Mass intentions in Blessington Garda Kevin Flatley RD.

Saturday: Sharon O Brien…7th A, Andy Farrington…A, Yvonne Phibbs…A, Mary Curtin…A, Kathleen Curtin…A, Kathleen O Connell…A, Nick Clark…A, Ita Gaughran…A, Billy & Mick Ball…A

Sunday: Noel Kelly…4th A,  John Kelly…A, Amelia Lily Phillips…A, Jim Clarke…A

Monday: Mass for the Sick & those in Hospital

Tuesday: Danny O Connell…RD, Martin Kelly…RD

Wednesday: Get Well Intention Mass, Teresa Ward…RD

Thursday: Patsy Dunne…RD, Matt Kelly…RD

Friday: Bernie O Reilly…RD, Eileen Healy…RD

Lay Ministry Appeal  The Annual Lay Ministry Appeal and Collection will take place this weekend at all masses the collection will replace the second collection at all Masses. Your support is greatly appreciated

Trocaire Collection A second Trocaire Collection has been organised. Please return your Trocaire box or donation to the Parish office before Monday 19^th May.

Feast Days – 20^th May – St Bernardine St Bernadine was born in 1380 near Siena in Italy. As a young man he took charge of a hospital in Siena during the plague. He then became a Franciscan priest and travelled through Italy preaching with great success. He promoted devotion to the Holy Name and to St Joseph. St Bernadine is patron saint of respiratory illnesses. He died in 1444. 22^nd May – St Rita of Cascia St Rita is known as the “Saint of the Impossible” because of her amazing answers to prayers, as well as the remarkable events of her own life.  St. Rita wanted to become a nun, but in obedience to her aged parents, she married. Her husband caused her much suffering, but she repaid his cruelty with prayer and kindness. During her 18-year marriage, she bore and raised two sons. After her husband was killed in a brawl and her sons had died, Rita tried to join the Augustinian nuns in Cascia.  St. Rita of Cascia is known as the patron saint of impossible causes. St Rita on May 22, 1457, aged 76, in Cascia, Italy.

Women’s Breakfast Blessington & Valleymount Parishes Our next Breakfast will be on Saturday May 17th From 9.30-11am All are welcome

Family Mass Followed by Refreshments in the Coimin Centre After 10am Mass on Sunday 18^th May All Are Welcome

Date for your Diary The Annual Blessing of the Graves & Cemetery Mass will take place  in Burgage Cemetery on Sunday 18th May 2025 at 3 pm

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

Date for your Diary – Sunday 18th May 2025 at 3 pm The Annual Blessing of the Graves & Cemetery Mass will take place in Burgage Cemetery. Saturday May 24^th Healing Mass in Church of Our Lady Blessington. Sunday 29^th June at 2pm Manor Kilbride Cemetery Sunday.

Minister of Eucharist – May 2025 Church of Our Lady Blessington SAT 6PM:  Ann Hanlon & Frank Hanlon SUNDAY 10AM:  Kay Clarke & Mary McHugh

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

Rosary & Holy Hour  The Holy Hour with Rosary and Adoration will be at 7pm every Wed for the duration of the Summer months.

Blessington Parish Lotto Numbers on 8^th May: 16,19,22,30. €25 Winner: Seanna Pender.  Next Jackpot €3000.

Popes Intentions  for May 2025 FOR WORKING CONDITIONS Let us pray that through work, each person might find fulfilment, families might be sustained in dignity, and that society might be humanised.

Prayer to the Virgin Mary for the Month of May O most beautiful Flower of Mount Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. O Star of the Sea, help me and show me, That you are my Mother and my protector. O Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart To aid me in my need. Amen

Prayer to St. Rita O powerful St. Rita, rightly called Saint of the Impossible, I come to you with confidence in my great need. You know well my trials, for you yourself were many times burdened in this life. Come to my help, speak for me, pray with me, intercede on my behalf before the Father. I know that God has a most generous heart and that he is a most loving Father. Join your prayers to mine and obtain for me the grace I desire (here mention your request). You who were so very pleasing to God on earth and are so much so now in heaven, I promise to use this favour, when granted, to better my life, to proclaim God’s mercy, and to make you more widely known and loved. Amen.

Prayer to St Bernardine ” Saint Bernardine of Siena, words were very important to you. You spent most of your life speaking the golden words of Jesus’ mercy and his Holy Name. And you abhorred words that were shameful. Pray for us that we may always choose to speak Jesus’ name with reverence and choose words of love over words of shame. Amen.

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

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.

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

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

Thought of the Week The tests of life are not to break you But to make you.

CARE OF THE EARTH. NoMowMay is one of the easiest ways to help and connect with wildlife, and the perfect way to start supporting nature in your garden (in May and beyond!).

