Carmel O’Neill sent us this latest update:
February 1st marks the feast of St Brigid, traditionally the beginning of Spring with the return of light and the growth of grass and crops.
The children from Lacken NS, who are preparing for Holy Communion took part in a special celebration to mark her feast day. Symbols of her faith and generosity to the poor were brought to the altar. These included her image bearing the Bible, St Brigid’s handwoven cross, butter and snowdrops. Children read prayers invoking her protection on our world and on the farming community in this all important growing season. A parent read the St Brigid’s blessing prayer for our homes, outhouses and animals. For those parents who were unable to attend the mass, we passed on the link to the prayer so that everyone was included in the blessing.
Blessington and Valleymount parish have welcomed many refugees from Ukraine and other countries into their community. To help them integrate and feel that they are part of our community, volunteers meet in the local library and in the Community Shed in Valleymount providing conversation classes in English. Many of those attending the classes are now volunteering themselves in our parish. We have been very fortunate in getting much needed help in our Tidy Town and Tidy Village projects and in providing extra support in our schools.
The Columban Missionaries recently announced a competition inviting students aged 13 to 18 to submit an original piece of writing or an image on the theme “Pilgrims of Hope”. The task is to highlight one community bringing hope into the world. This might be one that they are part of or one that inspires them e.g. teachers, supporters of migrants and refugees, climate change activists.
Prizes are given in both categories. Posters detailing the competition were posted in Blessington Community College, Blessington Library and the Parish Eco Board.
Before Christmas the parish office staff in Blessington placed a box at the back of the church for used stamps. These stamps are then sent to the Capuchin Day Centre in Dublin who in turn sell them to collectors. Proceeds from the stamps go towards providing food, medical services and family support in the centre.
Recently an ad was placed in the newsletter inviting parishioners to take away broken and used church candles for use at home.