Portsmouth Cathedral Reopens for Private Prayer

Portsmouth Cathedral will reopen for private prayer from Tuesday 16 June

On Tuesday 16 June, Portsmouth Cathedral will be opening our doors for anyone wishing to visit for private prayer. The Cathedral will be open each day between 11.00am and 2.00pm. Portsmouth Cathedral is proud to be a Cathedral for the whole community, a safe haven where people are able to take the time to offer a prayer, light a candle or simply reflect in a sacred space. We recognise that recent months have been extremely difficult for many people and a Chaplain will be on duty whenever we are open to talk and offer support.

The Cathedral is taking a number of steps, in line with national guidance, to place safety at the heart of our plans. This includes social distancing for prayer inside the Cathedral, thorough cleaning every day, and a team of staff and volunteers to welcome and ensure everyone’s safety.

 We will continue to offer online worship, pastoral support and to be active in the communities we serve. We look forward to the day when we can reopen fully for public worship.

Dean Anthony writes:

“I am absolutely delighted, as well as relieved, that we are now able to re-open the Cathedral.  It is true that for the time being this will only be possible for a certain number of hours each day, with some restrictions on numbers and distancing. Nonetheless I hope everyone will feel able to come and enjoy the sense of peace and prayer that infuses our building, and perhaps to light a candle and pray for those most seriously affected by COVID-19, and for an end to the pandemic.  We know how important Portsmouth Cathedral is to many people, and the Government announcement allowing this first phase of re-opening was extremely welcome.

We will be open on Tuesday 16 June, from 11.00am – 2.00pm, and for the same period each day thereafter, including Sundays. This will be kept under review, not least in relation to further advice and announcements from the Government and the national church. We have been making careful plans over a number of weeks to ensure that the Cathedral is a safe environment for everyone, with staff always on hand, and a one-way system involving entry and exit through the south door.

I look forward to welcoming all who would like to take this opportunity to return to Portsmouth Cathedral, or indeed to come for the first time.”

A prayer for the reopening of Cathedrals for private prayer, written by the Dean of Southwark:

Holy God,
as we open our doors
and welcome in those who will come
may we recognise you among them.
As we make our churches safe to enter
and care for those who come
may we recognise you
as our strong defence.
As we say our prayers and light our candles
may we recognise you in the midst.
As we resume our life and live our life
may we recognise you as our life
today, tomorrow, and always.  Amen.