Weekly Notices | 15 June 2025
A Reflection from
Canon Harriet
All that the Father has is mine. For this reason, I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.
This Sunday is Trinity Sunday and, as well as celebrating the Holy Trinity, it’s an opportunity to think more deeply about God as three in one: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Often when we talk about God, we fall into the trap of thinking we are trying to describe a concept, something “out there”, which we can formulate words to describe. God is love, we say, God is light and peace...but none of these descriptions really to do justice to God. And that’s because God is not so much “out there” as something to be defined but instead is experienced and encountered in our daily lives, and in relationship. The Holy Trinity – Godself – is a relationship between the three persons of God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. A relationship into which God call us to take part.
Psalm 8, which is set for this Sunday, takes the form of a reflection on the relationship between God, creation, and human life. It’s full of praise and adoration, and of wonder at what God has done in creation: “I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you have ordained”. And then suddenly, in the midst of this glory, the Psalmist is struck by their own insignificance and the wonder of existing at all : “what are mortals that you should be mindful of them, mere human beings, that you should seek them out? You have made them little lower than the angels, and crown them with glory and honour.”
In a week which has contained so much tragedy and sorrow across our world, perhaps it is helpful and hopeful to remember that God has crowned humanity with glory and that God’s love has already been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit. To remember God’s unshakeable promise that the kingdom belonging to Jesus, his son, belongs also to us, his children.
With the help of God, may we continue to work and pray for peace and reconciliation, and for justice and mercy, in our own lives and times.
The Reverend Canon Harriet Neale-Stevens
Canon Chancellor and Vice Dean
Dates for your diary…
Misa de los Mineros - Surtierra Touring Project - WemsFest – Saturday, 14 June at 6:30pm
The Word is Near – Wednesday, 18 June at 10:30am
#PompeyTots – Wednesday, 18 June at 2:00pm
Lunchtime Live - Musicians from PGS – Thursday, 19 June at 1:10pm
Corpus Christi Eucharist – Thursday, 19 June at 5:45pm
Royal Marines Association Concert Band – Thursday, 19 June at 8:00pm
Seafood on the Green – Saturday, 21 June at 12:00pm
Community News
Wind, wheels and a prayer: A Ride from Portsmouth to Winchester
On Wednesday morning, with the wind howling through Old Portsmouth, a small but mighty group of cyclists gathered outside Portsmouth Cathedral. Led by Dean Anthony, they set off on a two-wheeled pilgrimage to Winchester Cathedral—part of the nationwide Cathedrals Cycle Route Relay.
The plan? A breezy 30-mile ride through the Hampshire countryside. The reality? A bit more of a slog, thanks to some seriously stubborn headwinds. But spirits stayed high, and after a few extra stops and a lot of pedal power, the group rolled into Winchester just in time for evening prayer.
The Cathedrals Cycle Route is a 2,000-mile loop connecting all 42 Church of England cathedrals. It’s designed to be a fun, accessible way to explore faith, heritage, and the great outdoors—whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just dusting off your bike for summer.
You don’t need to wait for a relay event. The route is open all year round, and each leg is designed to be achievable in a day. So, whether you’re looking for a personal challenge, a group adventure, or just a new way to see the countryside and our beautiful cathedrals, this could be your sign to get pedalling.
Check out the full route, download maps, and start planning your own pilgrimagehere.
Celebrating 70 Years of Ministry
The Revd Arnold Bennett was warmly welcomed to Portsmouth Cathedral last Thursday by Canon Jo, on behalf of Dean Anthony. Arnold is marking the remarkable milestone of the 70th anniversary of his ordination as priest, which took place here at the Cathedral.
He was joined at Choral Evensong by members of his family for this special occasion. Arnold began his ministry as curate at Hayling South with North Hayling, and in recognition of his service, he was presented with a picture of St Mary’s Church by The Revd Nick Todd, current Priest-in-Charge of the churches on Hayling Island.
Credo: Why I Believe - this year's series of sermons by our Cathedral Honorary Canons
We are pleased to have the Honorary Canons of Portsmouth Cathedral preaching again this year on Sunday evenings at the 5:45pm service. The title for the sermon series is: "Credo: Why I believe..." as this is the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea which met after Easter in the year 325 and agreed what was to become known as the Nicene Creed.
This Sunday, we have Canon Annie McCabe (Vicar of St Luke's, Southsea) with us.
