The Blessington Community First Responder Unit  will be holding their Annual Church Gate Collection this weekend, 7^th & 8^th September. All donations greatly appreciated.

Sunday 8^th September 2019

►Car Boot Sale (Des Redmond Charities) in St. Kevin’s Hall Sunday 8^th September from 7am to 4pm. €10 per table, Free Car Park, Tea & Coffee. Pat Conlan 086 075 2072

►Eadestown Field Day in Punchestown from 1pm – Great Day Out for all the family!!

Monday 9^th September 2019

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

►Blessington & District Forum AGM meeting at 7.30pm in St Mary’s Junior School. All Welcome

►Neighbourhood Collection Envelopes for September are due, we would appreciate it if they are left in the Church at Mass or dropped into the Parish Office any morning. Many thanks contributors & collectors for your continued support.

Tuesday 10^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 11^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

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

Thursday 12^th September 2019

►Valleymount Parent & Baby/toddler playgroup starts back from 10.15am to 12 in Valleymount Hall. New members welcome

►Coimin Management Meeting 7pm

►Blessington PPC Meeting 8pm

Friday 13^th September 2019

► Foroige Youth Club starts back in St Joseph’s Hall. Register now online http://tiny.cc/kbfhbz Volunteers needed, please email: foroigeblessington@gmail.com

Parish Mission Appeal: The Daughters of Charity will speak at Masses next weekend 14^th & 15^th Sept to about their work in Africa

Mass Intentions this Week

Saturday 6pm: Mary Ryan (A) Anne Doyle(A) Frank Sexton (A) Tom & Mary Tivnan (A)

Sunday 10am: Angelina Smith (RD) Frank Foley (RD)

We also Remember the following: Eileen Cox (A)

Monday: Mass for those on the list for Sick

Tuesday: Pam Jackson (RD) Jo Plant (A)

Wednesday: Eileen Cox (A) Betty Daly (RD)

Thursday: Get Well Mass, Get Well Mass

Friday: Dolores Fox (RD) Jim Craig (A)

The family of the late Eddie (Ned) Conroy Beechdale 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 & well-wishers who attended the funeral home, mass & burial & who provided emotional & practical support for us at this difficult time. For those who travelled long distance, sent cards & messages of condolences, as well as those who made charitable donations, we are truly grateful.A special word of thanks to the Doctors, nurses & staff of Naas & Baltinglass hospital for their kindness & respect shown at all times. To all those who participated in the Mass, especially Fr Paraic, the Eucharistic Ministers, our singer Lorraine, musician Paul & finally Clarkes Funeral Directors, for their sensitive & professional handling of arrangements. To those who helped in any way, your contribution made our loss more bearable. 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. Pat & family

The BOM of Lacken NS is looking for an escort to assist on the school bus, bringing children to & from school. Candidates must be available from 7.30am – 3.30pm approx. (flexible). If interested please forward hard copy of CV, references & letter of suitability to the Chairperson of the Board before Monday 16^th September.

CHILD SAFEGUARDING TALKS. Blessington Parish Pastoral Council are inviting all Church Helpers in all Churches in our Parish and surrounding areasto come to an information evening on one of the following dates.Wednesday 11^th September or Tuesday 17^th September in the Coimin Centre Blessington from 7:30pm to 9pm

A Week of Guided Prayer from 29th Sept to 5th October.We welcome our speakers at Masses this weekend to explain further about the Week of Guided Prayer.  They will also answer any questions you may have.  Information leaflets and Registration Forms will be distributed. Completed Forms to be returned by Tuesday 19^th Sept.

A Word of Appreciation to the Baltyboys Cemetery Committee for putting the traffic management plan & to the family who provided the field for parking. Thanks to all who attended and took part in the Mass.

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. Be part of this exciting initiative.

