Mass intentions in Blessington Des Cullen…RD     Manor Kilbride, Irene Stenson…RD Crosschapel, Carmel Cahill…RD Tallaght

Saturday: Pat Duffy…A  , Peter & Mary Murphy…A, Noeleen Duff…A, Billy Ball…A , James O Toole…A, Marion O Toole…A, Jack Boothman…A  , Thomas Miley…5th A, Robert Hennessy…A

Sunday:, Mary & Kathleen Curtin…A, Jim (Jessie) Clarke…A, Jane & Jim Flynn…A, Maryann McDonald…A

At Masses This Weekend, We Remember the Following Yvonne Phibbs…A, Ted & Sheila Balfe…A, Willie Melia…A

Monday: Mass for the Sick & those in Hospital

Tuesday: Pilar Delaney …RD, Kathleen McGuire…RD

Wednesday: John Kelly …60th A, James McHugh…A

Thursday: Blessington Deceased Mass Card List

Friday: Get Well Mass, Helen Finnerty…RD

Feast Days

13th May  – Our Lady of Fatima The Pardon Prayer Given to the children at the apparition The angel who appeared to the children called himself “the Angel of Peace” and “the Angel of Portugal.” He taught them the following prayer: My God, I believe, I adore, I hope and I love Thee! I ask pardon for those who do not believe, do not adore, do not hope and do not love Thee. 14th May – St Matthias, Apostle St Brendan

Blessington Church Grounds  Volunteers needed Sat May 25th 11-12 noon Can you give 1 hour to help with weeding and tidying the shrub border area in Blessington Church car park? Many hands make the work

Dates for Diary 11th May – St Marys Communion, 12th May – Valleymount Communion, 18th May – Gaelscoil Communion

he Annual Blessing of the Graves & Cemetery Mass will take place in Burgage Cemetery on Sunday 19th May 2024 at 3pm

Rosary & Holy Hour  on Every Tuesday  7pm to 8pm in Church of Our Lady Blessington

Pray & Play Group In the Coimin Centre, Every Wed 2.45pm to 4.30pm. For children of all ages with their parents, grandparents, guardians. Contact Áine 0833798366

Minister of Eucharist May 2024 Church of Our Lady Blessington SAT 6PM: Pat McGrath, Teresa Ball & Colette Fennan SUNDAY 10AM: Fidelma Dunne, Brendan Mahon & George Richardson

Blessington Parish Lotto Numbers on 2^nd May. 1,6,17,23. €25 Winner: Thirza Dillon Next Jackpot €1,500

Pope’s May prayer intention ‘For faith-filled young people’ Pope Francis releases his prayer intention for the month of May, and urges everyone to pray for young Catholics to be courageous in their response to God’s call.

Church of the Apostles Ballybrack Women in the Bible 15^th May at 7.30pm Mary Magdalene Talks given by Dr Jesse Rogers Lecturer/Dean of Theology at St Patricks Pontifical Maynooth

CARE OF THE EARTH Buy Laundry detergent that comes in cardboard boxes instead of plastic ones Buy milk in paper containers instead  of plastic ones

Thought for the week Pay someone a compliment every day this week

The Jesuit sacredspace.ie  available on your phone/tablet/P.C.  is an excellent Daily Prayer Companion for busy people!

National Biodiversity Week 2024 will take place from May 17th to May 26th in Ireland. The week will feature free events every day to explore the rich variety of life in Ireland. The International Day for Biological Diversity and World Bee Day also coincide with this week

May 12th The Ascension O Lord Jesus, I adore you, Son of Mary, my Saviour and my Brother, for You are God. I follow You in my thoughts, O first-fruits of our race, as I hope one day by Your grace to follow You in my person into heavenly glory. Until then, do not let me neglect the earthly task which You have given me. Let me labour diligently all my life with a greater appreciation for the present. Let me realize that only by accomplishing true human fulfilment can I attain Divine fulfilment and ascend to You at the completion of my work. Amen.

