PENTECOST SUNDAY

The coming of the Holy Spirit is a gift of God for all peoples: the sign of his presence is in the reconciliation, justice and peace we create among people. The feast today is both a gift and a call: a call to be the ones who make the Holy Spirit present among God’s people everywhere.

We can all probably remember our confirmation day. What we did that day; visits to relatives, a special treat, maybe being asked a question by the bishop. We were told that we were given the gifts of the Spirit. God’s spirit would always be with us in life to help us be good Christians. As baptism was a promise from God to be with us as an infant and always, confirmation was the same promise as we enter our teenage years. The gospel today is about one big gift of the Spirit – forgiveness. No matter what my past, I am forgiven. We all have a past. There is no sinner who cannot be a saint, no saint that is not a sinner. All of us have regrets – what we have done, people we may have hurt especially family. God casts sin to the end of the ocean when we are sorry and do our best. Then there are the signs of God’s spirit – peace, joy, self-control, forgiveness, gifts we would all love to enjoy. So the Christian life is very attractive. The spirit today is the Spirit of God’s love – Son for Father, Father for Son. And we are invited into it. Jesus’s love is for the whole person, and that includes everyone. Often we think he likes only bits of me. He looks at me whole and entire in love. Maybe this love can help me forgive myself for all I feel guilty and ashamed of. Forgive us Lord, as you have forgiven us.

Donal Neary SJ, Editor Sacred Heart Messenger

Mass Intentions this Week

Saturday 6pm: Michael Chalke (A) George McGuire (A)

Sunday 10am: Tom & Molly Hamilton (A) Paddy Monaghan (A)

We also Remember the following:

Andy Farrington (A) Mag Farrington(A) Mick & Mary Hubbard (A) Jim Toomey (A)

Tuesday: Exam Mass, Sp Intentions

Wednesday: Sp Intentions, Birthday Mass

Thursday: Nora Gavin (RD) Eileen Wilhare (RD)

Friday: Mass offered for all on the November Altar List of the Dead

While the Parish Office is Closed to the Public.

We are available by telephone or email

for Mass Bookings, Mass Cards, & General Enquiries Monday to Friday

Email: office@blessington.info

Carol: 045 865 327 from 9am to 1pm

Jean: 087 2350835 from 9am to 5pm

The Church is open  from 10am to 1pm every day. Drop in for quiet prayer or to light a candle.There is a small area cordoned for this purpose. We will keep the area cleaned & disinfected but please use the HAND SANITISER as you enter & as you leave the Church.

Deacon Gerry leads a Holy Hour of Prayer & Benediction via Webcam from 7.30pm to 8pm Church of Our Lady Blessington. Log in for an hour of prayer, music & reflection.

Please keep up with Parish Events on  Blessington Parish Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/blessington.info

Mass Cards by Phone or On-Line

Blessington Parish Office can take orders for Mass cards on line & over the phone.

Online: e-mail your Mass Card order and details to office@blessingtonparish.ie

When you receive confirmation you can pay through the website.  Click the “Donate” button and pick

“Mass Card, Shop, Newsletter Items” product. Cards will then be posted out or left in the Church for collection

By Phone  Monday to Friday between 9am and 1pm, call in your details to  045 865 327 or 087 235 0835.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of Hospice Sunflower Days.

Each June, our dedicated volunteers help to raise funds for Wicklow Hospice with our Sunflower day pins, teddies & Sunflower themed merchandise. Unfortunately, as we can’t hold our collection out on the streets this year, we are running our campaign online & we hope you can help us to spread the word!

How to support Hospice Sunflower Days in 2020

The campaign is now up and running and you can access information via www.wicklowhospice.ie ,  we would really appreciate your support to help us spread the word. There are 3 key ways that people can support Wicklow Hospice this year.

1. Text Wicklow to 50300 to donate €4
2. Buy Sunflower Days gifts at https://www.itsplainsailing.com/club/wicklowhospice#merchandise
3. Donate online at www.wicklowhospice.ie

Please share the news with family & friends that our sunflower day campaign has gone digital!

Community Pool for West Wicklow Annual General Meeting will be held on Thursday June 18^th at 7pm. As per Government restrictions we will be holding the meeting online using the Zoom app. All are welcome to join us to hear what the campaign has been up to & what we have planned for the coming year. Please email us at poolforWestWicklow@gmail.com & we will send you Zoom meeting log in details. Thank you for your continued support.

