Saturday 9^th November 2019

► Confirmation Enrolment Mass for all children preparing for Confirmation at 6pm in Church of Our Lady, Blessington

Sunday 10^th November 2019

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

►1^st Communion Preparation Mass at 10am in Church of Our Lady, Blessington for all children receiving the sacrament this year.

►Confirmation Enrolment Mass for St Joseph’s NS Valleymount at 11.15am in Valleymount Church.

Monday 11^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.

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

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

Tuesday 12^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 13^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

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

Thursday 14^th November 2019

► Mass for 1^st Communion & Confirmation classes in Lacken Church at 1.30pm

►Coimin Management Meeting at 7pm in the Coimin Centre

►Dr. Jessie Rogers discussion; “Meeting Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew”, continues at 8pm in the Coimin Centre. All welcome.

St Vincent de Paul Local number 087 181 1579

Mass Intentions this Week

Frankie Keogh (RD)

Saturday 6pm: Frances Kehoe (Mths Mind) Nicola Sheehy Mths Mind) Michael Byrne (A)

Sunday 10am: Bill Moore (A) Tom O’Hagan (Jnr) Tom (Snr) & Judith O’Hagan & the deceased members of the O’Hagan Family

We also Remember the following:  Dickie Reid (1^st A) Patricia Mahon (A)

Monday: Mass for those on the list for Sick

Tuesday: Kathleen, Jim & Seamus Corry (A)

Wednesday: Nicola Sheehy (Mths Mind) Mary Feeney (A) Fr Matt Neylon (Rem)

Thursday: Louise Fleming (A) Spec Living Intention,

Friday: Marie O’Byrne (A) Tom Murphy (A)

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

Blessington Men’s Shed Variety Concert in the Tramway Theatre on Sat 16^th Nov at 8pm. Special Guests: The RAMS & local singers / musicians. Tickets €10 from Hennessy’s & The Office Shop. Info, Kevin: 087 747 0461 or Pat 086 075 2072. Please Support

St. Vincent De Paul would like to offer our sincere gratitude for all the donations we receive throughout the year. If anyone wishes to donate, can you please drop it into the Parish Office marked for SVP. All donations dropped in here remain in Blessington & the surrounding areas & 100% of donations are distributed to those in need. Any donations left in the SVP Shop Blessington are sent to Dublin

HAVE YOUR SAY Blessington Town Team  invites you to attend a Public Consultation Workshop as part of the ‘Town Health Check’ for Blessington. Where? The Avon, Blessington, Co. Wicklow When? Tuesday, November 12^th at 7.30pm. The Blessington Town Health Check is an opportunity to consider the vibrancy and vitality of your town. The current performance of the town is being measured and the future needs of residents and visitors in Blessington is being planned for. Businesses, residents and visitors with an interest in the future of the town are invited to participate in this public workshop. We look forward to seeing you! John Horan, Chairperson,  Blessington Town Team

Valleymount Christmas Fair Nov 23rd & 24th Valleymount Community Hall. Unwanted gifts/as good as new items wanted for Bric-a-Brac stall.

Baltinglass Hospital Annual Christmas Bazaar on Sunday 24^th Nov in the hospital from 2pm. All donations of Cakes, Bottles, Bric-a-Brac & Toys (in good condition please) to Mary 087 293 4806 or Valerie 045 865 412

 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. Try your luck at the wheel of fortune or the monster raffle! Why not enjoy a mug of hot chocolate & listen to Christmas Carols while the children have their faces painted?  This market books out quickly each year, any interested stallholders can book by emailing ceiremurphy@kwetb.ie or collecting a form from the school (regular stalls €20; large €30).

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

 Hollywood Senior Citizens Committee Mini Christmas Craft Fair has been cancelled they will hold a Table Quiz in Tutty’s Hollywood on Fri 7^th Feb Quiz Master Pat O Neill

October winners in Valleymount Church Renovation fund draw: Angela & John Richardson, Mary & Matt Reid, Lizzie Brophy & Ivan Carroll, Kathy & Stephen Kavanagh, Rachel & Niall Jones. Each received €100.

Many thanks to all who gave donations of produce to the Harvest Mass of Thanksgiving in Lacken & to the children of Lacken NS for their participation in the celebration. Your support is much appreciated.

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

Mini-Rugby for Tots for Under 5 (2013) & Under 6 (2014) in St Kevin’s Community Centre, Blessington every Saturday at 10:15am for boys & girls’

Rugby at Russborough for U7s (2013) to U12s (2008) boys & girls this Sat 5th Oct at 11:30

The Parish Book Club meets 4 times a year.  The books chosen for review are varied & are of spiritual & philosophical interest.  We notify the book under review here in the newsletter.  Our next meeting is on Thurs 21^st Nov at 10am in The Parish Meeting Room.  The book is ‘Traveling Mercies’ by Anne Lamott.  New members are always welcome.  Please contact the Parish Office if you are interested & would like to go on the text reminder list.

