The ANNUAL COLLECTION for ACCORD Dublin, the Diocesan Agency for Marriage and the Family, will be made at all Masses this weekend.

ACCORD Dublin throughout the Diocese continues to offer:

 Marriage Preparation courses –

online, small groups.

Counselling for couples and individuals experiencing difficulties in their relationships, currently online or by phone.

A Relationship and Sexuality Programme for schools.

ACCORD Dublin needs your support this year more than ever. Please give generously.

Mass intentions in Blessington Ronan O Dwyer…RD

Saturday: Kevin Ennis…1st A, Marie Cruise…MM, Mary Cruise…A, Eric & Agnes Shirran…A, Peter Doyle…A, John & Elizabeth Cullen…A, Lawrence & Cassie Foster…A, Simon, Pat & James Foster…A, Micheal & AnnMary Norton…A, Matthew, May & Larry Lennon…Rem

Sunday: Kathleen Daniels…A, Jack Daniels…A, Phil Conlon…A, Ray Daniels…A, Loraine Daniels…A, Joe Daniels…A, Deceased Members of the Evans & Daniels Family, Josephine O Toole…A, Ita Gaughran…A, Matthew Lennon…A

Monday: Mass for the Sick & those in Hospital

Tuesday: Gerard Mulcahy…A, Walter Corbett…A

Wednesday: John McDonald…A, Brian Cullen…RD

Thursday: Blessington Deceased Card List

Friday: Maureen Rooney…RD, John O Keefe…RD

Feast Days – 17^th Feb – St. Fintan . St Fintan was born in Leinster. He received his religious formation in Terryglass, Co. Tipperary, under the abbot Colum, and was deeply influenced by his penitential practices and the severity of the Rule. Finton made his own foundation in Clonenagh, Co. Laois. Under his direction Fintan developed a reputation for austerity. Fintan gave his monks very strict rules not to consume any animal products. The community did not have even one cow and so they had neither milk nor butter. The monks complained they couldn’t do hard work on so meagre a diet. A deputation of local clergy headed by Canice of Aghaboe came to urge him to improve it. He agreed for his monks, but he elected to keep to the strict diet himself Fintan of Clonenagh is regarded as one of three patron saints of county Laois which include Colman Mac ua Laoise  and Mochua of Timahoe He died in 603.

Minister of Eucharist – February 2025 Church of Our Lady Blessington SAT 6PM: Teresa Ball, Colette Fennan & Sara Ortega SUNDAY 10AM: Aisling Molloy & AnnaNora Hudson …The new rota is now out collect your copy in the sacristy or in the Parish Office.

Rosary & Holy Hour  The Holy Hour with Rosary and Adoration will take place every Wed Jan 15th at the new time 10.00am to 11.00 am for the duration of the winter months.

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 086 107 0480

Blessington Parish Lotto Numbers on 6^th February: 8,9,12,22. €25 Winner: Breda Sheedy.  Next Jackpot €3000.

Dates for your Diary – Healing Mass, Church of Our Lady Blessington Saturday May 24^th, Saturday September 13^th, Saturday December 13^th All Masses will take place at 11am All are welcome

POPES INTENTION FOR  FEBRUARY FOR VOCATIONS TO THE PRIESTHOOD AND RELIGIOUS LIFE Let us pray that the ecclesial community might welcome the desires and doubts of those young people who feel a call to serve Christ’s mission in the priesthood and religious life.

Prayer to St Fintan of Clonenagh Thank you, Sr. Fintan,  for exhibiting the virtues of joy and enthusiasm the world is changed by examples, not opinions. Thank you to all people who communicate the value of prayers and who value people. May God continue to animate, inspire and direct all educators in being examples for children to understand their worth  and the significance of their faith. Amen

Women’s World day of Prayer will be held in St Mary’s Church of Ireland on Fri Mar 7th @11am. Join with us in prayer for peace and justice for women who experience oppression in our world. The theme for this year is ” I made you wonderful” Psalm 139:14

The Jubilee Prayer Father in heaven, may the faith you have given us in your son, Jesus Christ, our brother, and the flame of charity enkindled in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, reawaken in us the blessed hope for the coming of your Kingdom.

May your grace transform us into tireless cultivators of the seeds of the Gospel. May those seeds transform from within both humanity and the whole cosmos in the sure expectation of a new heaven and a new earth, when, with the powers of Evil vanquished, your glory will shine eternally.

