Weekly Notices | 17 December 2023
A reflection from David Price
I’m writing this on Friday from a coach full of 21 excited Girl Choristers as we start our journey to Belgium for their first choir tour since the pandemic. We’re going to be singing the International Mass at Antwerp Cathedral tomorrow afternoon then an 8pm Christmas Concert at St Warburg Church. Then on Sunday we will help lead worship at St Charles Borromeo Church in Antwerp before heading to Malines Cathedral (Mechelen) to sing Evensong.
These trips are important musical milestones for our choirs and a huge morale boost and team building exercise. But for me, one of the most important aspects is the opportunity to worship with fellow Christians across Europe. This will be particularly poignant on Sunday afternoon for we shall be at the site of the ‘Malines Conversations’ which took place 100 years ago (between 1921 in 1927) between the Church of England and the Roman Catholic Church as the first attempts at ecumenism. Our Evensong will be attended by the Cardinal of Mechelen.
I’m grateful to the team that have helped plan our tour, the cathedral admin staff and our tour leaders and adult singers.
Thanks too to the cathedral team at home who are hosting Film Nights today and tomorrow at the cathedral and our Anna Chaplaincy team offering Coffee and Carols tomorrow at 11am. And to Sachin and Consort and all who will be leading worship at Portsmouth this Sunday.
Canon Harriet has just prayed us on our way at the start of the journey.
‘May your journey be one of faith and fun’. What a good maxim for us all.
David Price
Community News
Early Christmas present for Portsmouth Cathedral with achievement of Eco Church Silver Status.
Portsmouth Cathedral proudly announces its achievement of the Eco Church Silver award, a significant milestone in its unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability. Recognising the importance of A Rocha's Eco Church initiative, the Cathedral has emerged as a beacon of green living, showcasing a remarkable journey from bronze to silver, being only the 17th Cathedral to achieve this prestigious award.
Read more online →
Changes to opening times during Christmas and New Year 2023
As we approach the festive season, more will be happening in the Cathedral, therefore it is necessary to make some changes in the opening times at Portsmouth Cathedral.
Please keep an eye on our website and social media for any additional changes to our services or opening hours. If you have any queries please get in touch.
Choir Tour to Belgium
For the first time since the pandemic, our Girl Choristers are off on tour! They will be singing in Antwerp and Malines for concerts and services.
A particular highlight will be singing Evensong at Malines Cathedral - the site of extensive conversation between the Roman Catholic Church and the Church of England - led by the then Lord Bishop of Winchester. The service will be attended by the Cardinal.
Then we return for a busy week of services with both our choirs singing for Carol Services and the BBC Midnight Mass.
New Constitution and Statues
Following consultation, Portsmouth Cathedral came under its new Constitution and Statutes on Monday 11 December as part of the Cathedrals Measure 2021, which strengthens governance in all cathedrals. The Cathedral will come under the joint jurisdiction of the Church Commissioners and Charity Commission for England and Wales on 11 March 2024.
Over the next three months we will be recruiting for new non-executive members of Chapter. New Role Descriptions will be published available and all applications will be considered by the newly formed Nominations Committee.
Read the new Constitution and Statutes here.
Local Food Bank Donations
As winter begins to bite the need for food for the Food Bank has never been more urgent. Please donate what you are able; cans, pasta, rice, and any dry foods are much appreciated. Don't forget that we also need personal hygiene and cleaning products.
This is an important practical witness of our faith, you can find a collection point at the Cathedral in the North Entrance Corridor.
Early Music March
Join us in March 2024 to celebrate the world of Early Music with a series of special events and Services.
Starting on Friday 15 March with an evening concert, supported by the Friends of Portsmouth Cathedral, which will be a unique in-the-round concert performed by Red Priest in the stunning setting of the Cathedral’s Quire.
Following this, on Saturday 16 will be our annual performance of Handel's Messiah. Performed by Portsmouth Cathedral Choirs and Capelle Baroque, this special concert is played with period instruments of the time in which Messiah was composed.
To complete the weekend, on Sunday 17 March the 11am Eucharist will also feature period instruments as well at 5:45pm Evensong.
Book tickets online →
Yoga dates now available to book for 2024
We are delighted to welcome back Kat Waters who will continue running yoga sessions in the Nave throughout 2024.
