Photo Exhibition of the work of Colman Doyle in Valleymount Hall Fri 11^th Oct at 8pm & Sat 12^th/Sun 13^th Oct from 12noon to 5pm.

Saturday 12^th October 2019

►Sacrament of the Sick & Healing Mass at 12 noon in Church of Our Lady, Blessington.

Tea & coffee served in the Coimín Centre

Sunday 13^th October 2019

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

Monday 14^th October 2019

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

►Eucharistic Adoration every Monday after 9.30am Mass until 12 Noon in the Crying Room, Church of Our Lady, Blessington.

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

Tuesday 15^th October 2019

►Blessington U3A welcome Denis Keogh to present a talk based on the workings of the universe: “It’s Your Wonderful Universe” at 10:30am in The Education Centre, Blessington

All welcome, €5pp or €20 for full membership

►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.

►Blessington Community College Open Night for all incoming first years in 2020 from 6pm to 8pm. All Welcome

Wednesday 16^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.

Thursday 17^th October 2019

►Meeting for Parents of Confirmation children in Valleymount & Lacken schools will take place at 8pm in Valleymount Church

►West Wicklow Cancer Support Invite you to a Breast Cancer Awareness event “In conversation with RTE’s Evelyn O’Rourke & special guests” at 7.30pm in The Avon Blessington.  Free event open to all, Bus available for collect & return €2 each. Bus booking no: 086 434 6004 or 087 977 4241.

►Blessington History Society will host a talk given by Dr Patrick Callan on ‘The History of Glasnevin Cemetery’ at 8pm in Coimín Centre. New Members welcome Non-Members €5

Mass Intentions this Week

Saturday 6pm: James Byrne (A) John & Bridie Richardson (A) Paddy Nolan (A) Ann Smyth (A) Annie Fennell (A) Margaret Murphy (A)

Sunday 10am: Rosanna Wright (A) Betty Tyrrell (A)

We also Remember the following:  Michael & Thomas Fitzpatrick (A)

Monday: Mass for those on the list for Sick

Tuesday: Special Int, Cecil Smiley (RD) Canon Maurice O’Moore (RD)

Wednesday: Birthday Rem, Rosanna Wright (A)

Thursday: Margaret Murphy (A) Sean Tighe (RD)

Friday: Jim Sargent (RD) Doreena Kavanagh (RD)

The family of the late Mary (Marie) Brady of Glashina, Russborough wish to acknowledge the many expressions of sympathy & gestures of kindness shown to us following our sad loss.   We offer our heartfelt thanks to those who attended the funeral home, funeral Mass & burial & to those who travelled long distances, those who sent Mass cards & messages of condolences or contributed to the charity donation.  We would like to thank Dr. Joyce, the community nurses & Deacon Gerry Malone who attended to her.  A special thank you to Fr. Noel Campbell, the Eucharistic Ministers & singer Lorraine for the lovely Mass they provided.   Sincere thanks also to Regina & Tony Clarke for their kindness & professionalism. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for your intentions.

Mission Sunday collection at all Masses next weekend 19^th & 20^th Oct. replacing Share

Children’s Church on Sun Oct 20^th at 10 am Mass in Blessington

Blessington Interfaith Visit to Bolton Abbey, Sat 19^th Oct. You may like to spend a day of reflection, relaxation & prayer in the peaceful surroundings of the Cistercian monastery in Bolton Abbey, Moone, Co. Kildare. As places are limited, early booking is advisable. The cost is €30 per person. Coffee & tea will be provided but please bring a packed lunch. Info: Joan Griffith 087 970 4832; Grainne Glancy 087 125 3190; Anton Trant 086 3389553; Gerry Curran 087 2841009.

Mass of Remembrance for all our parishioners who died during the past year, will be held on Friday 1^st November at 8pm. If you have a relative or friend who has died outside our parish & would like their name called out on the night, call to parish office with details.

Mass of Harvest Thanksgiving & Blessing on Saturday October 26^th 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. Deacon Gerry will be calling to homes  in the Lacken area to ‘Bless the Stock’ during the week of 21^st to 26^th October.

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.

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

SPECIAL NOVENA “FOR OUR FAMILIES”

Join us for this special celebration of Family Life & Faith from 15^th to 23^rd October in Holy Family Church, Rathcoole. Sessions 7pm to 8pm each evening

Novena to Saints Therese, Louis & Zelie Martin with visits of their relics.