Every year Trócaire asks for your help during Lent to fund lifesaving programmes around the world. This year, of course, it was not possible to return Trócaire boxes through schools or parishes in the usual way. This is the worst possible timing coming just as the world’s poorest people need us most. Therefore, Trócaire are appealing to you to return your Lenten donation. Simply count or estimate what is in your box and donate in the following ways:

1. Online at www.trocaire.org
2. By phone: 1850 408 408 (ROI)
3. By post to Trócaire, Maynooth, Co. Kildare (ROI)
4. Check with your local parish on how to safely return your donation (**If it is possible and safe for  people to return donations to your parish, please include those details here**) The contents of each and every Trócaire box, no matter how small, come together to make a significant difference. This virus knows no borders, but neither does our compassion.

Covid19 Tech is a  group of I.T professionals who have come together from  across Ireland to volunteer and offer free tech support to Irish seniors in our communities so they can stay connected with their loved ones and required services during the Covid19 crisis. For further information to help any of your senior friends , neighbours or relatives who could do with a little help keep in touch at the moment. Info:    https://covid19tech.ie/ or  https://www.facebook.com/Covid19TechHelp/posts/118344963168927

ALONE COVID-19 Support Line for Older People ALONE has launched a national support line & additional supports for older people who have concerns or are facing difficulties relating to the outbreak of COVID-19 (Coronavirus). Professional staff are available to answer queries & give advice and reassurance where necessary. The support line is open seven days a week, 8am – 8pm, by calling 0818 222 024.

West Wicklow Cancer Support may be closed but they are still available to help. Call: 087 4346004 or westwicklow15@gmail.com with any enquiries.

St. Marys’ Schools & Blessington Parish Lotto Jackpot next week €1925 sign up for €2 per week on www.blessingtonparish.ie

St Vincent de Paul 087 181 1579

Saturday 16^th May 2020

►Mass at 6.30pm via webcam on www.blessingtonparish.ie

Sunday 17^th May 2020

►Sunday Mass at 10am via webcam on www.blessingtonparish.ie

►Burgage Cemetery Mass In accordance with Government guidelines on public gatherings, the Annual Mass at Burgage Cemetery has been cancelled, however  a Memorial Remembrance Mass will be held on 17th May at 3pm in Church of our Lady, Blessington, Via Webcam Only https://blessingtonparish.ie/about/parish-webcam/

Please let relatives, friends at home and abroad  know of this Mass

Daily Mass via Webcam at 9.30am Monday to Friday this week please join us in prayer: www.blessingtonparish.ie

Thursday 21^st May 2020

►Deacon Gerry will lead a Holy Hour of Prayer and Benediction via Webcam from 7.30pm to 8pm from Church of Our Lady Blessington. Log in for an hour of prayer, music and reflection.

Mass Intentions this Week

Ciaran Stynes (Kilteel) (RD) Kathleen Cullen (Rathdangan) (RD)

Saturday 6pm: Amelia Lily Philips (Rem) Helena Moore (RD)

Sunday 10am: Carmel Johnson (Mths Mind) Kevin Keenan (Mths Mind) Mick Balfe (Kylebeg) (A) Jessie Clarke (A)

We also Remember the following: Mary & Kathleen Curtin, Molly & Billy Evans, Joe Evans Snr, Joe Evan Jnr, Liam Evans, Bridie & Ann Evans, Jane & Jim Flynn, John & Brigid Miley, Andy Farrington, Kathleen & Jack Daniels, Joe Daniels, Phil Conlon, Ray Daniels, Lorraine Daniels, Vincie Daniels, Sharon O’Brien, Deceased Members of Behan & O’Brien families, Kathleen O’Connell

Monday: Mass for those on list for Sick

Tuesday: Sharon O’Brien (A) Thanksgiving Mass

Wednesday: Jane & Jim Flynn (A) Exam Mass

Thursday: Mass of the Angels, Sp Living Int

Friday: Blessington Deceased Mass Card List

The Parish Office is Closed to the Public.

We are available by telephone or email

for Mass Bookings, Mass Cards, & General Enquiries

Monday to Friday

Email: office@blessington.info

Carol: 045 865 327 from 9am to 1pm

Jean: 087 2350835 from 9am to 5pm

Blessington Parish Appeal – How to support your parish during the current restrictions

 You will be aware of our need to maintain an in-flow of funds at the present to help us meet payments and expenses: insurance, heat & light, church expenses, maintenance, staff expenses, Priests salaries & the running of the COIMIN CENTRE.

