St Vincent de Paul Annual Appeal  this weekend at all Masses in all churches. Your generous support is needed to look after those in need in our local community

Saturday 7^th December 2019

► Community Pool for West Wicklow Christmas Market from 12noon to 4pm at Russborough House!

► Tramway Theatre Proudly Presents – Connor McKeon “Swing into Christmas” Doors 7:30pm, show at 8pm sharp. Tickets €25 (including wine & mince pie reception)

Sunday 8^th December 2019

► Christmas Car Boot Sale (Des Redmond Charities) in St. Kevin’s Hall from 7am to 4pm. €10 per table, Free Car Park, Tea & Coffee

►1^st Communion Preparation Mass at 10am in Church of Our Lady, Blessington.

► Blessington Millennium Choir 20^th Anniversary Concert in St Mary’s Church, Blessington at 4pm. It will be a concert of famous & favourite pieces which have brought joy to choir members & audiences over the past twenty years. Tickets (€10 adults, €5 children) from Parish Office or at the door

Monday 9^th December 2019

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

►Blessington Children’s Choir practice 2:45pm to 3.30pm in the Church.

Tuesday 10^th December 2019

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

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

Wednesday 11^th December 2019

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

► Irish Blood Transfusion Service Clinic in Blessington Community College 5pm – 8.30pm.

Mass Intentions this Week

Saturday 6pm: Oliver Sheerin (Mths Mind) Frankie Keogh (Mths Mind) Deceased Members of Blessington GAA Club, Mary & Tom Tivnan (A), Essie Hanlon (A)

Sunday 10am: Josie Byrne (A) Kathleen Coyne (RD)

We also Remember the following: Maisie O’Reilly (A) Terry Bolton (A), Michael O’Toole (A)

Monday: Mass for those on the list for Sick

Tuesday: Get Well Int, Living Int,

Wednesday: Mary Gibbons (RD) Birthday Int

Thursday: Cathal Gallagher (1^st A) Bridget, Patrick & Paddy Nolan (Rem) Dessie Nolan (A)

Friday: Elizabeth Coogan (RD), Sheila Walsh (RD)

The family of the late Cathal Gallagher, Humpherystown, Valleymount, Christine, Conor, Aimee & Grace wish to acknowledge the many expression of sympathy & gestures of kindness shown to us during Cathal’s illness & at the time of his sad passing on December 13th, 2019. We offer sincere thanks to family, friends, neighbours & all those who called to the house, attended the funeral mass & burial & also those who sent cards & messages of condolences. As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our deepest gratitude. The holy sacrifice of the mass will be offered for your intentions. Cathal’s 1st Anniversary Mass will be in the Church of Our Lady, Blessington, at 10am Mass on Sunday 15^th December.

On the 1st Anniversary of Karen McEvoy’s passing, Barry Kelly, their children & the extended Kelly Family wish to thank everyone most sincerely for their help & support over the last year. Your kindness has been a great comfort to us all. Karen’s 1st Anniversary Mass will be held at 6pm Mass in Blessington & 11.30am Mass in Crosschapel on the weekend of December 29^th, 2019. 

Annual Ecumenical Carol Service on Sun 15^th Dec at 5pm in Church of Our Lady, Blessington

St. Mary’s Junior School Christmas Mass. Monday 16^th December 9:30 am. All welcome.

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

Sacrament of the Sick & Healing Mass on Saturday 14^th December at 12 noon in Church of Our Lady, Blessington. There will be tea & coffee served in the Coimín Centre after Mass.

Blessington Parish CHRISTMAS CRIB EXHIBITION in the Coimín Centre Blessington on

December 14th 1pm to 8pm

December 15th 11am to 8pm

December 16th 10am to 4pm

Over 100 exhibits of “Cribs from around the World”

Valleymount Parish Calendar 2020 on sale now, €6 each or 2 for €10 from the Parish Office, Valleymount & Lacken Churches & shops locally. All funds to support Valleymount & Lacken Parish, many thanks to our many sponsors & advertisers for your generous funding.