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

Community Pool for West Wicklow are having a Christmas Party! Join us at Poulaphouca House & Falls on Saturday December 14th from 8pm for canapés, mulled wine, DJ, dancing & spot prizes! Tickets only €25, available from Charles Camping, The Office Shop & Blessington Tourist Office from Saturday November 9th or email us at poolforWestWicklow@gmail.com

Blessington GAA Dog Night. Friday 15^th November in Newbridge Greyhound Stadium. Sponsored by Dunnes Stores.

Prizes

Buster Draw 1                Buster Draw 2

1st Prize €750                1st Prize €750

2nd Prize €400               2nd Prize €400

3rd Prize €300                3rd Prize €300

4th Prize €200                4th Prize €200

5 Prizes of €100 each

You can nominate a dog for €50 which entitles you to entry to the races on the night and also a prize of €100 if dog wins the race. Donations to Charities will be made from proceeds of the event. Tickets €10 entitles you to entry to The Dogs & entry into Buster Draws

First Race at 8pm

Tickets can be purchased from any member of the Executive or by contacting JP Morgan 087 238 8592, John Magee Snr: 086 871 7483  or

Breda Brophy 087 225 3892. Bus transfer details to be confirmed later

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

GROW Community Mental Health “West Wicklow” Support Group every Wed at 7.30pm in Camphill, Grangebeg, Dunlavin. Why not come along & learn more about positive mental health, wellbeing, recovery & how GROW may help you achieve this. New members are always welcome (free of charge).  Info: John 086 803 3126 or www.grow.ie

Holy Land Pilgrimage 11 Day Pilgrimage to The Holy Land 12^th to 22^nd February 2020 cost €1,475 deposit €450 Spiritual Director Canon Paddy McGinn, There are still a small number of places left, further details contact Brenda Murray-Flynn on 041 686 3390 or brenda.murray-flynn@travelcounsellors.com Philip on 087 250 8043 or pmcardle006@gmail.com

Collection for the Capuchin Day Centre for Homeless. Lakeshore Striders A.C Annual Charity Collection for the Capuchin Day Centre for the Homeless will take place on Saturday 23rd of November from 12pm to 3pm in the ‘Crying Room’ of Church of Our Lady, Blessington. Items requested by the centre include; new sleeping bags (available from Charles Camping at a reduced cost of €10 when you indicate it’s for this collection), toiletries (shampoo, shower gel, deodorant, razors, toothpaste, toothbrushes, etc), nappies, baby food & formula. Please note the centre does not require clothing, shoes, duvets or similar items.

Cash donations also accepted on the day. For info email lakeshorestriders@gmail.com or Edel on 087 961 8337

December Events for your Diary

►St Brigid’s National School Manor Kilbride Winter Fair Sun 1^st Dec from 12noon to 4pm. If you are interested in having a stall at this event, please call 087 774 1432

►Variety Concert on Sun 1^st Dec in Church of Our Lady Blessington in aid of Blessington & District Day Care & the Coimin Centre. Featuring: The Roscommon Solstice Choir, Rachel Coyne & Lorraine Willoughby. Tickets €10 from Eventbrite, Parish Office, Hennessey’s Next Door, The Office Shop & the Credit Union. Info: 087 919 5991, 087 293 4806 or 087 245 0546.

►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

►Community Pool for West Wicklow Christmas Market in the Hippodrome, Russborough House on Dec 7^th from 12noon to 4pm. Christmas Shopping, Visit Santa, enjoy a mince pie or two Any local Crafters, Artists, Bakers or Businesses interested in having a stall at the market please email at poolforWestWicklow@gmail.com

►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 5pm

►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 in Church of Our Lady, Blessington

Be a good person, but don’t waste your time trying to prove it…

Saturday 26^th October 2019

►Mass of Harvest Thanksgiving & Blessing at 7.30pm in Lacken. Donations of home-baking, fruit, veg & jam, welcome. All donated produce will be sold after Mass with proceeds going towards the maintenance & improvements of the church grounds. There will be a special blessing for our farming community & for all who work in the parish.

Monday 28^th October 2019

►Bank Holiday Mass at 11am in Church of Our Lady, Blessington

Tuesday 29^th October 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 meet at 2.30pm in the Coimin Centre Blessington, new members welcome.

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

Wednesday 30^th October 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

►Blessington Parish Folk Group rehearsal every Wednesday at 8pm in the Church.

Friday 1^st November 2019

►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

Masses for Holy Day – Feast of All Souls

►Blessington at 10am

►Manor Kilbride at 11am.