Canon Annie McCabe (Vicar of St Luke's, Southsea) - Sunday 15 June
Canon Richard England (Vicar of Crofton) - Sunday 20 July
Canon Will Hughes (Rector of Petersfield) - Sunday 3 August
Canon Susie Collingridge (Vicar of Steep) - Sunday 17 August
Canon Andrew Sheard (Vicar of Emsworth) - Sunday 24 August
Canon Andrew Hillier (The Chaplain of The Fleet) - Sunday 31 August.
An Evening with the Scholars – 23 June
Come and enjoy a short evening concert given by this year’s Portsmouth Cathedral gap-year scholars.
Theo, Joel, Jimmy, Noah and Kim will be joined by a few other musician friends, including some of our leaving choristers, to present a programme of solo and ensemble songs, both sacred and secular. This will be a perfect opportunity to hear these talented young people once more before they move on from Portsmouth in July, so please come and support them!
Congregational Lunch - Sunday 6 July
The next Congregational Lunch will now be on Sunday 6 July - the day of our Patronal Festival - after the 11am Eucharist. Please put the date in your diary! Booking forms will be available next week and any offers of help would be gratefully received by Canon Jo.
New Volunteering Group ‘The Linen Lights’
The Linen Lights are a new volunteer group dedicated to supporting the life of Portsmouth Cathedral by sharing the load of the Functions and Hospitality team. As a Linen Light, you’ll play a behind-the-scenes yet vital role in helping the Cathedral present at its best. In your own time, you’ll collect tablecloths and tea towels from the laundry basket, take them home to wash and iron, and then return them to the verger team, clean and ready for the next service or event. Your care ensures that every gathering, from receptions and social functions to conferences and markets, look smart and professional. Whether you’re a whizz with a steam iron or just enjoy a quiet moment of service, this is a flexible and valued way to contribute to the life of our Cathedral Church.
Ordination gift for Kitty and Chris
Just after Easter we were delighted to announce that Kitty Price and Chris Nicol, currently both Lay Readers and much appreciated members of the Cathedral’s ministry team, are to be ordained this Petertide. We subsequently communicated the parishes where they will serve their curacies; St Simon's Southsea (Kitty) and Holy Trinity Cowes (Chris). Now their ordination date is fast approaching - Saturday 28 June - and we continue to pray for them both. In addition to that, you are invited to contribute to an ordination gift for Kitty and Chris, as part of expressing our huge appreciation for all they have contributed to our life and work.
You can do this by leaving an envelope at the Cathedral Offices Contributions towards present can be made through the Cathedral Offices or by BACS (clearly marked ‘Kitty’ or ‘Chris’ as appropriate).
Verger Team
We are delighted to welcome back Malina Green, our Head Verger, following a period of maternity leave. It is lovely to have her calm and welcoming presence around the cathedral once again. In her absence Maria Kidd has done a brilliant job (for the second time) in stepping up to be Acting Head Verger. We are really grateful to her for all she has done over the past year, and overall are thankful for having such strong and dedicated verging team. Malina, Maria and Ian - thank you for all that you do.
Worship & Visiting
Every day, Portsmouth Cathedral is open for worship, prayer, and visiting. Unless otherwise specified, services do not require booking. Our website contains orders of service, as well as information about visiting the Cathedral.
Sunday 15 June – Trinity Sunday
One week after Pentecost, Trinity Sunday reminds us of the central insight of the Christian faith that God is not static, solitary or remote, but a dynamic relationship of love. We are invited into relationship with God, worshipped as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. This year is the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicea in 325AD which helped to put into words a statement about God as Trinity which we still use each Sunday as we pray.
8:00am - Holy Communion
9:30am - #PompeySundays
11:00am - Choral Eucharist sung by the Cathedral Choir (Boys)
5:45pm - Choral Evensong sung by the Cathedral Choir (Girls)
Prayers & Intercessions
We pray for: the Readers to be licensed here next Saturday: Sue, Samantha and Carolyn.
And all to be ordained Deacon or Priest here the following weekend, including Kitty and Chris.
We remember the following for whom prayer has been asked by members of the Cathedral Community: Marion, Michael, Carole, Nicky, Ken, Tina, Francine, Tom, Peter, baby Lottie and baby Lily.
We continue to pray for the long-term sick, including: Richard, Marion, Chris, Alistair, Graeme, Spencer, Suzy, Alison, Jill, Philip and Mathai.
We remember those who have died recently, including:
Jim Cane, Margaret Marsden, Albert Littlejohn and George Royle RIP.
Upcoming Services & Events
Getting in touch
Please feel free to get in touch if we can help in any way, or if you just want to hear another voice!
Get in touch with us by email to info@portsmouthcathedral.org.uk or leave a message via phone on 023 9282 3300.
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