Christmas Collection for the Homeless at Method Physiotherapy Accepting unused toys, clothes, toiletries etc. Info: Contact 045 857 444

Blessington Allotments – Next Public Meeting. Would you be interested in allotments in Blessington? Our group is continuing to campaign for the provision of allotments in the Blessington area. Our next public meeting is on Sat 14^th Dec at 12:30 in Blessington Library – come & show your support for allotments at this meeting! For more details, contact Dónal at blessingtonallotments@gmail.com

Lacken Community Centre Calendar 2020 on sale now from Supervalu, Blessington Bookstore, The Office Shop, Blessington Tourist Office, West Wicklow House, Flowers by Enda, Zellers Lacken & Cullens Bar Ballyknocken

Adults Beginners Fencing Classes on Tuesdays from 8pm to 9.30pm in St Kevin’s Hall

‘Rugby Practice at Russborough for U7s (2013) to U12s (2008) boys & girls this Sat 23rd Nov at 10:30am”

♫ Sunday 29th December 2019 (+ every Last Sunday). Free session of SONGS & TUNES. Zellers, Lacken; 6pm to 9+. Used to sing or play? A ‘novice’? ‘Just a listener’? ALL welcome. ALL ages ANY song, tune, acoustic self-accompaniment. No mic. Just for fun!

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.

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

Valleymount & Lacken Parish Concert

St Joseph’s National School Present ‘The Nativity’ according to The Gospel of St Luke.

Concert featuring St John’s Gospel Choir, Ballinteer & Blessington Folk Group in St Joseph’s Church Valleymount on Sunday 15^th December at 7pm.

Tickets €10 each or 2 for €15, available from St Joseph’s School or Valleymount Church (after Sunday Mass) and from Blessington Parish Office

Valleymount Theatre Company will present Scrooge by Charles Dickens on Thurs 12^th, Fri 13^th & Sat 14^th Dec at 8pm in Valleymount Community Hall. Tickets available in the Office Shop, Blessington.

Blessington Christmas Bingo Bonanza Nights in the Avon on 4^th, 11^th & 18^th December at 8.15pm. Single Books inc. Flyer Sheets €10. Double Books inc Flyer Sheets €20. Jackpot €1500 in 45 calls or less. Bonus Prizes of Turkeys, Hams & lots more.

Community Pool for West Wicklow are having a Christmas Monster Raffle! Prizes include a family pass for Kaleidoscope, Afternoon Tea at Ballymaloe, dinner for two at Tulfarris Hotel & Golf Resort & much, much more! Tickets are €5 each or 4 for €20 & are available at www.tinyurl.com/CPWWMonsterRaffle All monies raised go towards a pool for West Wicklow. Draw will take place in Murphy’s Bar on Sunday December 22^nd. For more information email poolforWestWicklow@gmail.com.

GOAL MILE: The annual Goal Mile will take place on Christmas Day at 12:30pm. It happens on the running track at the rear of the Community College, Naas Road. Everyone is welcome to run/walk this event, so come along and support this great cause!

“TRY it out! Mini-Rugby for Tots for ‘under 5 (2015)’ and Under 6 (2014) in St Kevin’s Community Centre, Blessington every Saturday at 10:15am for ‘boys & girls’

Lakeshore Striders Running Club would like to thank the local community for supporting their 4th annual collection for the Capuchin Day Centre for Homeless People. A total of 95 sleeping bags were donated along with over a dozen boxes & bags of much needed items for the centre. A further €1,050 was donated in cash on the day. A sincere thank you to the parish for the use of the Church of Our Lady to hold the collection & to Charles Camping for supplying the sleeping bags at a cost price. A special thank you to the Blessington Scouts & St. Brigid’s N.S, Kilbride for the young people’s generous donations.  For further information on the Capuchin Centre or to make a donation visit www.capuchindaycentre.ie

