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Newsletter 7th Dec 2025. Issue 1572
Masses for Christmas
Will be on 21st and 28th Dec
Names of those being prayed for in the Christmas Remembrance Masses, will be inscribed on an Altar List to be placed on the Altar.
If you would like your loved one remembered, please contact the Parish Office (045 865327)
Before Thursday 20th Dec.
COMMUNITY DIARY
SATURDAY 6th Dec
6pm Mass Church of Our Lady, Blessington Sacrament of Confession: After 6pm Mass
7.30pm Mass Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Lacken.
SUNDAY 7th Dec
10am Mass Church of Our Lady, Blessington,
11am Mass St. Brigid’s Church, Manor Kilbride
11:30am Mass Our Lady of Mercy, Crosschapel
MONDAY 8th Dec
9.30am Mass Church of Our Lady, Blessington
Blessington Bridge Club 7.15pm, Kare Centre. Information on pg. 3
TUESDAY 9th Dec
9.30am Mass Church of Our Lady, Blessington
WEDNESDAY 10th Dec
9.30am Mass Church of Our Lady, Blessington
Rosary & Holy Hour10am to 11am Church of Our Lady, BlessingtonThis is the last Rosary of 2025, the rosary will return Mid-January
Pray & Play Group3pm–4.30pm, Coimín Centre
Blessington Parish Children’s Choir4.20pm-5pm. All are welcome
THURSDAY 11th Dec
9.30am Mass Church of Our Lady, Blessington
Blessington Indoor Bowls Club 7.30pm in St Kevin’s Hall, Information on pg. 3
FRIDAY 12th Dec
9.30am Mass Church of Our Lady, Blessington
Cuppa For K.A.R.E from 10AM-12PM Coimin Centre. Information on Pg. 3
Mass Intentions inChurch of Our Lady, Blessington
Saturday Deceased members of Blessington G.A.A, Maisie O Reilly…A, Patrick & Josephine Farrington…A, Essie Hanlon…A, Jimmy Hanlon…Rem, Michael & Elizabeth O Toole…A
Sunday Kevin McNulty…A, Daniel McCauliff…RD, Irene & Michael O’Donnell…A Kitty Whittle…A
Monday Mass for the Sick & those in Hospital
Tuesday Mary McNamara…RD, Frank Durkan…RD
Wednesday Get Well Mass, Betty Nolan…RD
Thursday Gobnait Waters…RD, Harvey English…RD
Friday Jason O Rourke…RD, Liam Daly…RD
The Annual Vincent de Paul collection will take place on the weekend of the 13th & 14th Dec. This collection will replace the Share collection at all Masses
UPCOMING DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Healing Mass
Church of Our Lady Blessington
Sat December 13th Mass will take place at 11am
All are welcome
Minister of Eucharist November 2025 Church of Our Lady Blessington SAT 6PM: Mary Fenton & Pat McGrath SUNDAY 10AM: Charmaine Quinn & Catriona Cullen.
Popes Intentions NOV 2025 FOR THE PREVENTION OF SUICIDE Let us pray that those who are struggling with suicidal thoughts might find the support, care and love they need in their community, and be open to the beauty of Life.
Feast Days – 8th Dec – The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary The title of the Immaculate Conception recognizes Mary’s privilege of coming into the world free from sin. Through the power of Jesus’ Death and Resurrection, every human being can be freed from sin at Baptism. Through that same power, Mary was always free from sin, even from that very first moment of life.
Women’s Breakfast Blessington & Valleymount Parishes. Dates for 2026 Saturday, 10th January, Saturday, 14th March, Summer breakfast TBC Look forward to seeing you there, The Women’s Community Team
CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHINGS Each of us is called to be an instrument of God’s peace and care for those in need. Pope Francis, Laudato Si’
The Wonder of Creation Lightning is powerful. A single bolt of lightning can be five times hotter than the surface of the sun.
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
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION SURVEY – HAVE YOUR SAY. The current Department of Education survey on the future of patronage in the primary sector is important in that it will shape the discussion on primary school divesting for the years to come throughout the Republic of Ireland. The survey is school specific and needs to be responded to by all parents and prospective parents locally. It is important that those who wish for a change in patronage would have their voice heard. It is equally important that those who wish for a Catholic education for their children, and the support for sacramental preparation available in Catholic schools, would have their voice heard also. For those reasons and to ensure that an accurate picture emerges, please participate in this survey if you are a parent or a prospective parent of a Primary school student. The survey can be accessed at www.gov.ie/primaryschoolsurvey/. It closes on Tuesday, December 16.
Deadline for Notices in the Newsletter The deadline to have your notices in the newsletter is Tuesday at 11am at the very latest.
