Weekly Notices | 29 June 2025
A Reflection from
Canon Nick
There are four points in the year in our church calendar when in a single week, the Wednesday, the Friday, and the Saturday are set aside as ‘Ember days’. These are days of prayer, fasting, and abstinence. Dating from as far back as the 3rd century, it is traditional for ordinations to take place on the Saturday of the Ember week associated with this time of year. Depending on when you read this, Bishop Jonathan will ordain / will have ordained 10 Deacons (including our own Kitty and Chris) on Saturday morning, and 18 priests on Saturday afternoon.
These are very moving and awe-inspiring events as well as a time for great celebration. They mark a key moment in the vocational journey of those being ordained but they are also a moment for each of us, whether ordained or not, to consider the vocation to which God has called us. God doesn’t just call people to be deacons, priests or bishops, but also health workers, carers, teachers, administrators, in fact it could be almost anything (emphasis on the almost!). What is your vocation?
One of the most important elements in an ordination service is that the whole congregation gets to take part by singing, responding, and participating in communion, as we see these candidates on the next stage of their journey. It is not a private service but includes some questions for the congregation who first have to agree that it is their will that they should be ordained, then commit to praying for them, and finally that they will uphold and encourage them in their ministry. They are then ordained by the Bishop, and also by, for, and with, the wider Christian community as well.
We all have a role to play in their ministry but also a role to play in the vocation and ministry of others on that journey as well. We might think more about how we uphold and support everyone in their ministry and right now these deacons and these priests in particular. Do we proceed through life expecting others simply to ‘get on and do their job’, or do we seek to encourage, build up, pick up when fallen? Do we give them positive feedback, courage, hope, care, and perseverance to continue?
It seems particularly appropriate that the New Testament reading on Sunday (Trinity 2) from Galatians 5, reminds us of those great attributes said to be the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, and how often are we told ‘to go out and bear fruit – fruit that will last’?
Those ordained will step into their new ministries this week to go out and bear fruit in a variety of different settings. Do pray for them and for their families and parishes. Here, we look forward to the annual Seafarers’ Service on Sunday morning with Canon Duncan Dormor, General Secretary of USPG and one of our Canon Theologians. In coming to that, as a Cathedral we are upholding and praying for all our seafarers in their various occupations. On Wednesday afternoon, Radio 3 will be broadcasting Evensong live from Portsmouth Cathedral (busy week for everyone especially our choirs and vergers). Come early if you want to be part of it or listen to on Radio 3. In doing so, you will be upholding our musicians and choirs in their vocation to provide excellent and beautiful music for the worship of Almighty God.
Canon Nick Ralph
Residentiary Canon
Dates for your diary…
Seafarers' Service – Sunday, 29 June at 11:00am
Choral Evensong - Live on BBC Radio 3 – Wednesday, 2 July at 3:00pm
Lunchtime Live - Kim Chin (organ) – Thursday, 3 July at 1:10pm
Patronal Festival Holy Communion – Sunday, 6 July at 8:00am
Patronal Festival Eucharist – Sunday, 6 July at 11:00am
Patronal Festival Evensong – Sunday, 6 July at 5:45pm
Community News
New COO appointment - Zoë Colbeck
The Cathedral has appointed Zoë Colbeck as Chief Operating Officer. She will begin work on Monday 30 June. Zoë joins the Cathedral with a wealth of expertise and experience, most recently from the Strawberry Hill House Trust as Executive Director. The Dean says, "I am delighted to welcome Zoë as our new Chief Operating Officer. She comes to us from the heritage sector with an impressive range of skills and experience well fitted to the next phase in our life and work as we move towards our centenary in 2027."
Zoë writes “I’m delighted to be joining Portsmouth Cathedral and to contribute to its life and mission. Having lived in Portsmouth for many years, I know what a vibrant and diverse city this is, one that is often undersold. I’m looking forward to helping the Cathedral play an even more active role in the community, serving as a beacon in people’s lives and ensuring it has a sustainable future at the heart of the city. With over 20 years of experience working with heritage buildings, I’m excited to bring that knowledge to support and strengthen this remarkable place.”
Cathedral Choir Valedictions
The Cathedral Choir's year is coming to a close and has been a remarkable one in so many ways - two tours, a BBC Music Magazine CD and article, numerous special services and events and still a BBC Radio 3 live Choral Evensong to come next Wednesday.
None of this would have been possible without our excellent teams of singers, chaperones, choir parents and music staff. And none more so than our vintage set of Scholars, Jimmy, Noah, Theo, Joel and Organ Scholar, Kim who have been a brilliant and talented set of young men with whom to work. We have also been blessed this year with a vintage set of boy and girl senior teams - we say thank you and adieu to Daniel, Niki, Anna, Dawn, as well as Max, Owen, Pippa and Libby. It has been an honour to watch them grow and develop in their music-making and we thank them for their commitment and loyalty to this place over a combined 47 years between the 8 of them!
But life moves on, and as I write this we are about to welcome next year's set of Scholars for an induction day, and we will welcome Henry, Sam, Alex, Eliot and William to the team next term and a new milestone has been reached in that we have70 choristerson our books for the first time - lots of new boys and girls have joined our junior choirs this year and you will soon see them appearing in the choirstalls as room is made by our departing singers.
Thank you to all who support this work.
Dr David Price
Vocation News!
