Sunday 6^th October 2019

►Children’s Church resuming at 10am Mass for all children aged 5 to 10 years

►Valleymount Country Market in the Community Hall from 10am to 3pm

Monday 7^th October 2019

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

►Eucharistic Adoration every Monday after 9.30am Mass until 12 Noon in the Crying Room, Church of Our Lady, Blessington.

►Blessington Children’s Choir practice 2:45pm to 3.30pm in the Church. New members welcome. We really need a MUSICIAN TO PLAY for the choir: please call Áine 045 865 327 in the Parish Office

►Guided Prayer, Benediction & Music at 8pm in Lacken Church. All are welcome.

►Meeting for Parents of Confirmation children in Valleymount & Lacken schools will take place at 8pm in Valleymount Church

►Blessington & District Forum meet at 8pm in St Mary’s Junior School. All Welcome

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

Tuesday 8^th October 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 meet at 2.30pm in the Coimin Centre Blessington, new members welcome.

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

Wednesday 9^th October 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

►Blessington Parish Folk Group rehearsal every Wednesday night at 8pm in the Church. Come along and join us.

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

Thursday 10^th October 2019

►1^st Communion Preparation Mass for Lacken School at 11.30am Lacken Church

►Coimin Management Meeting 7pm

►Blessington PPC Meeting 8pm

Mass Intentions this Week

Canon Maurice O’Moore (RD) Patricia Lynch (RD) May Roberts (RD)

Saturday 6pm:

Eugene Fennell (Mths Mind) Pauline Shannon (A) Vincent O’Hora (2^nd A)

Sunday 10am: David Clarke (A) Vincent Bohan (Birthday Rem) Ita & Dan McCarthy (A)

We also Remember the following:  Michael Tully (Jnr) (A) John Kavanagh (A) Tommy Horan (30^th A)

Monday: Mass for those on the list for Sick

Tuesday: Michael Tully (Jnr) (A) Birthday Rem

Wednesday: Get Well, Special Intention

Thursday: Lena Goonan (RD)Terry Potts (RD)

Friday: Daniel Grimes (RD) Thanksgiving

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

Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help from Fri 4^th to Sat 12^th Oct in the Parish Church of Our Lady & St. David, Naas. (Weekdays 7.30pm – Sat & Sun 6pm), The Novena is both an opportunity & a challenge. It will be an activity-packed week hopefully offering something for everyone to engage with. Speakers from all walks of life & their messages will be contemporary, relevant & challenging. See Church Notice Board

Photo Exhibition of the work of Colman Doyle in Valleymount Hall Fri 11^th Oct at 8pm & Sat 12^th/Sun 13^th Oct from 12noon to 5pm. Colman Doyle was an Irish Press photographer from 1951 & won several awards for his work.

Sacrament of the Sick & Healing Mass on Saturday 12^th October at 12 noon in Church of Our Lady, Blessington.

There will be tea & coffee served in the Coimin Centre after Mass.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Blessington Interfaith Visit to Bolton Abbey for a quiet day of reflection, relaxation & prayer on Sat 19^th Oct. €30pp,

Further Info from Parish Office: 045 865 327

Mass of Harvest Thanksgiving & Blessing on Sat 26^th Oct at 7.30pm in Lacken Church

Variety Concert on Sun 1^st December in Church of Our Lady Blessington

Valleymount Christmas Concert on Tuesday 17^th December at 7.30pm in St Joseph’s Church Valleymount

Are you interest in becoming a volunteer with the Blessington Community First Responder Unit?

We will be running an induction session shortly. During this course we will run a full CPR/AED training session & have a Q & A session where you will be given the opportunity to ask what exactly is involved & expected of our volunteers. Successful/suitable candidates will be offered one of the limited places on a full days CFR training session to be held late in the year. Candidates must be:

• Be at least 18 years of age and in good health
• Live within 5km of the centre of Blessington
• Have own transport & able to provide letter from insurance company confirming that their policy

covers your activities as a CFR

• Willing to complete all online courses required by the National Ambulance Service including but not limited to Children First & Critical Incident Stress Management
• Willing to provide cover on a rostered basis including weekends & nights
• Be willing to be Garda vetted
• Willing to attend monthly training sessions (Min 10 per year)
• Complete & comply with all required National Ambulance Service policies
• Complete all required BCFRU paperwork

PM us on Facebook your e-mail address & contact number if you want to attend the introduction day alternatively text 087 278 5924. Places will be limited so register early.