Pope Francis prayer to Mary, Knock

 O Mary

You shine continuously on our journey as a sign of salvation and hope. We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick, who, at the foot of the cross, were united with Jesus’ suffering, and persevered in your faith. “Protectress of the Roman people”, you know our needs, and we know that you will provide, so that, as at Cana in Galilee, joy and celebration may return after this time of trial.

Help us, Mother of Divine Love, to conform ourselves to the will of the Father and to do what Jesus tells us. For he took upon himself our suffering, and burdened himself with our sorrows to bring us, through the cross, to the joy of the Resurrection.

Amen.

AWARE SUPPORT & SELF CARE GROUPS If you or those with whom you work wish to connect with people in relation to your mental wellbeing, consider using Aware’s phone-in and Zoom support and self-care groups, support line or support mail. For more information, visit www.aware.ie.

Accord Prayer for Marriage & Family Life God of love, show us our place in this world as channels of your love. Give to us the gift of respect, empathy and understanding. Bless and strengthen our love for each other. Help us to appreciate the value of family life and to live in harmony with all whom we come in contact with. Encourage us, we pray, to act justly, love tenderly and walk humbly with the Lord. Praise be to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen

All Ireland Rosary Rally Knock – June 1^st The All Ireland Rosary Rally is back this year on Saturday, June 1st in Knock. The day begins with a Marian Conference at 9.30 am in St John’s Centre. Speakers include: Fr Michael Donnelly, Sr Ana Margarita Lanzas SCTJM, and Fr Joseph Maria Deane CFR. Then there will be an opportunity to meet over 20 apostolates from around Ireland from 11.30am in St John’s Centre. A well-renowned speaker from Miami called Mother Adela Galindo will deliver the keynote Rosary talk at 1pm in the Basilica. Then there will be the Stations of the Cross outside at 2pm, followed by the Rosary Procession. Bishop Phonsie Cullinan will be the Main Celebrant of the 3pm Concelebrated Mass which will include Anointing of the Sick. Confessions are available throughout the day, and there will be rosary and scapular-making workshops in the marquee. For more information and to see a list of buses going from around Ireland please visit www.AllIrelandRosaryRally.com

BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT The Irish Hospice Foundation provides a free Bereavement Support Line. This National Freephone Service is available from 10am to 1pm, Monday to Friday, by calling 1800 807077. Visit www.hospicefoundation.ie for more information.

An effective technique in developing a peaceful mind is the daily practice of silence. Begin to listen for the deeper sound of harmony and beauty that are to be found in the essence of silence

No Mow May. Don’t mow Let it grow! Calling on all gardeners to join the buzz to save our bees in this month of May.  By mowing less, we will allow our native wildflowers Dandelions and Clover  provide the best source of pollen and nectar for our hungry bees. We need to provide enough food to support them

The Valleymount Community shed  invites you again to come & join the fun on our next night of music / song/ poems. On this Saturday 11th May at 7.30 sharp in the Community shed. Looking forward to meeting you all to a wonderful packed night again.

Blessington Men’s Shed Next music session in the Men’s Shed will next Monday the 6th of June, starting at 19.30hrs. Come along for a great session of music, song and spot prizes

Blessington Library. A mindful meditation focusing on embracing the joys and challenges of aging Friday 10th May at 10 am Booking required Call 045 891740 or blessingtonlib@wicklowcoco.ie Family Workshop with Lego Bricks by Lego Artist Jessica Farrell. Saturday 18th May 2-4 pm
Age 7-13 Booking required Call 045 891740 or blessingtonlib@wicklowcoco.ie

DARKNESS INTO LIGHT BLESSINGTON Darkness Into Light 2024 Blessington will take place at 4:15am on the morning of Saturday May 11th 2024.  Meeting at Blessington Town Square at 3:45am with the 5k walk taking place at 4:15am. To sign up visit the link www.darknessintolight.ie

West Wicklow Cancer Support  welcomes you to our weekly sound bath meditation with essential oils, hosted by Gemma Deeney. Take that hour to yourself to relax, rewind and rejuvenate. Wednesday Mornings, 11am Primary Care Centre. Open to all, bring your own cushion and blanket. No charge, no need to book. Contact us on 087 4346004 / westwicklow15@gmail.com with any enquiries.

