Portsmouth Cathedral

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Weekly Notices | Sunday, 21 November 2021

A reflection from Kitty Price

I’ve nearly run out of words. This is an unusual admission from a chatty person, but I feel like I’ve reached saturation point and have nothing left to say. I think it is probably because we’re at a crunch point in the autumn term and I’m a bit peopled out. I have the luxury of being able to have a quiet day on Saturday to build up my reserves and find some more words, plus the knowledge that there are only three weeks left of term.

HM The Queen does not get that luxury. Until very recently she has had a very active timetable. Much has been expected of her and she has seemingly fulfilled the role of monarch in an increasingly appreciated way. David will tell you that I’m not a natural monarchist, but I am a fan of HM The Queen - I am sure she’ll be thrilled to know! Her sense of service is exemplary and unwavering. I know she has everything provided for her, but she takes her role as monarch seriously. I wonder how she felt knowing that we were watching her during the funeral of the Duke of Edinburgh. Public grief is a burden. God knows this.

No earthly monarch or ruler is perfect as they are, after all, human. The image and concept of monarchy is fitting this weekend as we celebrate Christ the King, a feast that was formalised by Pope Pius XI in the 1920s. He wanted the Church to affirm once again that the faith offered hope. Through insecurities and dwindling public faith, people were putting their trust and hope in world leaders, when it would be better placed in God. Christ the King was an opportunity to affirm Christ’s kingship in our lives - a kingship that is both humble and holy, the king of kings. We need to ask ourselves what role do we play in the Kingdom of God? Do we let Christ reign in our lives?

This Sunday is more commonly known as Stir up Sunday because of the post communion collect: ‘Stir up, O Lord, the wills of your faithful people.’ Whether or not you are stirring your Christmas cake and / or pudding mixture later, consider how we can stir ourselves up to be the people God has called us to be? Also, today we bring the liturgical year to a close. Advent starts the process of waiting for the birth of the Messiah and I can’t wait. I may have found some more words by Christmas.


Kitty Price,
Cathedral Reader


Portsmouth Cathedral at the heart of Christmas this festive season


In 2020, many experienced a Christmas where so many of the ways we traditionallymark the season were denied them. This year, Portsmouth Cathedral welcomes all to celebrate this extraordinary time of the year in a variety of ways, ranging from heart-warming events to traditional carol services.

All are invited to all to discover or rediscover the good news the Christmas season celebrates, and Portsmouth Cathedral will be at the heart of Christmas this festive season. The Cathedral’s choirs will once again be uplifting spirits with joyful music throughout the Christmas period, with services continuing to be safe and comfortable for all to join. Selected services including carols, crib services and Midnight Mass will also be available to stream online, letting you join in the celebration and worship easily from home.

Booking for Christmas services


We want to ensure everyone feels as safe and comfortable as possible when joining us this Christmas, so once again we’ll be providing booking for our most popular Christmas services. Online booking is available for all our carol services and our two crib services via our website. Tickets will be limited to six spaces per order; if you wish to book more tickets you will need to complete a second order. All seating will be unreserved, except for those who require a wheelchair space and for BSL users who are attending the BSL interpreted carol service (22 December).

Find out more and book online →

If you’re unable to book, or simply would like to join us on the day, a number of spaces will continue to be available on the door.

Join us for the first Christmas Gift Market with Love Southsea


New for 2021, we are working in partnership with Love Southsea Markets to bring a magical two-day Christmas shopping event to Portsmouth Cathedral. We’ll be welcoming a variety of local makers and artisans with home ware, gifts, jewellery and more.

On Friday evening enjoy a special festive service with the Portsmouth Cathedral Choir, accompanying a wonderful night of shopping and socialising with friends and family. Saturday we are hugely honoured to have the full UVG choir along with Portsmouth superstar Amba Tremain. Don’t miss this singing performance from 12:00pm to 2:00pm on the Saturday. Adding to this Christmas extravaganza we are pleased to announce that the cast of Curtain Call Productions, starring in this year’s panto at Portsmouth Guildhall will also be popping by for a meet-and-greet.

