Monday 22^nd July 2019

►Blessington Parish – OPEN INVITATION

We invite you to a gathering in the Coimín Centre at 8pm. The Parish Finance Committee will give a short presentation of 2018 Accounts.

Tuesday 23^rd July 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 24^th July 2019

►Organist Judit Máté & Baritone Gyula Nagy will give a free recital in Church of Our Lady Blessington on at 11am, all welcome

►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 in the Mass Centre in Brittas is taking a break until September, Many thanks to all who have been attending.

Mass Intentions this Week

Claire Osborne Murphy

Saturday 6pm: Ellen O’Halloran (A)

Stella Carrigan (RD)

Sunday 10am Alan Clarke (A)

Mary Creighton (A)

We also Remember the following:

John & Mary-Ann Gallagher,

David McEvoy (1^st A) Theresa Doyle (A)

Monday: Mass for those on the list for Sick

Tuesday: Get Well, Get Well

Wednesday: Michael Kennedy (RD) John McNamara (RD)

Thursday: Mairead Hudson (RD)

Skaidrite Valdgeima (RD)

Friday: Blessington Deceased Mass Card List

Blessington Parish Finance Committee would like to thank all who are supporting the Parish Neighbourhood Collection & the Parish Development Fund Boxes (PDF boxes) in Church of Our Lady. The money raised through the Neighbourhood Collection & the PDF boxes stays in the parish so, by your contributions you are supporting your local parish & we are most grateful. If you have ANNUAL Envelopes & MONTHLY Envelopes that have not been collected, please drop them into the Parish Office or into one of the collection bags at Mass on Sunday.

“West Wicklow Cancer Support, Blessington & District Forum’s Community Group of the Year 2019” Weekly Mediation with essential oils hosted by Gemma Deeney continues Wednesdays 11.30am at the Primary Care Centre Blessington. Contact us on 087 4346004 or westwicklow15@gmail.com should you wish to book a place or just come along and do bring a friend. “The best cure for the body is a quiet mind”

Are you interested in allotments in Blessington? The next public meeting to discuss the provision of allotments in the Blessington area will be held on Thursday 1^st Aug 7pm, in Blessington Library. All welcome see: blessingtonallotments@gmail.com for any additional information.

Valleymount Country Market. Sun 28^th July from 10am to 3pm.

Cemetery Mass Baltyboys Sun 25^th Aug at 12 noon.

National Tidy Towns judging will take place from June 8^th to August 4^th this year. We are judged under several categories & the appearance & upkeep of our main street, approach roads, all our estates & business premises are a major factor in the results & ability to gain extra marks. Everyone can help, by ensuring Blessington is litter free & looking it’s best, as together we can make a difference. Many thanks for all your effort.

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

Local St Vincent de Paul – 087 181 1579

Thank you to all who supported “A Beautiful Celebration of Music” Charity Concert in the Moat Theatre, Naas, proudly supporting Make A Wish & Irish Cancer Society. A total of €3577 was raised on the night. A wonderful evening was had by all.

West Wicklow Cancer Support – There will be no last Thursday of the month Drop in meeting in July or August. Information services are available each Wednesday in the Primary Care Centre Blessington 10.30am – 12.30pm. Info 087 434 6004 westwicklow15@gmail.com

“The human spirit is stronger than anything that can happen to it”

Abbey Mass & Family Festival: Wicklow Parish will host their annual outdoor Mass in the Abbey Grounds in Wicklow Town on Sunday 21^st July at 11.30am followed by refreshments. The Family Fun Festival will begin at 1.00pm & finish in the evening time around 6.00pm. Bring along a family picnic or enjoy the food stalls on the day as well as free activities for every family member to enjoy such as; scavenger hunt, face-painting, garden games, hip-hop dancers, line/set dancing and live music along with local artists.  It’s going to be great – see you there!

