Newsletter Archive

Issue 1297 15th March 2020

March 11, 2020

In the current Covid-19 crises restrictions and the suspension by the Archbishop of the Sunday obligation there will be no public Masses this weekend, St Patrick’s Day and until further notice in Blessington, Crosschapel, Manor Kilbride, Valleymount & Lacken Churches. You can join us for Mass on the Webcam at 6pm Saturday and 10am Sunday and 10am on St Patrick’s Day. www.blessingtonparish.ie

As there are normally less than 100 people at the weekday Masses these will continue for the present.

To encourage the faithful to enter into spiritual communion through these means. Please see prayer below. This is a time where there is a great need for prayer. Therefore, Blessington Church will be open for quiet prayer and reflection.

ACT OF SPIRITUAL COMMUNION

My Jesus,

I believe that You

are present in the Most Holy Sacrament.

I love You above all things,

and I desire to receive You into my soul.

Since I cannot at this moment

receive You sacramentally,

come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You.

Amen.

Mass Intentions this Week

Gerard & Robert Fane (RD)

Saturday 6pm: Oliver McDonnell (1^st A) Molly Brady (A) Margaret Kinsella (A)

Sunday 10am: Laurence Kinsella (A) Raimundo da Sousa Oliveira

We also Remember the following: Bridie Toomey (A) Simon Foster (A)

Monday: Mass for those on list for Sick

Vigil of St Patrick’s Day 8pm: Margaret Kinsella (RD) Brendan Kelly (RD)

Tuesday St Patrick’s Day 10am: Margaret Kinsella, Sean & Annie Newman (A)

Wednesday: Michael O’Connell (Rem) Fran Ferguson (A)

Thursday: Maureen Brien (RD) Jane O’Shea (RD)

Friday: Living Mass Intention, Living Mass Intention

Visitation of the Sick: If there are any parishioners ill, at home or in hospital who would like a visit from a priest, please contact the Parish Office to let us know and to make arrangements 045 865 327

ALONE COVID-19 Helpline ALONE has launched a national support line & additional supports for older people who have concerns or are facing difficulties relating to the outbreak of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) in Ireland. Professional staff will be available to answer queries & give advice and reassurance where necessary. The support line will be open Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm, by calling 0818 222 024, and hours may be extended to meet the demand

The Memorare

Remember,

O most gracious Virgin Mary,

that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection,

implored thy help or sought thy intercession, was left unaided.

Inspired with this confidence,

I fly unto thee,

O virgin of virgins, my Mother,

to thee do I come,

before thee I stand,

sinful and sorrowful.

O Mother of thy Word Incarnate,

despise not my petitions,

but in thy clemency

hear and answer me.

Amen.

CAKE SALE in MANOR KILBRIDE HALL on Sunday 22^nd March, Mother’s Day from 11.45am. Treat your Mum or yourself to some delicious homemade cakes. Raffle for Easter Hamper. In aid of Kilbride & Lakeside Youth Music. Cake donations most welcome. Contact Maria 087 9656257

Way With Words Festival in Blessington Library Friday, 13^th March at 8pm – Cliodhna Ni Anluain will be joined by contributors to the publication marking 50 Years of Sunday Miscellany Saturday, 14^th March at 2pm – Paul Gaffney, a visual artist whose practice focuses on bookmaking, will discuss executing his landscape photography & the photobook Saturday 14^th March at 7.30pm – Michael Russell will discuss his crime narratives & screen writing past. Booking at 045 891740 or on eventbrite.ie.

Blessington AFC are looking for young footballers & goalkeepers born in 2008 to join their Under 12 teams; if interested, please contact enquiries@blessingtonfc.com

Blessington Community Walking Group. Walks from the Coimín Centre on Mon (ex-bank hols) & Thurs at 7pm. All levels catered for & welcome. Find us on Facebook

St Vincent de Paul local no: 087 181 1579

TRY IT OUT, Blessington Mini-Rugby for Tots is looking for new members to play fun & games every Sat @ 10:15am at St Kevin’s Hall, Main St, Blessington (opposite Vincent’s Charity Shop). Ages 3-5 years

Hollywood Friendship Club every Wed from 2.15pm to 4.15pm in the Hollywood Centre. New members welcome

Adult Fencing Classes on Tuesdays from 8pm in St Kevin’s Hall. Fencing is a fun sport & all ages & levels of fitness can enjoy. No special equipment required only comfortable clothes & trainers. All are welcome to pop along & give it a go with no obligation. Call 087 676 4183 if you need any additional information