Bake & Buy a Cake & Coffee Morning Music Raffle & lots of fun, all for Aoibheann’s Pink Tie on Saturday 14th September at 11.30 am to 1.30, in Hennessy’s Blessington. Anyone wishing to donate cakes, raffle prizes etc please contact; Carly 086 3062083, Bernadette 087 6637793, Judy 087 6165116 or Catherine 087 1224019

Park Walk with Parkrun – Russborough – Six-week walking programme starting Saturday 7^th September. Every Saturday at 9.30am (arrive before 9.20am). Free Timed 5k event. Everyone welcome. Register at www.parkrun.ie

Blessington Mini-Rugby– Rugby for Tots starts a new season at St Kevin’s Community Centre, Blessington on Sat 7^th Sep 11:15am to 12:15. For Children aged Under 5 (DOB 2015) & Under 6 (DOB 2014). GIRLS go FREE.

Mini-Rugby at Russborough begins Tues 3^rd Sep 7pm to 8pm on Blessington GAA Astro & every Saturday on 7^th Sep 11:15am to 12:30, U7 born (2013), U8 (2012), U9 (2011), U10 (2010, U11 (2009), U12 (2008) GIRLS go FREE

Is drink causing problems for you or someone you know? Do you want to stop drinking? Is there an alcoholic in your life? Blessington Alcoholics Anonymous Group is hosting an OPEN PUBLIC MEETING in St Joseph’s Hall, Main St. Blessington on Monday 16^th September at 8pm. The purpose of this meeting is to reach the still suffering alcoholic through a third party, family and friends by letting them know that AA exists, where it can be found and what it can offer. With speakers from Alcoholics Anonymous and Al-Anon. Refreshments served. All welcome

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

Readers of the Word needed to join the Rota for 6pm or 10am Mass in Church of Our Lady Blessington. If you are a former reader in this Parish and would like to return or if you were a reader in another Parish and would like to be included, call the Parish Office: 045 865 327

Community Pool for West Wicklow are raffling a framed, signed Dublin jersey! Tickets €10 & can be purchased at https://tinyurl.com/CPWWDubJerseyRaffle A maximum of 200 tickets. Winner will be notified by email. Payments via PayPal. Draw when all 200 tickets are sold. All monies raised will go towards a pool for West Wicklow. For more info, email: poolforWestWicklow@gmail.com

Ciarán Jones Memorial Charity Golf Day 2019 The Jones Family & the organising committee of the 8^th Annual Ciarán Jones Memorial Charity Golf & Social fundraiser, which took place in Tullfarris Golf Club on 9^th & 10^th August, would like to express their sincere appreciation to all who supported this year’s event. This year’s primary beneficiaries were Acquired Brain Injury Ireland & Blessington & District Senior Citizens Care Association. This year, we have so far raised in excess of last year’s total of €18,000. We still have the social night to come which will see the presentation of prizes & the presentation of the cheques to the designated charities. We will also be presenting the Ciarán Jones Person of The Year award on the night. The social night is being held in the Avon Blessington on Saturday 14^th Sept & it promises to be a good night with music & finger food & we will also be holding the raffle for an exceptional array of prizes. We would also like to say a big thank you to our main sponsors Tullfarris Hotel & Golf Resort, the Avon, Punctual Print, Musgraves, the Renault Group & Aspire Technology for their support over the past number of years. This event has gone from strength to strength each year & does so because the people of Kilbride, Blessington & surrounding areas have shown such support over the years, your support is helping a lot of people in the community.

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

New West Wicklow Support Group GROW Community Mental Health Support Group meets every Wed at 7.30pm in Camphill, Dunlavin. (from Wed 4^th Sept) Come & learn more about positive mental health, wellbeing, recovery & how GROW may help you achieve this. Free, all welcome. for further info: John 086 803 3126 or www.grow.ie.

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

“Ceiliuradh” We had a full house, a breath-taking show, in most beautiful setting in St Kevin’s Church Hollywood. Thanks to Rev. Ruddock, for the use of the magnificent church, in celebration of our great heritage during National Heritage Week. Thank You to Paddy Gleeson, Fear an Ti & to P.J & Dan Kenny of Supervalu for their support. Mile buiochas daoibh ar fad. Pat Conlan agus Muintir Blessington Comhaltas.