Try Sailing at BLSC this Summer. With courses for children aged 6 to 18 years of all abilities, choose Blessington Sailing Club for your child’s Summer adventure. For booking and more info, please email Alex at alextpocock@gmail.com, or find us on Facebook.

Hollywood Friendship Club are taking a well-earned break for a few weeks.

Happy Faces Community Playgroup are now enrolling for September 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, enquires please phone 085 128 1605  alternatively email happyfaces@blessingtonfec.ie  Find us on Facebook.

Blessington AFC have a number of spaces on our squads for new players born in 2007 to join our teams for the coming season. Playing season commences in September. If you are interested, please contact Lar on 086 701 4949

Volunteer Tutors needed to help at Computer Classes for over 55s in Blessington Age Action is running basic computer classes for older people, in Blessington Library, and we need volunteer tutors to assist our older learners, on a one-to-one basis. Class sizes are small, with one volunteer tutor for every learner. Classes are held in the library once a week, for two hours, usually in the afternoon, over a five-week course. Next classes are due to start in September. Basic computer skills and an interest in working with older people are needed, but patience, and a good sense of humour, are just as important! Training will be provided. For more information, please email gsvolunteer@ageaction.ie or phone 01 4756989.

You don’t need a reason to help people….

8th Wicklow Blessington Scout Group APPEAL FOR NEW LEADERS FOR OUR BEAVER SECTION. We are a parent run organization, now is the time to join up, if we don’t get parents to join, we will not be in a position to take on any new children. Benefits of becoming a leader; your number one priority in scouts becomes FUN. You learn new skills. Your children will bypass the waiting list and secure a place. If you are interested, please contact Tristan Geoghegan (086) 780 293

The Old Bog Road. An evening of music, song, tales. Valleymount Community Hall. Fri 19^th July at 8pm. Adm €10. Raffle & refreshments on the night.

Dinner and Dance in Hollywood Centre on Sat 20th July, 3-Course Meal served at 8pm. Dancing from 9.30pm. Music by The Wicklow Man. Adm €20. A great night is assured. “It’s a great start for The Fair”. You will be most Pre-50’s Dress Code if you wish but dress attire is your own choice. Come along & enjoy a fab night.The Launch of The Hollywood Fair Book will take place on the night .

Blessington Gaelic 4 Mothers & Others Team is looking for new members. Our training sessions are focused on building up fitness with a bit of football thrown in! If you fancy trying something different & meeting some new people, please come along on Tuesday at 7.30pm

Lough Derg 3-Day Pilgrimages 9th to 11th August (dep 8am from Parnell Square, Dublin) €115 per adult €105 per student & pensioner. Info & booking Miriam (St Oliver Plunkett) after 6pm 086 385 3027 or 01 4941171

Blessington Bingo Every Wednesday at 8.15pm in the Avon (Avon Ri) Great Prizes, Extra Raffle Prizes Shuttle Bus €2 return. Information: Jess: 086 860 2822 or Catherine 087 122 4019

Hollywood Senior Citizens had their Annual Outing last Wednesday to Rathfarnham Castle with Lunch at Castle Restaurant & Dinner in Hollywood Inn. A great day was had by all & the food was scrumptious!

Hollywood Walking Trail, meet every Tuesday at 6.45pm outside Tutty’s Pub. Great walks for the experienced walker & brief walks for those not the best “on their feet”. Please come along & join in.

Computers for the Terrified! 1 to 1 training for over 55’s Are you frustrated by your lack of computer skills? Do you feel that the digital age has passed you by? Are you confused by well-meaning family instruction (i.e. no patience with you!) LEARN HOW TO: Search the Internet Send & Receive Emails. Shop and Book Flights. Use your own device or use computers available at some venues Age Action runs beginner courses in Computers, iPads and Tablets for older people who have little or no experience or for the absolutely terrified! Courses run once a week for 5 or 6 weeks ALL COURSES ARE FREE OF CHARGE Classes will be held in Blessington Library For more information about the course or if you would like to become a volunteer phone (01) 475 6989

Life is too short…

Laugh when you can,

apologise when you should and let go of what you can’t change

Community Games Church Gate Collection at all Masses this weekend 6^th & 7^th July

Saturday 6^th July 2019

►PLEASE NOTE: there will be no evening Mass in Lacken Church on Saturday 6^th July due to Cemetery Sunday Templeboden at 3pm. on Sunday 7^th July

Sunday 7^th July 2019

►Cemetery Sunday Templeboden at 3pm.