Cruthú Art Group is pleased to host ‘Revealing Wicklow’ a multi-media response to the ancient Wicklow landscape by Erika Tyner. Come visit at Cruthú Art Gallery, Russborough Courtyard. Open on March 16^th/17^th, & weekends 21^st/22^nd, and 28^th/29^th March from 11am. Artist talk 3pm Saturday 21^st March. All welcome. The Cruthú Members 2020 art exhibition will reopen at Easter weekend continuing at weekends until October

4^th West Wicklow Festival – 20^th to 24^th May Building on the success of previous festivals, the 2020 West Wicklow Festival boasts an incredible line-up of musicians from all over the world, with concerts being held at Russborough House & St. Mary’s Church, Blessington. Having doubled in size since 2017, the Festival has once again expanded its programme and this year will feature 15 incredible artists over 5 days. This year’s programme marks two very important events – the 250th Anniversary of the birth of Beethoven and the 80th anniversary of the sinking of the Blessington Lakes. Book tickets online at westwicklowfestival.com

Interested in a social cycle in the Blessington area? Led by an experienced volunteer, Cycling Ireland/Axa Community Bike Rides are gentle, social bike rides for adults, usually followed by coffee & chat. New series for beginners added for Wednesdays at 10:30am. Join for FREE at www.AxaCommunityBikeRides.com

Join us for Blessington Bingo every Wednesday in the Avon at 8.15 pm. Great prizes, weekly Jackpot & bonus prizes if you check on Lucky Number, Raffle etc. Shuttle Bus available €2 return. €10 for book and flyers. Contact Catherine 087 122 4019 or Jess 086 860 2822

Manor Kilbride Drama Society’s production of Sam Cree’s hilarious comedy “Cupid Wore Skirts” will be in Kilbride hall on Friday 20th, Saturday 21st and Saturday 28th March. Tickets €10 each, available from High Definition Gym, Karma Hair Salon and Crauls’ Shop. Tickets can also be booked on 0863417106 and picked up at the door on the night of each performance. Please come along to support a local community drama group and you’ll be guaranteed a great laugh!!!

Storytime in Blessington Library – Every Wed at 3pm

G4M&O (Gaelic 4 Mother’s & Others) returns Tuesday 10^th March from 7.30pm to 8.30pm at Blessington GAA pitch! Want a fun way to get fit & possibly learn some new skills? Then join us for fun, fitness and football!!

Happy Faces Play School Blessington Education Centre is a fun, stimulating & welcoming environment with a curriculum focusing on the best care & education for your child. Our staff are highly trained in up to date childcare & Montessori methods of learning and development. Places available, full & part time. Enrolling now for Sept 2020.

LOOKING FOR A GREAT NIGHT OUT? Blessington Bowls meet every Thurs at 7.30pm in St. Kevin’s Hall, Blessington. guests welcome come along & bring a friend.

St Brigid’s N.S. Manor Kilbride are accepting enrolments for all pupils wishing to start in September. Please contact the school office on 01-4582550 for an enrolment form.

Lacken NS are currently accepting enrolments for September 2020. Enrolment forms are available on www.lackenns.com or from the school, call 045 865 086 and we will post one out to you. Lacken NS also runs a pre-school & an after-school service.

St. Joseph’s National School (Valleymount) are now accepting enrolment forms for September 2020. Forms available from the school office, please call in or phone 045 867289. Places are filling up fast. Closing date for applications April 30th.

Longest Graveyard in Ireland. The Dublin/Blessington Tram Talk on 16^th April at 7pm in Blessington Library. The talk is by Jim Corley & will be followed by an exhibition the following week. If anyone has knowledge of artefacts of the tram to loan us, please contact Aidan Cruise 086 3958 207 or Jim Corley 085 1082 503

St Vincent de Paul local no: 087 181 1579

Issue 1296 March 8th 2020

March 4, 2020

Saturday 7^th March 2020

►GAELSCOIL NA LOCHANNA open day & family day Lá Oscailte agus Lá Clainne. from 11-2pm. Seachtain na Gaeilge. Ta Fáilte roimh chách.

► Children’s Church for children aged 5 to 9 years at 6pm Mass Blessington Church

Sunday 8^th March 2020

►Car Boot Sale (Des Redmond Charities) in St. Kevin’s, 7am to 4pm. €10 per table, Car Park, Tea & Coffee. Pat Conlan 086 075 2072

►1^st Communion Preparation Mass at 11.15am in Valleymount Church

Monday 9^th March 2020

►Holy Hour in Crosschapel every Monday after 10am Mass (ex-Bank Holidays)

►Blessington & District Forum meet at 8pm in St Mary’s Junior School. All Welcome

►Neighbourhood Collection Envelopes for March are due. Envelopes may be left into the Parish Office or in collection bags at Mass.

