Irish Cancer Society Church Gate Collection – Crosschapel & Manor Kilbride

Saturday 11^th May 2019

►IN AID OF PIETA HOUSE – Blessington’s 1^st Darkness into Light. contact Greg at blessington@darknessintolight.ie

►Congratulations to the Boys & Girls who will receive 1^st Holy Communion at 11am Mass in Lacken Church.

►A night for Peadar Moran ESB Lake Warden on his retirement Mileys at 8.30pm, Trad Musicians welcome. Sean 086 108 5879

Sunday 12^th May 2019

►Congratulations to the Boys & Girls who will receive 1^st Holy Communion at 11.15am Mass in Valleymount Church.

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

Monday 13^th May 2019

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

►Children’s Choir 1^st Rehearsal from 3pm to 3.45pm in Church of Our Lady Blessington

►Blessington & District Forum are hosting a Meet the Candidates evening for the forthcoming Council elections in Tramway Theatre at 8pm, all welcome.

►Neighbourhood Collection Envelopes for May are due, we would appreciate it collectors could drop the envelopes into the Parish Office

Tuesday 14^th May 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 15^th May 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

Sunday 19^th May 2019

► Burgage Cemetery Mass at 3pm

Congratulations to the Boys & Girls who will receive 1^st Holy Communion next weekend 18^th & 19^th May in Blessington and Manor Kilbride

St Vincent de Paul local no: 087 181 1579

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

A message from Archbishop Diarmuid Martin

This weekend of 11^th & 12^th May, we celebrate Good Shepherd Sunday

an occasion to reflect on the importance of the ministerial priesthood & on prayer for vocations to the priesthood.  This is an urgent call for the future of our diocese. There will no longer be special collection today as with smaller numbers of seminarians, there are now sufficient funds for the near future. In his message for the World day of Prayer for Vocations Pope Francis says that there can be no greater joy than to risk one’s life for the Lord! He encourages us, especially the young, not to be deaf to the Lord’s call.   ‘If he calls you to follow his path, do not pull your oars into the boat, but trust him.  Do not yield to fear, which paralyses us before the great heights to which the Lord points us.

Next weekend, 18^th & 19^th May, we will for the first time hold a new collection which will be called the Ministry Sunday Collection.

This new annual collection will replace the Share Collection & will be devoted to support the building up of new forms of lay ministry in our parishes.  The work of spreading the Gospel of Jesus in our changing religious culture will require more lay men and women working in various ways alongside our priests at the heart of parish communities. This collection is about ensuring that we will have the people we need – men & women who will be to the fore in making our parishes vibrant faith communities into the future. While many of those involved will be volunteers, we will have to equip & train leaders & provide facilities for formation. We want to work towards a situation where all parishes in this Archdiocese benefit from their gifts & expertise. The new collection is one-step in that process.

Mass Intentions this Week

Noel Eustace (RD) & Michael Ryan (RD)

Saturday 6pm: Jane & Jim Flynn (A)

Robert Hennessy (A), Amelia Lily Phillips (A) Mary & Roger Keogh (A)

Sunday 10am: Pat Duffy (A) Jessie Clarke (A) Billy Ball (A) Edward Carroll (A)

Ann Carroll-Brophy (A) Amanda Brophy(A) Michael O’Connor (A)

We also Remember the following:

Peter & Mary Murphy Jack Boothman,

Jimmy Devoy, Lelia & Malachy Slevin,

Mary Clarke, Rose McLoughlin, James Finglas

Monday: Mass for those on the list for Sick

Tuesday: Thanksgiving Mass, Billy Ball (A)

Wed: Three Birthday Remembrance Masses

Thurs: James Finglas (RD) Damien O’Keefe

Friday: Tracey Foley (RD) Maisie Miley (RD)

West Wicklow Festival Tickets are now on sale for the third edition of the West Wicklow Festival which takes place from 15^th to 19^th May. Building on the success of previous festivals, the 2019 West Wicklow Festival boasts an incredible line-up of musicians & artists from all over the world with concerts being held at Russborough House and St. Mary’s Church, Blessington. Having doubled in size last year, the Festival has once again expanded its programme & this year will feature 15 incredible artists over 5 days. You can book tickets in person from Russborough House, McGreal’s Pharmacy or the National Concert Hall, Dublin. You can also book online at www.westwicklowfestival.com or by calling (01) 417 0000

Manor Kilbride Graveyard Sunday 16^th June (Please note our new & permanent date)

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

 Tai Chi Classes (in aid of the Coimin Centre) every Tuesday from 3pm to 4pm in HD Fitness (under the Lemon Tree). Suitable for all ages & levels of fitness, this is a gentle form of exercise which improves coordination, balance, joint mobility & core strength. We ask participants to make a €3 contribution for the Centre.

