Newsletter25th August 2024 Issue 1514

Mass intentions in Blessington

Saturday: Larry, Mary & Matthew Lennon…A , Micheal & AnnMary Norton…Rem, Tom & Kitty Shannon…A, Kay Murphy (nee Shannon) …A, George, Kate, Paddy & Nancy Harold…Rem, William Shirran…A, Deceased members of the Shirran family Rose Hastings…A

Sunday: Sean Duffy… Birthday Rem, , John Browne…A

At Masses This Weekend,  We Remember the Following: Gerry Brennan…RD,, Bridie Wakeman…A, Neil O Connor…RD, Madeleine Kinsella… RD, Cherry Ryan…A

Monday: Mass for the Sick & those in Hospital

Tuesday: Paddy Cullen…RD, Get Well Intention

Wednesday: John Mooney…RD, Grainne Doherty…A

Thursday: Willie Clarke…A, Collette Walsh…A

Friday: Tom, Phylis, & Rodger Farrell… A, Deceased members of the Farrell, Kelly, Moran & Millar Families.

Baltyboys Blessing of the Graves ,will take place today Sunday 25th August at 2.30pm There will be no 10am mass in Valleymount.

Sunday 25th August at 3pm, Ecumenical Prayer Service at St Columcille’s Church and Graveyard Rathmore.  To pray for and remember all those who are buried there.

Church of our Lady Blessington, The next date for the weeding and tidying of the church grounds is Sat Aug 31st 11am-12noon.

Minister of Eucharist September 2024 Church of Our Lady Blessington SAT 6PM: Theresa Ball, Geraldine McMulkin & Mary McCormack SUNDAY 10AM: Kay Clarke & Aisling Molloy

Rosary & Holy Hour  on Every Tuesday  7pm to 8pm in Church of Our Lady Blessington

Women’s Breakfast Dates for your diary The next two dates for our breakfast will be September 21st and November 23rd.  Looking forward to seeing you there.

Blessington Parish Lotto. Numbers on 15th August: 4,12,28,30. €25 Winner: Sinead Neilsen. Next Jackpot €2025.

Eadestown Field Day 1st September 2024 Usual stalls, brick-a-brac, books, produce stall, toys, wheel of fortune, Art, Bottle Stall, Tea Tent etc. If you have any items you wish to donate, please bring to the Field on Saturday 31st Aug between 11 am and 2pm. If you wish to volunteer for a few hours on the day please contact Ann O’Sullivan, 0868232502.

At a ceremony in St Peter’s Basilica on Ascension ThursdayPope Francis solemnly proclaims the upcoming Jubilee Year 2025, “Hope” is the overarching theme. Pope Francis announces that the Jubilee Year will begin with the opening of the Holy Door of St Peter’s Basilica on Christmas Eve, 2024.

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  Reduce your carbon footprint when picking up and dropping off kids at school and after-school activities. When possible, encourage kids to walk or ride bike to school!

Thought for the week Practice creative anticipation, the power of positive expectation. Have confidence that you can draw the best, not the worst,  to yourself

POPES INTENTION FOR AUGUST Pope Francis releases the prayer intention for the month of August, inviting everyone to work for a transformation of the Church – a work that begins with “a reform of ourselves” through an experience of prayer, charity and service, inspired by the Holy Spirit. Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans. Proverbs 16:3

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.

Pathways Adult Faith course Have you ever wanted to know more about your faith? Are you looking for a course that can help you grow in your ministry? Pathways is an Adult Faith formation programme run by the Archdiocese aimed at all adults, members of PPCs and those in parish ministry. It is a 2-year course running on Thursday evenings from September to May (excluding holidays) from 7pm-9.30pm in DCU, Drumcondra, Dublin 9. The course has a number of modules including input on Images of God, Discipleship, Scripture, Liturgy, Church, Vatican II, Sacraments and Parish. The Second Year has a more intentional focus on Ministry. Each evening includes a presentation on the topic as well as small group sharing and discussion and there is no written work or assessments. The cost is €400 per year (Some parishes may help to cover some of the cost or you can contact us to discuss the possibility of a bursary)For more details, and to complete the online application form, please visit www.missionministry.ie/pathways or email peter.siney@dublindiocese.ie

GAELSCOIL NA LOCHANNA looking for SNA with some Irish to work with children in Mainstream classes and/or with children in the New Autism class. Please send enquiries to priomhoide@gaelscoilnalochanna.com Also 4 spaces in Autism class available. Please contact Principal  Seán Ó Cearnaigh with enquiries. www.gaelscoilnalochanna.com

Blessington Library Bring your children to Blessington Library and sign up for Summer Stars.  Here’s how you take part:

  1. Sign up and collect your reading card.
  2. Borrow some books from the library
  3. Write the names of your books in your summer stars card as you finish reading them
  4. Return your card to the library to get rewards and enter our BIG PRIZE DRAW!