Tuesday 10^th March 2020

►Blessington U3A “Tomorrows World & Beyond” by Vahe Sasunts 10:30am in The Education Centre. €5 non-members

►Citizens Information Centre in Blessington Library from 1pm to 4pm. Legal advice service on 1st & 3rd Tues of month by appointment

►Blessington & District Active Retired meeting at 2.30pm in the Coimín Centre.

►Eucharistic Adoration from 7.30pm to 8.30pm in Blessington Church.

Wednesday 11^th March 2020

►The Citizens Information Centre is open in Blessington Library today 10am to 12.30pm.

►The Rosary will be offered at 7.30pm for the intentions of our families in Blessington Church

►Prayers to the Holy Face of Jesus in Crying Room Blessington Church 11am

►Bethany Bereavement Support group available for caring confidential support from 8pm to 9pm no appointment necessary

Thursday 12^th March 2020

►Taize Evenings of Prayer every Thurs for Lent at 8pm in Blessington Church.

►St Mary’ Schools & Blessington Parish Lotto Draw at 8pm. Last week’s numbers: 13, 15, 16, 27 Jackpot not won. Congratulations to the weekly prize winner of €25 – Tina McNamara. Info: Parish Office 045 865 327

►Coimín Centre Management at 7pm

►Blessington Pastoral Council at 8pm

Mass Intentions this Week

Alice Fowler (RD)

Saturday 6pm: Marie Dawson (A) Rose Black (RD)

Sunday 10am: Seamus Byrne (A) Margaret Byrne (A)

We also Remember the following:

Pat Cassidy (A) Mary Nolan (A) James & Kathleen Rawson (A) Eddie O’Toole (A) Margaret & John Morrissey (A)

Monday: Mass for those on list for Sick

Tuesday: Birthday Mass, Intentions,

Wednesday: Matt Lenon (RD) Kathleen Dillon (RD)

Thursday: Paddy Browne (A) Mike O’Reilly (RD)

Friday: Gerry Quinn (RD) Breda Butterfield (RD)

Visitation of the Sick: If there are any parishioners ill, at home or in hospital who would like a visit from a priest, please contact the Parish Office to let us know and to make arrangements 045 865 327

Sunglasses found on the Greenway, near Russborough on 7^th Feb. Please contact Parish Office 045 865237

Irish Blood Transfusion Service Clinic in Blessington Community College on Wednesday 18^th March from 5pm – 8.30pm. Your donation is always need and appreciated.

Help Promote Blessington Tourism. With the tourist season fast approaching, we are looking to enhance out tourist experience and to showcase Blessington at its finest. We believe we have identified all the big local attractions, which we have been promoting to all our visitors. However, if there is something new or something that we may have overlooked or is not your usual tourist attraction, which you feel that tourists would be interested in, please call into our tourist office anytime or drop us an email on blessingtontouristoffice@gmail.com

Many thanks to the parents who organised the coffee morning in aid of the Green Wall which raised €186. This project set up by Eco Congregation Ireland aims to plant trees across the Sahara Desert in Africa in an effort to reduce the expansion of the desert through climate change. Already the planting of trees has improved the quality of soil and the lives of the people in this region. Your support for this project is much appreciated.

Blessington Youth Theatre – BYT – presents, “The Magic of Musicals” on Fri 20^th & Sat 21^st March at 7.30 in The Tramway Theatre, Blessington. Tickets €10 from The Office Shop & Hennessy’s Next Door. The show will feature excerpts from well-loved shows such as Annie, High School Musical, Mama Mia & Legally Blonde – Suitable for all the family. Please support the talented members of BYT, only 2 shows, so get your tickets early!!

CELTIC BROTHERS Starring: The Willoughby’s with Special Guest Lorraine Willoughby

Church of Our Lady, Blessington on Monday 13^th April

Tickets €25 Available from Blessington Parish Office Or Online www.celticbrothers.ie

Doors Open 7pm – Show Starts 8pm ***Parish Fundraiser***

West Wicklow Cancer Support – Weekly Meditation with essential oils hosted by Gemma Deeney of Yogagym on Wednesdays at 11.30am Primary Care Centre Blessington. If your life has been touched by cancer in any way come & join us. No charge, all welcome. Facebook or westwicklow15@gmail.com

Blessington AFC are looking for young footballers & goalkeepers born in 2008 to join their Under 12 teams; if interested, please contact enquiries@blessingtonfc.com

Blessington Community Walking Group. Walks from the Coimín Centre on Mon (ex-bank hols) & Thurs at 7pm. All levels catered for & welcome. Find us on Facebook

TRY IT OUT, Blessington Mini-Rugby for Tots is looking for new members to play fun & games every Sat @ 10:15am at St Kevin’s Hall, Main St, Blessington (opposite Vincent’s Charity Shop). Ages 3-5 years