Blessington Bridge Club Meets every Monday at 7.30pm in the Kare Centre. All new players welcome.

Blessington Bowls Club meet every Thursday night at 7.30pm in St Kevin’s Hall, Main Street Blessington. Guests are most welcome, why not come along and bring a friend.

upervalu Blessington Communion and confirmation Cakes Made to Order Phone 087 6243933/045 265338

Gardening For Hedge clipping, Beds overhauled, Pruning, etc Phone Mark 085-1337714 (Greenleaf Garden Care)

Conor Hendrick Carpentry Interior & Exterior 0877421407 Check me out on Facebook & Instagram

Motorbike Mechanic Repair and maintenance services Call Alec 0858698027

Blessington Community Employment Vacancies These are developmental opportunities, no experience necessary. St Kevin’s, Cemetery, Hollywood Duties inclusive of but not restricted to grass cutting, light maintenance, key holding, and cleaning. Closing Date: 20/02/2024 Reference: CES: 2317015. Secretary, St Kevin’s  Community Centre. Duties inclusive of but not restricted to admin, answering calls,  And secretarial work. Closing Date: 02/02/2024 Reference: CES: 2317031. Caretaker, Hollywood Community Centre. Duties to include but not restricted to preparing hall for meetings and events, cleaning, light maintenance, and painting. Closing Date: 02/02/2024 Reference: CES: 2317081 Caretaker, St. Johns Cemetery, Ballymore. Duties inclusive of but not restricted to grass cutting, light maintenance, key holding, and cleaning. Closing Date: 16/02/2024 Reference: CES: 2317525 Please contact us on 085-2523563 or martincahill@blessingtonce.ie Please note *You must be in receipt of a social welfare payment for the last 12 months to qualify for these positions. * CE Rates Apply.

Blessington FETC Full and part time, daytime and evening education courses are available. We are here to help you get back into education, learn at your own pace, reach your potential, have some fun, meet other people and gain confidence. We offer 1 to 1 support in English, maths, and IT.  Courses are free, flexible, and fun. (eligibility criteria will apply). If you are interested in upskilling or learning new skills in: Gardening, Art, Sewing, Beginners Hairdressing, IT – laptop, notebooks, smart phones in 2024 contact u, or drop into the Blessington FETC. We would be delighted to hear from you.  Contact us on 045 891099/ 0868462771. West Wicklow Youthreach offers an education and training programme for early school leavers aged 16-21. We offer QQI level 3 and 4 junior and leaving cert equivalent, and personal development programmes in a small, welcoming, and supportive environment. If you are interested in our full-time programme, why not contact us to find out more! Call the centre at 086-8159593 or 045-851498 or drop into the Blessington Further Education and Training Centre and pick up an enquiry form. Alternatively, you can send an email to carolinemccabe@KWETB.ie For more information about our programme visit www.blessingtonfetc.ie/youthreach

Valleymount Community Shed NEW MEMBERS. If you or someone you know would like to join our Shed, drop in any Monday or Friday from 10.30 to 12.30 at the back of the priest’s house (The old stables) for a chat and to see what we do.

Catriona Byrne & Co Solicitors BESIDE AIB – OVER 20 YEARS ESTABLISHED FOR ALL YOUR LEGAL NEEDS 3 Mill Bank, Blessington County Wicklow Tel: 045 857 537 www.catrionsbyrne.ie

Septic Tanks Emptied & Digger Hire Call Dermot or Adam Phibbs 087 799 5320 – 083 037 4750 lizmphibbs6@gmail.com      License no: NWCPO-21-12619-01

Blessington Counselling & Psychotherapy – Mandy Downes MAPCP 085 134 9813 Specialist in CBT & Solution focused Therapy

Wicklow & Kildare Mental Health Services  Counselling & Psychotherapy. Aran Centre, Blessington, Co. Wicklow. For Bookings please contact, by phone: 089 274 4920 or e-mail: info@wicklowandkildarementalhealth.ie

To Let Very nice self-contained private office at Aran Centre, Blessington opposite Aldi.  From €125 per week plus VAT.  Contact Sean on 087 8175227.

