Cathedral Notices - 31 May 2026
A reflection from Canon Jo
Three weeks ago, on Rogation Sunday, a group of us walked the cathedral parish boundary, re-enacting the ancient tradition of Beating the Bounds. When we arrived at the Guildhall (as the Cathedral boundary passes through the middle of Guildhall Square), we were met by the then Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Abdul Kadir and his wife Tahmina. They cordially welcomed us and offered greetings to the cathedral community and joined us in prayers for the city and local area. We were offered refreshments and invited to join in the Bangla Mela that was taking place – as Councillor Kadir has been a strong supporter of the Bangladeshi community since arriving in Portsmouth in 1984. Sadly we had to get on to the station to catch a train for the next stage of our walk, but it was a very generous offer.
On 19 May, Councillor Kadir was elected as the City’s 100th Lord Mayor – and we will be welcoming him here to the Cathedral on Sunday for the City Service Eucharist at 11am, this is a significant appointment in a significant year. Our new Lord Mayor has been deeply involved in the religious life of Portsmouth, contributing to the city’s rich cultural and spiritual landscape, and he served on the Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education (SACRE).
So we look forward to Sunday morning, with representatives here from many areas of our City’s life and the Cathedral Choir back specially from their half-term break to sing the popular Jazz Mass by Will Todd. Bishop Jonathan will also be here, having taken part earlier in the #PompeySunday service at 9:30am.
On Sunday evening at 5:30pm (please note the earlier time) we have the Installation of the new Archdeacon of the Isle of Wight, Barry Dugmore. Barry says, ‘It will be almost 25 years since I was ordained in the cathedral, so I’m thrilled at the timing of my installation and collation.’
So let’s pray for our new Lord Mayor and for Archdeacon Barry, giving thanks for their willingness to serve and asking God’s blessing on each of them for their time in office.
Community News
#PompeySundays Turns 5!
Last Sunday, on the feast of Pentecost, we celebrated the 5th birthday of our #PompeySundays service – marked in style with a delicious cake in the shape of a 5!
Our #PompeySundays service is a relaxed, café-style, all-age service held every Sunday from 9:30am – open to all, whether you're new to church or simply looking for something a little different.
It's been a wonderful five years watching this part of our cathedral community grow, and we look forward to seeing how it develops further.
Learn more about #PompeySundays here →
Congregational Lunch - Sunday 14 June
All are welcome to join us at a Congregational Lunch on Sunday 14 June following the 11 O'clock Eucharist. We will be enjoying…
Beef Lasagne (or veggie/vegan alternative)
followed by
Fruit cocktail & cream
made and donated by the congregation.
Please let us know if you and your family can stay after the 11 o’clock Eucharist or return after worship at the 8:00am or 9:30am services by adding your order to the signup sheet on the welcome desk or from our website.
Portsmouth Sing 100
On the weekend of 8-10 May the Cathedral Choir helped lead musical celebrations marking the centenary of the city. The Cathedral Choir sang Vespers at St John’s Cathedral re-affirming our partnership between our two cathedrals; we were part of 250 singers and orchestral players on stage at The Guildhall on Saturday 9 May with a concert of music by Parry, Rutter, Swain and MacDowell; and then Cathedral Consort sang a stirring Evensong on the Sunday to conclude the festivities.
Wednesday 3 June: Eve of Corpus Christi
We will celebrate Corpus Christi this year with a Sung Eucharist at 5:45pm on the Eve - that is, on Wednesday 3 June. The Day of Thanksgiving for the Institution of the Holy Communion celebrates the joy and solemnity of the Eucharist, and Christ's presence with us as we break bread together and look forward to the feast of God's kingdom. Traditionally called 'Corpus Christi,' is always kept in the week after Trinity Sunday. This year because of the Cathedral Choir tour to Normandy for the D-Day82 commemorations, there will be a Sung Eucharist (with a cantor) at 5:45pm on Wednesday 3 June.
There will also be a said service of Holy Communion at 8am on Thursday 4 June.
Top-up the Tower - we need your help to protect and preserve our historic belfry!
Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we have already raised £6,770 since opening this appeal - but there is still a distance to go.
To secure the future of this treasured part of our cathedral, we need to reach £50,000 by the end of July so that vital repair and restoration works can begin in September.
Every pound you give – whatever you can afford – brings us one step closer to preserving this landmark for generations to come.
Please donate today.
City Service Eucharist - this Sunday
We look forward to welcoming the new Lord Mayor, City Councillors and representatives of the life of the City to the annual service at 11:00am which is being held this year on Trinity Sunday. All are welcome as we continue to celebrate Portsmouth 100. The music will include Portsmouth Jazz Missa Brevis composed by Will Todd and sung by the Cathedral Choir.
DDay 82
The Cathedral Choir is heading off to sing for DDay82 events in Normandy this coming week. The Boy Choristers, Lay Clerks and Choral Scholars will be singing at events in Bayeux, Caen and Arromanches which include the British Normandy Memorial in Ver-sur-Mer and the annual Memorial at Bayeux Cathedral on Saturday 6 June.
Evening Prayer will be said at 4:00pm on Thursday and Friday while the Choir is away.
Friends of Portsmouth Cathedral
The Friends host a number of events throughout the year for members and non-members alike. The next event is a Coffee Morning on Monday 8 June from 11:00am in the Nave. Our guest speaker will be the Cathedral’s Learning and Schools Officer, Diana Hutchins, who will talk about the educational and learning experiences for children offered by the Cathedral. All welcome.
Read more about the work of the Friends and membership →
Seafood on the Green - Summer Raffle News!
Escape the crowds on the 4 July and join us for some al fresco dining at Seafood on the Green — enjoy a wonderful lunch and support our Cathedral choristers.
Don’t forget our Summer Raffle, tickets available at the Cathedral Shop, with some fantastic prizes to be won including:
First Prize — £100 worth of Marks & Spencer vouchers
Second Prize — £50 Portsmouth Theatre vouchers
Third Prize — Trio of wine
Plus a selection of beautiful hampers and prizes, including a Portsmouth Print kindly donated by local artist Dave Thompson, Lancôme perfume set and a variety of vouchers for local businesses.
There’s something for everyone! Raffle tickets are available from the Cathedral Shop and all proceeds from the event and raffle will go towards supporting our Cathedral choristers. With Thanks to event sponsor Chinneck Shaw.
For more about Seafood on the Green and to book tickets, see our website.
Prayers & Intercessions
We remember those for whom prayer has been asked by members of the Cathedral Community: Simon, Don, Pauline, Hillary, John, David, Ann, Marion, Gordon, Jean, Andrew, Tom, Matthew, Paul, Sylvia, and Anne.
We continue to pray for the long-term sick, including: Phil, Wynne, Nigel, Jill, Abbie, Martin, Colin, Richard, Hazel, Spencer, Karen, Jennifer, Carole, Davina, Mathai, Philip, Chris, Graeme, Alistair, Ralph, Lila, Lotti.
We remember those who have died recently, including: The Revd Mary Tilman, Sam Samji, Edward Stanley, Ron Silverthorne, and Annabel Benton, RIP.