Talks by 12 lay people & 2 priests on Faith, Loss, Addiction, Vocation, Health & Healing.

October Rosary 6.30pm before each session.

Come for just 1 night or stay for all 9…

Reconciliation Service Monday 21^st October

9 Hours of Adoration in the presence of the relics on Wednesday 23^rd from 10am to 7pm

Final Mass (with Relics) on Wednesday 23rd for all the intentions of the Novena.

Refreshments in Rathcoole Community Centre after each session. All welcome!

This unique event is not to be missed. For more info call Fr. Colin 01 401 1753

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

►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

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

Condolences to the family & many friends of the late Cecil Smiley in Hollywood. Cecil was part of The Hollywood Community for over 40 years. We are eternally grateful for his dedication to St. Kevin’s Church, opening & locking the Church, cleaning the brassware etc…Cecil was a true gentleman…may his gentle soul be at peace. Amen

Blessington & District Credit Union Ltd. Supporting CUPS AGAINST BREAST CANCER. Coffee Morning on Wednesday 16^th October in Blessington Credit Union from 10am to 1pm. Please come along & support this wonderful cause. Tea, coffee, cake & lots of chat & laughs. Everybody welcome.

CAD = Community Against Drugs. This is a very important meeting for Parents, Guardians, Mentors. If you “Care be There” Hollywood Centre on 16^th Oct at 7.30pm. Speaker Bernie McDonnell, MSc Chairperson CAD

Anam Cara supporting bereaved parents, are holding a Parent Support Event on 14^th Oct at 7:20pm in the Maldron Hotel, Tallaght. Free event 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 Cruthú Art Group ANNUAL TABLE QUIZ will take place Fri 18^th Oct at 8pm in Hennessy’s Lounge.  €10 per player.  Max 5 per team.  Always a fun night.  All welcome

Eadestown Church Choir presents “Songs for Saplings” featuring Patrick Hyland, (tenor) Aisling McCarthy (soprano) & The Ballymore Eustace Concert Band in Church of the Immaculate Conception, Eadestown on Saturday 19th October 8pm. Tickets €20 available from Barker & Jones & The Moat Theatre, Naas, The Office Shop Blessington or from choir members 

Come & Celebrate our Cultural Heritage

VALES AROUND CLOUGHLEA MINI FESTIVAL

Sunday 20^th October in Manor Kilbride Hall from 12 noon to 2.30pm

Local history lecture by June Blake

Old time music by members of Mór Ceól & members of Kilbride & Lakeside Music

Tea, chat & songs & Raffle. All welcome.  Admission free

Hosted by Kilbride & Lakeside Music Committee & Glen Heste Pure Mile Group

The Proceeds of €350 from the Hollywood Social Dances is being donated to LauraLynn Children’s Hospice. Grateful thanks Nicholas & Susan Kelly for organising this.

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

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 MILLENNIUM CHOIR – In 1999, an interfaith discussion led by Fr Tim Murphy & Rev Nigel Dunne concluded that the foundation of an ecumenical choir would be one appropriate way to celebrate the Christian Millennium in our parishes.  Blessington Millennium Choir was born, under the musical direction of Yvonne O’Connor with accompanist Ruarc Gahan.

On Sunday 8^th December 2019, the choir proudly celebrates its twentieth anniversary with a major concert in St Mary’s Church in Blessington. 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) will be available from The Parish Office from 1st November.

In addition to this concert, Harry Meyer has compiled a book of photographs, programmes & interviews tracing the history of the choir since its foundation.  Supporters of the choir & former members may be interested in having a copy of this book. It runs to approximately 100 pages, in colour, & will cost €40.  It would make an ideal Christmas Present!  If you would like to reserve a copy, please contact a member of the choir or leave a note in the Parish office for Harry’s attention. Thank you for all your support down the years!

Team Aoibheann Blessington, would like to thank everyone for all the support given to our Aoibheann’s Pink Tie Coffee Morning, with your help & generosity we raised a massive €8097, we are blessed to be part of such a wonderful caring community. Check out APT on Facebook https//aoibheannspinktie.ie

Are you interest in becoming a volunteer with the Blessington Community First Responder Unit?