Come & Celebrate our Cultural Heritage

VALES AROUND CLOUGHLEA MINI FESTIVAL Sunday 20^th October in Manor Kilbride Hall 12 noon to 2.30pm

Local history lecture by June Blake

Old time music by members of Mór Ceól & members of Kilbride & Lakeside Music

Tea, chat & songs & a Raffle.

All welcome.  Admission free. Hosted by Kilbride & Lakeside Music Committee & Glen Heste Pure Mile Group

Open Day – Rockbrook Park Secondary School for boys, Dublin 16. Sunday 6^th October at 3 pm. All welcome on the day. Enrolling now for 2020 to 2024. www.rockbrook.ie

West Wicklow Cancer Support have a signed GAA Dublin All Ireland Champions jersey for auction! If you would like to own this splendid piece of memorabilia, call or email: 087 4346004 or westwicklow15@gmail.com

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.

Anam Cara supporting bereaved parents, are holding a Parent Support Event on 7^th Oct at 7:20pm in the Maldron Hotel, Tallaght. Free event open to all bereaved parents regardless of the age your child died, the circumstances of their death, or whether their death was recent or not.

Panto 2020 Auditions!  BMDS (Blessington Musical & Dramatic Society) are calling out for actors / actresses to audition for our upcoming panto in January 2020! No experience necessary but enthusiasm & energy required! Auditions on Sun 6^th Oct at 3pm & Wed 9^th Oct at 9pm in The Tramway Theatre Blessington.

Car Boot Sale (Des Redmond Charities) in St. Kevin’s Hall on Sunday 13^th Oct from 7am to 4pm. €10 per table, Free Car Park, Tea & Coffee.

Kill Musical & Dramatic Society are proud to bring you John B. Keane’s “The Field” in The Dew Drop Inn, Kill from 9^th to 12^th Oct at 8pm. Directed by Laura Sheehan. You’re in for a great night of drama!  Tickets on sale through the Facebook event page (via Eventbrite) a limited number may be available at the door.

The Cruthú Art Group ANNUAL TABLE QUIZ will take place Fri 18^th Oct at 8pm in Hennessy’s Lounge.  €10 per player.  Max 5 per team.  Always a fun night.  All welcome

Eadestown Church Choir presents “Songs for Saplings” featuring Patrick Hyland, (tenor) Aisling McCarthy (soprano) & The Ballymore Eustace Concert Band in Church of the Immaculate Conception, Eadestown on Saturday 19th October 8pm. Tickets €20 available from Barker & Jones & The Moat Theatre, Naas, The Office Shop Blessington or from choir members.

West Wicklow Cancer Support – Volunteers – Have you some free time? Would you like to volunteer with West Wicklow Cancer Support? Caring for those in the West Wicklow area for the past 5 years providing support & information to those affected by cancer & to their families, we are looking for a Volunteer Bookkeeper to look after our day to day books. If this interests you, we would like to hear from you.  Volunteers will be fully supported by our caring & confidential team. Contact us on 087 434 6004 westwicklow15@gmail.com or on Facebook

Hollywood Friendship Club every Wednesday from 2.15 to 4.15pm in Hollywood Centre New members welcome.

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

Congratulations to Leah Auld being selected for the Irish badminton team. Playing the Irish Graded International, Saturday 5th October. Best of luck from everyone.

The Blessington Community College Parent’s Council would like to thank everyone who supported their recent bag pack in Dunnes Stores. Thank you also to the parents, teachers & students who gave their time & helped raise the very respectable sum of €1169.85. Well done all!

Local St Vincent de Paul 087 181 1579

 

The Irish Heart Foundation will hold a Church Gate Collection next weekend 28^th & 29^th September

Monday 23^rd September 2019

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

►Blessington Children’s Choir are returning to practice every Monday from 2:45pm to 3.30pm in the Church. New members welcome. We are also looking for a MUSICIAN TO PLAY for the choir, if interested please call Áine 045 865 327 in the Parish Office

Tuesday 24^th September 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 25^th September 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 26^th September 2019

►The Parish Book Club will meet at 10am in Crying Room.  The book for review is ‘Quest for the living God’ by Elizabeth Johnson.  All welcome to attend.

