22^nd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME  30^th August 2020

All the laws, customs and regulations of religion have only one end: to love God and our neighbour. Jesus is adamant that love is at the heart of true religion.

Jesus was a man who knew his own mind. Our first reading describes a man certain of his mission in life even when putting it into practice and it looks ahead to Jesus. His conviction ‘wearied him’ and made a mockery of him. The gospel incident has the apostles upset, especially their leader Peter, at what was the mission of Jesus in death and resurrection. Following him would involve the same sort of dedication, even to carrying the cross. Finding a goal in life is a grace from God. We hope we have found a goal ourselves, something big enough to live for. We want to hand this on to our younger people. We receive hundreds of different messages about what makes for meaning and happiness in life we want to discern what brings true meaning.

A good guide is from Pope Francis, with echoes of St Ignatius’ Spiritual Exercises: ‘God’s voice, instead, never promises cheap joy. It invites us to go beyond our ego to find that true good, peace.’

“God’s voice and the tempter’s speak in different “surroundings”. The enemy (of the goodness of our human nature) prefers darkness, falsehood, and gossip; the Lord loves sunlight, truth, and sincere transparency.” (May 3rd, 2020). Maybe we can watch this week for what brings an uplift of peace and joy in our lives and follow the pathways of this peace and joy. Your will be done, o Lord, on earth as it is in heaven. Donal Neary SJ, Editor Sacred Heart Messenger

Mass Intentions this Week – Colm Foxe, (Naas)

 Saturday 6pm: Peter McNabb (Mths Mind) Denis Toomey (A) Kathleen & Hubert Costello (A)

Sunday 10am:  Peter Whelan (A) Seamus Hayden (A)

 We also remember: Tommy McDonald(A) Alfie Zeller (A)

Monday: Mass offered for all the Blessington List of the Sick

Tuesday: Frank O’Neill, Get Well Intentions, Special Living Intentions

Wednesday: Eugene Winters (A) The deceased members of the Ryan Family.

Thursday: Douglas Shirran (RD) Sean Dowling (A)

Friday: 1^st Friday … Mass offered for all those on the November List of the Dead

Congratulation to the girls and boys from St Joseph’s NS, Valleymount & St Mary’s SNS, Blessington who received the Sacrament of Confirmation this weekend

Thursday 3rd September –  There will be no Holy Hour / Benediction with Deacon Gerry.

Friday 4th September – 1st Friday of the Month. The Masses will be offered for all those whose names are on the Altar List of the Dead. The priests will visit the sick & housebound. If you would like a visit please contact the Parish Office, 045 865 327

Padre Pio Mass will take place at 8pm in Church of Our Lady, Blessington.

Adoration & Rosary will take place every Tuesday from 7pm to 8pm in Church of Our Lady, Blessington. If you are unable to come to the Church, you can join us via webcam on blessingtonparish.ie

Due to the extended Covid-19 Restrictions for Kildare, Crosschapel, Eadestown & Kilteel Churches will remain closed until further notice.

We don’t have missalettes at Mass at the moment but Fr Kevin’s Homilies are always available on our website:  https://blessingtonparish.ie/homilies-year-a/

St. Marys’ Schools & Blessington Parish Lotto Jackpot next week €2650 sign up for €2 per week on parish website https://blessingtonparish.ie

Lacken-Kilbride Juvenile GAA Club – SEEKING PLAYERS  for new Juvenile members from Under 7’s upwards (5 years old & upwards). Especially at Under 11’s, for boys & girls (players born in 2009, 2010 or 2011). And up to Under 14’s girls. Training is every Monday at 6.30pm in Kilbride & most Wednesday’s at 6.30pm. Any enquiries you can contact Diarmuid Haughian direct on 086 3113 443 or Joeann Gahan on 086 845 0247 or Donal Gahan on 087 979 2354. Or just turn up at training & speak to one of the coaches in order to get registered.  Everyone is welcome at all levels.

The Migraine Association of Ireland would like to invite you to join us on Wednesday 9^th September at 7 pm for an online seminar via Zoom with Dr Edward O’Sullivan – Director of the Migraine Clinic in CUH. We will be discussing: New Daily Persistent Headache, (NDPH) Pathophysiology, Management Treatments and Medication Overuse Headache (MOH) For you to gain the most from this event please email us your questions before the event to ensure they are discussed on the night. You can send your questions to us via info@migraine.ie or via Facebook and Twitter and they will be answered on the night. The event will take place via zoom and you must sign up for a place via Eventbrite through this link https://bit.ly/3iXasoN The login details for the event will be issued on the afternoon of 9^th September, only to those who have signed up for the event. 10% discount off Migraine Association Membership for those who live in West Wicklow, using code MAI-WW1. Valid until 30^th September. This talk has been made possible by a National Lottery Grant from HSE office in CHO 7 West Wicklow