May the grace of the Jubilee reawaken in us, Pilgrims of Hope, a yearning for the treasures of heaven. May that same grace spread the joy and peace of our Redeemer throughout the earth. To you our God, eternally blessed, be glory and praise for ever. Amen

DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO  KNOCK – APRIL 26 As we begin our Jubilee of Hope, it’s time to launch our 2025 Knock Pilgrimage. The pilgrimage has grown significantly in recent years. In 2024, over 3,000 people from throughout the Archdiocese of Dublin took part.  This year the theme of the pilgrimage will focus on the Jubilee year, and we are inviting partnerships of parishes to join us from throughout the Archdiocese. Partnerships who have not travelled to Knock in recent years are particularly welcome. The pilgrimage will provide us with an opportunity to gather as Diocesan community of faith to celebrate the Jubilee year. The pilgrimage takes place on Saturday, April 26, and will include workshops, outdoor walks, the Sacrament of the Sick and our pilgrimage Mass, which will be celebrated by Archbishop Farrell. We hope to welcome more young people this year and encourage our parish partnerships to invite them to attend. It’s a good time to consider booking your Partnership bus. The Choir of Many Voices from throughout the Archdiocese will be back for a third year under the able direction of Ciaran Coll. If you would like to join the choir (previous members will be contacted separately), or have any queries about the pilgrimage, please email knockpilgrimage@dublindiocese.ie. More details to follow.

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

SHROUD OF TURIN REPLICAS  The Parish of St Kevin and St Kilian in Kilnamanagh-Castleview recently unveiled replicas of the Shroud of Turin during Masses at St Kilian’s Church, Kingswood, and St Kevin’s Church, Kilnamanagh. The replicas, now on display in both churches, offer sacred spaces for prayer and reflection. The Shroud of Turin, believed by many to be the burial cloth of Jesus Christ, bears the image of a crucified man. While its age and origins are debated, it remains a powerful symbol of Christ’s sacrificial love. The replicas will remain on permanent display in both St Kilian’s and St Kevin’s Churches.  Parishioners and visitors are welcome to view them during regular opening hours.

ACCORD  

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Often in our culture, the Church’s teachings on marriage and family life are presented in a negative tone. Yet the basics of family life and love are what so many in our world dream of and seek to realise.

For over 60 years our diocesan agency for marriage and relationship care, Accord Dublin, has been there to support people, young and old, realise this dream. It does not work with a rulebook, but helps people find within themselves the ability to discern, to look at their own attitudes and relationships, and to see them in a different way, in the light of the message of Jesus Christ.

• In primary and secondary schools, Accord Dublin helps students acquire an understanding of healthy human relationships and sexuality through its RSE programmes.
• Couples preparing for the sacrament of marriage have the opportunity to reflect on their relationship and prepare their future lives together through Accord Dublin’s marriage education programmes.
• And when times get tough, Accord Dublin’s counselling service is there to help individuals and couples explore, reflect upon and positively resolve any relationship difficulties they may be experiencing so that they and their families can live happy, healthy lives again.

Accord Dublin’s marriage and relationship services are open to everyone in need. Feedback from people who have experienced the services have been consistently very positive year in, year out. With the pressures of our world and society, we know that couples and families are struggling day to day. The services of Accord Dublin are needed more now than ever. It is for this reason that I ask you to support the work of Accord Dublin at this annual collection and to spread the word to all in need that Accord Dublin is there for them.

I pray for God’s blessing on you and your families.

Dermot Farrell

Archbishop of Dublin

CARE OF THE EARTH  The earth and all life on it are part of God’s creation. We are called to respect this gift. We are responsible for taking care of the world we live in and for sharing all the wonders and resources the earth gives us. Our changing environment prompts us to stop and think about how we live on our planet.

Thought of the Week Be Grateful, Let gratitude be your first thought in the morning and your last thought before you go to bed.

Pope Francis has chosen the motto “Miserando atque eligendo”, meaning lowly but chosen; literally in Latin ‘by having mercy, by choosing him’.

Blessington Carboot Sunday 23rd February St. Kevin’s Community Centre beside Aldi Store, 8am – 4pm.. Free Customer Parking, Toilet Facilities., Tea / Coffee., Stalls indoor / outdoor facilities, €10 per stall. Bigi Linn –  info. 0860752072 Pat Conlan

Blessington U3A  are pleased to announce our next talk Speaker: Dr Bhadra Parija, Research Scientist in Teagasc Title: “Intercropping of java beans and peas, a new Teagasc project” Date: Tuesday 18th February at 10.30am Venue: Avon Hotel, Blessington All are welcome to attend, Non-members €5 per person.

Lacken Naíonra (Preschool) are now accepting ECCE applications for September 2025. Please email naionra@lackenns.com for further information.

PUPPY RAISERS NEEDED Help to train a future Guide or Assistance Dog by fostering a puppy! This full-time volunteer role involves a pup living in your home from 9 weeks up to 14 months old. To find out more, please email pups@guidedogs.ie or visit www.guidedogs.ie.

