Mass intentions in Blessington

Saturday: Edith McInerny…A, Tina Fennan…A, Jim & Kathleen Hamilton…A, Molly White…Rem

Sunday: Dennis Jones…A, Johanna Jones…A, Patrick & Josephine Farrington…A, Sean Corr…B’day Rem, Eoin Tyrrell…Months Mind

Monday: Mass for the Sick & those in Hospital

Tuesday: Ken Corcoran…RD, Patricia Armstrong…RD

Wednesday: Teresa Byrne…A, Dora Byrne…A, Mario Mowlds…3rd A

Thursday: Mairead Graham…RD,  Nick Bennett…A

Friday: 1st Friday of the month, Mass offered for all on the November List of the Dead.

Blessington Parish

are recruiting a suitably qualified chef, 20 Hours per week, Monday to Thursday.

 If you are interested, please email your CV to

 the parish office.

Closing Date for applications is

 Friday 6^th Dec at 1pm

Funding Appeal

Our Parish Finances are in a very fragile state. There are many reasons for this – dwindling congregations, lack of regular income, peoples’ own financial situations etc. Historically, our Parish account had been with the Ulster Bank. When that closed, we lost quite a frightening number of Standing Orders. So much so, we are operating from month to month at the moment. I am asking you to consider renewing your standing order with your Bank, and, if your resources permit, to increase your contributions. We need a regular income on which we can depend.

The offerings given at Mass on Sundays do not stay in the parish. They are for the diocesan salaries of priests, and for the support of parishes poorer than our own. The money we rely on comes from the envelopes, the standing orders, and whatever rental income we can generate from our buildings.

Thank you in advance for supporting your parishes. Standing Order forms are available at the back of our churches. As we continue to build the church of the future in hope, may the Lord bless us and the gifts we are able to give.

The blessing with the Padre Pio relic  will take place after the 9.30 am Mass on Friday Dec 6th

Change of Mass Times For Bank Holidays and Holy Days All Masses will now be at the usual time of Morning Mass at 9.30am in the Church of Our Lady Blessington. Weekend Masses will remain the same. Saturday 6pm & Sunday 10am

Feast Days 6^th Dec – St Nicholas of Myra St Nicholas was orphaned at an early age. He probably became a monk, and when the bishop of his district died, he was made Bishop of Myra of Lycia. Nicholas is distinguished for his faith, especially for his charity. His faith was so great, that with his prayer he calmed a stormy sea while on a trip to the Holy Lands. St Nicholas is the patron saint of children, sailors, merchants and brewers.

Rosary & Holy Hour   There will be no Holy Hour during the month of December. It will resume in early January. We ask that prayers for peace be offered for all who continue to suffer in the war-torn countries of the world.

Masses for Christmas Will be on 22^nd and 29^th 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 before Thursday 19^th Dec. 045 865327.

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

The family of the late Mary (Carmel) Lyons  would like to express our sincere gratitude to everyone for their condolences and words of sympathy during our recent sad and difficult loss. To our friends’ neighbours and all who attended the repose, funeral mass and burial and to all who left messages of condolences and sent mass cards, we are forever grateful. Thank you to Fr Comer for his funeral service, to Orla Fallon for her beminautiful singing and to Clarkes funeral home, Tony, Regina, Conor & Gordon for their kindness and support We deeply appreciate and gratefully acknowledge everyone’s kind expression of sympathy. The Lyons family.

Blessington Parish Lotto Numbers on 21^st November: 9,16,17,27. €25 Winner: Patricia Kinsella Next Jackpot €2600.

POPES INTENTION FOR November – For anyone who has lost a child We pray that all parents who mourn the loss of a son or daughter find support in their community and receive peace and consolation from the Holy Spirit.

Minister of Eucharist –November 2024 Church of Our Lady Blessington SAT 6PM: Colette Fennan, Geraldine McMulkin &  Teresa Ball. SUNDAY 10AM: Aisling Molloy, Mary McHugh & Margert Flynn.

A DECEMBER PRAYER Jesus, Light of the world. When I am afraid and unsure, comfort me with the light of Your presence. When Loneliness chills me, warm me with the light of Your love. When the road ahead seems dark, guide me with the light of Your way. When I don’t understand and my thoughts are unclear, fill me with the light of Your wisdom. When I seem spent like a candle consumed, replenish me with the light of Your life. Then, so filled with Your light, use me, So that I, with You, may be light for the world! Amen.

Prayer to St. Nicholas of Myra O good St. Nicholas, you who are the joy of the children, put in my heart the spirit of childhood, which the gospel speaks, and teach me to seed happiness around me. You, whose feast prepares us for Christmas, open my faith to the mystery of God made man. You good bishop and shepherd, help me to find my place in the Church and inspire the Church to be faithful to the gospel. O good Saint Nicholas, patron of children, sailors and the helpless, watch over those who pray to Jesus, your Lord and theirs, as well as over those who humble themselves before you. Bring us all in reverence to the Holy Child of Bethlehem, when true joy and peace are found. Amen.

POPES INTENTION FOR  December For Pilgrims of Hope Pope Francis requests this month’s prayers “so that this Jubilee strengthens us in faith, helps us recognize Christ risen in our lives, and transforms us into pilgrims of Christian hope.”