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.

DOMINICAN RETREATS: A Look of Love – Jim Deeds: 26th to 29th August 2024. Using Scripture, meditation, body and breath work, music and story, Jim will lead us to an awareness of the God whose love is infinite and unconditional, a creative path on which we can find God in the mess of our everyday lives and reconnect to our inherent goodness. Cost:   €320 residential; €215 non-residential. “There’s a crack in everything: that’s how the light gets in” – Sean Goan. 31st August to 5th September 2024. To help us counter the God of the Scriptures we will use the songs of Leonard Cohen, who has inspired millions as they face the paradox of believing in a loving God while living in a broken world.  During this retreat his lyrics with help us to explore prayerfully how the word of God can speak to us today offering hope and meaning in difficult times. Cost:  €530 residential; €300 non-residential. Harvesting Gratitude – Carol Barry. 13th to 15th September 2024 In light of the great Judeo-Christian tradition of Harvest Thanksgiving, a graced space is offered during these days to glean the kernels of truth and wisdom hidden in the mystery of our own daily life.  This will be a time to ‘ingather’ i.e. to reflect, remember and recognise the grace of God at work within and around us in order to cultivate a spirit of gratitude, hope and outreach. Cost:  €280 residential; €180 non-residential. Email dominicanretreats@gmail.com.

Pathways Adult Faith course Have you ever wanted to know more about your faith? Are you looking for a course that can help you grow in your ministry? Pathways is an Adult Faith formation programme run by the Archdiocese aimed at all adults, members of PPCs and those in parish ministry. It is a 2-year course running on Thursday evenings from September to May (excluding holidays) from 7pm-9.30pm in DCU, Drumcondra, Dublin 9. The course has several modules including input on Images of God, Discipleship, Scripture, Liturgy, Church, Vatican II, Sacraments and Parish. The Second Year has a more intentional focus on Ministry. Each evening includes a presentation on the topic as well as small group sharing and discussion and there is no written work or assessments. The cost is €400 per year (Some parishes may help to cover some of the cost, or you can contact us to discuss the possibility of a bursary) For more details, and to complete the online application form, please visit www.missionministry.ie/pathways or email peter.siney@dublindiocese.ie

Trócaire 1973-2024 Trócaire is the Development Agency of the Irish Catholic Church which celebrates its 51st anniversary this year. We pray for God’s blessing on the work of Trócaire. We pray that all people may continue to work together for the respect of our shared human dignity. We thank God for the partners and generous supporters who have enabled Trocaire to continue their work for over fifty-one years, empowering communities to work together for a just world. We pray for peace and may that peace be mine and yours, and with all people experiencing crises in our world. 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.

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.

Free Electrical Recycling Event! On Saturday 31st August, a free electrical recycling event is taking place in Blessington! All household electronic, battery and lighting waste will be free to recycle on the day. The event will be held from 10am – 4pm in McGreal’s Primary Care Centre in Blessington. Contact Dónal McCormack at blessingtonallotments@gmail.com for more details.

Lacken Naíonra is recruiting for the position of Part-Time Early years Assistant. Term-time, Monday to Friday 9:00am to 12:30pm. The candidate must have a relevant qualification with a minimum of Fetac Level 5 and at least 1 year’s relevant experience. Pay scale in line with EROs. Please apply with C.V and cover letter to Board of Management at naionra@lackenns.com

Sunday 25th August 2024 Songs & Tunes Session, Zellers of Lacken, 6 to 8:30pm.  All listeners, singers, players very welcome. Any song/tune/style; any ability level; all ages. Just for fun! Bring a friend Info.: Fiona 0838127317  lakesidesessions2@gmail.com

Blessington Car boot Sale Sunday, Aug 25th, St. Kevin’s Community Centre beside Aldi Store.9am -4pm. Opening at 8am..for set up. Indoor and outdoor facilities available. Toilets, Free Car Parking, Tea and coffee €10 per stall, Tables supplied if required Bigi Linn. Bargains Galore. Info / booking 0860752072. Pat Conlan.