 BYT BLESSINGTON YOUTH THEATRE – A number of Blessington Youth Theatre Leaders are retiring this year after 11 years with the group.   It is now time for parents, past members & all those who may be interested within the Community of Blessington & district, to volunteer & ensure the continuation of this vibrant, wonderful Community Youth Group.In this regard we invite those interested in continuing BYT to please attend an important meeting to discuss the future of Blessington Youth Theatre at the TRAMWAY THEATRE, BLESSINGTON, ON THURSDAY 16^th MAY AT 8 PM.  WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU THERE.

Cruthú Art Group has now reopened at Russborough for the Summer Season from 11am to 5pm on weekends & Bank Holidays.  We will also open Fridays & selected days later in Summer.  If you have any enquiries about our work, please email cruthuart@gmail.com Drop in anytime to view unique locally produced art & crafts. www.cruthu.ie

 The Coimín Greenway 5k. Register now to secure your place in the Coimín Greenway 5k on Sun 16^th June. Race is chip timed with cash prizes, there’ll be bespoke medals for all race participants. www.popupraces.ie/race/blessington-5k-family-fun-day/ Proudly sponsored by Kenny’s Supervalu Blessington & supported by Wicklow Leader Programme.

Blessington ‘Tots’ mini-rugby for boys & girls is at St Kevin’s Community Centre 11am outdoors each Saturday

Annual Pilgrimage to Knock will take place on Sunday 26^th May. Leaving the Square Blessington (outside the Downshire Hotel) at 8am Sharp. Mary: 087 6061 729

Michael Dwyers U14 Feile Team Fundraiser – Fun quiz, will be held in Hennessy’s on Fri May 17^th at 9.30pm.  Blessington GAA is represented by – Finn Behan, Brian Richardson & Thomas Walsh. The boys will be travelling to Cork on June 7^th Please support.

Kilbride & Lakeside Music Committee & Glen Heste Pure Mile Group wish to thank everybody who came to the Big Hello event last Sunday in Manor Kilbride. We really appreciated all the home baking, cakes, delph, flowers etc Many thanks to all the singers. Go mbeirimíd beo ar an am seo arís!

West Wicklow Cancer Support would like to thank all of those who offered their help & support with our East Coast FM Coffee Morning. The Musicians, community volunteers, local businesses & the Coimin Centre & staff some of who were exceptionally kind & went above & beyond to help make it a great success!  There are too many to mention & we are very grateful for your ongoing support. All funds raised go towards providing much needed support to the community & developing our services. A big thank also to East Coast FM for their amazing support & guidance along the way, we hope to have our final figure in from them very soon!

 Hands for Life/Community CPR Training Every day in Ireland 13 people die from a cardiac arrest. By starting CPR immediately, you double the person’s chances of surviving. HANDS FOR LIFE is a community CPR training programme run by the Irish Heart Foundation. It is free & is coming to Blessington Library on Tuesday 14^th May for 3 sessions at 5 pm, 6.30pm & 8pm. This is a 1-hour course for adults & includes a practical element of performing CPR on a manikin. To take part, phone the library at 89 1740 or email blesslib@wicklowcoco.ie

‘Magic Table’ or ToverTafel. Blessington Library has recently acquired a Tovertafel or when translated from Dutch – a ‘Magic Table’. The equipment got its name after a dementia patient who was trying it out, said “this is a magic table”. The Tovertafel is a projector on the ceiling that can project light onto a table below. It allows patients to take part in various games that help to stimulate their brains & lead to social interaction. The emphasis is on relaxation & fun, the games are not competitive & every participant is a winner in that they can get so much in terms of interaction & sociability.  Blessington Librarians are very excited to demonstrate this to members of our community & their loved ones who are dementia patients. There are three open days planned in May – Friday 10^th from 12 noon to 4.30pm, Saturday 11^th from 12 to 4.30pm and Monday 13^th 12 to 4.30pm. Please phone the library at 891740 for further information & to arrange a booking

Holy Saturday 20^th April 2019

►Confessions

10.30am to 11.00am Kilteel

11.30am to 12.30pm Eadestown

12.00pm to 1.00pm Blessington

►Annual Blessing of the Baskets for the Polish Community in Our Lady of Mercy Church, Crosschapel at 11am Swieconka (sh-vee-en-soon-kah) is one of the most enduring and beloved Polish traditions. Baskets containing a sampling of Easter foods are brought to be blessed on Holy Saturday.