Hollywood Friendship Club every Wed from 2.15pm to 4.15pm in the Hollywood Centre. New members welcome

Adult Fencing Classes on Tuesdays from 8pm in St Kevin’s Hall. Fencing is a fun sport & all ages & levels of fitness can enjoy. No special equipment required only comfortable clothes & trainers. All are welcome to pop along & give it a go with no obligation. Call 087 676 4183 if you need any additional information

Age Action Ireland. We run computer classes for people over the age of 55. The classes are one to one – you are placed with your own volunteer tutor who will help to teach you the basic internet such as sending emails, booking tickets or flights, shopping online, Skype, Google etc. Tel: 01 475 6989 Email: gettingstarted@ageaction.ie www.ageaction.ie or www.facebook.com/AgeActionIreland

Anam Cara South Dublin the organisation that supports bereaved parents, are holding a Parent Support Event on 9^th March at 7:20pm in the Maldron Hotel, Whitestown way, Tallaght. This event is free & open to all bereaved parents regardless of the age your child died, the circumstances of their death, or whether their death was recent or not.

The Garda Band & Kilcullen Gospel Choir in St. Brigid’s Church, Kill on Thursday 19^th MarchTickets €10 & Raffle on the night. Tickets available by contacting: John 087 0601665, Margaret 087 2027550, Mary 086 7281811, Celine 087 7836276, Marion 086 3501877, Margaret 087 6993091

Interested in a social cycle in the Blessington area? Led by an experienced volunteer, Cycling Ireland/Axa Community Bike Rides are gentle, social bike rides for adults, usually followed by coffee & chat. New series for beginners added for Wednesdays at 10:30am. Join for FREE at www.AxaCommunityBikeRides.com

Join us for Blessington Bingo every Wednesday in the Avon at 8.15 pm. Great prizes, weekly Jackpot & bonus prizes if you check on Lucky Number, Raffle etc. Shuttle Bus available €2 return. €10 for book and flyers. Contact Catherine 087 122 4019 or Jess 086 860 2822

Manor Kilbride Drama Society’s production of Sam Cree’s hilarious comedy “Cupid Wore Skirts” will be in Kilbride hall on Friday 20th, Saturday 21st and Saturday 28th March. Tickets €10 each, available from High Definition Gym, Karma Hair Salon and Crauls’ Shop. Tickets can also be booked on 0863417106 and picked up at the door on the night of each performance. Please come along to support a local community drama group and you’ll be guaranteed a great laugh!!!

Storytime in Blessington Library – Every Wed at 3pm

Cruthú Art Group is pleased to host ‘Revealing Wicklow’ a multi-media response to the ancient Wicklow landscape by Erika Tyner. Come visit at Cruthú Art Gallery, Russborough Courtyard. Open on March 16^th / 17^th & weekends 21^st / 22^nd & 28^th / 29^th March from 11am.

G4M&O (Gaelic 4 Mother’s & Others) returns Tuesday 10^th March from 7.30pm to 8.30pm at Blessington GAA pitch! Want a fun way to get fit & possibly learn some new skills? Then join us for fun, fitness and football!!

Happy Faces Play School Blessington Education Centre is a fun, stimulating & welcoming environment with a curriculum focusing on the best care & education for your child. Our staff are highly trained in up to date childcare & Montessori methods of learning and development. Places available, full & part time. Enrolling now for Sept 2020.

LOOKING FOR A GREAT NIGHT OUT? Blessington Bowls meet every Thurs at 7.30pm in St. Kevin’s Hall, Blessington. guests welcome, come along & bring a friend.

St Brigid’s N.S. Manor Kilbride are accepting enrolments for all pupils wishing to start in September. Please contact the school office on 01-4582550 for an enrolment form.

Lacken NS are currently accepting enrolments for September 2020. Enrolment forms are available on www.lackenns.com or from the school, call 045 865 086 and we will post one out to you. Lacken NS also runs a pre-school & an after-school service.

St. Joseph’s National School (Valleymount) are now accepting enrolment forms for September 2020. Forms available from the school office, please call in or phone 045 867289. Places are filling up fast. Closing date for applications April 30th.

In a World where you can be anything……. be Kind

St Vincent de Paul local no: 087 181 1579

Issue 1295 March 1st 2020

February 27, 2020

Blessington Scouts are holding a Church Gate collection this weekend, 29^th Feb & 1st March. Many thanks for all your support.

Saturday 29^th February 2020

►Lacken Church will host the Climate Justice candle at 7.30 Mass. Many thanks to the Lacken Tidy Village group for doing a clean-up on the church grounds last weekend.

Sunday 1^st March 2020

►1st Communion Preparation Mass at 10am in Blessington Church.

