref: 2187580. Closing Date: 26/08/21.

Ustoreit@hollywood: Convenient Storage Units to Rent. Individual Lock-Ups. CCTV on All Units. 15 X 10 and 25 X 15. Suitable for Furniture, Vintage Cars or Motor Bikes etc Call: 087 356 7601

Mick’s Mobile Auto Cleaning. New venture by a local man in the Blessington area, providing mobile car wash and wax; mini-valet and full valet. Follow on Facebook or call 086 3712328 for rates and appointments.

Painter & Decorator, Interior & Exterior. Ph: Damien 085 826 0431

Gardening – For Hedge clipping, Beds overhauled, Strimming, Painting etc Phone Mark 085 133 7714

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 or Regina: 087 273 9048 / 087 659 6426 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

New Courses at the Further Education and Training Centre Blessington. We are now recruiting for courses starting in September. If you are interested in up-skilling or learning something new we have the course for you! New ** Back to work course ** 3 days a week – must be over the age of 21 & in receipt of a social welfare payment for at least 6 months. Level 6 in Payroll and Bookkeeping, full time (Day course) Horticulture Level 5 – Mondays Part time courses in the following: Childcare Level 5 & 6 (2 evenings a week), Healthcare Level 5 (2 evenings a week), E Business Level 5 (2 mornings a week), Business with Tourism Level 5 (2 mornings a week), Office Skills Level 4 (2 mornings a week), Horticulture Level 4 (2 mornings a week), For more info on any of the above please, contact us blessingtonfetc@kwetb.ie or 086 806 1569 or 086 850 3833. Looking forward to welcoming you all in September 2021

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

Mass intentions this week: Ann Cowie (RD) Blessington

Saturday 6pm Mass: Maureen & Tom Cassidy (A), Patsy Hamilton (A), Charlie, Molly and Jimmy Keogh (A), Special Intention

Sunday 10am: Peter McNabb (1^st A), Tom McGreal Snr (A), Special Living Intention

We remember the following: Ann Hearne (A)

Monday: Mass for Blessington List of the Sick

Tuesday: Barry O’Donnell (Rem), Shay Conway (RD)

Wednesday: Get Well Intention, Get Well Intention

Thursday: Willie Sargent (1^st A), Elaine Reilly (RD), Special Intention

Friday: First Friday of the Month. Mass will be offered for all those whose names are on the November List of the Dead.

►Saturday 31^st July: 6pm Mass in Blessington, 7.30pm Mass in Lacken

►Sunday 1^st August: 10.00am Mass in Blessington, 11.00am Mass in Manor Kilbride, 11.15am Mass in Valleymount & 11.30am Mass in Crosschapel

►Monday 2^nd August: Bank Holiday Mass at 11am in Church of Our Lady, Blessington

►Tuesday 3^rd August: Holy Hour & Rosary offered for the intentions of our families from 7pm to 8pm in, Blessington

►First Friday 6^th August: Masses offered for all on the Altar List of the Dead

►Daily Mass: 9am Manor Kilbride, 9.30am Blessington, 10am Crosschapel

PRAYING FOR VOCATIONS. Archbishop Farrell is asking for people & priests to pray for vocations to the Priesthood & Religious Life on a regular basis.   As you are well aware, the need is great, so let’s answer God’s call “Pray the Lord of the harvest to send labourers into his harvest”

Please Support all our Priests by contributing to the Summer Dues. Envelopes are now available in our Churches. You can take one as you visit the Church during the summer months & return to the Parish Office or to the collection boxes in the Church.

PLEASE BOOK A TICKET for 6pm Mass on Saturday & 10am Mass on Sunday and collect from the Parish Office 9am to 1pm Monday to Friday. Ph: 045 865 327

2021 Private Members Draw in aid of Valleymount & Lacken Churches. Winners for 25^th July draw: May Nolan, Carmel O’ Neill, Mandy & Larry O’ Brien, Marie Bohan, John Holmes.

HENNESSY’S 100 YEARS CELEBRATIONS As part of our Centenary Year, we are organising a walk, up Sorrell Hill on Monday 2nd August (Bank Holiday) with all proceeds going to BLESSINGTON DAYCARE CENTRE. Registration from 10am to 11am at Hennessy’s(Voluntary Donation). Bus transfer from Hennessy’s to Mass Path Lacken and refreshments will be provided. All are welcome to come along.