►Valleymount at 11.15am

►Crosschapel at 11.30am

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

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

►November Mass of Remembrance at 8pm for all our parishioners who died during the past year. If you have a relative or friend who has died outside our parish & would like their name called out on the night, call the parish office with details

►Blessington Parish Office will be closed for the Holy Day

Mass Intentions this Week

Saturday 6pm: Kathleen (Kit) Hanlon (1^st A) Patrick Eustace (A) Ronnie Egan (A) James & Margaret Hayden (A)

Sunday 10am: Eric Wilson (RD) Brenda Lennon (RD)

We also Remember the following: Philip & Mary Creighton (A) Ann O’Reilly (A) (Spec Int) Richard Gleeson (A)

Monday: Mass for those on the list for Sick

Tuesday: Paddy Hudson (RD) Kathleen Boland (RD)

Wednesday: Spec Int, Spec Int

Thursday: Kathleen Hassett (RD) Jimmy Flood (RD)

1^st Friday: Mass offered for all on the November list of the dead.

The Family of the late Patrick (Patsy) Hamilton Sandybanks. Phyllis, Kevin, Claire, Mary, Katie & Jamie wish to acknowledge the many expressions of sympathy & gestures of kindness shown to us during his illness & at the time of his sad passing on July 31^st. We offer sincere thanks to family, friends, neighbours & all those who called to the house, attended the funeral mass & burial. We would also like to thank those who sent Mass cards & messages of condolences. We wish to give a special word of thanks to Father Paraic, the medical staff of Naas & Tallaght Hospitals. We wish to thank all those who participated in the mass: Our singers Lorraine & Martina, musician Paul & also Clarke’s Funeral Directors for their guidance & support. As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually so please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our deepest gratitude. The Holy sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for your intentions

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

November Altar List of the Dead – Envelopes available in the church Porch from this weekend. Masses offered on the 1^st Friday of every month throughout the year.

Church Collection next weekend for CASA (Caring & Sharing Association) CASA is a volunteer led organisation founded in 1981 to support people with disabilities through a variety of social events.

Calling all Past Students of St Brigid’s National School of Manor Kilbride.  You are invited to come to our 60’s Assembly in celebration of the school being fifty years old in St Brigid’s National School on Friday 8^th November from 11.30am to 12.30. Dress: 60’s!! Come along for a few songs, stories & a few memories & maybe a few sandwiches!!

Blessington Tourist Office is organising the Halloween walk for children around the village on Wednesday, 30th of October at 5 pm. Come dressed as a local tourist attraction and pick one of our best dressed prizes. Parents welcome to dress up as well and must accompany their offspring.

GROW Community Mental Health “West Wicklow” Support Group meets every Wed at 7.30pm in Camphill, Grangebeg, Dunlavin. Why not come along & learn more about positive mental health, wellbeing, recovery & how GROW may help you achieve this.  New members are always welcome (free of charge).  Contact John 086 803 3126 or visit our website, www.grow.ie for info

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.

Mini-Rugby for Tots for Under 5 (2013) & Under 6 (2014) in St Kevin’s Community Centre, Blessington every Saturday at 10:15am for boys & girls’

Rugby at Russborough for U7s (2013) to U12s (2008) boys & girls this Sat 5th Oct at 11:30

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

LOOKING FOR A GREAT NIGHT OUT. Blessington Bowls meet every Thursday night at 7.30pm in St. Kevin’s hall, Main Street Blessington, Guest’s welcome, why not come along and bring a friend.

Shauna Callinan and Lara Gilmore (TY students) would like to invite you to a coffee morning in St. Kevin’s Hall on Sunday the 3^rd November from 10 am to 2 pm. All money raised goes to the charity ‘Fields of Life’ in Uganda. The girls will be travelling to Uganda in March 2020.  This money goes directly to building girls sanitary facilities and a well in a rural community, giving them access to clean water for the first time. Your support is greatly appreciated.

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 a coffee and chat.  New series added for Wednesday mornings at 10:30. Participants can join for FREE at www.AxaCommunityBikeRides.com

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

December Dates for your Diary

►Hollywood Senior Citizens Committee are holding a Mini Christmas Fair on weekend 30^th November & 1st December after all Masses. Crafts & Christmas Fayre.

►Variety Concert on Sun 1^st December in Church of Our Lady Blessington. In Aid of Blessington And District Day Care and Coimin Centre.   In Church of Our Lady Blessington at 8 Pm on 1st December 19. Artists…Roscommon Solstice Choir, Rachel Coyne, Lorrain Willoughby. Tickets 10 Euro.  Available from Eventbrite. Parish Office. Hennessey’s Next Door. Office Shop. Credit Union. Phone. 0879195991. 0872934806. And 0872450546.

►St Brigid’s National School Manor Kilbride Winter Fair is on the 1st December from 12 until 4pm. If you are interested in having a stall at this event please call 087-7741432

►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

►Community Pool for West Wicklow are delighted to announce that we will be hosting a Christmas Market in the Hippodrome at Russborough House on Dec 7^th from 12pm to 4pm. Come & do some Christmas shopping, visit Santa, enjoy a mince pie or two all while supporting the campaign for a pool for West Wicklow. Any local Crafters, Artists, Bakers or Businesses interested in having a stall at the market please email at poolforWestWicklow@gmail.com

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

►Valleymount Christmas Concert on Tuesday 17^th December at 7.30pm in St Joseph’s Church Valleymount

St Vincent de Paul local number 087 181 1579