Don’t wait for the perfect moment, take this moment and make it perfect

The Crosscare Annual Collection for Community, Homeless & Youth Services will take place in all churches next weekend 31^st Aug & 1st Sept.  Last year Crosscare saw almost 1,000 people accommodated in their homeless services & at the same time they helped 78 families & over 100 individuals move into their own homes.  Through their food banks & meal services, over 175,000 meals were distributed to those in need and 14,000 parcels of food were delivered to families. Over 4,000 young people were supported through Crosscare’s Youth Work service through voluntary youth clubs & summer projects. 400 teenagers & their families found the help & support they needed in Teen Counselling.  Please help Crosscare to continue with this vital work in our parishes. Donors can also contribute online at www.crosscare.ie

Saturday 24^th August 2019

►A volunteer clean-up day in Rathmore Graveyard from 11am onwards. bring a strimmer rake or fork, we are hoping for a big turn out on the day.

Sunday 25^th August 2019

►Cemetery Mass Baltyboys at 12 noon. PLEASE NOTE: there will be no 11.15am Mass in Valleymount

►Parking for the Cemetery Mass will be available in Miley’s field across from Baltyboys Cemetery. Please do not park on either side of the road. There will be a one-way traffic system for the duration of the Mass.

Monday 26^th August 2019

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

►Blessington Bowls Guest Night in St. Kevin’s Hall at 8pm. Join us for a Fun Night. No entry Fee / Refreshments Served.

Tuesday 27^th August 2019

►Citizens Information Centre will be closed for the month of August. Reopening on Tuesday, 3rd September. Queries can be made to 0761 07 4000 Mon-Fri 9am-8pm.

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

Wednesday 28^th August 2019

►Citizens Information Centre will be closed for the month of August. Reopening on Tuesday, 3rd September. Queries can be made to 0761 07 4000 Mon-Fri 9am-8pm.

►The Rosary will be offered at 7.30pm for the intentions of our families in Blessington Church

Mass Intentions this Week

Saturday 6pm: William (Teddy) Shirran (1^st A) Eddie Conroy (RD)

Sunday 10am: Maurice Moore (1^st A) Liam Nestor (RD)

We also Remember the following:

Phyllis Nixon (A) Ann Carmody (A) Sean Harte (A)

Monday: Mass for those on the list for Sick

Tuesday: Teddy Deveraux (RD) Sheila Zeller (RD)

Wednesday: Birthday Rem, Thanksgiving Mass

Thursday: Sp Intentions, Get Well Mass

Friday: Bernard Berney (RD) Mary Weir (RD)

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

If you received an email that appeared to be from a Gmail account from Fr Richard Behan do not reply to it as it is bogus account

Readers of the Word needed to join the rota for 6pm or 10am Mass in Church of Our Lady Blessington. If you are a former reader in this Parish and would like to return or if you were a reader in another Parish and would like to be included, please contact the Parish Office: 045 865 327

A Date for your Diary – A Week of Guided Prayer from 29^th Sept to 5^th October the week begins on Sunday evening with a group session to introduce participants to the format of the week.  You will be introduced to the prayer guide you will meet on a daily basis to help you direct and deepen your prayer life. The structure for the week is simple and everyone is welcome to participate.

Music at 10am Mass on Sundays: If you would like to join the group and help with the singing at our Mass, rehearsals begin again on Thursday 29^th August from 7.15pm to 8.15pm in the Church. Info: Parish Office 045 865 327

SONGS & TUNES Sunday 25th August (+ every Last Sunday) Free session in Zellers, Lacken from 6pm to 9+ ALL ages welcome – LISTENERS, novices, former singers or players ANY song, tune, acoustic self-accompaniment. Just for fun!!!

“Ceiliuradh a Celtic Miscellany” – an acoustic, candlelit celebration of song & music hosted by Blessington Comhaltas in St. Kevin’s Church, Hollywood, Co. Wicklow on Saturday 24^th August at 8pm. Phil Callery of The Voice Squad – Maca (Anúna & Riverdance) – Ger Fitzgerald, Bean an Sean Nos – Ninette De Valois Ballet, Ruth Shine Dance Troupe, Fear an Tí, Paddy Gleeson. A Heritage Week Celebration, further info: Pat Conlan: 086 075 2072. Free Event….Bigi Linn…..Please Support.

