Church Collection this weekend for CASA (Caring & Sharing Association) CASA is a volunteer led organisation founded in 1981 to support people with disabilities through a variety of social events.

Saturday 2^nd November 2019

►Candle Ceremony for deceased family members at 7.30pm Mass in Lacken

Sunday 3^rd November 2019

►Candle Ceremony for deceased family members at 11.15am Mass in Valleymount

►Shauna Callinan & Lara Gilmore (TY students) invite you to a coffee morning in St. Kevin’s Hall from 10am to 2pm. All money raised goes to ‘Fields of Life’ in Uganda going directly to building Girls Sanitary Facilities & a Well in a rural community, giving them access to clean water for the first time. Shauna & Lara will be travelling to Uganda in March 2020. Your support will be greatly appreciated.

Monday 4^th November 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.

►Benediction with Guided Prayer & Music in Lacken Church at 8pm

Tuesday 5^th November 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 EXERCISE WITH THEA at 2pm. Regular meeting at 2.45pm in the Coimin Centre Blessington, new members welcome.

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

Wednesday 6^th November 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 at 8pm in the Church.

Friday 8^th November 2019

►St Brigid’s National School Manor Kilbride 60’s Assembly in celebration of the school’s 50^th Anniversary in the school from 11.30am to 12.30pm all past pupils welcome. Dress: 60’s!! Come along for songs, stories & memories.

Mass Intentions this Week

Joe Eustace (RD)

Saturday 6pm: Bridie Keogh (A) Matt Nugent (A) Eugene Keogh (A) Matthew, Michael & James Ryan (A)

Sunday 10am: Seamus Sweeney (A) Peter Ralph (A)

We also Remember the following:

Jimmy & Patty Hughes (A) Thomas & Anna Connolly (A) Pat Keogh (A) Noel Keogh (A) Eleanor Noonan (A)

Monday: Mass for those on the list for Sick

Tuesday: Nixon Family, James Swift, Thomas Swift, Brigid O’Hara (20^th A)

Wednesday: Living Int, Get Well Int, Sp Int.

Thursday: Nicola Sheehy (A) Luke Jackson (RD)

Friday: Get Well Int, Thank You Int.

The Family of the late Bill Sheridan wishes to acknowledge the many expressions of sympathy & gestures shown to us following our sad loss. We offer our heartfelt thanks to family, friends, neighbours & well-wishers who attended the Funeral Mass, also those who sent cards & messages of condolence. A special word of thanks to our neighbours who applied CPR until First Responders arrived. Thank you for your efforts. Sincere thanks to Regina & Tony Clarke for their kindness & professionalism. The Holy Sacrifice of The Mass will be offered for your intentions.

Deacon Gerry would like to thank his guides who gave up their time to accompany him during the Blessing of the homes & flock last week & all the parishioners of Lacken, for their warm welcome & generosity. God Bless.

Pre- Advent Event on Thursday 7^th & 14^th November at 8pm in The Coimín Centre.

You are invited to a discussion: “Meeting Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew”.

In the year ahead we will be hearing readings from Matthew’s Gospel on Sundays.

Dr. Jessie Rogers will explore St Matthew’s distinctive portrait of Jesus.

November List of the Dead – Envelopes available in the church. Masses offered on the 1^st Friday of every month throughout the year.

Blessington Active Retirement offer sincere thanks all who supported the Coffee Morning recently. A cheque for €2,600 has been forwarded to St Brigid’s Hospice, The Curragh.

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

Blessington Men’s Shed Variety Concert in the Tramway Theatre on Sat 16^th Nov at 8pm. Special Guests: The RAMS & local singers / musicians. Tickets €10 from Hennessy’s & The Office Shop. Info, Kevin: 087 747 0461 or Pat  086 075 2072. Please Support

The Annual Fun-Filled Festive Fair will be held in Scoil Chonglais, Baltinglass on Sun Nov 24^th in the school hall from 11am to 4pm. Seasonal Fare, Arts & Crafts, Cakes, Yule Logs, & Jewellery. Try your luck at the wheel of fortune or the monster raffle! Why not enjoy a mug of hot chocolate & listen to Christmas Carols while the children have their faces painted?  This market books out quickly each year, any interested stallholders can book by emailing ceiremurphy@kwetb.ie  or collecting a form from the school (regular stalls €20; large €30).

LOOKING FOR A GREAT NIGHT OUT? Blessington Bowls meet every Thurs at 7.30pm in St. Kevin’s Hall, Blessington, guests welcome, come along & bring a friend.

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

Local Poet’s Book Launch. “A Wicklow Stream” by Brian Hogan will be launched in Blessington Library on Thurs 7^th Nov at 7pm. Book available from the Bookstore or from the author directly: 086 876 2423

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

The Community Pool for West Wicklow Committee would like to thank all of our volunteers who helped us at packing bags over the weekend & all who supported us & donated. We had a brilliant response from the Community & together we will get a pool for West Wicklow!

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.

The Interfaith Group was warmly welcomed to Bolton Abbey on Sat 19^th Oct for a day of reflection, relaxation & prayer. The Abbot, Dom Michael took time out to speak with us & to answer questions followed his wonderfully inspiring address. Many thanks to Dom Michael, Brother Francis & everyone at Bolton Abbey for a most memorable & uplifting day.