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 writi= ng 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.

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  Upcycle old Christmas cards or make a homemade card Use recyclable wrapping paper.

Thought of the Week True happiness is born of letting go of what is unnecessary. Sharon Salzberg

Santa arrives in Manor Kilbride  on the 15th of December at 1PM & Christmas Fair & Raffle from 12 to 2.30PM Including Christmas Raffle with a TOP prize: One Night B&B for Two in any Clayton or Maldron Hotel & Christmas Fair with; Cake Sale, Games, stalls and exhibitors. Venue: Manor Kilbride Hall from 12 to 2.30 or so. Proceeds go towards the Club House which we hope to open in February… Buy a Raffle ticket today online at: www.KilbrideGAA.com/shop or on the day.

Blessington Men’s Shed Music sessions continue in the Men’s Shed  next Monday the 2nd of December 7.30pm start As this is the last session of 2024 there will be spot prizes of Christmas hampers on the night. The Men’s Shed committee would like to take this opportunity to wish all our members and musicians a very happy, peaceful and safe Christmas and a big thank you to all our musicians for their continued support of our shed throughout the year.

Christmas at Russborough ✨ ✨ The holiday season is upon us, and we’re thrilled to invite you to a series of magical events to celebrate Christmas at Russborough! Join us for unforgettable festive experiences, from carols at our tree lighting to creative workshops and concerts. Book now and make this season extra special with family and friends. 🎄🎶🎄 🌿 Wreath-Making Workshops: Wednesday 4th & Thursday 5th December Craft a beautiful wreath with locally sourced foliage—perfect for welcoming guests this season. 🎁 Wrapping Paper Workshops: Saturday 7th & Saturday 14th December Get creative with your gift wrapping this year! Join us to design unique, hand-crafted wrapping paper that’s as beautiful as your gifts. 🎶 Festive Harp & Soloist Concert: Saturday 14th December Experience the elegance of live harp music and solo performances to end the season on a truly magical note. Book now at www.russborough.ie

We are staging ‘The Nutcracker’ ballet this Christmas. A joint production, between Ruth Shine School of Dance and Valleymount Theatre Company. The dates this year are 7th, 8th & 14th 15th December at Valleymount hall. Doors at 6pm start at 6.30pm. Tickets available at Eventbrite  Nutcracker Ballet Valleymount.

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.

Blessington Library Events If you need help with your smart phone, tablet, laptop, or navigating the internet, Blessington Library offers 45-minute sessions one – one with a qualified tutor on Mondays, 1.30pm – 4.30 pm & Thursdays, 3 – 7 pm. Book your place: (045) 891 740 / blessingtonlib@wicklowcoco.ie Social Inclusion Week Sunday, 13th -19^th October Stories, Crafts and Music with Agata Lojek – children 5-9 (Wed 16th Oct at 3 pm) Connection through song with Mags from Blessington Choir (event for adults, coffee and tea provided). Thurs 17th Oct at 10 am. Book your place: (045) 891 740 / blessingtonlib@wicklowcoco.ie

Christmas market at The Avon Ri,  Lake Blessington 8th December 12:00-5:00. Time to sort your christmas gifts for even the most difficult on your list. Why not spoil yourself. Lots of local handmade crafts, art and artisan foods Very nice self-contained private offices to let at Aran Centre, Blessington opposite Aldi.  From €125 per week plus VAT.  Contact Sean on 087 8175227

Christmas Workshops at The Avon Ri Blessington 8th December. Join us for mulled wine and mince pies whilst making your very own needle felted scent to take home or Christmas Decoupage Lamp in two afternoon workshops. To book go to our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/purplellamacrafts/  and check events.

GAELSCOIL NA LOCHANNA will hold their open night on 9 January 2025, 7:30. Fáilte [All parents welcome to find out what life is like in the Gaelscoil] Enrolments for 25-26 school year accepted all through January. (31 spaces) Enrolments for our Autism class accepted all through February. (4 spaces left) Fáilte romhaibh – You don’t need Irish to join the Gaelscoil!! www.gaelscoilnalochanna.com 087 9388651 / 045 900525 …AGUS NOLLAIG SHONA DAOIBH 🎄

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

Wanted – House Cleaner  Manor Kilbride. Part-time Ph 087-2919620

2 Bed House To Rent   @ The Village Manor Kilbride H.A.P approved may apply Phone 086-168-5444 P.O.A

Looking For Double Room To Rent during Christmas for family visit 21st-27th Dec. Phone. 085-106-7017

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

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

Interior design by Elizabeth. Creative. unique. Personal. call 086 0881806. Email elizabethdoyle.ed@gmail.com

Upcoming events at The Avon Johnny Cash, 23 November. Santa at the Avon, 13-23 December. Tickets for both at www.ticketstop.ie. Email info@theavon.ie for details of our Christmas party nights.

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

Ben Higgins Stone Masonry And Stone Landscaping Services.  Lime Pointing, Garden Renovations, Features And Walls. No Job Too Big Or Too Small Call, Text Or WhatsApp 0851498343 Today For A Quote. @higgins_stonemasonry on Instagram

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