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Newsletter 6th April 2025, Issue 1542
Mass intentions in Blessington
Saturday: Kathleen Browne (Kay)…2nd A, Patsy Mahon…A, Meta O Reilly…A
Sunday: Paul Finnerty…A, Finton Byrne…A, Charlie Rioveros… 12th A
Monday: Mass for the Sick & those in Hospital
Tuesday: Mary Gilheany…RD, Martin Gorman…A
Wednesday: Margaret Hayes…RD, Ann Nolan…RD
Thursday: Willie Cummins…RD, Micheal Ryan…RD
Friday: Joan Ryan…RD, Seamus Crowley…RD
Feast Days 7th April – St. John Baptist de la Salle St. John Baptist de La Salle was born on April 30, 1651, in Rheims, France. The son of aristocratic parents, De La Salle had the opportunity for an excellent education and went on to be ordained a priest. He known as the patron of all teachers of youth and the founder of De La Salle University, In addition to the founding of schools in 22 cities by the time of his death in 1719, De La Salle contributed significantly to the entire field of education through his writings and innovative methodology. In 1900, John Baptist de La Salle was declared a saint of the Roman Catholic Church. He died April 7, 1719. The Catholic Church celebrates the feast of St. La Salle on the anniversary of his death.
Minister of Eucharist – April 2025 Church of Our Lady Blessington SAT 6PM: Mary Fenton & Pat McGrath SUNDAY 10AM: Fidelma Dunne & George Richardson
Rosary & Holy Hour The Holy Hour with Rosary and Adoration every Wednesday Morning at 10.00am to 11.00 am for Consider giving one hour to Jesus for Lent.
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 27th March: 5,9,11,28. €25 Winner: Judy Keogh. Next Jackpot €3000.
Congratulations the winners of the Valleymount and Lacken Parish Draw for February & March. February – Matt Reid, Betty & Mick Nolan, Noeleen Miley, Ann Nolan, Trish Keogh, Liz Dignam. March – Liz Dignam, Bernie Fitzpatrick, Judy Keogh, Catherine Tobin, Johnny O Reilly, Patricia O Connor.
Women’s Breakfast Blessington & Valleymount Parishes Our next Breakfast will be on Saturday May 17th From 9.30-11am. All are welcome.
Dates for your Diary – Healing Mass, Church of Our Lady Blessington Saturday May 24th, Saturday September 13th, Saturday December 13th All Masses will take place at 11am All are welcome
Popes Intentions for APRIL 2025 For the use of the new technologies Let us pray that the use of the new technologies will not replace human relationships, will respect the dignity of the person, and will help us face the crises of our times.
Prayer to St. John Baptiste de la Salle O God, You chose your blessed confessor Jean-Baptiste to give Christian education to the poor and to confirm young people in the way of truth, and through him You established a new religious congregation in your Church; grant that through his intercession and example, we may be inspired with zeal for Your glory and the salvation of souls, and be found worthy to share his reward in heaven. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Prayer For April Oh, may Thy grace on us bestow the Father and the Son to know; and Thee, through endless times confessed, of both the eternal Spirit blest. Now to the Father and the Son, Who rose from death, be glory given, with Thou, O Holy Comforter, henceforth by all in earth and heaven. Amen
Ballymore Eustace & Hollywood Lourdes 4 Nights Pilgrimage. 12th August – 16th August 2025, €795 per person sharing (Full Board – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) 12th August 2025 Dublin –Lourdes, 07:45 – 10:55. 16th August 2025 Lourdes – Dublin, 09:25 – 10:35 Your Lourdes package includes: Transport & Accommodation ✓ Return flights Dublin to Lourdes ✓ 10kg Baggage allowance to be checked in. ✓ Transfer on arrival from Lourdes airport to your hotel with guided assistance ✓ 4 nights in the 4* Hotel Astrid ✓ Free Wi-Fi in the hotel ✓ Breakfast, Lunch and Evening meal served each day at hotel – as per pricing above. 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 4 dinners. ✓ Services of Marian Pilgrimages Tours representative and professional English-speaking guide throughout the pilgrimage ✓ Luxury air-conditioned coach throughout the itinerary ✓ All airport & local City taxes Tours & Religious Programme ✓ Full religious programme organised by Marian Pilgrimages with a complete programme of sightseeing and visits to sites of interest. ✓ Mass daily & Spiritual activities Not Included Single Room Supplement €40 per night Comprehensive Travel Insurance €30. Extra €30 for pilgrims over 85 years Optional excursions Please contact Ballymore Eustace Parish Office Secretary Frances, 045 864114 Email, ballymoreeustaceparish@gmail.com Hollywood Parish Secretary Tina, 045 864528 Email,hwparishoffice@gmail.com
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
Pilgrimage for the Jubilee year 2025 Pilgrimage is an important component of a Jubilee year. Many travel abroad for pilgrimage, but a pilgrimage can also take place with the abundant Christian locations we have within our own Diocese. An exhibition ‘Pockets of Hope’ has been set up in the four Jubilee Churches in our Archdiocese: -St. Mary’s Pro-Cathedral, Marlborough Street. -Our Lady of Lourdes, Sean McDermott Street. -Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, City Quay. -St. Andrew’s Church, Westland Row. There is a further display in St. Kevin’s Parish Church, Glendalough.