Blessington Further Education Centre’s new term starting in January 2025 is open to adults who want to return to education. We provide free classes and work with early school leavers and people who have not been in a learning environment in some time. We work with people who are in employment and also those in receipt of social welfare payments. Classes are offered day, night and afternoon on a part-time basis ranging from 2-6 hours per week. We work at the learner’s pace in a friendly environment We offer classes in: Blow drying hair, – Gardening,-  Art, – Food and nutrition – We can help you with your C.V and interview skills. – Computers/ Laptop & Phones for beginners and those who need to improve their skills.- Horticulture QQI Level 4 – Growing Vegetables, – Office Skills QQI Level 4 – customer service and desktop publishing, Information Technology Skills, – Business Administration QQI Level 5  – word processing and desktop publishing, NEW COURSE IN APPLIED SOCIAL STUDIES – please phone for more details, SNA Level 5 – day class,  FREE Course/Job Guidance service also available We provide 1-1 support to improve English skills of reading and writing as well as numeracy. One of our past students commented that – Leanne said “I was able to talk to my child’s teacher with confidence and express my concerns and listen to advice”. For more information on any of the above please contact us on 045 891099 or email info@blessingtonfetc@kwetb.ie

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.

Always wanted to sing. All Welcome. No Auditions. Blessington Millennium Choir are looking to recruit new members who love to sing. With mixed ability and experience, we aim to positively impact our community and as such regularly raise funds for organisations and participate in events So, if you sing in the shower, you are the King or Queen of Karaoke or a keen amateur Come & Join Us We meet every Tuesday evening 7.30 to 9.30pm at the Kare Centre, Blessington For more details please phone (087) 4352385 or (087) 2431499 www.choirbmc.com

Manor Kilbride Community Hall Available for hire for Classes, Training Groups Parties & Events. E: kilbridecommunityhall@gmail.com

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

Blessington History Society have arranged a talk on Thursday 20th February at 7.30pm in the Coimin Centre Blessington. The topic is ” The battle of Baltinglass” and the speaker is Paul Gorry. The talk relates to the story, events and major dispute arising from the appointment of a new Sub-Post Master in Baltinglass in 1950. The event involved a high level of personal and political intrigue on behalf of a number of people in Baltinglass. It is definitely a story not to be missed. The story will be presented by Paul Gorry, founder member of West Wicklow Historical Society.

Blessington GAA are hosting an Irish conversation circle (Ciorcal Comhrá) commencing Tues 18 Feb in Blessington Library  @7.30pm – 8.15pm for 6 weeks. Join us for a “Cupán tae/caife” an d a chat “as Gaeilge.”  No registration required. Free to attend.

Social Dancing. Enjoy an evening of dancing to The Wicklow Man In Donard Community Hall Saturday 15^th February 9pm -12am. All Welcome.

Blessington Taxi Phone Greg 087 2626 393

Paragon Bathrooms We design, supply & fit your dream bathroom in just 5 days! Wicklow Co.Co approved for grant work on mobility bathrooms Call Aidan 085 137 8770 for an appointment at our showroom on Blessington Main St.

Professional Tree Care Tree pruning, Tree Removal, Emergency tree works, Hedge Maintenance We are your local tree service, with over 15 years in the tree industry. Fully qualified & insured. Call Shane Keogh 0833846287 Email info@protree.ie

GARDENING SERVICES Grass cutting / Ride on lawnmower Push Lawnmower, Hedge cutting Chainsaw Cutting, Splitting Timber, Spraying, Weeding, Power washing Driveway Patios, General Maintenance around your home. Just Call for reasonable Quates/ Price. Call or text 0876640695

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

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

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

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

Function Rooms available at the Avon Call 045 900670 for further info.

Tomphibbs.ie Kiln-Dried Firewood Standard bag from €110 Large bag from €180 Larch, birch, hornbeam, or ash available. Call 01-2118469 Delivery charge – €20 per order

Niall Kearns Building & Roofing Contractor 086 274 6969 nkbuildandroof@gmail.com Building New Homes, Extensions, Sunrooms Attic Conversions, Renovations, Chimney Repairs Roofing New Roofs, All Roof Repairs Flat Roofs, Gutter Repairs Roof Replacement, PVC Fascia & Soffit All Work Fully Guaranteed

JP&M Doyle What’s Your Property Worth? Talk to us today for your free-Market Appraisal Specializing In Residential Town & Country Homes Development & Agricultural Land Commercial Property Lettings, Valuations. 2025 is your year to make it happen! With high demand and a lack of supply, now is the perfect time to maximise your property’s value. www.jpmdoyle.ie Tel: 045-865568