Sunday 25th August 2024 Songs & Tunes Session, Zellers of Lacken, 6 to 8:30pm.  All listeners, singers, players very welcome. Any song/tune/style; any ability level; all ages. Just for fun! Bring a friend Info.: Fiona 0838127317 lakesidesessions2@gmail.com

High Definition Fitness WE ARE LOOKING FOR WOMEN AGED 60+ WHO WANT TO IMPROVE THEIR HEALTH. VITALITY FITNESS CLASSES FOR WOMEN 60+ @ HIGH-DEFINITION FITNESS. 2 CLASSES A WEEK MONDAY AND FRIDAY @12 PM. START DATE: MONDAY 9TH OF SEPTEMBER FOR 4 WEEKS. What is it?? Vitality classes are open to all abilities and are aimed at improving your strength, coordination and balance in a fun environment using carefully planned out programs led by highly skilled instructors. Spaces are limited so to express your interest don’t hesitate to get in touch with us! CONTACT (045) 865789 or EMAIL Emer at info@highdefinitionfitness.ie

Personalised candles Memorial candles, Christening candles and more made to order If you would like more information Contact me today horancreations@gmail.com

Local beekeeper selling  100% Local Raw Honey.  From apiaries at Woodend Blessington. Honey 230 gm jars. Dark rich honey from Woodend, Sorrell Hill area. €8 per jar.  Delivery available. Contact John 0862572505

Cleaning lady Available  for weekends, Blessington Only Phone. 0899471410

CHOICE CHANCE CHANGE Blessington Further Education and Training Centre 045 891099 email:blessingtonfetc@kwetb.ie. We at Blessington Further Education and Training Centre are here to help you on your learning journey from 16 years onwards.  We offer part time and full-time courses using a flexible learning approach.  Most courses are daytime, but some are evening/night-time.   We offer noncertified courses which can be short courses.  We also offer longer term courses which offer QQI certification.    This could be your stepping stone to further education opportunities. Our courses are free to participants. Drop into the Centre or phone 045 891099 or email blessingtonfetc@kwetb.ie We currently have the following courses starting in September 2024: Youthreach: West Wicklow Youthreach is an education programme for early school leavers aged 16-21. We offer QQI level 3 and 4 certifications, junior and leaving cert equivalent, and personal development programmes in a welcoming and supportive environment. Our programme is 2 years full time with a range of exciting course modules to capture all interests in areas such as Health & Fitness, Short Order Cooking, Science, Art & Design, Sustainable Education, and Technology. We also provide valuable practical and skills-based workshops and training which complement our academic offerings such as First Aid Response (FAR) and Manual Handling. Learners are supported to complete work experience, hone their individual strengths, and start planning their future path to the world of work or higher education. Part Time Courses: Childcare ELC Stage 2 – Monday and Wednesday nights 6.30 to 9.30 Painting Level 5 – Mondays 9.30 to 11.30 SNA Level 5 – Tuesdays 9.30 to 12.30 Spreadsheet Methods Level 5 – Monday and Wednesdays 9.30 to 12.30 Spreadsheet Methods Level 4 – Mondays 9.30 to 12.30 Business Administration Level 5 – Mondays and Wednesdays 9.30 to 12.30 IT/Computer classes – beginner and more advanced Develop/improve your English Reading and Writing Skills Maths – working on number skills CV Preparation /Interview Skills Study skills to support your return to education Gardening QQI level 3 Hair dressing – blow drying , Art for beginners.

Russborough House and Park has an opening on our House Keeping team.  3-4 days per week, including some weekend work.  Please contact Jill Robins on 045 865239 or info@russborough.ie.

Ramblers rest function room now available for private hire catering for all your events,  family gathering, birthday parties, christenings, funerals. All catering requirements available. Beer Garden open. Back lounge open showing all live sports events on our big screen. Live music every sat and lots more to exciting events to come. Contact Laura@0830980194

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

To Let Very nice self-contained private office at Aran Centre, Blessington opposite Aldi.  From €125 per week plus VAT.  Contact Sean on 087 8175227.

Building & Roofing Contractor Available All Roof Repairs, Slates, Tiles, Lead Valleys, Velux Windows, PvC Fascia & Soffit, Extensions, Attic Conversions & Renovations. All Work Guaranteed Niall Kearns 0862746969.

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

The Avon has a number of functions rooms available to hire for your next special occasion. Email us at info@theavon.ie and we can send on our 2024 brochure Mark Hyland Solicitors Main Street, Blessington Phone number: 045-851149 Email: markhylandsolicitors@gmail.com

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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