Donard Country Market Is on Saturday 17th May, 11am till 4pm Donard Community Hall W91 YW57. There’ll be a great variety of stalls selling everything from tasty sourdough bread, beautiful garden plants, greetings cards and other delightful crafts and lots more. Also The Meeting Place cafe, also situated in the hall, is open from 11 till 2.30 for food and drink.

Table Tennis Club. If anyone is interested in helping to set up a table tennis club for children please contact the parish office with your details. Call 045 865327 between 9am & 1pm

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.

Volunteer Opportunity  Join our Monthly Social Club! Hosted by the Alzheimer Society of Ireland. The Coimin Centre, Blessington, Co. Wicklow. Last Friday of every month Starting 30 May  Just 2 hours of your time We’re looking for warm, friendly volunteers to help create a welcoming space for people living with dementia. Interested? Contact Teresa Nagle at  085 870 6852 or email teresa.glover@alzheimer.ie

Social Dancing. Enjoy an evening of dancing to Unity In Donard Community Hall Saturday 17^th May 9pm -12am. All Welcome

Blessington Library (045) 891 740 Chess Club for children Every Friday from 3 pm No booking required. English Conversation Group Tuesdays 12 – 2 pm Thursdays 5 -7 pm No booking required.

Blessington Community Employment Vacancies These are developmental opportunities, no experience necessary. 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.  St Mary’s Church Caretaker: This is a developmental opportunity, no experience necessary. Ref Number: 2381875 Valleymount GAA Caretaker: Duties will include but not limited to: Grass cutting and pitch maintenance, Some cleaning duties.  Ref Number: 2381878 Blessington Greenway Caretaker: Duties to include but not restricted to grass cutting, verge and tree maintenance. Ref Number: 2386069 Hollywood Community Center Caretaker: Duties to include but not limited to: General light maintenance. Some cleaning duties. Ref Number: 2386070

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.

Blessington U3A are pleased to announce our next talk Speaker: Lt. Colonel (retired) Ray Lane Title: “Only a Soldier Knows” Date: Tue 20th May at 10.30am Venue: Avon Hotel, Blessington All are welcome  Non-members €5 per person.

Blessington Carboot Sunday 25th May. St. Kevin’s Community Centre on Main Street. 8am to 4pm. Free Carparking. Toilets Teas / Coffee.  Stalls €10. 0860752072.

Blessington Millennium Choir – Spring/Summer Concert SATURDAY, 24 MAY 2025 AT 7 PM St Kevin’s Hall, Blessington Musical Director: John Francis Murphy Harp Solo: Harry Carpendale Soprano Solo: Ursula Conlon Tickets Available from: West Wicklow Cancer Support: 087-434 6004
or westwicklow15@gmail.com Blessington Tourist Office Shay Cunningham 086-2313796 Admission €15 Profits donated to cancer support

Large Double bedroom  with own Private Lounge to Rent in beautiful house in Kill Co Kildare. Only 45 minutes from O’ Connell Bridge. Suit Mature Senior Women  who speaks English. Massive kitchen to arrange suitable hours for use. Refuse Bins, Electricity, Sky Television all in the cost of €950 Euro per month. Driving space available. Call 086/1912777 Terry

Gardening Services We Dismantle/take away Sheds, Cut Trees, Tidy Gardens Phone John 085-216-4606

Alexandro Ferreira Atelier Expert precision tailoring and high-quality alterations for all garment types — from elegant bridal and evening wear to everyday clothing. Based in Blessington. Phone: 0871946331 Instagram: alexandrofatelier.

Are you feeling every Muscle Ache and Pain? Are you struggling Lifting the Kids or Sitting at a Desk in Work? Have you got Chronic Muscle or Joint Pain? And struggling to perform Simple Day-to-Day Tasks? We have just opened a new local Sports & Holistic Therapy Clinic. Fully qualified ITEC, fully insured and well experienced Therapist. Looking forward to welcoming all our new clients today. Phone Jennifer: 087 9021099.

New local maintenance/ landscaping business available  for all your gardening needs. Planting, mowing, mulching, cutbacks, etc. please call Shane on 0851279740 or email hollywoodlandscaping@hotmail.com

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.

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

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

Counselling/ Psychotherapy at The Healer’s Dance Blessington Adult Counselling, Adolescent Counselling & low-cost counselling for adults Call today for more information on 0872362955 or check us on Instagram or our website www.healersdance.com

Learning Support Extra Help for Students Dyslexia / Dyscalculia– all ages English / Irish / Maths 1st – 6th Class Irish / English to Leaving Cert Assumpta 0872068176