Building & Roofing Contractor Available All Roof Repairs, Slates, Tiles, Lead Valleys, Velux Windows, PvC Fascia & Soffit, Extensions, Attic Conversions & Renovations. All Work Guaranteed Niall Kearns 0862746969.

Driving instructor RSA and ADI approved.  Contact Michael 087 459 4258  for bookings.

GF Services Tile Cleaning Upholstery Cleaning Carpet Cleaning 0899889861 info@gfservices.ie

The Avon has a number of functions rooms available to hire for your next special occasion. Email us at info@theavon.ie and we can send on our 2024 brochure Mark Hyland Solicitors Main Street, Blessington Phone number: 045-851149 Email: markhylandsolicitors@gmail.com

Painter & Decorator Interior & Exterior Call Damien 085 826 0431

HEADSTONES McEvoy Monumental Works Blessington. Headstones, Inscriptions, Renovations. Serving the people of Blessington for over 40 years. Call to our workshop at Millbank Blessington Call: Mick 045 865 487 – 086 843 8832 or Gary 087 933 3487 www.mcevoymonumentalworks.com

Local Builder Available All services under one roof, Windows & Doors, Plumbing, Tiling, Roofing, Plastering, Electrical, Carpentry, Insulation. All levels of construction services available. Fully registered. Call Paul: 086 309 1829

Paying too much for SKY or Virgin Media? We Install or Repair Free to Air & Saorview! No more Bills! Call Billy 086 868 0053

Eagle Cleaning Solutions Chimney Cleaning, Exterior Power Washing, Window Cleaning, Gutter Cleaning & Repairs. Find us on Facebook! Call for appointment: 087 247 4388. info@eaglecleaningsolutions.com

German Autoworks – Service Specialist VW/Audi, Mercedes, Skoda, Seat, Opel – Call 087 286 3997 www.germanautoworks.ie

Mass intentions in Blessington Kathleen Tyrrell…RD, Josie Tyrrell…RD, Desmond Phelan…RD

Saturday: Breda & John Mulrey…A, Nancy & Eugene Keogh…B’day Rem

Sunday: Brian Kane…B’day Rem, Liam Adams…RD

At Masses This Weekend, We Remember the Following, Dorrie Cahill…23rd A, John Fairbrother…Rem  , Harry & Doreen Hughes…Rem

Monday: Mass for the Sick & those in Hospital

Tuesday: Eamon Sheridan…Rem, Get Well Mass

Wednesday: George Devoy… A    , Teresa McGuire…A

Thursday: Brigid McDonald…A, Jack Bolger…A

Friday: 1st Friday of the month, Mass offered for all on the November List of the Dead

Lay Ministry Collection, will take place this weekend Sat 27^th & Sun 28^th April in all Churches and will replace the Share Collection

Sr Anna Byrne of Eco Congregation Ireland will speak at the 6pm mass on Sat May 4th on the role parishes can play in addressing the problems caused by climate change. All Green School members, Tidy Town volunteers and those committed to sustainable living are invited to attend.

The Annual Blessing of the Graves & Cemetery Mass will take place in Burgage Cemetery on Sunday 19th May 2024 at 3pm

Rosary & Holy Hour  on Tuesday 23rd April 7pm to 8pm in Church of Our Lady Blessington

Pray & Play Group In the Coimin Centre, Every Wed 2.45pm to 4.30pm. For children of all ages with their parents, grandparents, guardians. Contact Áine 0833798366

Popes’ Intention for April For the role of women We pray that the dignity and immense value of women be recognized in every culture, and for the end of discrimination that they experience in different parts of the world.

Minister of Eucharist May 2024 Church of Our Lady Blessington SAT 6PM: Pat McGrath, Teresa Ball & Colette Fennan SUNDAY 10AM: Fedelma Dunne, Brendan Mahon & George Richardson

Dates for Diary 27th April – Parish candidates for Communion. 6th May – Lacken Communion. 11th May – St Marys Communion. 12th May – Valleymount Communion. 18th May – Gaelscoil Communion

Trócaire boxes Please return your donations for Trócaire To the Parish office by Tuesday 7^th May

Blessington Parish Lotto Numbers on 18^th April: 4,10,19,29. €25 Winner: Irene Murray Next Jackpot €1,450

 First Holy Communion We Remember in prayer   the parish candidates celebrating their First Holy Communion on the 27th April in Blessington. May they have a blessed and peaceful day.

