Sat/Sun 21^st/22^nd December 2019

► Mass times as normal in all our Churches this weekend

Monday 23^rd December 2019

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

Christmas Eve Tues 24^th Dec 2019

►Confessions: 12 noon to 1pm in Church of our Lady, Blessington and from 5pm to 6pm in St Brigid’s Church, Manor Kilbride

Christmas Eve Mass Times

►Blessington 5.00pm

►Blessington 7.30pm

►Lacken 7.30pm

►Manor Kilbride 8.00pm

►Eadestown 9.00pm

►Crosschapel 9.00pm

►Valleymount 9.30pm

►Blessington 10.00pm

Christmas Day Wed 25^th Dec 2019

Christmas Day Mass Times

►Blessington 10.00am

►Valleymount 10.00am

►Kilteel 10.00am

►Manor Kilbride 11.00am

►Eadestown 11.30am

►Crosschapel 11.30am

►Blessington 11.30am

► 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!

St Stephen’s Day Thurs 26^th Dec

►Mass 11am Church of Our Lady Blessington

Sunday 29^th December 2019

►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!

Mass Intentions this Week

Sheila Kearns (RD)

Saturday 6pm: Elizabeth Coogan (Mths Mind) Eddie Conroy (Rem) Margaret Roche (A) Claire Twyford (A)

Sunday 10am: Michelle Pender (Mths Mind) Jamie Mahon (A)

We also Remember the following: Bridget McEvoy (1^st A) Liam & Roseana O’Hara, Deceased Members of O’Hara Family, John & Bridie Hamilton, Deceased Members of Hamilton Family, Tina Walsh, Patsy Hamilton, William Clarke, May & Jim Breen, Mary Breen, Kathy Ryan, Christina Ryan Fogarty, Anna Ryan, Jimmy & Micky Ryan, Sheila Zeller, Kathleen Smith, Thomas & Ann Eustace, Thomas & Susan Eustace, Patrick & Molly Conway, Mary Pollard, Mary Cullen, Tony, Lil & Brian Kenny, Charles & Catherine Doran, Simon, Rebecca & Maisie Hopkins, Paddy & Dolores Burnett, John & Bernadette Byrne.

Monday 23^rd: Mass for those on list for Sick

Christmas Masses: offered for the intentions of all our parishioners

Thursday 26^th 11am: Louis Walsh (A) Frank & Olwyn Langan (A) Millicent Jones (A)

Friday 27^th 11am: Hannah Smith (A) Katie Kelly, Mary Ann Sargent

Saturday 28^th Dec 6pm: Karen McEvoy (1^st A)  Bill Kinsella (A)

We also Remember the following: Jim & Kitty Nolan, Vincent Bohan, Kay McGrath, Peggy & Pauline O’Brien

Monday 30^th December 11am Mass for those on the list for the Sick

Tues 31^st Dec 11am Joseph McDonald (A)

Wed 1^st January 11am: Special Intention

Thurs 2^nd Jan 9.30am: Elsie Hennessy

Friday 3^rd Jan 9.30am: 1st Friday Masses offered for all on the Nov List of the Dead

May the Holy Family bring Peace, Joy & Happiness to you & your family this Christmas. We invite you to join with us in celebrating the birth of Jesus.

Archdeacon Kevin Lyon,

Fr. Paraic McDermott,

Fr. Micheál Comer,

Fr. Noel Campbell,

Rev. Deacon Gerry Malone

Áine Egan, Pastoral worker

Fr. Richard Behan P.P.

