St Vincent de Paul Annual Appeal next weekend at all Masses in all churches.

Your generous support is needed to look after those in need in our local community

Saturday 30^th November 2019

►Blessington Lights Up Christmas 1pm to 3:45pm in St. Kevin’s Hall, followed by ‘The Big Switch On’ The Square at 4:30pm

Sunday 1^st December 2019

►Children’s Church at 10am Mass in Blessington for children aged 5 to 10 years.

►Ecumenical Service with the Millennium Choir at 11am in St Mary’s Church Blessington with Advent readings & carols.

►St Brigid’s NS, Manor Kilbride, Winter Fair from 12pm to 4pm. Arts & Crafts Stalls, Books, Toys, Clothes & Cake Stalls & Refreshments. Fun Fair Games & activities for young & old. Festive decorations & Christmas Trees on sale

►Variety Concert in Church of Our Lady Blessington in aid of Blessington & District Day Care & the Coimín Centre. Featuring: The Roscommon Solstice Choir, Rachel Coyne & Lorraine Willoughby. Tickets €10 at the door

Monday 2^nd 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.

►Benediction, guided prayer & music in Lacken Church 8pm. Refreshments later.

Tuesday 3^rd December 2019

►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 2.30pm in the Coimín Centre Blessington, new members welcome.

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

Wednesday 4^th December 2019

►The Citizens Information Centre is open in Blessington Library today 10am to 12.30pm.

►The Rosary will continue after Christmas

►Meditation in Brittas will take a break until the New Year.

Thursday 5^th December 2019

►Coimín Management Meeting 7pm

►Blessington PPC Meeting 8pm

►West Wicklow Cancer Support Special Christmas Meditation hosted by Gemma Deeney of Yogagym  at 7.30pm in the Coimin Centre Blessington. We hope this will be a very special, spiritual & healing session followed by some Christmas cheer & mince pies!!

Friday 6^th December 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.

Mass Intentions this Week Shay Duffy (RD) Elizabeth Coogan (RD) Patrick Poole (RD)

Saturday 6pm: Jonas Cesokas (A) Patrick & Josephine Farrington (A) Brendan & Aoife Cummins (A) Chrissie Cummins (A), Noel Cummins (A) Phyllis Murphy (A)

Sunday 10am: Joanne & Denis Jones (A) Noel Tyrrell (RD)

We also Remember the following: Camillus Balfe (A) Patrick Mullally (A) Lily, Violet & Gerry Brown (A) Rosaleen Elliott (A)

Monday: Mass for those on the list for Sick

Tuesday: Micheline & Peter Comey (A) Sp Int

Wednesday: Norah Murphy(A) Kay Nolan(RD)

Thursday: Living Int, Living Int

Friday: 1^st Friday List of the Dead

The family of the late Teresa Byrne, on her 1^st Anniversary, 4^th December, wishes to acknowledge the many expressions of sympathy & support shown to them following the death of their mother. We offer our sincere thanks to everyone who called to the house, brought food, attended the funeral home & funeral Mass, sent letters, mass cards, floral tributes & also to those who travelled long distances to be with us. Special thanks to Regina & Tony Clarke for their professionalism & care, to Fr Richard, Fr Prendiville & Deacon Gerry Malone, singer Lorraine Willoughby, Eucharistic Ministers, Altar Servers, Palliative Care Team & her doctors, especially Dr Mary Kearney. A special Mass is being offered for their intentions

Annual Ecumenical Carol Service on Sun 15^th Dec at 5pm in Church of Our Lady

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.

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

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

Winners of Valleymount Parish Draw Mary Fitzpatrick, John & Teresa Reid, Mary & Don Sullivan, Fiona Shannon, Marie & Johnny Brophy. €100 each

‘Rugby Practice at Russborough for U7s (2013) to U12s (2008) boys & girls this Sat 23rd Nov at 10:30am”

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.

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

Christmas Car Boot Sale (Des Redmond Charities) in St. Kevin’s Hall on Sunday 8^th Dec from 7am to 4pm. €10 per table, Free Car Park, Tea & Coffee.

Ballycane Church Choir presents Songs of Praise Concert at Ballycane Church, Naas on Sun 1st Dec from 6.30pm to 8pm. Admission free. Donations Welcome.

“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’

Cruthú West Wicklow Art Group Christmas Exhibition in Blessington Tourist Office.  The exhibition opening event will be on Friday 29^th November from 7pm to 8pm. The exhibition will open 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

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

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.