Blessington Comhaltas Classes in Bodhran, Concertina, Accordion, Whistle, Flute, Beginner Fiddle, Intermediate Fiddle, Tune Classes, Guitar Lessons, Singing Classes, Ceili Band. Classes on Sundays from 5pm in St. Mary’s SNS Info Pat 086 075 2072 or Rebecca 087 228 2012 www.blessingtoncomhaltascoislocha@gmail.com

New Books for SVP Christmas Appeal. Blessington Library are delighted to be involved in the Society of St. Vincent De Paul’s “WordPower Appeal” to bring brand new books to children in your locality. Perhaps this could be their only opportunity to own or purchase a new book. If you would like to help, drop your new book or a book token into Blessington Library up until Friday 20^th December. Books will be delivered to children in your area. Your support will be very much appreciated.

 Events this Weekend in Blessington

►Cruthú West Wicklow Art Group Christmas Exhibition in Blessington Tourist Office from 11am to 6pm daily until Sun 15^th Dec.  Late opening Friday to 8pm.  There will be original locally produced Art, Craft, Photography on display, all available to buy.   Find a perfect Christmas gift, or simply drop in to enjoy the art & be inspired.  Like us on Facebook & Instagram or visit www.cruthu.ie

► Community Pool for West Wicklow are having a Christmas Market THIS Saturday December 7^th from 12noon to 4pm at Russborough House! We’ll have over 30 local artists, bakers & crafters, Live Music & Santa is coming too! We hope to see you there!

► Tramway Theatre Proudly Presents – Connor McKeon “Swing into Christmas” on Saturday 7^th December: A glitzy & glamorous night of high energy big-band swing including the best loved Christmas Classics.  Doors open 7:30pm, show starts at 8pm sharp. Tickets €25 (including wine & mince pie reception) available from Hennessy’s Next Door & The Office Shop or call 086 8239946

►West Wicklow Day-Care Committee will be putting up a Christmas Tree in the grounds of Baltinglass Hospital in celebration of the lives of our family & friends who are no longer with us, you can shine a light in their memory by sponsoring a light for €5 on the Christmas Tree. Please call Mary 087 293 4806 or Valerie 045 865 412 to sponsor a light. Christmas Tree lighting ceremony & Carol Service will take place on Sunday 8^th December at 2pm

►Christmas Concert with ‘Celtic Brothers’ starring The Willoughby’s in Tynock Church at 8pm on Sun 8^th Dec. Concert in aid of a Multi-Sensory Room for Baltinglass Hospital Tickets available from 087 266 8300 or email multisensoryconcert@gmail.com

Events next Weekend

►Kilbride & Lakeside Music Committee Concert on Saturday 14^th December in Manor Kilbride Community Hall at 6.30pm. Featuring KILBRIDE & LAKESIDE YOUTH MUSIC With guest artist one of Ireland’s most revered musicians DONAL LUNNY along with rising star SIOBHÁN HARTE (granddaughter of singer & song collector, the late great Frank Harte) also the amazing Manor Kilbride native, KELAN WALSH baritone sax. Admission €10 Adults

►Valleymount & Lacken Parish Concert St Joseph’s National School Present ‘The Nativity’ according to The Gospel of St Luke. Concert featuring St John’s Gospel Choir, Ballinteer & Blessington Folk Group in St Joseph’s Church Valleymount on Sunday 15^th December at 7pm. Tickets €10 each or 2 for €15, available from St Joseph’s School or Valleymount Church (after Sunday Mass) and from Blessington Parish Office

Further Education & Training Centre Blessington

We are currently enrolling for courses for our new term starting in January 2020

Full Time Courses – Monday to Friday

QQI Level 5 Business Studies with Sage 50 Accounting

QQI Level 5 Nursing Studies

Part Time Courses (Day and Evening)

Looking to up-skill or learn something new?