We will be running an induction session shortly. During this course we will run a full CPR/AED training session & have a Q & A session where you will be given the opportunity to ask what exactly is involved & expected of our volunteers. Successful/suitable candidates will be offered one of the limited places on a full days CFR training session to be held late in the year. Candidates must be:

• Be at least 18 years of age and in good health
• Live within 5km of the centre of Blessington
• Have own transport & able to provide letter from insurance company confirming that their policy

covers your activities as a CFR

• Willing to complete all online courses required by the National Ambulance Service including but not limited to Children First & Critical Incident Stress Mgt
• Willing to provide cover on a rostered basis including weekends & nights
• Be willing to be Garda vetted
• Willing to attend monthly training sessions (Min 10 per year)
• Complete & comply with all required National Ambulance Service policies
• Complete all required BCFRU paperwork

PM us on Facebook your e-mail address & contact number if you want to attend the introduction day alternatively text 087 278 5924. Places will be limited so register early.

Carer’s Information Workshop

Do you care for an adult in your life & need a little guidance or advice? Come to our information day in Blessington

The objective of the day is to provide people who are caring for someone with useful information. Some of the topics include:

• Fair Deal, entitlements & supports, future planning
• Opening your lives to professionals such as social workers, nurses, psychologists, OT’s & physiotherapists & navigating this new system
• Managing your own self-care & coping with stress. Enjoy an on-site mindfulness session with the team.
• Provide a space for people to chat about certain aspects of caring & ask questions in a safe & confidential environment.

The Primary care team & experts from relevant organisations will be present to discuss certain topics. Thursday November 28^th

Venue: Blessington Primary Care Centre (note change of venue, from previously advertised)

To express interest in attending please contact: Joan 045 446 356, Fiona 059 863 3551 or Kate 045 446 353

The Irish Heart Foundation will hold a Church Gate Collection this weekend 28^th & 29^th September

Sunday 29^th September 2019

►Children’s Church resuming at 10am Mass for all children aged 5 to 10 years

►Valleymount Country Market in the Community Hall from 10am to 3pm

Monday 30^th September 2019

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

►Blessington Children’s Choir practice every Monday from 2:45pm to 3.30pm in the Church. New members welcome. We are also looking for a MUSICIAN TO PLAY for the choir, if interested please call Áine 045 865 327 in the Parish Office

►Confirmation 2020 Information meeting for Parents of all children in 6^th Class St Mary’s JS and 5^th& 6^th classes in No. 1 School & BETNS who wish to receive the sacrament of Confirmation, will take place at 7.30pm in Church of Our Lady, Blessington

►Burgage Cemetery AGM will take place at 8pm in the Coimín Centre, Blessington. All are welcome to attend.

Tuesday 1^st October 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 2^nd 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

Thursday 3^rd October 2019

►Hospice Coffee Morning Blessington Active Retirement Group will host a coffee morning in aid of St. Bridget’s Hospice, Kildare, in St Kevin’s Hall 9.30am to 12.30pm. Donations for the raffle may be left into the Parish office.

Friday 4^th October 2019

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

►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 Manor Kilbride at 9am.

►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. The mitten will be available during Mass

Mass Intentions this Week

Philip Gallagher (RD) James Sargent (RD) Jimmy Gallagher (RD)

Saturday 6pm: Michael Doran (A) Helen Patton (RD)

Sunday 10am Olive Williams (1^st A) Christy Williams (A) Margo Foley (RD)

We also Remember the following:  Christy Brady (A) Nora Swift (1^st A) Tom McGreal Jnr (A) Jimmy Keogh (A)

Monday: Mass for those on the list for Sick

Tuesday: Carol Verrecchia (10^th A) Julia Duffy (A)

Wednesday: Get Well Mass, Sp Intentions

Thursday: Sean & Annie Newman (A) Joseph Kearns (RD)

Friday: Mass offered for Altar List of the Dead

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

Morning Eucharistic Adoration every Monday from 7^th October after 9.30am Mass until 12 Noon in the Crying Room, Church of Our Lady, Blessington.

Blessington and District Forum will hold its AGM on Monday 14^th October.

Venue & time to be confirmed.

Nominations are currently being accepted for (i) membership of the Forum and

(ii) for positions on the Forum Executive. Closing date for nominations is Friday 20^th September at 5pm.