We are having FREE gardening classes in the Stables, Valleymount every Tuesday from the 8th of April till the end of May from 14.45 until 16.45 (except for Easter holidays). They will be run by a very experienced teacher from Kildare and Wicklow Education Board. All seeds, compost and top soil will be provided free of charge and all plants grown can be taken home. The course will cover flower and vegetable growing as well as lawn care. Hope to see you there.
CARE OF THE EARTh In April, especially around Earth Day (April 22nd), focus on reducing your environmental impact through actions like reducing waste, conserving resources, and supporting sustainable practices, while also celebrating and appreciating nature.
Thought of the Week At least ten times a day affirm, “I expect the best and with God’s help will attain the best.”
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
Pope Francis has chosen the motto “Miserando atque eligendo”, meaning lowly but chosen; literally in Latin ‘by having mercy, by choosing him’.
Féile an Chnocáin 2025, Bank Holiday Weekend 1st – 5th May. Ballyknockan’s Music and Heritage Festival is back after a roaring success last year. We are delighted to announce some of our events for the weekend include; Ballymore Connect Choir Performance in St. Joseph’s Church Valleymount, Stonecutting and heritage museum talk and demonstration at McEvoy’s Quarry, Guided Hike, Family Fun Day, Craft Market, Live music all weekend in Cullens Lakeview Lounge and lots more! Be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook @Feileanchnocain for details! Bigí linn!”
Eadestown GAA Eadestown GAA nurtures an inclusive environment with participation in our games to the fore, fostering community spirit, fun, and respect among all of our members. Located just 5km outside Blessington. Welcoming members from age 3 to adult, with both male and female sections.
Fantastic Facilities, Events & Activities
Email: Eadestowngaa@gmail.com Website: www.eadestowngaa.ie
Caretaker Wanted Seeking a reliable caretaker to support two local schools. Hours: 10 hours per week. Responsibilities: General maintenance and minor repairs. Location: St Joseph’s NS in Valleymount and St Brigid’s NS in Manor Kilbride. Requirements: Previous experience preferred but not essential. If interested, please contact the School Office on 01-4582550
BLESSINGTON LIBRARY WRITERS’ GROUP. Have you ever fancied putting pen to paper, perhaps a memoir of times past, a Scandi noir set in West Wicklow, maybe a sonnet or a Limerick? Then we’ve got you. Meet a like-minded bunch of scribblers on the second Thursday of every month in Blessington Library, from 7:00pm to 8:00pm. Just bring a pen, a notebook and an open mind. No experience necessary, we all started somewhere. Contact Blessington Library at 045 891 740 or email Ray at mako.enmity.1d@icloud.com for further information. NEXT DATE –TUESDAY 10TH APRIL 2025 Blesssingtonlib@wicklowcoco.ie
Blessington Library (045) 891 740 Irish Group Conversation meet every Tuesday at 7.30 pm. All welcome, no booking required. Spanish Conversation, every second Monday at 10.30, next meeting 3rd March English Conversation every Tuesday from 12 to 2 pm and Thursdays from 5 to 7 pm.
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.
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
Social Dancing. Enjoy an evening of dancing to Liam Manning & Maria In Donard Community Hall Saturday 15th March 9pm -12am. All Welcome
Blessington Men’s Shed Sessions in the Shed continues in the Men’s Shed next Monday, the 7th April, starting at 7.30. Great music and spot prizes on the night. Also note that a further session will be held on the following Monday the 14th.April In aid of the West Wicklow cancer support. All support greatly appreciated for this worthy cause.
Farm Fresh Duck Eggs €6 for a pack of 12 Call Margaret on 087 9660685
Supervalu Blessington Communion & Confirmation Cakes Made to order Please call-in store to enquire
Western Gaels Hurling Club Table Quiz & Raffle Fri 4th April 8pm Tuttys Pub Hollywood All Welcome
Piano And Music Theory Lesson in Ballymore-Eustace (CLASSICAL and JAZZ). Experienced teacher (20 years of teaching) Trial lesson (30min) €25 zacharieblin@yahoo.fr 089 483 7341
Blessington Taxi Phone Greg 087 2626 393
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
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
Local Professional Painting Services Also can do all other projects in your garden or house. Contact 087 1046654 paintnbuild10@gmail.com
Piano And Music Theory Lesson in Ballymore-Eustace (CLASSICAL and JAZZ). Experimented teacher (20 years of teaching) Trial lesson (30min) €25 zacharieblin@yahoo.fr 089 483 7341
Patricias Nails Blessington Now Re-Open New Clients Welcome BIAB Removal & Redo Including Colour €45, Including French €50
WhatsApp 087-2234005 Find me on Instagram @patricias_nails_blessin
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
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
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
R Noone Groundworks LTD Groundworks, Mulching, sawing, tree shears, Site Clearance, Concrete Works 087-6234977 Robbie7550@gmail.