We have part time courses available in the following:

eBusiness QQI Level 5

Tourism with Business QQI Level 5

Childcare QQI Level 5 – Childcare QQI Level 6

Healthcare QQI Level 5 – Computer Science QQI Level 5

Further information from: Anne McGrath or Karen Townsend on 086 850 3833 or blessingtonfetc@kwetb.ie

Saturday 23^rd November 2019

►Valleymount Christmas Fair from 10am to 5pm in Valleymount Hall

►Lakeshore Striders A.C Annual Charity Collection for the Capuchin Day Centre for Homeless from 12pm to 3pm in the ‘Crying Room’ of Church of Our Lady, Blessington. Items requested include; new sleeping bags (available from Charles Camping at a reduced cost of €10), toiletries (shampoo, shower gel, deodorant, razors, toothpaste, toothbrushes, etc), nappies, baby food & formula. Please note they do not require clothing, shoes, duvets or similar items. Cash donations also accepted. Email lakeshorestriders@gmail.com or call Edel on 087 961 8337

Sunday 24^th November 2019

►Valleymount Christmas Fair from 10am to 5pm in Valleymount Hall

►Baltinglass Hospital Annual Christmas Bazaar in the hospital from 2pm.

►Christmas Craft Fair in St Kevin’s Hall from 11am to 2pm

Monday 25^th November 2019

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

►Blessington Children’s Choir practice 2:45pm to 3.30pm in the Church.

Tuesday 26^th November 2019

►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 EXERCISE WITH THEA at 2pm. Regular meeting at 2.45pm in the Coimin Centre Blessington, new members welcome.

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

Wednesday 27^th November 2019

►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

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

Thursday 28^th November 2019

► West Wicklow Cancer Support – Drop in Meeting, “Has your life been touched by Cancer” An evening of relaxation & Christmas Crafts at 7.30pm, Coimín Centre, Blessington. No charge, all welcome & bring a friend.

Mass Intentions this Week

Michelle Pender (RD) Marie Sheridan (nee Byrne) RD)

Saturday 6pm:

Liz McGinnity (A) Dan Murphy (A) Agnes Twyford (A)

Sunday 10am:

Bridie Coughlan (A) Michael Lennon (A) Kay Lennon (Rem)

We also Remember the following:

Brendan & Aoife Cummins, Chrissie Cummins, Noel Cummins, Edith McInerney (A) Alicia Hamilton, Hugh & Billy Hamilton (A) Teresa Flanagan (A) Nora Shirran (A) Vera Donovan (A)

Monday: Mass for those on the list for Sick

Tuesday: Birthday Rem, Birthday Rem

Wednesday: Amby Miley (A) Mary Donegan (A)

Thursday: Dan Murphy (A) Frankie Keogh (RD)

Friday: Margaret Hyland (RD) Michelle Pender (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

Children’s Church on Sunday 1^st December.

Blessington Lights Up Christmas 2019 on Sat Nov 30^th 1pm to 3:45pm in St. Kevin’s Hall, followed by ‘The Big Switch On’ @ The Square at 4:30pm & Presentation by Reservoir Cogs. Free Santa! Craft, Gift & Food Fair, Hot Chocolate. Music by Rockabilly Rebels & Sinead O Brien. Drop off point for annual shoebox appeal. Macari Special offers on the day. If you are a local vendor & would like to take a stall at our fair, call Carmel on 085 118 0182 stalls cost €10 all proceeds to the Christmas lights fund.

Variety Concert on Sun 1^st December in Church of Our Lady Blessington in aid of Blessington & District Day Care and the Coimín Centre.

Featuring: The Roscommon Solstice Choir, Rachel Coyne &  Lorraine Willoughby. Tickets €10 on sale after Mass this weekend or from the Parish Office & the usual outlets.