Nominations or requests for further information should be sent via email to the secretary using info@blessington.ie.  Further details at www.blessington.ie

Blessington Comhaltas Classes in Bodhran, Concertina, Accordion, Whistle, Flute, Beginner Fiddle, Intermediate Fiddle, Tune Classes, Guitar Lessons, Singing Classes, Ceili Band. Classes begin on Sunday 29^th Sept from 5pm in St. Mary’s SNS Info Pat 086 075 2072 or Rebecca 087 228 2012 Facebook: Blessington Comhaltas. www.blessingtoncomhaltascoislocha@gmail.com

The Cruthú Art Group ANNUAL TABLE QUIZ will take place Fri 18^th Oct at 8pm in Hennessy’s Lounge.  €10 per player.  Max 5 per team.  Always a fun night.  All welcome

West Wicklow Cancer Support have a signed GAA Dublin All Ireland Champions jersey for auction! If you would like to own this splendid piece of memorabilia, call or email: 087 4346004 or westwicklow15@gmail.com

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

Hospice Coffee Day in Hollywood raised €600 for St. Brigid’s Hospice in the Curragh.  If you missed being there on the day, contributions can still be made to Sheila Kelly, Teresa McCabe or Marie Tutty. Thanks to all who supported. Raffle Winners: Kevin Traynor, Eileen Burke, Lucy Mooney, Trish Kelly

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.

Anam Cara South Dublin the organisation that supports bereaved parents, are holding a Parent Support Event on 7^th October at 7:20pm in the Maldron Hotel, Whitestown Way, Tallaght. This event is free and 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.

Blessington Fencing Club are participating in a Fencing Ireland Campaign to bring fencing to the public. They will be offering free fencing on Saturday 28^th September from 2pm to 4 pm in St Kevin’s Hall, Blessington. 8 – 99-year olds very welcome!! They have also started an Adult beginners’ class on Tuesday evenings from 8pm to 9pm

Wicklow Mountains National Park: Nature & St Kevin Walk, Sunday 29th September. Join National Park Guides for a gentle walk in the beautiful valley of Glendalough. We will visit some of the sites associated with St Kevin, sharing the stories about his connection with nature & discussing possible meanings behind the stories, weaving them with current conservation concerns. Meet outside Glendalough Visitor Centre (Eircode A98HC80) on Sunday 29th September at 10am. Approximately four hours including a break. Adults only. Wear footwear suitable for rough terrain & clothing suitable for wet weather.  Please leave your dog at home. This event is free of charge but please be aware that the OPW Visitor Centre car park has a €4 charge for car parking. Booking is essential! Call the National Park Information Office 0404 45425 for info & booking

Come & Celebrate our Cultural Heritage

VALES AROUND CLOUGHLEA MINI FESTIVAL

Sunday 20^th October in Manor Kilbride Hall from 12 noon to 2.30pm

LOCAL HISTORY LECTURE By June Blake

OLD TIME MUSIC by members of Mór Ceól & members of Kilbride & Lakeside Music

TEA, CHAT & SONGS & Raffle. All welcome.  Admission free

HOSTED BY KILBRIDE & LAKESIDE MUSIC COMMITTEE & GLEN HESTE PURE MILE GROUP.

Rounders – Blessington GAA are looking at the possibility of starting Rounders teams for juvenile ages (boys & girls). It’s an official GAA sport and even has own Féile. If any parent is interested in training and attending coaching, please contact Kevin Gilmore on 0872324197.

Happy Faces Community Playgroup enrolling for Sept 2019, we offer ECCE & part time places, at Happy Faces we support & encourage young children through a planned play-based curriculum, to grow into independent little people, who have a love for life & learning call: 085 128 1605, email happyfaces@blessingtonfec.ie or Facebook

Community Education KWETB courses in Naas Further Education Centre, Jigginstown

Women’s Health and Wellbeing

how society treats women & responds to their health issues

Essential Community Education

learn how to start and facilitate groups 

On Truck there is so much to explore after retirement

Facebook KWETB Community Education. To register call 045,881,863 or email communityedkildare@kwetb.ie for further details.

If they want to grow in His friendship,  Jesus’ disciples must not complain & look inward.  They must act and commit themselves, certain that the Lord will support and accompany them. Pope Francis

Local St Vincent de Paul 087 181 1579