Church of Our Lady, Blessington & Church of Our Lady of Mercy, Crosschapel St. Joseph’s Church, Valleymount & Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Lacken Fr. Gerry Kane PP. Tel: 045 865 327
St. Brigid’s Church, Manor Kilbride Fr. Paraic McDermott C.S.Sp. Tel: 01 4582154
Parish Office: 9am to 1pm Monday to Friday Tel: 045 865 327 admin@blessington.info
Blessington Parish Lotto Numbers on 27th Nov 2025. 3,5,15,16. €25 Winner: Fr. Richard Behan Next Jackpot €3000.
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.
Lacken Naíonra Enrolment Now open for 2026-2027 for Lacken Naíonra pre-school. Please contact office at 045-865086 or email naionra@lackenns.com
Anyone interested in a bus from Manor Kilbride through Oldcourt into Blessington? Every Wednesday Leave 10am Return 12.30pm Price €5 Ph. 087-2393784
Blessington Library. Chess club for children every Friday at 3 pm Spanish Conversation every second Monday, Italian Conversation every 2nd and 4th Thurs
Cleaner Available Mon & Tues Only. Ph 089 9468855
West Wicklow Cancer Support present Festive songs by candlelight featuring Blessington Community Choir & Eadestown Church Choir with special guests, Church of Our Lady Blessington, Sun 7th Dec 4.30pm, refreshments afterwards, Donations welcome. This promises to be a wonderful seasonal occasion for family & friends, come and join us.
A new initiative in Blessington. Do you feel pushed for time to walk your pet dog, are you stretched for time getting home from work. Two local girls have started a dog walking business here is their information. References supplied. Call 087 0530702 Or 085 2868518
Introducing Leroy’s Barking World + Grooming A distinguished destination for every pet owner. Discover a carefully curated selection of natural diet, treats, refined accessories, and expert grooming services. We care about all your pets: cat, fish, guinea pig, parrot, etc. All crafted to support the well-being and comfort of your beloved companions. Grand Opening: To Be Announced Soon! Join us on our journey as we bring a new standard of care and quality to Blessington. Follow our construction progress and be the first to experience the difference. Leroy’s Barking World + Grooming. Unit 2, Newtown Square, Blessington Facebook: Leroy’s Barking World. Instagram: leroys_barking_world
KARE. We have a vacancy for a Caretaker for Kare, Blessington, Co. Wicklow. On the KARE Community Employment Scheme. 19.50 hours per week. Duties to include Maintaining the premises, inside and outside. Contact Elaine Nolan, KARE CE Supervisor 045-448700 or 0868351850. Please note** To be eligible for a CE Employment, you must be in receipt of a social welfare payment (for at least 12 months) **
Blessington Further Education & Training Centre. New courses beginning in. January 2026, Early Learning and Care Stage 1 and Stage 2 (Childcare Level 5 and 6) Includes compulsory Professional Practice Placement, Special Needs Assistant Level 5 (30 hours compulsory Work Experience), Spreadsheets Methods (Excel) Level 4, Workplace Safety Level 4, Database Methods Level 4, Business with Tourism Level 5 Contact number 086 8503833
Blessington Indoor Bowls Club meet every Thursday night at 7.30pm in St Kevin’s Hall, Blessington. Guests are most welcome, why not come along & bring a friend.
Blessington Bridge Club Meets every Mon at 7.15pm in the Kare Centre. New players welcome.
St Mary’s Junior N.S. 2026/27 school year Currently accepting applications. To apply please contact Bernadette in the school office 045 865501 or visit our website
Blessington Musical and Dramatic Society Presents Our Annual Panto Cinderella in The Tramway Theatre! Promises to be a great show for all the family! Tickets available via Eventbrite https://tinyurl.com/BMDS-Panto or in the Office shop or Hennessy’s Next Door. Show times: Jan 15th & 16th at 7pm, Jan 17th at 2:30pm & 7pm, Sun 18th at 2:30pm. Great Christmas stocking filler!
Cuppa For K.A.R.E December 12th 10AM-12PM Join us for tea, coffee, treats & chats plus A chance to enter our raffle
Hennessy’s Hardware Season’s Greetings and thanks to all our customers for their support during the year. Pay a visit to our wonderful hardware for that unique gift. Christmas decorations, lights, and all essential items for Christmas.
Helix Motorcycles repair shop just opened in Stratford, if you need a simple service, complex repair or just a touch up on the paintwork call or text on 087 373 5709
GARDENING SERVICES Grass cutting / Ride on lawnmower Push Lawnmower, Hedge cutting Chainsaw Cutting, Splitting Timber, Spraying, Weeding, Powerwashing Driveway Patios, General Maintenance around your home. Just Call for reasonable Quates/ Price. Call or text 0876640695.
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
Driving instructor RSA and ADI approved. Contact Michael 087 459 4258 for bookings.
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
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
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.
KILDARA HEATING & PLUMBING Call Dara: 0862356610 Email: Kildaraheating@gmail.com Heating & Plumbing Services Bathroom Renovations Boiler install/service Heat pumps Central Heating Power flushing Fully Insured RGI & Oftec Registered