►West Wicklow Cancer Support – Drop in Meeting, “Have you been touched by Cancer, Self-care & making time for you” An evening of meditation, stillness & mindfulness into everyday living to achieve greater peace of mind & freedom. Hosted by artist & therapist Margot Ussher. at 7.30pm, Coimín Centre, Blessington. No charge, all are welcome & do feel free to bring a friend. Call: 087 4346004 westwicklow15@gmail.com

Mass Intentions this Week

Gerard O’Dwyer (RD)

Saturday 6pm: Billy Hamilton (A)

Karen Colgan (A) Tony Hughes (A)

Sunday 10am: Sheila Zellar (Mths Mind)

Tom Fitzharris (1^st A) Eileen Jones (A)

Charles Doran (A) Masie Hopkins (A)

We also Remember the following:

John, Julia & Sean Carroll (A) Rose Balfe (A Rose Hastings (A) Teddy Shirran (A) Colm & Nuala O’Donnell (A) Mary Smith (A)

Monday: Mass for those on the list for Sick

Tuesday: Colm & Nuala O’Donnell (A) Lily Burke Rose Balfe (A)

Wednesday: Stanley Cosgrave (RD) Winnie Cowley (RD)

Thursday: May Kennedy (A) Rita Reid (RD)

Friday: Blessington Deceased Mass Card List

The family of the late Michael Kennedy wishes to acknowledge the many expressions of sympathy & gestures of kindness shown to us following our sad loss. We offer our heartfelt thanks to family, friends & neighbours who attended the funeral home, funeral mass & burial & those who sent mass cards, we thank them sincerely. We would like to thank Fr Kevin Lyon & Deacon Gerry Malone for the lovely mass they provided.  A special word of thanks to Ashley Lodge Nursing home, Co Kildare for their dedication & loving care shown towards Michael. Lastly, I would like to thank Clarkes Funeral home for their professional service & support during this sad time.  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.

Dates for your diary

Children’s Church will resume next weekend Sunday Sept 29th at 10am Mass for all children aged 5 to 10 years.

Confirmation 2020 Information meeting for Parents of all children in 6^th Class St Mary’s JS and 5^th& 6^th classes in No. 1 School & BETNS who wish to receive Confirmation will take place on Mon 30^th September at 7.30pm in Church of Our Lady, Blessington

Burgage Cemetery AGM will take place on Monday 30^th September at 8pm in the Coimín Centre, Blessington.

Hospice Coffee Morning Blessington Active Retirement Group will host a coffee morning in aid of St. Bridget’s Hospice, Kildare, on Tuesday 3rd October in St Kevin’s Hall 9.30am to 12.30pm. Donations for the raffle may be left into the Parish office

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

Morning Eucharistic Adoration every Monday from 7^th October after 9.30am Mass until 12 Noon in the Crying Room, Church of Our Lady, Blessington.

Drug Awareness Meeting in Hollywood Centre on Tuesday 24^th September at 8pm. We ask Parents / Mentors & all those interested in Protecting our young people from “The Scourge” of Drugs. There’s is not a Village in this Country that Drugs are not readily available. This Meeting is an open Meeting “Over 18s” Please come along.

Blessington Fencing Club are participating in a Fencing Ireland Campaign to bring fencing to the public. They will be offering free fencing on Saturday 28^th September from 2pm to 4 pm in St Kevin’s Hall, Blessington. 8 – 99-year olds very welcome!! They have also started an Adult beginners’ class on Tuesday evenings from 8pm to 9pm.

Valleymount Country Market in the Community Hall from 10am to 3pm on Sunday 29^th September.

Blessington Comhaltas Classes in Bodhran, Concertina, Accordion, Whistle, Flute, Beginner Fiddle, Intermediate Fiddle, Tune Classes, Guitar Lessons, Singing Classes, Ceili Band. Classes begin on Sunday 29^th Sept from 5pm in St. Mary’s SNS (Tramway Theatre) many thanks to Gerry Browne, Principal, for his support & encouragement… Bigi Linn. Info Pat 086 075 2072 / Rebecca 087 228 2012 www.blessingtoncomhaltascoislocha@gmail.com or Facebook: Blessington Comhaltas.