►Coffee Morning after 10am Mass with all donations going towards the “Green Wall”, Planting trees in Africa at the bottom of Sahara Desert. See: www.ecocongregationireland.com

Monday 2^nd March 2020

►Holy Hour in Crosschapel every Monday after 10am Mass (ex-Bank Holidays)

►No Benediction in Lacken this month

Tuesday 3^rd March 2020

►Lacken Confirmation – Congratulations to Patrick, Finn, James, Poppy, Katie, Isabell, Dylan, Simon, Ryan, Myles, Joshua, Sean & Calum from Lacken NS receiving Confirmation at 11am. We welcome Archbishop Diarmuid Martin, their parents & families.

►Blessington Book Club Meeting in the Education Centre at 10:30am

►Citizens Information Centre in Blessington Library from 1pm to 4pm. Legal advice service on 1st & 3rd Tues of month by appointment

►Blessington & District Active Retired meeting at 2.30pm in the Coimín Centre Blessington, new members welcome.

►Eucharistic Adoration from 7.30pm to 8.30pm in Blessington Church.

Wednesday 4^th March 2020

►The Citizens Information Centre is open in Blessington Library today 10am to 12.30pm.

►The Rosary will be offered at 7.30pm for the intentions of our families in Blessington Church

►Prayers to the Holy Face of Jesus in Crying Room Blessington Church 11am

►Christian Meditation Group meet in the Mass Centre in Brittas from 11am. All welcome

Thursday 5^th March 2020

►Taize Evenings of Prayer every Thurs for Lent at 8pm in Blessington Church.

►St Mary’ Schools & Blessington Parish Lotto Draw at 8pm. Last week’s numbers: 7, 23 25, 28. Jackpot not won. Congratulations to the weekly prize winner of €25 – Carmel Dillon. Info: Parish Office 045 865 327

►No 1 School & BETNS Service of Light for Confirmation at 7:15pm

Friday 6^th March 2020

►Bethany Bereavement Support Group are available in the Coimín Centre Blessington for caring confidential support from 10am to 11am

►Women’s World Day of Prayer at 11am in Church of Our Lady, Blessington

►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

►1^st Friday Mass in Valleymount at 11.15am

►Coffee Morning in Lacken Community Centre from 10.30am to 12.30pm

►Padre Pio Mass at 8pm in Blessington.

Mass Intentions this Week

Hugh Harney (RD)

Saturday 6pm: Eileen Stynes (A) Shay Mills(A)

Sunday 10am: Mary Breen (A) Joan Curtin (RD)

We also Remember the following: Nora Fleming (A) Bill & Eileen Murphy, Denis & Philomena O’Keefe, Denis O’Keefe (Jnr) Mick Reid (A) Christopher & Elizabeth Cullen (A)

Monday: Mass for those on list for Sick

Tuesday: Barry O’Donnell (Rem) Michael Moloney (A) Mick Reid (A)

Wednesday: Margaret McEvoy (RD) Ann Roche (RD)

Thursday: Get Well, Intentions.

Friday: Tony Nolan (RD) Stephen Hand (RD)

Children’s Church For children aged 5 to 9 years on Saturday 7^th March at 6pm Mass Blessington Church

Visitation of the Sick: If there are any parishioners ill, at home or in hospital who would like a visit from a priest, please contact the Parish Office to let us know and to make arrangements 045 865 327

Sunglasses found on the Greenway, near Russborough on 7^th Feb. Please contact Parish Office 045 865237

Valleymount Lacken Parish Draw cut-off date for entries is March 1^st The first draw will be held on March 29^th

Blessington Educate Together N.S are enrolling for September 2020. Our open day is on Wednesday March 4th between 10 am and 11.30 am and between 7 pm and 8 pm. Pre-enrolment forms can be found on our website at www.betns.ie. You can contact us at office@betns.ie or by phone 045 865 281

Daily Mass in Irish during Lent in Blessed Sacrament Chapel, Bachelors Walk, Dublin 2. Monday to Friday 1.15pm from Wed 26^th Feb

Irish Blood Transfusion Service Clinic in Blessington Community College on Wednesday 18^th March from 5pm – 8.30pm. Your donation is always need and appreciated.

Blessington Book Club Meeting in the Education Centre at 10:30am on Tuesday March 3^rd

Blessington AFC are looking for young footballers & goalkeepers born in 2008 to join their Under 12 teams; if interested, please contact enquiries@blessingtonfc.com

Storytime in Blessington Library – Every Wed at 3pm

TRY IT OUT, Blessington Mini-Rugby for Tots is looking for new members to play fun & games every Sat @ 10:15am at St Kevin’s Hall, Main St, Blessington (opposite Vincent’s Charity Shop). Ages 3-5 years

Hollywood Friendship Club every Wed from 2.15pm to 4.15pm in the Hollywood Centre. New members welcome

LOOKING FOR A GREAT NIGHT OUT? Blessington Bowls meet every Thurs at 7.30pm in St. Kevin’s Hall, Blessington. guests welcome, come along & bring a friend.