The family of the late  Barbara (Babs) Mearns Nee Flanagan Would like to give their sincere thanks for all the loving messages of condolences received. They would also wish to express their gratitude for all the kindness and support from all her family, friends, and neighbours. May her soul be at God’s right hand. Bab’s Month Mind will on Saturday 25th May at 6pm

Church of the Apostles Ballybrack Women in the Bible 15^th May at 7.30pm Mary Magdalene Talks given by Dr Jesse Rogers Lecturer/Dean of Theology at St Patricks Pontifical Maynooth

CARE OF THE EARTH Straw sense. Experts estimate that the world uses about 2000 million plastic straws a day, and they’re one of the top 10 trash items found during ocean cleanups. If you must use a straw, find a reusable metal straw or a paper version or make your own.

Thought for the week Keep going, everything you need will be given at the right time

A Prayer for our Parish Heavenly Father, Bless our Church and our parish, And all the good work that goes on in them. May all who are Christians live and work together for the good of each other and the glory of your Name. May those who do not know you be brought by our example to a loving knowledge and peace with you. Amen

AWARE SUPPORT & SELF CARE GROUPS If you or those with whom you work wish to connect with people in relation to your mental wellbeing, consider using Aware’s phone-in and Zoom support and self-care groups, support line or support mail. For more information, visit www.aware.ie.

Accord Prayer for Marriage & Family Life God of love, show us our place in this world as channels of your love. Give to us the gift of respect, empathy and understanding. Bless and strengthen our love for each other. Help us to appreciate the value of family life and to live in harmony with all whom we come in contact with. Encourage us, we pray, to act justly, love tenderly and walk humbly with the Lord. Praise be to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Prayer for vocations God our Father, we thank you for calling men and women to serve in your Son’s Kingdom as priests, deacons, and consecrated persons. Send your Holy Spirit to help others to respond generously and courageously to your call. May our community of faith support vocations of sacrificial love in our youth and young adults. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen

Local family wanted to host a 15 year old male French student for 3 weeks in July with a view to developing English as a second language. For further details contact 086 1609293

Spring Fete Come Along And Join The Fun In St Kevin’s Hall On Saturday 27th April 1pm – 5pm Fun For All The Family, Tea & Cake, Bottle Stall, Books & Toys, Pre-Loved Clothes, Bric A Brac, Home Made Cakes, Plant Stall, Pony Rides, Children’s Games, Monster Raffle Something For Everyone In aid of St Mary’s church Your support is greatly appreciated

All Ireland Rosary Rally Knock – June 1^st The All Ireland Rosary Rally is back this year on Saturday, June 1st in Knock. The day begins with a Marian Conference at 9.30 am in St John’s Centre. Speakers include: Fr Michael Donnelly, Sr Ana Margarita Lanzas SCTJM, and Fr Joseph Maria Deane CFR. Then there will be an opportunity to meet over 20 apostolates from around Ireland from 11.30am in St John’s Centre. A well-renowned speaker from Miami called Mother Adela Galindo will deliver the keynote Rosary talk at 1pm in the Basilica. Then there will be the Stations of the Cross outside at 2pm, followed by the Rosary Procession. Bishop Phonsie Cullinan will be the Main Celebrant of the 3pm Concelebrated Mass which will include Anointing of the Sick. Confessions are available throughout the day, and there will be rosary and scapular-making workshops in the marquee. For more information and to see a list of buses going from around Ireland please visit www.AllIrelandRosaryRally.com

Lay Ministry Sunday

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I am continually inspired by the spirit of faith and care that animates our Catholic community, even as we face the reality of so few vocations to the priesthood. This is a time of listening, discernment and renewed pastoral action for all of us in the Church, clergy and lay people. The vitality of our Church increasingly relies on our lay people to step into leadership and service roles with courage and love.