WIELKANOC 2019 Swiecenie pokarmow w kosciele w Crosschapel 11am. 20^th April o godz. Odbedzie sieswiecenie pokarmow na wielkanocny stol. Serdecznie zapraszam, z panem bogiem. Fr Kevin.

►Easter Vigil  

7.30pm             Manor Kilbride

8.00pm             Blessington

9.00pm             Eadestown

Easter Sunday 21^st April 2019

►Mass Times as normal for Sunday ex there is Mass in Lacken at 10.30am

Easter Monday 22^nd April 2019

►Mass at 11am in Blessington followed by Divine Mercy Novena

Tuesday 23^rd April 2019

►Mass at 11am in Blessington followed by Divine Mercy Novena

►Citizens Information Centre in Blessington Library from 1pm to 4pm.

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

Wednesday 24^th April 2019

►Mass at 11am in Blessington followed by Divine Mercy Novena

►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

Thursday 25^th April 2019

►Mass at 11am in Blessington followed by Divine Mercy Novena

►West Wicklow Cancer Support – Drop in Meeting at 7.30pm in the Coimin Centre – a night of relaxation, meditation & refreshments.  All are welcome & do feel free to bring a friend.

Friday 26^th April 2019

►Mass at 11am in Blessington followed by Divine Mercy Novena

Sunday 28^th April 2019

►Divine Mercy Sunday starting at 2.30pm with Confessions & Prayer in Crosschapel. Fr Kevin will celebrate Mass at 3pm. All Welcome followed by Divine Mercy Novena

Every Blessing for Easter 2019

May the peace of the Risen Christ

be with you always….

Fr. Páraic McDermott, Fr. Kevin Lyon,

Fr Richard Behan, Fr. Noel Campbell,

Fr. Micheál Comer, Rev. Leonard Ruddock & Deacon Gerry Malone

Mass Intentions this Week

Christina (Creenie) Foley (RD)

Francis Vallely (RD) Vincent Cullen (RD)

Rosario Hayes McCoy (RD) Willie Melia (RD)

Saturday Easter Vigil

Prayers offered for all our Parishioners

Easter Sunday 10am

Prayers offered for all our Parishioners

Monday: Mass for those on the list for Sick

Tuesday: Joseph Nixon (A) Maisie Brown (A) Molly Keogh (A)

Wednesday: Get Well, Special Intentions

Thursday: Dora Tully (A) Winnie Galvin (RD)

Friday: Blessington Deceased List

O’Brien, Monica

In loving memory of Monica O’Brien, on the first anniversary of her death on 18^th April. The family wish to express their sincere appreciation to everyone who called to the house, attended the funeral home, mass and burial, sent mass cards, flowers and those of you who phoned, wrote or travelled long distances to offer sympathy and support. A special thanks to the staff of St. Vincent’s University Hospital and Naas General Hospital for the care they gave Monica.

Blessington Parish Office will be closed from Fri 19^th April until Mon 29^th April at 9am

Mary Byrne Live at The Avon on Sat 4^th May from 9pm. Charity Event in Aid of Blessington Day Care. Tickets €25 available from Parish Office, The Avon & Texaco Garage.

Valleymount Country Market on Sun April 28th from 10am to 3pm. Proceeds in aid of the renovation of Valleymount Community Hall

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 28^th April at 10am Mass in Church of Our Lady, Blessington for children aged 6 to 9 years

A Marian Evening of Prayer, Music and Reflection on Wed 1^st May from 7.30pm to 7.45pm in Church of Our Lady, Blessington Light Refreshments afterwards.