Cruthú West Wicklow Art Group will hold their Christmas Exhibition in Blessington Tourist Office.  The exhibition opening event will be on Friday 29^th November from 7pm to 8pm. The exhibition will open from 11am to 6pm daily until Sunday 15^th December.  Late opening Friday until 8pm.  There will be plenty of original locally produced Art, Craft, Photography on display, all available to buy.   Find a perfect Christmas gift, or simply drop in to enjoy the art & be inspired.  Like us on Facebook and Instagram or visit www.cruthu.ie

Blessington Allotments – Would you be interested in allotments in Blessington? Our group is continuing to campaign for the provision of allotments in the Blessington area. If you are interested and to get involved, contact Dónal at blessingtonallotments@gmail.com

Blessington Comhaltas Classes in Bodhran, Concertina, Accordion, Whistle, Flute, Beginner Fiddle, Intermediate Fiddle, Tune Classes, Guitar Lessons, Singing Classes, Ceili Band. Classes on Sundays from 5pm in St. Mary’s SNS Info Pat 086 075 2072 or Rebecca 087 228 2012 www.blessingtoncomhaltascoislocha@gmail.com

The Community Pool for West Wicklow Committee would like to say a very big THANK YOU to all of the boys & girls who took part in our West Wicklow Non-Uniform School Day last week. Over 50 schools from across West Wicklow took part. Thank you to all of the teachers, principals, parents & children for their continued support.

The Community Pool for West Wicklow is having a Christmas Party! Sat 14^th Dec from 8pm at Poulaphouca House & Falls. Tickets €25 & available from Charles Camping, The Office Shop & Blessington Tourist Office or online at tinyurl.com/CPWWXmasParty

The Annual Fun-Filled Festive Fair will be held in Scoil Chonglais, Baltinglass on Sun Nov 24^th in the school hall from 11am to 4pm. Seasonal Fare, Arts & Crafts, Cakes, Yule Logs, & Jewellery. Wheel of Fortune & monster raffle!

Would you like to be in with the chance of winning up to €1500 and having a really entertaining night as well? Ballymore Eustace GAA Club are holding ‘The Chaser’ fundraising night in Tulfarris Hotel on Friday 29^th November at 8pm based on the well-known TV Quiz show ‘The Chase’ followed by a disco (after the event, for the adults). The Chaser event is a family event & a family ticket (€50) admits four adults or two adults & three children. Single tickets are €20. All tickets must be pre purchased before the show. For further information or tickets, please contact Fiona Breslin 087 995 6085

West Wicklow Cancer Support – Volunteers – Have you got some free time & would like to volunteer with us? We are a Cancer Support Group catering for the West Wicklow area for the past 5 years & we provide support & information to people & families affected by cancer.  We are looking for a Volunteer Bookkeeper to look after our day to day books. If this suits you, we would like to hear from you.  Volunteers will be fully supported by our caring & confidential team. Contact us on 087 4346004/ westwicklow15@gmail.com or on Facebook

“TRY it out! Mini-Rugby for Tots for ‘under 5 (2015)’ and Under 6 (2014) in St Kevin’s Community Centre, Blessington every Saturday at 10:15am for ‘boys & girls’

 ‘Rugby Practice at Russborough for U7s (2013) to U12s (2008) boys & girls this Sat 23rd Nov at 10:30am”

 Cub Scout Blessington. Is your child aged 9-11years, if they are interested in joining scouts & you would like to become a scout leader (free training provided) please contact me aoibheannmc1@yahoo.ie for more details.

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 added for Wednesdays at 10:30am. Participants can join for FREE at www.AxaCommunityBikeRides.com

Lacken Community Centre Calendar 2020 on sale now from Supervalu, Blessington Bookstore, The Office Shop, Blessington Tourist Office, West Wicklow House, Flowers by Enda, Zellers Lacken & Cullens Bar Ballyknocken

Beginners Fencing Classes on Tuesdays from 8pm to 9.30pm in St Kevin’s Hall

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.