Beginners Fencing Classes on Tuesdays from 8pm to 9.30pm in St Kevin’s Hall

Interested in a social cycle in the Blessington area?  Led by an experienced volunteer, Cycling Ireland/Axa Community Bike Rides are gentle, social bike rides for adults, usually followed by coffee & chat.  New series added for Wednesdays at 10:30am. Participants can join for FREE at www.AxaCommunityBikeRides.com

Mini-Rugby for Tots for Under 5 (2013) & Under 6 (2014) in St Kevin’s Community Centre, Blessington every Saturday at 10:15am for boys & girls’

Rugby at Russborough for U7s (2013) to U12s (2008) boys & girls this Sat 5th Oct at 11:30

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

The Parish Book Club meets 4 times a year.  The books chosen for review are varied & are of spiritual & philosophical interest.  We notify the book under review here in the newsletter.  Our next meeting is on Thurs 21^st  Nov at 10am in The Parish Meeting Room.  The book is ‘Traveling Mercies’ by Anne Lamott.  New members are always welcome.  Please contact the Parish Office if you are interested & would like to go on the text reminder list.

Blessington GAA Dog Night. Friday 15^th November in Newbridge Greyhound Stadium. Sponsored by Dunnes Stores.

Prizes

Buster Draw 1                    Buster Draw 2

1st Prize €750                    1st Prize €750

2nd Prize €400                  2nd Prize €400

3rd Prize €300                   3rd Prize €300

4th Prize €200                   4th Prize €200

5 Prizes of €100 each

You can nominate a dog for €50 which entitles you to entry to the races on the night and also a prize of €100 if dog wins the race. Donations to Charities will be made from proceeds of the event. Tickets €10 entitles you to entry to The Dogs & entry into Buster Draws

First Race at 8pm

Tickets can be purchased from any member of the Executive or by contacting JP Morgan 087 238 8592, John Magee Snr: 086 871 7483  or

Breda Brophy 087 225 3892. Bus transfer details to be confirmed later

GROW Community Mental Health “West Wicklow” Support Group meets every Wed at 7.30pm in Camphill, Grangebeg, Dunlavin. Why not come along & learn more about positive mental health, wellbeing, recovery & how GROW may help you achieve this.  New members are always welcome (free of charge).  Info: John 086 803 3126 or www.grow.ie

Collection for the Capuchin Day Centre for the Homeless. Lakeshore Striders A.C Annual Charity Collection for the Capuchin Day Centre for the Homeless will take place on Saturday 23rd of November from 12pm to 3pm in the ‘Crying Room’ of Church of Our Lady, Blessington. Items requested by the centre include; new sleeping bags (available from Charles Camping at a reduced cost of €10 when you indicate it’s for this collection), toiletries (shampoo, shower gel, deodorant, razors, toothpaste, tooth brushes, etc), nappies, baby food & formula. Please note the centre does not require clothing, shoes, duvets or similar items. Cash donations also accepted on the day. For info email lakeshorestriders@gmail.com or Edel on 087 961 8337

Anam Cara South Dublin Parent Support Event 11^th Nov at 7.20pm, Maldron Hotel, Tallaght. This event is free & 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.

December Events for your Diary

►Hollywood Senior Citizens Committee are holding a Mini Christmas Fair 30^th Nov & 1st Dec after all Masses. Crafts & Christmas Fayre.

►St Brigid’s National School Manor Kilbride Winter Fair Sun 1^st Dec from 12noon to 4pm. If you are interested in having a stall at this event please call 087 774 1432

►Variety Concert on Sun 1^st Dec in Church of Our Lady Blessington in aid of Blessington & District Day Care & the Coimin Centre. Featuring: The Roscommon Solstice Choir, Rachel Coyne & Lorraine Willoughby. Tickets €10  from Eventbrite, Parish Office, Hennessey’s Next Door, The Office Shop & the Credit Union. Info: 087 919 5991, 087 293 4806 or 087 245 0546.

►As part of Russborough’s Oscar Wilde Christmas join us on for ‘An Evening with Oscar Wilde’ on Dec 6^th at 7pm. Compiled & performed by Richard Lynch, share Wilde’s sparkling humour & wit, tinged with a certain pity & sadness.  Tickets €15. Booking 045 865 239 or www.russborough.ie

►Community Pool for West Wicklow Christmas Market in the Hippodrome, Russborough House on Dec 7^th from 12noon to 4pm. Christmas Shopping, Visit Santa, enjoy a mince pie or two Any local Crafters, Artists, Bakers or Businesses interested in having a stall at the market please email at poolforWestWicklow@gmail.com

►Christmas Concert with ‘Celtic Brothers’ starring The Willoughby’s in Tynock Church at 8pm on Sun 8^th Dec. Concert in aid of a Multi-Sensory Room for Baltinglass Hospital Tickets available from 087 266 8300 or email  multisensoryconcert@gmail.com

►Annual Carol Service on Sunday 15^th December in Church of Our Lady, Blessington

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

If it is important to you, you will find a way. If not, you will find an excuse.