Courses in the Further Education and Training Centre Blessington. Are you considering doing a course, changing your career? Do you need Guidance? Here at Blessington Further Education and Training Centre we provide a free, professional, impartial career guidance and information service to all adults. For further information on upcoming courses or changing your career please contact our Guidance Service, Irene Hayden on 086 806 1569 or irenehayden@kwetb.ie or contact Karen Townsend on 086 850 3833 or karentownsend@kwetb.ie

Cruthú Gallery at Russborough – Open Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays  from 12 noon. Our members have been very creative during the lockdown so we will start posting soon some 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

The Parish Office Opening Hours Monday to Friday 9am to 12.30pm for Mass Bookings, Mass Cards, & General Enquiries. Email: office@blessington.info Carol: 045 865 327 – 9am to 12.30pm – Jean: 087 235 0835 – 9am to 5pm. Please observe social distance & please use hand sanitiser when entering & leaving.

Email us with your Community Group news: office@blessington.info

NEWSLETTER ADS

Anna Nagle B.Ed, E.M.T.,Dip.l.T.EC.,P.T. COUNSELLING for CLARITY. Main St, Blessington. 087 227 3925

Ruth Shine School of Dance. Ballet, Modern, Contemporary and Acrobatic Arts Classes. Ages 3 to Adult. We pride ourselves on the beautiful, confident and happy dancers our students become! Join our dance community, based in our newly renovated, state of the art studio ‘DanceTrax Studios’ Contact Ruth on 086 406 2618, look us up on Instagram/Facebook or visit our website

www.ruthshineschoolofdance.com ‘Make Your Soul Shine!’

If Your Child Has A Diagnosis of Autism and requires an early intervention preschool, email: info@inspirecdc.ie in Naas

Cleaner Required for St. Mary’s Junior School Monday to Friday, from 3pm till 7:30pm Please contact Jelena 086 157 0143

Gardening- For Autumn, Tidying, Hedge Clipping, Lawn Care, Beds Overhauled, Painting etc Phone Mark 085 133 7714

BLESSINGTON LIBRARY NEWS

Blessington Library is Open Each Week, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday 10am till 5 pm, Tuesday 1pm till 8.30 pm.  Our customers are welcome to come in, browse and borrow books.

Blessington Library has now resumed the 6-day working week with late nights Tuesday and Thursday,for browse and borrow. We are observing social distancing and face coverings, and we are looking forward to seeing you.

OFFICE CONTENTS to include – selection of sturdy desks, with or without returns & drawers, computer desks, solid mahogany dining table & 6 chairs, selection of seats & chairs, large & small shredders, printers, Panasonic KX-T7730 phone system with 7 extensions,filing cabinets with folders, notice boards, some old computers and other bits & pieces such as cd rack, staplers, etc., from as little as €1. Total clear-out everything must go!  087 290 7992.

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

Blessington Airport Taxi – 087 255 7993, Standard Taxi €77 one way Large 7-Seater €87 one way Call Richard on 087 255 7993 Or email: richardmc.keever@yahoo.ie

Happy Faces Pre School Blessington Situated in the Further Education Centre (old Tech)is a fun, stimulating & welcoming environment with a curriculum focusing on the best care & education for your child. Our staff are highly trained within the childcare sector, child led & Montessori methods of learning & development, limited ECCE & part time places available for Sept 2020. Find us on Facebook or email us happyfaces@blessingtonfec.ie for more information

Affordable Live-in Homecare provides live-in carers for the elderly in your area. If you are looking for a live-in carer for your relative, please call Eileen or Tom today on 087 9916791 or 087 7440729. Our website is www.alhomecare.ie

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

Active Appliance Repairs over 20 years’ experience repairing and servicing all brands of domestic and commercial appliances. For a fast, friendly and efficient service call us today on 086 393 7762 or 086 361 9082 Call out Charge €75

www.activeappliancerepairs.ie

Paying too much to SKY or UPC? We install & Repair Free to Air and Saorview!! No more bills!! Call Billy: 086 868 0053

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

German Autoworks Service Specialist VW/Audi, Mercedes, Skoda, Seat, Opel Call 087 286 3997

www.germanautoworks.ie

Painter & Decorator Interior & Exterior – Phone: Damian 085 826 0431

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. You can email the copy to office@blessington.info and pay in the Parish Office or by bank transfer. Office open from 9am to 12.30pm Monday to Friday

Saturday 15^th August, Feast of the Assumption Holy Day Mass at 10am in Church of Our Lady, Blessington

20^th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME 16^th August 2020

The gift of Jesus in the Eucharist is a promise of his company forever in heaven. We share in his life now, and after our death in a new and different way. This is the joy and certainty of our faith.