BYT BLESSINGTON YOUTH THEATRE – A number of Blessington Youth Theatre Leaders are retiring this year after 11 years with the group.   It is now time for parents, past members & all those who may be interested within the Community of Blessington & district, to volunteer & ensure the continuation of this vibrant, wonderful Community Youth Group.   There is a current membership of 60 children & also a waiting list of approximately 60 which indicates the success & the need for this group to continue for many more years to come. In this regard we invite those interested in continuing BYT to please attend an important meeting to discuss the future of Blessington Youth Theatre at the TRAMWAY THEATRE, BLESSINGTON, ON THURSDAY 16^th MAY AT 8 PM.  WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU THERE.

Tai Chi Classes (in aid of the Coimin Centre) every Tuesday from 3pm to 4pm in HD Fitness (under the Lemon Tree). Suitable for all ages & levels of fitness, this is a gentle form of exercise which improves coordination, balance, joint mobility & core strength. We ask participants to make a €3 contribution for the Centre.

Sharing Our Stories at Blessington Library on Thurs 25^th April at 7pm. We will have the pleasure of welcoming June Blake to our fifth monthly event ‘Sharing Our Stories’. These events are a series of interviews designed to celebrate local people & their lives. The interviewer is local man, Paul O’Connor. Each month sees more & more people in attendance & the library being a community space & accessible to all provides an opportunity for the teller of the stories & a space for the audience to relax & enjoy. June has dedicated many years to the creation of an exciting, experimental & contemporary garden which is located on the N81 in the grounds of a Victorian house & farmyard. Come along to the library to hear June’s story, she will talk about her garden, her life & whatever else crops up. All welcome & free admission.

🎵Sunday 28th April 2019 (+ every Last Sunday); 1st BIRTHDAY of local SONGS & TUNES session; Zellers, Lacken (front section) 6pm to 9+ ALL KINDS of music; ALL AGES; free & just for fun. Check it out? LISTENERS very welcome. An inclusive setting IF you’d like to try singing or playing.

A night for Peadar Moran ESB Lake-Warden on his retirement in Mileys on 11^th May at 8.30pm, Trad Musicians welcome, enquiries to Sean 086 108 5879

Annual Pilgrimage to Knock will take place on Sunday 26^th May. Leaving the Square Blessington (outside the Downshire Hotel) at 8am Sharp. For further details contact Mary on 087 6061 729

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY Burgage Cemetery Mass, Sunday 19^th May at 3pm

Cycle Against Suicide” is coming to Blessington this May Bank Holiday Monday at Midday to spread their message “its ok not to feel ok and its absolutely ok to ask for help”. We are looking to get the community on the streets along with as many sports/community groups & businesses to come out & show your support. There will be music & talks taking place at the Main Square. If your group or business, feel they can help out on the day please contact casblessington@gmail.com

IN AID OF PIETA HOUSE – Blessington’s Darkness into Light 11^th May. To register for Blessington’s FIRST Darkness into Light go to darknessintolight.ie or contact Greg at blessington@darknessintolight.ie

West Wicklow Festival

Tickets are now on sale for the third edition of the West Wicklow Festival which takes place from 15^th to 19^th May.

Building on the success of previous festivals, the 2019 West Wicklow Festival boasts an incredible line-up of musicians & artists from all over the world with concerts being held at Russborough House and St. Mary’s Church, Blessington.

Having doubled in size last year, the Festival has once again expanded its programme & this year will feature 15 incredible artists over 5 days.

You can book tickets in person from Russborough House, McGreal’s Pharmacy or the National Concert Hall, Dublin. You can also book online at www.westwicklowfestival.com or by calling (01) 417 0000.

Blessington ‘Tots’ mini-rugby for boys & girls is at St Kevin’s Community Centre 11am outdoors each Saturday

 Blessington Mini-Rugby for Under 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11’s boys & girls rugby practice resumes at Russborough Hse at 10am on Sat & at Blessington GAA Astro on Tues at 7pm. blessingtonrugby@gmail.com and Facebook.

SAVE THE DATE – The Coimín Greenway 5k. Register now to secure your place in the Coimín Greenway 5k on Sun 16^th June. Race is chip timed with cash prizes, there’ll be bespoke medals for all race participants. www.popupraces.ie/race/blessington-5k-family-fun-day/ Proudly sponsored by Kenny’s Supervalu Blessington & supported by the Wicklow Leader Programme.