Carmel O’Neill sent us this latest news from the parish:
To mark Easter Sunday, a special ceremony called Sonrise was held on Blackhill just outside Blessington. This was the idea of Rev Niall Stratford, the newly appointed rector to St Mary’s Blessington.
It was especially welcomed by the parishioners of Lacken who in recent years have been unable to celebrate Easter Sunday due to the shortage of priests. Fr Gerry explained that with the lack of manpower, we are going to have to find new ways of doing things and the traditional format of Holy Week ceremonies in every church cannot continue. We are being reminded of Pope Francis synodal path of silence, listening and praying to allow God to speak to us.
For the fifty two parishioners who assembled on Blackhill, this was very symbolic as we all joined in the readings prayers and singing to welcome the Risen Jesus over Blessington lake.
On Holy Saturday the Polish community came together in Blessington church for the annual blessing of baskets. Each child carried a basket of essential foods decorated with flowers.
(Permission given to use the above photo)
Fr Gerry gave an individual blessing for each food, beginning with bread, dairy, cake, meat and other produce. Members of the Pastoral Council invited the community for refreshments in the parish center as part of our outreach to new families in the parish.
For the final mass of preparation for Holy Communion, the parents in St Mary’s chose the theme of inclusivity for the mass. The children coloured flags representing all the nationalities in the group of 67 children who will receive Holy Communion in mid May. For children with additional needs, the logos of Autism.ie, Enable Ireland and Down Sydrome were included in the poster The display was a reminder that each child is a valued member of our parish community who deserves to be loved and respected.