“THANK YOU” to those who are supporting the parish through standing orders and the Neighbourhood Collection.

We now have a DONATE button on our website for those who would like to contribute to all 3 Churches in the parish or to the Archdiocese. It is a quick and secure way to contribute to the parish.

If you experience any difficulties, please phone the parish office who will assist you.

Once again may I take this opportunity to thank you all for your generosity.

Fr. Richard

The Church will be open from 10am to 1pm every day to allow people to drop in for quiet prayer or to light a candle. There is a small area cordoned for this purpose. We will keep the area cleaned and disinfected but please use the HAND SANITISER as you enter & as you leave the Church..

Please follow Blessington Parish on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/blessington.info

Follow Deacon Gerry’s Blog of prayerful resources & reflections: www.lenten.info or on  Blessington.info Facebook Page

DONATE to the Parish Online

We are delighted to let you know that we have now got a facility for our parishioners to make donations to Blessington, Crosschapel, Manor Kilbride, or Valleymount/Lacken

Donations to the Diocese through the Easter Dues & the 1st & 2nd Collections that are normally taken up at Mass.

It is straightforward to use but if you need any help call Jean 087 235 0835 or Carol 045 865 327 during the week

Mass Cards by Phone or On-Line

Blessington Parish Office can take orders for Mass cards on line & over the phone.

Online: e-mail your Mass Card order and details to office@blessingtonparish.ie

When you receive confirmation you can pay through the website.  Click the “Donate” button and pick

“Mass Card, Shop, Newsletter Items” product. Cards will then be posted out or left in the Church for collection

By Phone  Monday to Friday between 9am and 1pm, call in your details to  045 865 327 or 087 235 0835.

Fr Kevin’s Homilies are available on our website

https://blessingtonparish.ie/homilies-year-a/ From the list of choose this weekend’s homily and keep up to date with Fr Kevin’s thoughts on the Gospel Reading of the day.

Covid19 Tech is a  group of I.T professionals who have come together from  across Ireland to volunteer and offer free tech support to Irish seniors in our communities so they can stay connected with their loved ones and required services during the Covid19 crisis. For further information to help any of your senior friends, neighbours or relatives who could do with a little help keep in touch at the moment. Info: https://covid19tech.ie/ or  https://www.facebook.com/Covid19TechHelp/posts/118344963168927

ALONE COVID-19 Support Line for Older People

ALONE has launched a national support line & additional supports for older people who have concerns or are facing difficulties relating to the outbreak of COVID-19 (Coronavirus). Professional staff are available to answer queries & give advice and reassurance where necessary. The support line is open seven days a week, 8am – 8pm, by calling 0818 222 024.

If the mountain seems too big today

Then climb a hill instead.

If the morning brings you sadness it’s okay to stay in bed.

If the day ahead weighs heavy

And your plans feel like a curse,

there’s no shame in rearranging,

Don’t make yourself feel worse.

If a shower stings like needles

And the bath feels like you’ll drown,

If you haven’t washed your hair for days,

Don’t throw away your crown.

A day is not a lifetime

A rest is not defeat,

Don’t think of it as failure,

Just a quiet, kind retreat.

Its okay to take a moment

From an anxious, fractured mind,

The world will not stop turning

While you get realigned.

The mountain will still be there

When you want to try again,

You can climb it in your own time,

Just love yourself til then

-Laura Ding-Edwards

Blessington Library is now providing access to Touch-Type Read & Spell (TTRS), a multi-sensory, structured online course particularly useful for those with dyslexia, DCD/dyspraxia, ASD and ADHD.  It assists those who experience spelling, reading or writing difficulties & also develops their typing skills.  It is suitable for all age groups, learning at their own pace, at home.  To get started contact Blessington Library on (045) 891 740 for your unique log in and password.

West Wicklow Cancer Support may be closed but they are still available to help. Call: 087 4346004 or westwicklow15@gmail.com with any enquiries.

Live Online Creative Writing courses available at https://www.cabin-fever.ie Classes held weekly using video sharing. Fun interactive and educational. Students will be able to submit their work and have it reviewed. Also an online Creative Writing competition see https://www.cabin-fever.ie for more details.