St Mary’s Schools & Blessington Parish Lotto. Numbers drawn for on 29th July: 1, 4, 16, 25. Weekly winner of €25 was Sue Stynes. If you’re not in, you can’t win! Text the word Blessington to 51444 or www.blessingtonparish.ie    https://www.ourparishfundraiser.ie/parish/blessington/

Your donations help to keep our parish facilities running. Thank you to everyone who has donated so far through the Donate button on www.blessingtonparish.ie

Blessington FC INTERSPORT Elverys FAI Summer Soccer Schools. Blessington Camp will be at our Crosschapel pitches running from 9th to 13th August from 10am to 1pm. To book a place go to https://bookings.summersoccerschools.ie/s/

Save the Date! It’s Back! Lakeshore Striders Running Club are delighted to announce our flagship event ‘The Lakes 10k’ is back! Subject to public health guidelines this event will take place on 11^th September. The club will run an 8-week preparation programme for anyone who would like to run the 10k (requires basic level of fitness)  Email lakeshorestriders@gmail.com  for more information.

Cruthú Art Gallery at Russborough will be open Saturdays/Sundays/Bank Holidays throughout the summer from 12 noon – 4pm. Our members have been very creative over the last 12 months, and we are looking forward to exhibiting exciting new art pieces that will be available for purchase. We look forward to seeing you soon and please remember to mind the social distancing rules. www.cruthu.ie or contact us at cruthuart@gmail.com Also check out the Cruthú Art display at Blessington Tourist Office.

COVID-19 SUPPORT LINE  for older people. ALONE manage a national support line and additional supports for older people who have concerns or are facing difficulties relating to COVID-19. Professional staff are available to answer queries and give advice and reassurance where necessary. The support line is open 7 days a week, 8am – 8pm, by calling 0818 222 024

The Public Consultation Period for the Wicklow County Development Plan Draft is open until August 16^th at 5pm.There is still plenty of time for people to make a submission about how much we need a Pool for West Wicklow & remind Wicklow County Council how important it is for our community! Community Pool for West Wicklow will be hosting a Zoom information workshop on Tuesday July 27^th at 7pm to talk people through making a submission to the Draft Wicklow County Development Plan online. If you would like to take part in this workshop, please email us at poolforWestWicklow@gmail.com to book your place. We have also made a video with a step-by-step guide on how to use the Wicklow County Council Consultation Portal. You can find this video and more information about the Wicklow County Development Plan on our brand-new website www.westwicklowpool.ie

Thank you to all parishioners who have donated through our online donation facility so far. You can donate by simply visiting https://blessingtonparish.ie/ and click on the Donate button.

St Vincent de Paul Blessington, local number 087 181 1579

• NEWSLETTER ADS

Job Vacancy – R&H have vacancies for full and part-time. General Operatives. Please email your CV to Sharon for further information  s.casey@rh-lenses.com

Mick’s Mobile Auto Cleaning. New venture by a local man in the Blessington area, providing mobile car wash and wax; mini-valet and full valet. Follow on Facebook or call 086 3712328 for rates and appointments.

The Office Shop  Get Ready for Back to School. We carry a full range of stationery at very keen prices. Special offers on School Bags, Copies, Manuscript Copies and Hardback Copies (only while stocks last). We can put together Stationery Packs for all schools in the area just drop in your lists. The packs for St Marys Senior / Junior Schools are already made up and are competitively priced.

Blessington Food, Arts and Crafts Market every Saturday @Brew21 from 11am till 4pm

Painter & Decorator, Interior & Exterior. Ph: Damien 085 826 0431

Gardening – For Hedge clipping, Beds overhauled, Strimming, Painting etc Phone Mark 085 133 7714

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 or Regina: 087 273 9048 / 087 659 6426 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

New Courses at the Further Education and Training Centre Blessington. We are now recruiting for courses starting in September. If you are interested in up-skilling or learning something new we have the course for you! New ** Back to work course ** 3 days a week – must be over the age of 21 & in receipt of a social welfare payment for at least 6 months. Level 6 in Payroll and Bookkeeping, full time (Day course) Horticulture Level 5 – Mondays Part time courses in the following: Childcare Level 5 & 6 (2 evenings a week), Healthcare Level 5 (2 evenings a week), E Business Level 5 (2 mornings a week), Business with Tourism Level 5 (2 mornings a week), Office Skills Level 4 (2 mornings a week), Horticulture Level 4 (2 mornings a week), For more info on any of the above please, contact us blessingtonfetc@kwetb.ie or 086 806 1569 or 086 850 3833. Looking forward to welcoming you all in September 2021

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