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

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

Hollywood Friendship Club every Wednesday from 2.15 to 4.15pm in Hollywood Centre New members welcome. The Club members will visit Newbridge Silverware to do their usual Christmas Shopping on Wed 4^th December

Community Pool for West Wicklow Christmas Monster Raffle in aid of a pool for West Wicklow! Prizes include a family pass for Kaleidoscope, Afternoon Tea at Ballymaloe, an overnight stay at Tulfarris Hotel & Golf Resort & much, much more! Tickets €5 or 4 for €20 available at www.tinyurl.com/CPWWMonsterRaffle Draw will take place in Murphy’s Bar on Sunday December 22^nd Info email: poolforWestWicklow@gmail.com

December Events

►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

►Bealin’s Bar Golf Society Christmas Party & Prize Presentation in Bealin’s Lounge on Friday 6^th December with a monster raffle on the night. Music by Sean Reddy

►Join us at Russborough House on Saturday December 7th from 12pm to 4pm for a Christmas Market in aid of the Community Pool for West Wicklow. We’ll have live music, face painting, over 30 stalls with local crafts, baking and Christmas gifts and Santa will be there too!

►Saturday 7^th December: Tramway Theatre proudly presents – Connor McKeon Swing into Christmas. Let the good times roll. 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

►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

►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

►Hollywood Senior Citizens Christmas Party on Thurs 12^th Dec Hollywood Inn. Meal at 3.30pm Music/Song/Dance until 8pm. Invitations will be sent out first week December.

►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

Saturday 16^th November 2019

► Blessington Men’s Shed Variety Concert in the Tramway Theatre at 8pm. Special Guests: The RAMS & local singers / musicians. Tickets €10 from Hennessy’s & The Office Shop. Info, Kevin: 087 747 0461 or Pat 086 075 2072. Please Support

Sunday 17^th November 2019

►1^st Communion Preparation Mass at 11.15am in Valleymount

Monday 18^th November 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 19^th November 2019

►Blessington U3A are pleased to welcome Vincent Butler, Travel Expert & Photographer for National Geographic Explorer at 10.30am in the Education Centre, Blessington. All welcome, €5pp or €20 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 EXERCISE WITH THEA at 2pm. Regular meeting at 2.45pm in the Coimin Centre Blessington, new members welcome.

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

Wednesday 20^th November 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 21^st November 2019

►The Parish Book Club meeting at 10am in The Parish Meeting Room (Crying Room).  The book is ‘Traveling Mercies’ by Anne Lamott.  New members are always welcome.

Mass Intentions this Week

Margaret Hyland (Bunny McDonald)

Saturday 6pm: John Cummins (Mths Mind) Kathleen Doyle (A) Lena O’Neill (A) Winnie Hayes (A)

Sunday 10am: Jack & Timothy Jones (A) Rosario Fitzsimons (A)

We also Remember the following:

Monday: Mass for those on the list for Sick

Tuesday: Alicia, Hugh & Billy Hamilton (A) Oliver Shirran (RD)

Wednesday: Birthday Rem, Get Well

Thursday: Agnes Twyford (A) Maureen O’Meara (RD)

Friday: Blessington Deceased Mass Card List

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

Variety Concert on Sun 1^st December in Church of Our Lady Blessington in aid of Blessington & District Day Care and the Coimín Centre. Featuring: The Roscommon Solstice Choir, Rachel Coyne & Lorraine Willoughby. Tickets €10 on sale after Mass this weekend or from the Parish Office & the usual outlets.

Valleymount Christmas Fair next weekend 23rd & 24th Nov. “Good as New” items wanted for Bric-a-Brac. The Community Hall will be open on Sat 23^rd at 10am to accept donations.

Next Children’s Church date is changed to Sunday 1^st December.

West Wicklow Cancer Support – November Drop in Meeting, “Has your life been touched by Cancer” Come and join us at our monthly drop in. An evening of relaxation and Christmas Crafts, Thursday 28^th November 7.30pm, Coimín Centre Main Street, Blessington. No charge, all are welcome and do feel free to bring a friend. Contact 087 4346004 westwicklow15@gmail.com or find us on Facebook

CASA would like to thank all who contributed to the Church Gate Collection recently, the amount raised was €1,654 for which we are extremely grateful.

Collection for the Capuchin Day Centre for Homeless. Lakeshore Striders A.C Annual Charity Collection for the Capuchin Day Centre for the Homeless will take place on Saturday 23rd of November from 12pm to 3pm in the ‘Crying Room’ of Church of Our Lady, Blessington. Items requested by the centre include; new sleeping bags (available from Charles Camping at a reduced cost of €10 when you indicate it’s for this collection), toiletries (shampoo, shower gel, deodorant, razors, toothpaste, toothbrushes, etc),   nappies, baby food & formula. Please note the centre does not require clothing, shoes, duvets or similar items. Cash donations also accepted. For info email lakeshorestriders@gmail.com or Edel on 087 961 8337

Baltinglass Hospital Annual Christmas Bazaar on Sunday 24^th Nov in the hospital from 2pm. All donations of Cakes, Bottles, Bric-a-Brac & Toys (in good condition please) to Mary 087 293 4806 or Valerie 045 865 412

Blessington Lights Up Christmas 2019 on Sat Nov 30^th 1pm to 3:45pm in St. Kevin’s Hall, followed by ‘The Big Switch On’ @ The Square at 4:30pm & Presentation by Reservoir Cogs. Free Santa! Craft, Gift & Food Fair, Hot Chocolate. Music by Rockabilly Rebels & Sinead O Brien. Drop off point for annual shoebox appeal. Macari Special offers on the day. If you are a local vendor & would like to take a stall at our fair, call Carmel on 085 118 0182 stalls cost €10 all proceeds to the Christmas lights fund.

