Mass intentions in Blessington Madeleine Kinsella…RD (Tinode)

Saturday: Mary & John Crickley…A, Julie Fitzgerald…A,  Mary & John Cruise…A

Sunday: Tom McGreal Snr…A, Danny Horgan…A, Mary Ann Flanagan…A

At Masses This Weekend,  We Remember the Following Lily Mannion…RD, Pat Kavanagh…A, Betty McGowan…RD, Betty Smith…RD

Monday: Mass for the Sick & those in Hospital

Tuesday: Mary O Halloran…RD, John White…RD

Wednesday: Teresa Cummins…RD, Seamus Martin…RD

Thursday: Blessington Deceased Mass Card List

Friday: Christy Dempsey…A, Get Well Mass

15th August 2024, Feast Of The Assumption, Church of Our Lady Blessington Vigil mass Wednesday 14^th at 7.30pm Holy Day Mass Thursday 15^th at 10am

Baltyboys Blessing of the Graves will take place on Sunday 25^th August at 2.30pm

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

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

Women’s Breakfast Dates for your diary The next two dates for our breakfast will be September 21^st and November 23^rd.  Looking forward to seeing you there.

Blessington Parish Lotto Numbers on 1^st August: 1,23,29,30. €25 Winner: Lisa Harrington. Next Jackpot €1,950.

Happy New Month August Prayer Please bless us with good health, strength, and wisdom as we face the challenge of this blessed month. Help us to be a blessing to others. May we glorify You and bring You praise!

The family of the Late Des Cullen  want to express their thanks to everyone who sent mass cards, flowers and condolences. We also want to express our appreciation for the support given to us by friends, family & neighbours during this difficult time.

At a ceremony in St Peter’s Basilica on Ascension Thursday, Pope Francis solemnly proclaims the upcoming Jubilee Year 2025, “Hope” is the overarching theme. Pope Francis announces that the Jubilee Year will begin with the opening of the Holy Door of St Peter’s Basilica on Christmas Eve, 2024.

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

CARE OF THE EARTH  Make full use of the Deposit Return Scheme.  Every small effort matters

Thought for the week “And remember to always welcome strangers, for by doing this, some people have entertained angels without knowing it” (He 13:2)

POPES INTENTION FOR AUGUST Pope Francis releases the prayer intention for the month of August, inviting everyone to work for a transformation of the Church – a work that begins with “a reform of ourselves” through an experience of prayer, charity and service, inspired by the Holy Spirit. Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans. Proverbs 16:3

FILM SERIES ON THE MASS Bayside Alpha are hosting Bishop Barron’s 6-week film series on The Mass, starting on Sunday 4th August from 7:30pm to 8:30pm. This series will help you understand how to fully, consciously, and actively participate in the source and summit of the Christian life. To join this Zoom course email Paul at alphabayside@gmail.com.

YOUTH 2000 SUMMER FESTIVAL Join young people between 16 and 35 this August at the Youth 2000 Summer Festival. The festival takes place in Clongowes Wood College, Clane, Co Kildare from Thursday 15th August to Sunday 18th August 2023. The festival includes inspiring talks, music, prayer, concert, workshops, dramas, share groups, reconciliation and healing service and Mass. Donation only and we have free buses going from all over Ireland. For more information and to book your place go to www.youth2000.ie.

PRIORY INSTITUTE 2024 Online Summer School – Seeking, Serving and Sharing Christ in a Synodal Church: The course consists of eight recorded presentations and three Zoom meetings and is delivered by Fr Peter O’Kane. There will be an introductory Zoom meeting on 19 August. There are four presentations each week and they will become available each day, so on Tuesday 20th August there will be access to one recording and on Wednesday access to two recordings and so on. Participants can watch the lectures whenever suits them, and revisit lectures they have already viewed. At 7pm on the Monday of the following week there will be a live Zoom discussion with Peter. Full details at https://prioryinstitute.com/events/new-event.

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

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.

ALZHEIMER CAFÉ NAAS The Alzheimer Café evening takes place on the last Wednesday of every month from 7pm to 9pm in the Convent Tea Rooms at McAuley Place, Sallins Road, Naas (Beside Parish Church). Those living with a dementia, families, carers and professionals with an interest in the area are all welcome to attend. Each month a different speaker will give a perspective on Alzheimer disease and an open discussion takes place with questions and answers.

Pathways Adult Faith course Have you ever wanted to know more about your faith? Are you looking for a course that can help you grow in your ministry? Pathways is an Adult Faith formation programme run by the Archdiocese aimed at all adults, members of PPCs and those in parish ministry. It is a 2-year course running on Thursday evenings from September to May (excluding holidays) from 7pm-9.30pm in DCU, Drumcondra, Dublin 9. The course has a number of modules including input on Images of God, Discipleship, Scripture, Liturgy, Church, Vatican II, Sacraments and Parish. The Second Year has a more intentional focus on Ministry. Each evening includes a presentation on the topic as well as small group sharing and discussion and there is no written work or assessments. The cost is €400 per year (Some parishes may help to cover some of the cost or you can contact us to discuss the possibility of a bursary)For more details, and to complete the online application form, please visit www.missionministry.ie/pathways or email peter.siney@dublindiocese.ie

SVP Blessington would like to express their appreciation to the person who recently dropped in two bags of food (non-perishable) to the SVP shop. This thoughtful gesture went to a deserving family in the community who were very grateful. On behalf of SVP Blessington thank you for your support.