Happy Faces Play School Blessington Education Centre is a fun, stimulating & welcoming environment with a curriculum focusing on the best care & education for your child. Our staff are highly trained in up to date childcare & Montessori methods of learning and development. Places available, full & part time. Enrolling now for Sept 2020.

LOOKING FOR A GREAT NIGHT OUT? Blessington Bowls meet every Thurs at 7.30pm in St. Kevin’s Hall, Blessington. guests welcome, come along & bring a friend.

Adult Fencing Classes on Tuesdays from 8pm in St Kevin’s Hall. Fencing is a fun sport & all ages & levels of fitness can enjoy. No special equipment required only comfortable clothes & trainers. All are welcome to pop along & give it a go with no obligation. Call 087 676 4183 if you need any additional information

Blessington Educate Together N.S are enrolling for September 2020. Our open day is on Wednesday March 4th between 10 am and 11.30 am and between 7 pm and 8 pm. Pre-enrolment forms can be found on our website at www.betns.ie. You can contact us at office@betns.ie or by phone 045 865 281

GAELSCOIL NA LOCHANNA are hosting an open day and family day on 7^th March. Lá Oscailte agus Lá Clainne. Did you ever want to know what happens in a Gaelscoil? We are opening our doors & putting on our best show for anyone to come see us in action 11-2pm, 7 March. Rince, Drámaíocht, Ceol agus Spraoi. Fun & Free activities for the family to spend a while with us. This is part of our Seachtain na Gaeilge schedule. Tá fáilte roimh chách.

West Wicklow Youth Project’s Detached Youth Work Team, Open Invitation to the Blessington Community to drop in to Creatively Contribute to a Collaborative Artwork as part of International Women’s Day in St. Joseph’s Hall between 4pm & 6pm on Friday 6th March. All Welcome & No Art Experience Necessary

Blessington Youth Theatre – BYT – presents, “The Magic of Musicals” on Fri 20^th & Sat 21^st March at 7.30 in The Tramway Theatre, Blessington. Tickets €10 from The Office Shop & Hennessy’s Next Door. The show will feature excerpts from well-loved shows such as Annie, High School Musical, Mama Mia & Legally Blonde – Suitable for all the family. Please support the talented members of BYT, only 2 shows, so get your tickets early!!

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY!! Lakeshore Striders Running Club Blessington are holding a pub quiz on Friday 6^th March in Murphy’s pub 8:30pm till late. The night will help to raise funds to improve the clubs running track facilities. All welcome, plenty of spot prizes & a bit of craic. €40 per table. Raffle on the night. All welcome. Info: lakeshorestriders@gmail.com

Join us for Blessington Bingo every Wednesday in the Avon at 8.15 pm. Great prizes, weekly Jackpot & bonus prizes if you check on Lucky Number, Raffle etc. Shuttle Bus available €2 return. €10 for book and flyers. Contact Catherine 087 122 4019 or Jess 086 860 2822

Blessington Community Walking Group. Walks from the Coimín Centre on Mon (ex-bank hols) & Thurs at 7pm. All levels catered for & welcome. Find us on Facebook

West Wicklow Cancer Support – Weekly Meditation with essential oils hosted by Gemma Deeney of Yogagym on Wednesdays at 11.30am Primary Care Centre Blessington. If your life has been touched by cancer in any way come & join us. No charge, all welcome. Facebook or westwicklow15@gmail.com

Interested in a social cycle in the Blessington area? Led by an experienced volunteer, Cycling Ireland/Axa Community Bike Rides are gentle, social bike rides for adults, usually followed by coffee & chat. New series for beginners added for Wednesdays at 10:30am. Join for FREE at www.AxaCommunityBikeRides.com

Issue 1294 February 23rd 2020

February 19, 2020

This weekend at our Masses we will hear from some TY Students who are preparing to travel to Bucharest to help with the “Street Children” Programme

Monday 24^th February 2020

►Holy Hour in Crosschapel every Monday after 10am Mass (ex-Bank Holidays)

Tuesday 25^th February 2020

►Citizens Information Centre in Blessington Library from 1pm to 4pm. Legal advice service on 1st & 3rd Tues of month by appointment

►Blessington & District Active Retired meeting at 2.30pm in the Coimín Centre Blessington, new members welcome.

►Eucharistic Adoration from 7.30pm to 8.30pm in Blessington Church.