NEWSLETTER ADS 

Hollywood Flower Studio

Hanging baskets and bedding plants, herbs and fruit plants available

Thursday to Sunday 11am  to 3pm Call 087 333 3276 for more details.

BLESSINGTON LAKES GARDEN CENTRE

We are looking forward to reopening on May 18^th

For our safety and our customers we will have safety and social distancing rules in play.

We would request that the hour from 10am to 11am Monday to Friday be left available for our more vulnerable customers

We are still offering a call and collect service, you can remain in your car and collect your order in the car park

We will continue to offer delivery to over 70s

Open 10am to 5.30pm Monday to Saturday 12 noon to 5pm Sunday

045 865 403 or 087 931 9111

Time to get your Ride-On/Lawnmowers serviced

or treat yourself to a new Mower

For full backup service and professional advice

Philip Jones 087 6638788

Visit our website

www.jonespowertools.ie

 Active Appliance Repairs

over 20 years’ experience repairing and servicing

all brands of domestic and commercial appliances.

For a fast, friendly and efficient service call us today

on 086 393 7762 or 086 361 9082

Call out Charge €75

www.activeappliancerepairs.ie

 Ace Robotic Lawn Care

Sales and Installation of Robotic Lawn Mowers

Free garden assessment, all leading brands sold

Contact Ken: 086 834 4332

ken@aceroboticlawncare.ie

HEADSTONES

McEvoy Monumental Works, Blessington

Headstones, Inscriptions, Renovations.

Serving the people of Blessington for over 40 years.

Call to our workshop at Millbank Blessington

or phone: Mick 045 865 487 or 086 843 8832 or Gary 087 933 3487

www.mcevoymonumentalworks.com

German Autoworks

Service Specialist

VW/Audi, Mercedes, Skoda, Seat, Opel

Call 087 286 3997 www.germanautoworks.ie

Blessington Airport Taxi – 087 255 7993

Standard Taxi €77 one way

Large 7-Seater €87 one way

Call Richard on 087 255 7993

Or email: richardmc.keever@yahoo.ie

Mr. Power Washer

Driveway Cleaning, Shopfront, Window Cleaning,

High Reach Wash, Gutter Cleaning, Roof Cleaning

Contact Mark 085 246 5549 01 516 7316

Email: mrpowerwasher.ie@gmail.com

www.mrpowerwasher.ie

Eagle Cleaning Solutions

Chimney Cleaning, Exterior Power Washing, Window Cleaning, Gutter Cleaning and Repairs.

Call for appointment: 087 247 4388

Email: info@eaglecleaningsolutions.com

Find us on Facebook

BLINDS

Roller, Vertical and Venetian.

For all your requirements home or office

Contact Seamus 087 4060 434

Email: seamusjban@outlook.com

Gardening

For Spring Tidying, Hedge Clipping, Lawn Care,

Beds overhauled

Phone Mark 085 133 7714

Paying too much to SKY or UPC?

We install & Repair Free to Air and Saorview!!

No more bills!! Call Billy: 086 868 0053

Alder Interiors Ltd

Fitted kitchens & wardrobes & custom-made units

For a Free estimate & quotation, please phone Sinead on 01-4587617

Visit our website & see our reviews from our happy customers.

www.alderinteriors.com

Email us @ info@alderinteriors.com

Clarkes Funeral Directors I.A.F.D.

Funeral Home & Office, Burgage, Blessington.

All areas serviced

Phone: Tony or Regina: 087 273 9048 / 087 659 6426

Noel Nolan Blessington Heating & Plumbing Service

www.blessingtonheatingandplumbing.ie

Call Noel: 087 243 1499 or email nolannoel2@gmail.com

Vacancy for Safeguarding Officer

The Archdiocese of Dublin Child Safeguarding Service provides support and oversight in respect of the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults who are involved with the Diocese via its parishes, schools and agencies. This role is offered on a permanent and full-time basis to support the service. Reporting to the Director of the Service, the Safeguarding Officer will develop and deliver training, as well as give advice and support on the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults involved in church activities in the diocese.

If you feel this role is for you and meet our requirements, please email your C.V. with a Covering letter to:

Judith.maxwell@dublindiocese.ie  by 5pm on Monday 25^th May 2020.

For a full outline go to our noticeboard section on: https://www.dublindiocese.ie/job-vacancies/