Somehow or other Jesus was surprised by the mother’s faith when she asked for her daughter to be healed. He said he had come at this point in time only for ‘the lost sheep of the house of Israel’, as if he had enough to do in dealing with them. Her persistence won her the attention of Jesus as he realised that she too had great faith. Can we say that Jesus was surprised by the mother? And that he changed his mind, and realised that the time had come for him to go to the Gentiles? Our first reading has God bringing foreigners to his mountain, welcoming them all to his house of prayer.

There is a lesson here for welcoming our migrants and refugees. Also, a message to look beyond what we see at first when we meet people. We change our minds when we hear a person’s story or know the difficulties and the joys of their life. We change our mind about groups of people when we hear their backgrounds and see what we have in common.

In his message for the World Day for the Sick (February, 2020) Pope Francis says “Christ’s words of solidarity, comfort and hope, are for the very many simple people, the poor, the sick, sinners, those who are marginalized by the burden of the law and the oppressive social system.” Lord may your kingdom of compassion and of hope come among us.

Donal Neary SJ, Editor Sacred Heart Messenger

Mass Intentions  this Week – Douglas Shirran (RD) Sandybanks

Saturday 6pm: Michael & Mary Dunne (A) Thomas & Lian Dunne (A) Maureen Dunne (A)

Sunday 10am: Christy Dempsey (A) Robert Kinsella (RD)

We also Remember the following: Christina O’Donnell

Monday: Mass offered for all the Blessington List of the Sick

Tuesday: Peter McNabb (RD) Rita Flynn (RD)

Wednesday: Mary McGuinness (RD) Kay Ryan (RD)

Thursday: Wedding Anniversary Mass, Special Intentions, Thanksgiving Mass

Friday:  Ellen Tully (RD) Marie Farrell (RD)

Due to the extended Covid-19 Restrictions for Kildare, Crosschapel, Eadestown & Kilteel Churches will remain closed until further notice

Adoration & Rosary will take place every Tuesday from 7pm to 8pm in Church of Our Lady, Blessington. If you are unable to come to the Church, you can join us via webcam on blessingtonparish.ie

We don’t have missalettes at Mass at the moment but Fr Kevin’s Homilies are always available on our website:  https://blessingtonparish.ie/homilies-year-a/

Lacken-Kilbride Juvenile GAA Club – SEEKING PLAYERS for new Juvenile members from Under 7’s upwards (5 years old & upwards). Especially at Under 11’s, for boys & girls (players born in 2009, 2010 or 2011). And up to Under 14’s girls. Training is every Monday at 6.30pm in Kilbride & most Wednesday’s at 6.30pm. Any enquiries you can contact Diarmuid Haughian direct on 086 3113 443 or Joeann Gahan on 086 845 0247 or Donal Gahan on 087 979 2354. Or just turn up at training & speak to one of the coaches in order to get registered.  Everyone is welcome at all levels.

St. Marys’ Schools & Blessington Parish Lotto Jackpot next week €2575 sign up for €2 per week on parish website

St Vincent de Paul local number: 087 181 1579

A New Pilgrimage on Lough Derg’s Lakeshore – Walk & Pray in the Lough Derg Tradition on 16^th, 18^th, 22^nd, 26^th & 30^th August. At times in the 1600’s & 1700’s when Station Island was closed by the Penal Laws, pilgrims undertook a form of pilgrimage on the lough shore. Walk in their footsteps. Contact 071 9861518 or info@loughderg.org for details. Numbers limited.  Booking essential.

Saturday & Sunday Masses in Blessington- Due to the extended restrictions on numbers allowed to gather indoors we will continue to issue tickets for weekend Masses: 6pm Mass on Saturday & 10am Mass on Sunday in Church of Our Lady, Blessington. Tickets must be collected in the Parish Office between 9am & 12.30pm Mon to Fri – 045 865 327

Courses in the Further Education and Training Centre Blessington. Are you considering doing a course, changing your career? Do you need Guidance? Here at Blessington Further Education and Training Centre we provide a free, professional, impartial career guidance and information service to all adults. For further information on upcoming courses or changing your career please contact our Guidance Service, Irene Hayden on 086 806 1569 or irenehayden@kwetb.ie or contact Karen Townsend on 086 850 3833 or karentownsend@kwetb.ie

Cruthú Gallery at Russborough – Open Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays  from 12 noon. Our members have been very creative during the lockdown so we will start posting soon some 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

The Parish Office Opening Hours Monday to Friday 9am to 12.30pm for Mass Bookings, Mass Cards, & General Enquiries. Email: office@blessington.info Carol: 045 865 327 – 9am to 12.30pm. Jean: 087 235 0835 – 9am to 5pm. Please observe social distance & please use hand sanitiser when entering & leaving

BEIRUT EMERGENCY APPEAL https://www.trocaire.org/

Monthly Envelopes for August are now due, they may be dropped into the PDF Boxes in the Church, the post-box or into Parish Office. Many thanks to all who are making a special effort to return their envelopes this time it is greatly appreciated.