In the past year, we can point to green shots emerging through efforts associated with our Building Hope initiative. The Diocesan Certificate in Catechesis, provided by the Office of Mission and Ministry, is a good example. Announced last May, it has been a real success. This in-demand programme examines the vocation and mission of the participants inspired to share their faith with others. Thanks to your support, it gives them the tools to assist others on their faith journey. In particular, it helps them ‘accompany families’ sensitively and practically as they initiate young people into the life of the Church through Baptism, Confirmation, and the reception of Holy Communion.

Other creative programmes supporting lay people to nurture their adult faith, and engage with young people include, ‘Servant Leadership’, ‘Pathways, ‘Lay Funeral Leadership’, ‘Confirmation Connect’ and the Laudato Si’ Awards, as well as the ‘Just Lent’ campaign which focused on Christian social justice during Lent. These programmes help us to stop and ‘abide’ with Jesus to realise God’s loving presence with us.

In light of all these significant initiatives, I ask for your generous support for the Lay Ministry Collection. Your contributions are vital in sustaining and expanding these initiatives, ensuring our Church remains a vibrant beacon of hope and faith in the world.

As we heard in today’s gospel:

‘It is to the glory of the Father that you should bear much fruit.’ (John 15: 8).

May the Lord bless you generously and help you find ways to bear fruit for Him and each other in abundance. There can be a new beginning for each of us as we allow our sense of Christian faith, hope and love to grow within us. But that is only the first step. We are called at Baptism, all of us, to speak joyfully of the presence of the risen Christ to us and of the difference the Holy Spirit makes in our lives: ‘We know that he lives in us by the Spirit that he has given us.’ (1 John 3: 24).

I invite you to consider your role in the mission handed on to us by Jesus. Together, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can forge a path of hope and renewal for our Archdiocese.

Dermot Farrell

Archbishop of Dublin

June Blakes Garden. As our garden re-opens for the Spring/Summer, we have a part-time position available to help with tours, serving refreshments and engaging with customers to the garden. An interest in gardening a plus, but not essential! For more details email fiona@juneblake.ie

West Wicklow Cancer Support  welcomes you to our weekly sound bath meditation with essential oils, hosted by Gemma Deeney. Take that hour to yourself to relax, rewind and rejuvenate. Wednesday Mornings, 11am Primary Care Centre. Open to all, bring your own cushion and blanket. No charge, no need to book. Contact us on 087 4346004 / westwicklow15@gmail.com with any enquiries.

Blessington Bridge Club Meets every Monday at 7.30pm in the Kare Centre. All new players welcome.

Blessington Walking Club Community support for mental emotional and physical health Morning walks during weekdays  at 9.30am Sunday walks at 11am Meeting point Blessington further ed centre WhatsApp 087 223 4005 insta@blessingtonwalkingclub

Blessington Bowls Club meet every Thursday night at 7.30pm in St Kevin’s Hall, Main Street Blessington. Guests are most welcome, why not come along and bring a friend.

Feile an Feile an Chnocain is a festival of music and heritage in Ballyknockan’s Granite City running from the 2nd to the 6th of May 2024. Below are some of the other events being held as part of the festival. Thursday 2nd May 8:30pm Set Dancing Ceilí in Valleymount hall. Friday 3rd May 8pm Music by various musicians in Cullen’s Lakeview Lounge Ballyknockan. Saturday 4th May  11am Guided Hike up Silsean (Meet at Cullen’s Car Park). 3pm – 6pm  Opening of Stonecutting museum in Ballyknockan Quarries including an introduction to the Quarries, display of stonework, history talk, poetry by Ger Devine, and live music. 8pm Live Music in Cullen’s Lakeview Lounge by various musicians. Sunday 5th May 1pm – 5pm Family Festival at the picnic area Ballyknockan (Craft Fair, family activities, live music by Ballymore Concert Band and The Whole Hog, pond building and wildlife workshop, face painting and more) 6.30pm Live music in Cullen’s Lakeview Lounge. Monday 6th May 3pm Open Music Session followed by music from After Dark. We are on both Facebook and Instagram @FeileanChnocain if you wish to follow us for updates!