Wednesday 26^th February 2020

►Ash Wednesday Mass in Blessington with distribution of ashes 9.30am & 8pm

►Service of Ashes will take place in Valleymount at 10.30am & Lacken at 12 noon

►The Citizens Information Centre is open in Blessington Library today 10am to 12.30pm.

►The Rosary will be offered at 7.30pm for the intentions of our families in Blessington Church

►Prayers to the Holy Face of Jesus in Crying Room Blessington Church 11am

►Christian Meditation Group meet in the Mass Centre in Brittas from 11am. All welcome

Thursday 27^th February 2020

► West Wicklow Cancer Support – Monthly Drop-in. An evening of meditation, stillness & mindfulness hosted by artist & therapist Margot Ussher at 7.30pm in the Coimin Centre Blessington. No charge, all welcome. Contact 087 434 6004 / westwicklow15@gmail.com

►Taize Evenings of Prayer every Thurs for Lent at 8pm in Blessington Church.

►St Mary’ Schools & Blessington Parish Lotto Draw at 8pm. Last week’s numbers: 4, 9, 10, 13. Jackpot not won. Congratulations to the 1^st weekly prize winner of €25 – Andreea Patrici. See notice boards & leaflets for how to join or call Parish Office 045 865 327.

Mass Intentions this Week

Matthew Lennon (RD) Stephen Hand (RD) Sean Mangan (RD)

Saturday 6pm: Peter Fennell (Mths Mind) Vera Byrne (1^st A) Paddy Byrne, Jane Miley & Thomas Miley (Birthday Rem)

Sunday 10am: Trevor Kinsella (A) Toddy & Kathleen Hennessy (A)

We also Remember the following:

Hugh Finnegan (A) Josephine O’Toole (A) Maura & Tom McNally (A) Alan Fleming (A) Hugh, Alicia & Billy Hamilton (A)

Monday: Mass for those on list for Sick

Tuesday: Hugh, Alicia & Billy Hamilton (A) Brendan Mealy (RD)

Wednesday: Ann Marie Walsh (1^st A) Teresa Devine (RD)

Thursday: Birthday Rem, Birthday Rem

Friday: Blessington Deceased Mass Card list

The Family of the late Bunny McDonald (Margaret Hyland) would like to thank everyone most sincerely for their kindness, sympathy & support on the passing of our mother. Thank you to relatives, neighbours & friends who attended the wake at the house, to all who attended Bunny’s funeral Mass, who sent flowers & Mass cards & who spoke most highly of Bunny. it was such a great comfort to us all. Heartfelt thanks to Fr. Paraic for his visits & kind words. To Tony & Regina Clarke for their caring professionalism & thanks to Lorraine & Richie Willoughby & Una McLoughlin for the beautiful singing & music. Mass will be offered for your intentions. May she rest in peace.

Blessington Parish are hosting the Climate Justice Candle for the month of Feb. following Sr Catherine Brennan of Eco Congregation Ireland’s talk last weekend at our Masses, there will be a Coffee Morning on 1st March after 10am Mass with all donations going towards the “Green Wall”, Planting trees across Africa at the bottom of Sahara desert www.ecocongregationireland.com

1st Communion Preparation Mass next weekend at 10am in Blessington Church

Lacken Church will host the Climate Justice candle on Sat Feb 29th at 7.30 Mass.

Visitation of the Sick: If there are any parishioners ill, at home or in hospital who would like a visit from a priest, please contact the Parish Office to let us know and to make arrangements 045 865 327

Women’s World Day of Prayer on 6^th March at 11am in Church of Our Lady, Blessington

Blessington Scouts are holding a Church Gate collection next weekend, 29^th Feb & 1st March. Many thanks for all your support.

The Divine Mercy Conference 2020 takes place in the Main Hall, RDS Ballsbridge

Friday 21st February, Saturday 22nd & Sunday 23rd February.

THEME: “Deliver us from Evil” (Mt 6:13)

Sat: 10am to 9pm Rosary, Holy Hour & Mass,

Sun: 10am to 5pm again concluding with Mass

DIVINE MERCY IN DEED, WORD & PRAYER.

Info: Margaret 087 669 8745 or Eileen 087 990 5723 www.divinemercyconference.com

♫ Sunday 23rd February (+ every Last Sunday). All sorts of SONGS & TUNES; Zellers, Lacken; 6pm to 9+. Warm welcome for all listeners, singers & musicians; ALL ages; just for fun!

Blessington Youth Theatre – BYT – presents, “The Magic of Musicals” on Fri 20^th & Sat 21^st March at 7.30 in The Tramway Theatre, Blessington. Tickets €10 from The Office Shop & Hennessy’s Next Door. The show will feature excerpts from well-loved shows such as Annie, High School Musical, Mama Mia & Legally Blonde – Suitable for all the family. Please support the talented members of BYT, only 2 shows, so get your tickets early!!