Line Dance Classes every Tuesday afternoon from 3pm to 4.15pm and on Thursday night from 7pm to 8.15pm. All welcome €7 per class in Manor Kilbride Hall. Classes resume on Tuesday 3^rd and Thursday 5^th September.

West Wicklow Cancer Support in conjunction with our East Coast FM Coffee morning fundraiser have a signed GAA Dublin All Ireland Champions jersey for auction! Possibly the most successful Dublin Team of all time. If you would like to own this splendid piece of memorabilia, please call/email: 087 4346004 or westwicklow15@gmail.com

“West Wicklow Cancer Support, Weekly Meditation with essential oils hosted by Gemma Deeney continues Wednesdays 11.30am at the Primary Care Centre Blessington. Info: 087 4346004 or westwicklow15@gmail.com Just come along & do bring a friend. “The best cure for the body is a quiet mind”

Interest in a social cycle in Blessington?  Cycling Ireland community rides are gentle, social bike rides for adults, led by an experienced cyclist, followed by a coffee and chat. Register for free at www.axacommunitybikerides.com

Blessington Firefighters are holding a charity car wash at Blessington Fire Station on Saturday 31 August from 10am to 5pm. Please come & support us to help raise vital funds for Aoibheann’s Pink Tie Charity. All Welcome

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.

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.

Why not make time to join the library or renew a lapsed membership? It’s easy to join; you can do so online or drop into your local library. Your new library card will give you and your children access to an exciting and up to date collection of books suitable for all ages and abilities as well as a range of online resources. Since the beginning of the year, fines are no longer charged on overdue items so if you do have any items belonging to the library, please drop them back. No matter how long these books have been checked out, we will be delighted to have them back in circulation and available to everyone. Blessington Library staff are looking forward to meeting lots of new borrowers and also renewing expired accounts.

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

Foroige Youth Club starts back on Friday 6^th September in St Joseph’s Hall. Register now online & we will be in touch ASAP http://tiny.cc/kbfhbz Volunteers needed, if interested please drop us an email: foroigeblessington@gmail.com

Do you enjoy movement? We are looking for people interested in taking part in a community dance project as part of the Ninette de Valois festival. No dance experience required. All ages (8-80 and beyond!), genders, shapes and sizes are welcome. Email Ruth if you are interested ruthshineschoolofdance1@gmail.com

Summer Stars ‘Magic Show’ at the Library Blessington, the annual magic show with Joe Daly takes place this year in the library on 31^st August at 11am & all participants in the Summer Stars programme are invited to come along. Joe is an amazing magician who also happens to be great fun so the accompanying parents are in for a treat too! Children will also be presented with their certificates & medals that day – if you can’t make it to the magic show, please come at any time to get your certificate & medal. Blessington Library staff wish to congratulate all the children who took part this year – we have over 500 children from Blessington taking part this year & altogether they have read over 2,500 books between them!

The Community Pool for West Wicklow Committee would like to thank everyone who attended our family funday in Russborough House last Saturday & helped to make it a huge success. It was a wonderful day with Minister for Health, Simon Harris pledging that West Wicklow will have a public swimming pool in the next two years! It also marked the beginning of our fundraising campaign to raise €1 million over two years. Please keep an eye out for our next exciting event. If you’d like to get involved in the campaign email us at poolforWestWicklow@gmail.com

New West Wicklow Support Group GROW Community Mental Health Support Group meets every Wednesday at 7.30pm in Camphill, Grangebeg, Dunlavin. (meeting Wed 4^th September) Why not come along & learn more about positive mental health, wellbeing, recovery & how GROW may help you achieve this. Free of charge.  All welcome. Contact John 086 803 3126 or visit our website, www.grow.ie for further information & different meeting venues. [Grow Promoting Positive Mental Health]

Local St Vincent de Paul 087 181 1579