This is an unprecedented time, it’s time for unprecedented kindness

NEWSLETTER ADS

OFFICE CONTENTS  to include – selection of sturdy desks, with or without returns & drawers, computer desks, solid mahogany dining table & 6 chairs, selection of seats & chairs, large & small shredders, printers, Panasonic KX-T7730 phone system with 7 extensions, filing cabinets with folders, notice boards, some old computers and other bits & pieces such as cd rack, staplers, etc., from as little as €1. Total clear-out everything must go!  087 290 7992.

CARETAKER Blessington Soccer Club Ref: CES 2152799 closing date August 24th

HANDYMAN VARIOUS PROJECTS Ref: CES 2152797 closing date August 17th

TOURIST OFFICE ASSISTANT Ref: 2152798 closing date August 24th For further information, please contact Martin Cahill on 045 891 348 or email on bessanddistce@gmail.com Please note the candidates must be in receipt of social welfare payment for at least 12 months.

Painter & Decorator Interior & Exterior – Phone: Damian 085 826 0431

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

Blessington Airport Taxi – 087 255 7993 Standard Taxi €77 one way Large 7-Seater €87 one way Call Richard on 087 255 7993 Or email: richardmc.keever@yahoo.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

Affordable Live-in Homecare provides live-in carers for the elderly in your area. If you are looking for a live-in carer for your relative, please call Eileen or Tom today on 087 9916791 or 087 7440729. Our website is www.alhomecare.ie

Happy Faces Pre School Blessington Situated in the Further Education Centre (old Tech) is a fun, stimulating & welcoming environment with a curriculum focusing on the best care & education for your child. Our staff are highly trained within the childcare sector, child led & Montessori methods of learning & development, limited ECCE & part time places available for Sept 2020. Find us on Facebook or email us happyfaces@blessingtonfec.ie for more information

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

Newsletter Advertising Rates For just 50c per word per week you can reach a large, local audience. Final cut-off for receiving adverts is Wed 10am You can email the copy to office@blessington.info and pay in the Parish Office or by bank transfer. Office open from 9am to 12.30pm Monday to Friday

Active Appliance Repairs over 20 years’ experience repairing and servicing all brands of domestic and commercial appliances. For a fast, friendly and efficient service call us today on 086 393 7762 or 086 361 9082 Call out Charge €75

www.activeappliancerepairs.ie

Paying too much to SKY or UPC? We install & Repair Free to Air and Saorview!! No more bills!! Call Billy: 086 868 0053

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

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

www.germanautoworks.ie

Wicklow Partnership on behalf of Wicklow Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) has asked The Entrepreneurs Academy to recruit & engage with 40 Wicklow Rural Youth members (age 18-35), with an interest in starting up a social enterprise or in early design stage. Our Social Enterprise Climb Programme is a 15 week part time course aimed to help participants develop practical entrepreneurial skills in Social Enterprise. Participants will explore and develop new or existing business ideas to determine their viability. In accordance with current government guidelines, the programme will take place on Zoom. The participants will be guided on a journey of enlightenment on all things entrepreneurial,covering everything they need to know from A – Z. The course itself comprises of the following:

– 8  boot camps on Saturdays.

– 7 weekday evening workshops that will take place on Wednesday/Thursday evenings.

– 8 participants will receive a complete bespoke website for their Organisation to help convey their vision & mission to all.

The flexible scheduling of the programme is designed to facilitate access to the programme to all eligible learners. Expressions of interest are being accepted here: https://entrepreneursacademy.ie/social-enterprise-climb/

BLESSINGTON LIBRARY NEWS

Blessington Library is Open Each Week Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday 10am till 5 pm, Tuesday 1pm till 8.30 pm.  Our customers are welcome to come in, browse and borrow books.

Heritage Week is running from 15^th August until 23^rd and we are inviting children to take part in a Blessington Local Heritage Quiz, (prizes awarded) finding places of interest in the town

From Monday 24^th August we will resume our 6 day working week with late nights Tue and Thursday, again for browse and borrow. We are observing social distancing and face coverings, and we are looking forward to seeing you.