Each class will begin with guided breathwork, gradually building to a Hatha Vinyasa Flow class that focuses on moving with the breath and building a safe and strong practice. Participants of all levels and abilities are welcome.
Book online →
Cathedral Christmas Fair Update
The Christmas Fair last Saturday was a fabulous community event and raised £1,000 more than last year! The revamped Santa’s Grotto delighted children from across the city and the dedicated teamwork of the volunteers allowed a wide range of stalls to run, making the event a huge success.
Despite the shocking weather more than 300 people visited the fair in just three hours. The fair raised nearly £6,200 to support the mission of our Cathedral Church. In addition, some stalls supported the work of the Roberts Centre and our link Diocese of Sunyani, Ghana as well as the Portsea Men’s Shed and Veterans’ Outreach Support. The Cathedral Shop had another very busy day with the new range of Christmas gifts proving very popular.
Thank you all those who made items for the fair including Cakes, Jam and Meg's wonderful, handcrafted bags. The team involved with the raffle also deserve a special mention as the raffle took over £1,100 and our thanks to all those in the community who donated prizes including the Historic Dockyard, Brasserie Blanc, The Bridge Tavern, Horatio’s Restaurant, Caravan Studio, Port Coffee at Aspex, Fish, Glow Method, Ruth Waldron Studio, Wightlink and Camber Wines.
Dean Anthony remarked, “On behalf of the entire Cathedral community, I want to express my thanks and that of Chapter to Rachael, her organising team and all of the volunteers for delivering such a wonderful Christmas Fair – it was a really lovely event for the whole community, as well as raising much needed funds.”
Dr David Price said “Thank you to all the chorister parent team who did such a fantastic job at the Mulled Wine Bar, The Chorister Games in The Fayre and for the superb lunches in Cathedral House – particular thanks to Susan, Matt, Kathryn, SJ and the whole team. This event was a brilliant example of how all facets of the Cathedral family can come together for such a superb event AND raise useful funds to ensure the choristers continue to benefit from tours and treats in reward for all their hard work for the Cathedral. Thank you!”
Volunteer Coordinator Rachael said, “Thanks again to everyone who was involved in making this event such a success, both to those who volunteered on the day and everyone who donated and made goods.”
Midnight Mass to be broadcast live on BBC One from Portsmouth Cathedral.
Portsmouth Cathedral is delighted to announce that its Midnight Mass service on Christmas Eve will be broadcast live on BBC One. This is a great opportunity to share the joy and hope of the season with millions of viewers across the country and beyond. The service will feature traditional carols, readings, and prayers. The Dean of Portsmouth, The Very Revd Dr Anthony Cane, will introduce and lead the service with The Bishop of Portsmouth, The Rt Revd Dr Jonathan Frost, preaching.
All are welcome to join this service, and no booking is necessary for this or any of our other Christmas services. Please see our website for times and details of security and bag checks that will be in place for this service.
Read more →
Christmas Shopping Dates
Our shop is full to the brim with unique decorations and handpicked gifts, perfect for yourself or loved ones this Christmas. The last date for shipping has passed but you can place click and collect orders until Tuesday 19 December.
Shop Closed from Monday 25 December – opening early January (see next week’s notices)
Our shop is open throughout the week, or you can shop online.
Christmas Poinsettia Donations
Each Christmas our Flower Guild transform the Cathedral with festive floral displays, including Poinsettias. A small donation helps make this possible, if you would like to donate, donate in-person at the Cathedral by including one the forms available at the Welcome Desk with your donation or you can donate online.
Burns Night Ceilidh, 25 January – now booking
Join us for a spectacular evening of Scottish revelry at the historic Portsmouth Cathedral. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of this Burns Night Ceilidh, featuring live music, delectable food, and energetic dancing!
See more and book online →
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.
Prayers & Intercessions
We remember the following for whom prayer has been asked by members of the Cathedral Community: Philip, Judith, Anne, Alison, Nuno, Myrna, Rosy, Mathai, Philip, Chris and all in need.
We continue to pray for the long-term sick, including: Ann, Ian, Janet, Alistair, Graeme, Renee, Richard, Rachel, John, Jill and Suzy.
We remember those who have died: Oonagh Knight, Piers Slinn, Neil Payne, Kathleen Davies 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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