GAELSCOIL NA LOCHANNA looking for SNA with some Irish to work with children in Mainstream classes and/or with children in the New Autism class. Please send enquiries to priomhoide@gaelscoilnalochanna.com Also 4 spaces in Autism class available. Please contact Principal  Seán Ó Cearnaigh with enquiries. www.gaelscoilnalochanna.com

Blessington Library Bring your children to Blessington Library and sign up for Summer Stars.  Here’s how you take part:

1. Sign up and collect your reading card.
2. Borrow some books from the library
3. Write the names of your books in your summer stars card as you finish reading them
4. Return your card to the library to get rewards and enter our BIG PRIZE DRAW!

Movie Afternoon Every Wednesday during July and August at 3 pm All welcome. Limerick Writing Workshop Thursday 4th July at 3 pm Booking essential Call 045 891740 or blessingtonlib@wicklowcoco.ie. Yoga with Katie Fu -Twinkle Kids Children 6-9 years old Tuesday 9th July 2.30 pm Booking essential Call 045 891740 or blessingtonlib@wicklowcoco.ie Batik Glue T-Shirt Design Kid’s  Summer Craft. Children 7+ Thurs 11th and Fri 12th July at 3pm (Children must be available to attend both afternoons) Booking essential Call 045 891740 or blessingtonlib@wicklowcoco.ie Story time (Age 3+) Every Saturday at 11.30 am No booking required All welcome.

Blessington Community Employment Vacancies These are developmental opportunities, no experience necessary. Caretaker, Hollywood Community Centre. Duties include, but not restricted to, preparing hall for meetings and events, cleaning, light maintenance, and painting. CES 2341099 Closing Date: 28/06/2024 Caretaker, St. Johns Cemetery, Ballymore. Duties include, but not restricted to, grass cutting, light maintenance, key holding and cleaning. CES 2339500 Closing Date: 28/06/2024 Barista/ Customer Service, Kilbride GAA. Duties include, but not limited to, serving tea/ coffee, meeting and greeting, light cleaning, phone/ message taking. CES: 2339656 Closing Date: 28/06/2024 Caretaker, Hollywood Cemetery. Duties include, but not limited to, grass cutting, light maintenance, key holding. CES: 2341100 Closing Date: 28/06/2024 Secretary Hollywood Parish Office Duties include, but not limited to, administration, message taking, key holding. CES: 2341101 Closing Date: 28/06/2024 Admin/ Project Worker West Wicklow Cancer Support Duties include, but not limited to, administration, social media, promotional work. CES: 2341103Closing Date: 28/06/2024 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 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

FUEL STAMP SAVING SCHEME Fuel Stamps are a great way to help budget for your fuel costs. Start saving now towards your fuel bills during the winter months. The Stay Warm Saving Scheme is an easy payment option plan which enables households to budget for their central heating oil or solid fuel. Start saving the €5 Stay Warm Saving Stamps on the savings card and use the stamps to pay (in full or part payment) for fuel with the listed suppliers on the card. A new supplier to the scheme but not listed on the card is Tom Phibbs Fuels Tel: 01 2118469.  The Scheme is open to all households in the Blessington area and full details are available on the card. This initiative is in association with the Department of Communications Energy & Natural Resources. The €5 Stay Warm Saving Stamps and Savings Card are only available from Hennessy’s Hardware and SVP Shop.

Seeking, Serving and Sharing Christ in a Synodal Church The Priory Institute two week on-line Summer School is reflective, informative and interactive and will run from 19 August. The course includes eight recorded presentations and three on-line zoom discussions and is very flexible as it is delivered entirely online. Find out more and register please search prioryinstitute.com

Dublin – Blessington Steam Tram exhibition. Blessington Tourist Office. National Heritage Week – 17th – 25th Aug 2024. Monday to Thursday 10am – 4pm  Friday 10am – 9pm. Saturday 9am – 4pm Sunday 10am – 4pm. Blessington Historical Society are hosting an exhibition on the Dublin to Blessington Steam Tram (1882 – 1930). This unique railway was a vital transport network linking Dublin and Blessington in the latter part of the 19th and early 20th century. A unique collection of historical photographs, documents, illustrations and memorabilia collected by Society members are showcased in this carefully curated exhibition

The Valleymount Community Shed invites you again to come & join the fun on our next night of music/song/poems. Saturday 10^th August at 7.30pm sharp in the Community shed. Looking forward to meeting you all for a wonderful, packed night. Bring along a friend.

MARTIN CRAUL & CO ANNUAL HOLIDAYS Our annual holidays will result in office closure from the evening of Thursday 8 August, until the morning of Monday 19 August 2024. Voice Messages can be left on 045/891505 or 045/891507; text messages to 087 2791325; or email mcraulco@gmail.com. Weekly payroll service not affected.

Russborough House and Park has an opening on our House Keeping team.  3-4 days per week, including some weekend work.  Please contact Jill Robins on 045 865239 or info@russborough.ie.

Ramblers rest function room now available for private hire catering for all your events,  family gathering, birthday parties, christenings, funerals. All catering requirements available. Beer Garden open. Back lounge open showing all live sports events on our big screen. Live music every sat and lots more to exciting events to come. Contact Laura@0830980194

Daz Auto Motors Blessington Newly opened a small garage for motor repairs and car valeting Contact 0894564703 Beside Pet Hospital in Blessington Unit 4 Blessington Industrial Estate W91HY32

Ustore @ Hollywood Large storage area available Phone 087-356-7601 €100 Per month

At Blessington Self-Storage we make storing your goods simple,  cost effective and convenient. All our units are 20ft x8ft – Open 7 days a week.  Visit our website or call 085 196 1659 us for more information. www.blessingtonselfstorage.com

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