Hollywood Friendship Club every Wednesday from 2.15 to 4.15pm in Hollywood Centre New members welcome. The Club members will visit Newbridge Silverware to do their usual Christmas Shopping on Wed 4^th December

December Events for your Diary

►St Brigid’s National School, Manor Kilbride, Winter Fair in the school on Sunday 1st Dec from 12pm & 4pm.  All welcome – Arts & Crafts Stalls, Books, Toys, Clothes & Cake Stalls & Refreshments. Fun Fair Games & activities for young & old. Festive decorations & Christmas Trees on sale. Bring your pre-loved “Good as New” items to our school for recycling at the Fair on Sat 16^th Nov between 10am & 11am or Sun 24^th Nov between 12pm & 1pm. 

►As part of Russborough’s Oscar Wilde Christmas join us on for ‘An Evening with Oscar Wilde’ on Dec 6^th at 7pm. Compiled & performed by Richard Lynch, share Wilde’s sparkling humour & wit, tinged with a certain pity & sadness.  Tickets €15. Booking 045 865 239 or www.russborough.ie

►Bealin’s Bar Golf Society Christmas Party & Prize Presentation in Bealin’s Lounge on Friday 6^th December with a monster raffle on the night. Music by Sean Reddy

►Join us at Russborough House on Saturday December 7th from 12pm to 4pm for a Christmas Market in aid of the Community Pool for West Wicklow. We’ll have live music, face painting, over 30 stalls with local crafts, baking and Christmas gifts and Santa will be there too!

►Tramway Theatre Proudly Presents – Connor McKeon “Swing into Christmas” on Saturday 7^th December. Let the good times roll. A glitzy & glamorous night of high energy big-band swing including the best loved Christmas Classics. Tickets €25 (including mulled wine & mince pie reception) available from Hennessy’s Next Door & The Office Shop.

►Christmas Concert with ‘Celtic Brothers’ starring The Willoughby’s in Tynock Church at 8pm on Sun 8^th Dec. Concert in aid of a Multi-Sensory Room for Baltinglass Hospital Tickets available from 087 266 8300 or email multisensoryconcert@gmail.com

►West Wicklow Day-Care Committee will be putting up a Christmas Tree in the grounds of Baltinglass Hospital in celebration of the lives of our family & friends who are no longer with us, you can shine a light in their memory by sponsoring a light for €5 on the Christmas Tree. Please call Mary 087 293 4806 or Valerie 045 865 412 to sponsor a light. Christmas Tree lighting ceremony & Carol Service will take place on Sunday 8^th December at 2pm

►Hollywood Senior Citizens Christmas Party on Thurs 12^th Dec Hollywood Inn. Meal at 3.30pm Music/Song/Dance until 8pm. Invitations will be sent out first week December.

►Annual Carol Service on Sunday 15^th December at 5pm in Church of Our Lady, Blessington

►Valleymount & Lacken Parish Concert St Joseph’s National School Present ‘The Nativity’ according to The Gospel of St Luke. Concert featuring St John’s Gospel Choir, Ballinteer, Dublin & Blessington Folk Group in St Joseph’s Church Valleymount on Sunday 15^th December at 7pm. Tickets €10 each or 2 for €15, available from St Joseph’s School or Valleymount Church (after Sunday Mass) and from Blessington Parish Office.

Courses in the Further Education & Training Centre Blessington

We are currently enrolling for courses for our new term starting in January 2020

Full Time Courses – Monday to Friday

QQI Level 5 Business Studies with Sage 50 Accounting

QQI Level 5 Nursing Studies

Part Time Courses (Day and Evening)

Looking to up-skill or learn something new?

We have part time courses available in the following:

eBusiness QQI Level 5

Tourism with Business QQI Level 5

Childcare QQI Level 5

Childcare QQI Level 6

Healthcare QQI Level 5

Computer Science QQI Level 5

Office Skills QQI Level 4

For further information please contact Anne McGrath or Karen Townsend on 086 850 3833 or blessingtonfetc@kwetb.ie

St Vincent de Paul 087 181 1579

The most important decision you can make is to be in a good mood