PLEASE NOTE: there will be no evening Mass in Lacken Church on Saturday 6^th July

Monday 8^th July 2019

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

Tuesday 9^th July 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 10^th July 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.

Mass Intentions this Week

Michael Kennedy (RD) Skaidrite Valdgeima (RD) John McNamara (RD)

Saturday 6pm John Geoghegan (A) Peter O’Donovan (RD)

Sunday 10am Tom Canning, Sheila Vaughan (RD)

We also Remember the following:

James Reid (A) Ray O’Donnell (A) Elizabeth (Lil) Clarke, Tony Doyle, James Reid, John Curran (A)

Monday: Mass for those on the list for Sick

Tuesday: John & Nora Mora, David Cranny (A)

Wednesday: Special Int, Special Int

Thursday: Mary Corbett (RD)

Paddy Dowling (RD)

Friday: Birthday Int, Special Int

Blessington Parish OPEN INVITATION We invite you to a gathering in the Coimín Centre on Monday 22^nd July at 8pm The Parish Finance Committee will give a short presentation of 2018 Accounts.

Blessington Parish Finance Committee would like to thank all who are supporting the Parish Neighbourhood Collection & the Parish Development Fund Boxes (PDF boxes) in Church of Our Lady. The money raised through the Neighbourhood Collection & the PDF boxes stays in the parish so, by your contributions you are supporting your local parish & we are most grateful. If you have ANNUAL Envelopes & MONTHLY Envelopes that have not been collected, please drop them into the Parish Office or into one of the collection bags at Mass on Sunday.

June Winners of the draw in aid of Valleymount Church Renovation fund: Angela & John Richardson, Margaret & Mattie Brown, Sadie & Seamus Miley, Rose Zeller, Maura & Brendan Hughes. Each received €100.

National Tidy Towns judging will take place from June 8^th to August 4^th this year. We are judged under several categories & the appearance & upkeep of our main street, approach roads, all our estates & business premises are a major factor in the results & ability to gain extra marks. Everyone can help, by ensuring Blessington is litter free & looking it’s best, as together we can make a difference. Many thanks for all your effort.

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

Cemetery Sunday Baltyboys Sunday 25^th August at 12 noon. There will be no 11.15 Mass in Valleymount

Are you interested in allotments in Blessington? The next public meeting to discuss the provision of allotments in the Blessington area will be held on Thursday 1st August, 7pm, in Blessington Library. All welcome. Please contact blessingtonallotments@gmail.com for any additional information.

Valleymount Heritage Weekend. A special word of thanks to all who helped to make the Heritage weekend a memorable event in the life of our parish. To all who volunteered their time to renovate the stage in preparation for the wonderful production of A Midsummer’s Night Dream, to those who directed & took part in the play & to all who supported & bought lines for the raffle. Your goodwill & generosity is much appreciated.

OPEN DAY Sunday 14^th July at 1pm. Come to our OPEN DAY at Kildare Animal Foundation, South Green Road, Kildare Town to celebrate 25 years of caring for sick & injured animals. Something for all the family; Plants, Antiques, Face-painting, Bottle stall, Kiddies games, Barbeque, Crafts & much more. FREE ADMISSION (NO dogs allowed as we have plenty of animals on site to be seen) A lovely day out in the midst of our beautiful rescue animals.