We are delighted to announce that our very own verger, Ian Griffiths, has been recommended to train for ordination by the Bishop of Portsmouth. Ian has been discerning a call to ordination for many years, and it's wonderful that this has come to fruition at this point in time. Ian will begin training at Sarum College in Salisbury from September - on a part time basis. He will still continue to work as a verger here at Portsmouth Cathedral. We look forward to supporting Ian in his vocation journey, and learning from him as he goes forward!
Taking Small Steps Together: Plastic Free July at Portsmouth Cathedral
This July, we're joining millions around the world in taking part in Plastic Free July– a global movement encouraging everyone to reduce single-use plastic. At Portsmouth Cathedral, caring for creation is part of our daily rhythm, and this month we’re taking time to reflect on how small, thoughtful actions can have a lasting impact.
Behind the scenes, we’ve introduced a few changes to help reduce our environmental footprint. We’ve installed new bins across the site to support correct recycling and waste disposal. At our events, you’ll now find drinks served in cans rather than plastic bottles, and in the Cathedral Shop, we’re reviewing our product sourcing to favour items with less plastic packaging.
Everyone can take part – whether that’s swapping cling film for a reusable wrap, bringing your own shopping bags, or simply being more mindful of what you throw away. We’ll be sharing small tips and reminders throughout the month on social media using #PlasticFreeJuly. We hope you’ll join us as we take steps – big and small – towards a more sustainable future.
Wednesday Midday Holy Communion – 2 July
Next Wednesday (2 July) we will be offering our monthly midday Holy Communion service with prayers for wholeness and healing. Due to the rehearsals for BBC Radio 3 Choral Evensong to be broadcast live at 3pm that afternoon, any pastoral conversation following the midday Communion may need to take place privately.
Please note that the following week, there will be NO midday service of Holy Communion on Wednesday 9 July, due to the Diocesan Schools' Leavers Services taking place in the Cathedral throughout this week.
Tough Mudder Madness - 5 July
Some of our Choral Scholars and David Price are running Tough Mudder on Saturday 5 July, 12 obstacles over a 5km run at Belvoir Castle and lots of mud.
This madness is in a good cause - we are aiming to raise £2,500 for Macmillan Cancer Support. We're half way there in our fundraising - but any help you give to get us to the target amount (or beyond) by July 5 would be much appreciated.
You can donate here.
Congregational Lunch - 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! The booking form is available here and any offers of help would be gratefully received by Canon Jo.
Patronal Festival with the Friends
On Sunday 6 July the Cathedral celebrates its Patronal Festival.
The Friends of Portsmouth Cathedral warmly invite Friends to join in Evensong at 5:45 pm followed by drinks in a local pub for a welcome chat. Do come along and make the event a truly special celebration.
Krysia Butwilowska
Chair of the Friends
Baptism and Confirmation – 19 July
The next Confirmation service will be held on Saturday 19 July at 5:45pm here at Portsmouth Cathedral. If you are not yet confirmed and would like to be, please do have a chat with Canon Jo or Canon Harriet who will be able to give you more information and support you. The same applies if you are not yet baptised and would like to consider this next step - please do have a chat with one of the clergy.
Visit to sing at Salisbury
Last week our Boy Choristers made the trip to Salisbury Cathedral to sing Evensong with their choir. It was a special occasion on many levels but particularly for our Year 5 choristers who were able to meet up with former classmate, Edward who moved to Salisbury two years ago. After a fantastic and joyous evensong, we were treated to a BBQ in the grounds of the Cathedral School.
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.
You can find out more volunteering at the Cathedral here.
Opening Hours on 28 June
Please note that Portsmouth Cathedral will be closed to for tours and sightseeing on Friday 28 June, as we host two Ordination services at 11am and 4pm. All are warmly invited to join us for these special services, as well as watch online live.
You can find our full opening hours here.
Upcoming service and event updates
Word is Near
Please note that there will be no Word is Near on Wednesday 2 July due to the BBC broadcast taking place.
#PompeyTots
Please note that there will be no #PompeyTots on Wednesday 2 July due to the BBC broadcast taking place.
Cathedral Brownies
The Brownies who meet at in Becket Hall on Mondays in term time have spaces for new girls to join them. Brownies is full of firsts: girls can explore their creative side, get out into the great outdoors, learn how to look after themselves, others and the world we live in. If you know any girls aged 7-10 who would like to be a Brownie then please contact the unit by emailing portsmouthcathedralbrownies@outlook.com or registering your interesthereand selecting '12th Portsmouth (Cathedral) Brownies'.
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 29 June
Second Sunday after Trinity
8:00am – Holy Communion
9:30am – #PompeySundays
11:00am – Seafarers' Service sung by the Cathedral Choir (Boys)
5:45pm – Eucharist sung by the Cathedral Choir (Girls)
Prayers & Intercessions
We pray for: the Deacons and Priests ordained here, including our own Kitty Price and Chris Nicol: 10 Deacons - Mary, Nikki, Nathan, Jane, Abbie, Chris, Kitty, Rachel, Jane and Josh; 18 Priests - Emily, Lorraine, Tom, Lizzie, Rosie, Sandra, Polly, Charlotte, Kevin, Jo, Sue, Jo-Anne, Jo, Elizabeth, Paul, Sr Teresa-Lucia, Emma and Erica.
We remember the following for whom prayer has been asked by members of the Cathedral Community: Robert, Richard, Gordon, Erica, Michael, Carole, Nicky, Ken, Tina, Tom, Damaris, baby Lottie and baby Lily.
We continue to pray for the long-term sick, including: Marion, Graeme, Alistair, Chris, Suzy, Alison, Jill, Philip, Mathai and Spencer.
We remember those who have died recently, including: George Royle and John Austin 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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