Cruthú West Wicklow Art Group will hold their Christmas Exhibition in Blessington Tourist Office.  The exhibition opening event will be on Friday 29^th November from 7pm to 8pm. The exhibition will open from 11am to 6pm daily until Sunday 15^th December.  Late opening Friday until 8pm.  There will be plenty of 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 and Instagram or visit www.cruthu.ie

Community Pool for West Wicklow are having a Christmas Party! Join us at Poulaphouca House & Falls on Saturday December 14th from 8pm for canapés, mulled wine, DJ, dancing & spot prizes! Tickets only €25, available from Charles Camping, The Office Shop & Blessington Tourist Office from Saturday November 9th or email us at 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

GROW Community Mental Health“West Wicklow” Support Group every Wed at 7.30pm in Camphill, Grangebeg, Dunlavin. Why not come along & learn more about positive mental health, wellbeing, recovery & how GROW may help you achieve this.  New members are always welcome (free of charge).  Info: John 086 803 3126 or www.grow.ie

The Annual Fun-Filled Festive Fair will be held in Scoil Chonglais, Baltinglass on Sun Nov 24^th in the school hall from 11am to 4pm. Seasonal Fare, Arts & Crafts, Cakes, Yule Logs, & Jewellery. Wheel of Fortune & monster raffle!

Would you like to be in with the chance of winning up to €1500 and having a really entertaining night as well? Ballymore Eustace GAA Club are holding ‘The Chaser’ fundraising night in Tulfarris Hotel on Friday 29^th November at 8pm based on the well-known TV Quiz show ‘The Chase’ followed by a disco (after the event, for the adults). The Chaser event is a family event & a family ticket (€50) admits four adults or two adults & three children. Single tickets are €20. All tickets must be pre purchased before the show. For further information or tickets, please contact Fiona Breslin 087 995 6085

West Wicklow Cancer Support – Volunteers – Have you got some free time & would like to volunteer with us? We are a Cancer Support Group catering for the West Wicklow area for the past 5 years & we provide support & information to people & families affected by cancer.  We are looking for a Volunteer Bookkeeper to look after our day to day books. If this suits you, we would like to hear from you.  Volunteers will be fully supported by our caring & confidential team. Contact us on 087 4346004/ westwicklow15@gmail.com or on Facebook

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.

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 added for Wednesdays at 10:30am. Participants can join for FREE at www.AxaCommunityBikeRides.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

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

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

 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.

Hollywood Friendship Club every Wednesday from 2.15 to 4.15pm in Hollywood Centre New members welcome. The Club members will visit Newbridge Silverware to do their usual Christmas Shopping on Wed 4^th December

December Events for your Diary

►St Brigid’s National School, Manor Kilbride, Winter Fair in the school on Sunday 1st Dec from 12pm & 4pm.  All welcome – Arts & Crafts Stalls, Books, Toys, Clothes & Cake Stalls & Refreshments. Fun Fair Games & activities for young & old. Festive decorations & Christmas Trees on sale. Bring your pre-loved “Good as New” items to our school for recycling at the Fair on Sat 16^th Nov between 10am & 11am or Sun 24^th Nov between 12pm & 1pm. 

 ►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 Christmas Market in the Hippodrome, Russborough House on Dec 7^th from 12noon to 4pm. Christmas Shopping, Visit Santa, enjoy a mince pie or two Any local Crafters, Artists, Bakers or Businesses interested in having a stall at the market please email at poolforWestWicklow@gmail.com

►Tramway Theatre Proudly Presents – Connor McKeon “Swing into Christmas” on Saturday 7^th December. Let the good times roll. A glitzy & glamorous night of high energy big-band swing including the best loved Christmas Classics. Tickets €25 (including mulled wine & mince pie reception) available from Hennessy’s Next Door & The Office Shop.

►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

►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 5pm

►Hollywood Senior Citizens Christmas Party on Thurs 12^th Dec Hollywood Inn. Meal at 3.30pm Music/Song/Dance until 8pm. Invitations will be sent out first week December.

►Annual Carol Service on Sunday 15^th December at 5pm in Church of Our Lady, Blessington

St. Vincent De Paul Society would like to offer our sincere gratitude for all the donations we receive throughout the year. If anyone 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 Blessington are sent to Dublin.

When people praise you, don’t let it go to your head. When they criticise you, don’t let it go to your heart…

St Vincent de Paul Local number 087 181 1579