Blessington Fire-Fighters would like to thank all those who turned out to support our charity car wash in aid of Aoibheann’s pink tie. A total of €1600 was raised. All Fire stations in Wicklow raised a total of €13,000 on the day. A big Thank you to our sponsors- Gerry O’Neill (Signs) Omega Bearings, CJ Autos and Aldi

West Wicklow Cancer Support have a signed GAA Dublin All Ireland Champions jersey for auction! If you would like to own this splendid piece of memorabilia, call or email: 087 4346004 or westwicklow15@gmail.com

Hollywood Friendship Club every Wednesday from 2.15 to 4.15pm in Hollywood Centre New members welcome.

The Cruthú Art Group ANNUAL TABLE QUIZ will take place Fri 18^th Oct at 8pm in Hennessy’s Lounge.  €10 per player.  Max 5 per team.  Always a fun night.  All welcome

The Irish Pilgrimage Trust are seeking applications for young people to travel to Lourdes with us next Easter. We welcome applications from young people with

• A physical disability or illness (aged 11-30)
• A learning disability (aged 11-30)
• A serious illness up age 11 (accomp by a parent/guardian)

Forms & further info available at www.irishpilgrimagetrust.ie or through our office in Galway on 091 796 622. There is no cost for guests to travel with the Trust. All volunteer carers pay their own fare & fundraise throughout the year to cover the cost of the guests.

The Irish Pilgrimage Trust are holding a fundraising event to cover costs of their special needs guests for the 2020 Easter Pilgrimage. The Songs & Poems of Percy French concert will be held in Westmanstown Clonsilla, on Oct 16^th Please contact Jen on 087 124 2134 for further informatio

Blessington Comhaltas invite you to “The Shed Sessions” on Culture Night, Friday 20^th Sept from 5pm to 8pm in the Men’s Shed, Old Library, Blessington. Drop in for a tune or song, all welcome. Info: 086 075 2072

West Wicklow Voices “The French Connection” St Joseph’s Church, Baltinglass on Culture Night Friday 20^th September from 7.30pm to 9pm. Admission Free.

Charity Social Dance in Hollywood Centre on Saturday 21^st September from 9pm to midnight. Please support. Admission.    €10 Adults €5 Students. Music by Tony Bird

Wicklow Mountains National Park: Nature & St Kevin Walk, Sunday 29th September. Join National Park Guides for a gentle walk in the beautiful valley of Glendalough. We will visit some of the sites associated with St Kevin, sharing the stories about his connection with nature & discussing possible meanings behind the stories, weaving them with current conservation concerns. Meet outside Glendalough Visitor Centre (Eircode A98HC80) on Sunday 29th September at 10am. Approximately four hours including a break. Adults only. Wear footwear suitable for rough terrain & clothing suitable for wet weather.  Please leave your dog at home. This event is free of charge but please be aware that the OPW Visitor Centre car park has a €4 charge for car parking. Booking is essential! Call the National Park Information Office 0404 45425 for info & booking

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.

Happy Faces Community Playgroup enrolling for Sept 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 call: 085 128 1605, email happyfaces@blessingtonfec.ie or Facebook

Rounders – Blessington GAA are looking at the possibility of starting Rounders teams for juvenile ages (boys & girls). It’s an official GAA sport and even has own Féile. If any parent is interested in training and attending coaching, please contact Kevin Gilmore on 0872324197.

Winners of the Valleymount Draw in aid of Church Renovation fund are Caroline & Mick Maguire, Mary Fitzpatrick, Jimmy Byrne, Corinn & Leo O Connor, Fiona & Tom Guing. Each received €100

Blessington and District Forum will hold its AGM on Monday 14^th October. Venue & time to be confirmed. Nominations are currently being accepted for (i) membership of the Forum and (ii) for positions on the Forum Executive. Closing date for nominations is Friday 20^th September at 5pm. Nominations or requests for further information should be sent via email to the secretary using info@blessington.ie.  Further details at www.blessington.ie