8th Wicklow Blessington Scout Group APPEAL FOR NEW LEADERS FOR OUR BEAVER SECTION. We are a parent run organization, now is the time to join up, if we don’t get parents to join, we will not be in a position to take on any new children. Benefits of becoming a leader; your number one priority in scouts becomes FUN. You learn new skills. Your children will bypass the waiting list and secure a place. If you are interested, please contact Tristan Geoghegan (086) 780 2938.

Blessington GAA Club Golf Classic on Friday 12^th July in Craddockstown Golf Club. Cost is €300 for a team of 4 including the round of golf, dinner & plenty of prizes!! The day promises lots of fun, during and after!! Book now to ensure your preferred tee time by contacting one of the following: Arthur Hennessy 087 239 6157, Emer McIntyre Reape 087 226 2286, John Williamson 086 825 6556

Happy Faces Community Playgroup are now enrolling for September 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, enquires please phone 085 128 1605  alternatively email happyfaces@blessingtonfec.ie  Find us on Facebook.

Richard Cowley’s Garden Open Day in aid of Cara Girls Rescue Centre, Kenya on Saturday 13^th July from 11am to 4pm in Horsepasstown, Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare W 91 C2P3. €5 entry to include tea/coffee and cake.

Try Sailing at BLSC this Summer. With courses for children aged 6 to 18 years of all abilities, choose Blessington Sailing Club for your child’s Summer adventure. For booking and more info, please email Alex at alextpocock@gmail.com, or find us on Facebook.

Blessington Gaelic 4 Mothers & Others Team is looking for new members. Our training sessions are focused on building up fitness with a bit of football thrown in! If you fancy trying something different & meeting some new people, please come along on Tuesday at 7.30pm

Hollywood Annual Sports Day on Sunday 14th July in GAA Field, Athletic Events, Dog Show, Side Shows, Produce Stall, Raffle, Fun & Games for all. Refreshments served. More details nearer the date.

Blessington AFC have a number of spaces on our squads for new players born in 2007 to join our teams for the coming season. Playing season commences in September. If you are interested please contact Lar on 086 701 4949

Car Boot Sale (Des Redmond Charities) in St. Kevin’s Hall Sunday 14^th July from 7am to 4pm. €10 per table, Free Car Park, Tea & Coffee. Pat Conlan 086 075 2072

Holiday Camp with Blessington Fencing Club from Monday 8^th July to Friday 12^th July 9am to 1pm. Cost is €100 for Club members and €120 for non-members. Call to book 087 676 4183

Hollywood Friendship Club every Wed from 2.15pm to 4.15pm. New members always welcome.

Date For your Diary – Supper/Dance in Hollywood Centre on Saturday 20^th July. Food Served at 8pm. Dancing until Midnight, music by THE WICKLOW MAN.  Adm €20. This is the Senior Citizens/ Friendship Clubs contribution to The Fair. Great night assured

Lough Derg 3-Day Pilgrimages

5th to 7th July (dep 8am from Parnell Square, Dublin)

9th to 11th August (dep 8am from Parnell Square, Dublin)

€115 per adult €105 per student & pensioner.

Info & booking Miriam (St Oliver Plunkett) after 6pm

086 385 3027 or 01 4941171

Blessington Bingo Every Wednesday at 8.15pm in the Avon (Avon Ri) Great Prizes, Extra Raffle Prizes Shuttle Bus €2 return. Information: Jess: 086 860 2822 or Catherine 087 122 4019

Local St Vincent de Paul – 087 181 1579

Take my hand O Blessed Mother

Hold me firmly lest I fall.

I am nervous when I’m walking

And on thee I humbly call.

Guide me over every crossing

Watch me when I’m on the stairs,

Let me know that you’re here beside me.

Listen to my fervent prayer.

Bring me to my destination safely every single day.

Help me with each undertaking as the hours pass away.

And when evening falls upon us and I fear to be alone,

Take my hand O Blessed Mother

Once again O lead me home. AMEN.