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY!! Table quiz by St. Mary’s Schools Parents Association will take place Friday 24th April! More details to follow soon

Health & Wellbeing Talks at Blessington Library continue this week with ‘Healthy Eating for Active Children’ presented by Cliona McCarthy from McGreal’s – Thursday 20^th Feb in Blessington Library 7pm-8pm All Welcome

GROW YOUR OWN VEGETABLES FOR FREE We are located on a farm between Blessington & Ballymore Eustace. We have a Polly Tunnel and Vegetable Garden that I will be unable to use this year due to work and study commitments. If you are interested in using these facilities for free but share the produce, I would be delighted to hear from you. Please call me on 087 627 8650 or email andymoneill@gmail.com

Join us for Blessington Bingo every Wednesday in the Avon at 8.15 pm. Great prizes, weekly Jackpot & bonus prizes if you check on Lucky Number, Raffle etc. Shuttle Bus available €2 return. €10 for book and flyers. Contact Catherine 087 122 4019 or Jess 086 860 2822

Blessington Community Walking Group. Walks from the Coimín Centre on Mon (ex-bank hols) & Thurs at 7pm. All levels catered for & welcome. Find us on Facebook

The Parish Book Club will meet on Thurs 2^nd April at 10am in the Church Meeting Room. The book for Lent & our Spring meeting is ‘The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming, by Henri Nouwen. New members are always welcome. Please call the Parish Office if you are interested & would like to go on the text reminder list.

Affordable Live-in Homecare provide 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 087 991 6791. Our website is www.alhomecare.ie

West Wicklow Cancer Support – Weekly Meditation with essential oils hosted by Gemma Deeney of Yogagym on Wednesdays at 11.30am Primary Care Centre Blessington. If your life has been touched by cancer in any way come & join us. No charge, all welcome. Facebook or westwicklow15@gmail.com

Storytime in Blessington Library – Every Wed at 3pm

TRY IT OUT, Blessington Mini-Rugby for Tots is looking for new members to play fun & games every Sat @ 10:15am at St Kevin’s Hall, Main St, Blessington (opposite Vincent’s Charity Shop). Ages 3-5 years

Hollywood Friendship Club every Wed from 2.15pm to 4.15pm in the Hollywood Centre. New members welcome

LOOKING FOR A GREAT NIGHT OUT? Blessington Bowls meet every Thurs at 7.30pm in St. Kevin’s Hall, Blessington. guests welcome, come along & bring a friend.

GAELSCOIL NA LOCHANNA are hosting an open day and family day on 7^th March. Lá Oscailte agus Lá Clainne. Did you ever want to know what happens in a Gaelscoil? We are opening our doors and putting on our best show for anyone to come see us in action 11-2pm, 7 March. Rince, Drámaíocht, Ceol agus Spraoi. Fun and Free activities for the family to spend a while with us.This is part of our Seachtain na Gaeilge schedule. Tá fáilte roimh chách.

St Brigid’s N.S. Manor Kilbride are accepting enrolments for all pupils wishing to start in September. Please contact the school office on 01-4582550 for an enrolment form.

Lacken NS are currently accepting enrolments for September 2020. Enrolment forms are available on www.lackenns.com or from the school, call 045 865 086 and we will post one out to you. Lacken NS also runs a pre-school & an after-school service.

St. Joseph’s National School (Valleymount) are now accepting enrolment forms for September 2020. Forms available from the school office, please call in or phone 045 867289. Places are filling up fast. Closing date for applications April 30th.

Happy Faces Play School Blessington Education Centre is a fun, stimulating & welcoming environment with a curriculum focusing on the best care & education for your child. Our staff are highly trained in up to date childcare & Montessori methods of learning and development. Places available, full & part time. Enrolling now for Sept 2020.

LOOKING FOR A GREAT NIGHT OUT? Blessington Bowls meet every Thurs at 7.30pm in St. Kevin’s Hall, Blessington. guests welcome, come along & bring a friend.

Adult Fencing Classes on Tuesdays from 8pm in St Kevin’s Hall. Fencing is a fun sport & all ages & levels of fitness can enjoy. No special equipment required only comfortable clothes & trainers. All are welcome to pop along & give it a go with no obligation. Call 087 676 4183 if you need any additional information

Interested in a social cycle in the Blessington area? Led by an experienced volunteer, Cycling Ireland/Axa Community Bike Rides are gentle, social bike rides for adults, usually followed by coffee & chat. New series for beginners added for Wednesdays at 10:30am. Join for FREE at www.AxaCommunityBikeRides.com

Issue 1297 15th March 2020

Issue 1296 March 8th 2020

Issue 1295 March 1st 2020

Issue 1294 February 23rd 2020

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