Reverend Canon Leonard Ruddock

From Thursday 26th December to Wednesday 1st January no weekday Mass in Crosschapel. Mass at 11am in Church of Our Lady, Blessington

Blessington Parish Office

Closed from Monday 23^rd December at 1pm and will reopen on Tuesday 7^th January at 9am The next edition of the Parish Newsletter will be dated 12^th January

Mass Intentions

Sunday 5^th Jan 10am: Liam O’Reilly (A) William & Elizabeth Coyle (A) Peter, Mary & Pat Brady

We also Remember the following: Michael Tully Snr (A)

Holy Day Monday 6^th Jan 10am: Mass for those on the list for the Sick

Holy Day Monday 6^th Jan 8pm: Blessington Christmas Mass Bouquet Intentions

Tuesday 7^th Jan 9.30am: Michael Tully Snr (A)

Wednesday 8^th Jan 9.30am:  Blessington Christmas Mass Bouquet Intentions

Thursday 9^th Jan 9.30am: Blessington Christmas Mass Bouquet Intentions

Friday 10^th Jan 9.30am: Blessington Christmas Mass Bouquet Intentions

Friday 3^rd January 2020

►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.

Monday 6^th January 2020

► Feast of the Epiphany – Holy Day Masses:

10.00am: Church of Our Lady Blessington

11.00am: Manor Kilbride

11.15am Valleymount

11.30am: Crosschapel

11.30am Eadestown

8.00pm: Blessington

Wednesday 7^th January 2020

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

Ring in the New Year with the Bells of St. Mary’s and the Blessington & District forum

The community of Blessington & District are invited to greet 2020 in a new way this New Year’s Eve. Blessington Forum in conjunction with St Mary’s Church, Blessington, is encouraging everyone to ring out the old year & ring in the new one accompanied by the church’s historic bells. People are encouraged to gather in the Square Blessington at 11.45pm on December 31^st where they will be given tea lights. The church’s bells will toll for 10 minutes in the run up to midnight to ring out 2019. The bells will fall silent for a time before12 single strokes are rung at midnight. Then all the bells will ring in the new year. People will light their tea lights on the stroke of midnight bringing light into the darkness at the dawn of the new year bringing hope to our community for 2020

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.

Hollywood Friendship Club will return on 8^th Jan. Wishing all our friends a Happy Christmas & New Year.  Hope to see new members in 2020.

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.

Community Pool for West Wicklow 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 €5 each & 4 for €20 at www.tinyurl.com/CPWWMonsterRaffle All monies raised go towards a pool for West Wicklow. Draw in Murphy’s Bar on Sun Dec 22^nd. For more information email poolforWestWicklow@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

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

Happy Christmas to all our Mini-Rugby Players from Blessington RFC!!

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.

West Wicklow Cancer Support: – Would like to wish everyone a Wonderful Christmas and a healthy and Happy New Year.  There will be no monthly drop in on the last Thursday of the month (December). Our next Drop will be on Thursday 30^th January 2020. We are available on 087 434 6004 or by email westwicklow15@gmail.com over the holiday season. Thank you to all for your ongoing support.  “The human spirit is stronger than anything that can happen to it”

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

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

St. Vincent De Paul would like to offer our sincere gratitude for all the donations we received last weekend. If anyone still 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 are sent to Dublin.

Many Thanks to all who helped make the Christmas Concert in Valleymount such a huge success. Mass will be offered for your intentions.

GAELSCOIL NA LOCHANNA, Oíche Oscailte agus Chlárúcháin, 16ú Eanáir 2019 Open/Enrolment night for places in school for next Sept is on 16th January 7:30pm in Gaelscoil (Kilmalum road, Blessington) We also invite parents who might be thinking of joining the Gaelscoil in next few years to come along also. PPS and birth cert required to enrol. 087 938 8651 for enquiries.  Fáilte! PLEASE SEE OUR NEW PARENTS’ WEBPAGE www.gsnl.info for all the information new parents may need.

OÍCHE NOLLAG  2019 AIFREANN NA GINE Dé Máirt 24 Nollaig

Masses in Irish on Christmas Eve

7.30 p.m. ARD AIDHIN, AIREAGAL AN AISÉIRÍ Bóthar na Cille Móire, Baile Átha Cliath 5

ARTANE, Oratory of the Resurrection, Kilmore Road, Dublin 5

9.00 p.m. BELFIELD, AN SÉIPÉAL OLLSCOILE An Coláiste Ollscoile, Baile Átha Cliath 4

BELFIELD, University Chapel, UCD, Dublin 4

St Vincent de Paul  087 181 1579

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