Come on down for two days of great shopping, beautiful music, and tasty street food in one of Portsmouth’s most iconic landmark buildings.

Find out more here →

Only 2 weeks to the Cathedral Christmas Fair on 4 December!


With just two weeks until the Portsmouth Cathedral Christmas Fair, make sure you have the date and time in your diary – Saturday 4 December from 11:00-1:30pm – for what promises to be a great return to this annual tradition.

Wonderful raffle prizes to be won:fancy winning dinner for two at a top Portsmouth restaurant? This and many other fantastic prizes are available in our Christmas Raffle, with all proceeds supporting our ministry. Tickets are on sale in the shop for you to buy or take to sell (don't forget to return completed stubs for the draw). The draw will take place during the Christmas Fair on 4 December.

Help spread the word:Christmas Fair fliers are available from the shop so please take some and distribute to family and friends.

Donations are still very much welcome: please deliver them to the Cathedral from 9:00am to 5:45pm on Friday, 3 December:

  • Bottles - need not be alcohol for the Tombola

  • Jewellery, scarves, bags, and accessories

  • Books and jigsaws

  • China and Glass

  • Chocolate for the Tombola

  • Christmas decorations and plants

  • Preserves

  • Toiletries

  • Toys and Children's clothes.

  • Homemade cakes for the cake stall (frozen or baked fresh on the day)

  • Please, no bric-a-brac donations this year – thank you.


What’s happening on the day of the Fair? There will, of course, be all the usual stalls filled and overflowing with goods. Santa will also be there in his Grotto: entry is only £1 per child.

Feeling peckish?Then join us for a ploughman's lunch or soup and sandwiches in Becket Hall; you’ll also find traditional mulled wine available in the Cathedral.

Chapter met on Wednesday, 17 November for its last meeting of 2021.


Amongst a full agenda, Chapter reviewed governance arrangements, endorsed the recent statement by the Diocese relating to Ghana, agreed the 2022 fees for services and use of the Cathedral and Cathedral House, discussed the recent visit from the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue service and the steps now being taken as a result of their helpful findings, reviewed progress on our review of Equality and Diversity and discussed preliminary ideas for the 2027 centenary.

Chapter noted that the likely management account deficit for 2021 would be less than the £108,312 previously forecast, barring any unforeseen events in the last 6 weeks of the year.

Current vacancies


We are currently recruiting for an Assistant Verger and Precincts Officer, working with our existing verger team to manage our historic cathedral.

Please help us to find some brilliant candidates by sharing this roles with your family, friends and wider networks. For details of our current staff and volunteer opportunities see our careers page for further information.

Shop closing early


The Cathedral shop will close at 2pm on Sunday 21 November, due to a service of Baptism in the Cathedral. You can still browse and shop online.


Worship and Visiting

Portsmouth Cathedral is open daily for prayer, services and visiting. Booking is no longer required for services, unless otherwise indicated. You can find out more on our website , where you can also download orders of service.

We continue to take every precaution to reduce the spread of coronavirus, including encouraging the wearing of face-coverings, checking in with the NHS Covid-19 app and remaining at a safe distance from other groups. Further information can be found on our Covid-19 information page.

Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of Completion of Nave


We’re pleased to be welcoming Bishop Graeme Knowles as our preacher at the 11:00am Eucharist during our Dedication Festival on 28 November, the nearest Sunday to the 30th anniversary of the completion of the Cathedral Nave. Bishop Graeme was formerly Chaplain and Precentor at Portsmouth Cathedral (1981-87), Archdeacon of Portsmouth and Dean of St Paul's, he has recently been elected as the Master of the Worshipful Company of Musicians.

Dean Anthony Preaching at Winchester Cathedral


Dean Anthony is preaching at the Festal Eucharist for Christ the King at Winchester Cathedral at 11:00am on Sunday 21 November.

Find out more and stream via Winchester Cathedral →


Prayers and Intercessions

All those affected by COVID-19

We remember the following for whom prayer has been asked by members of the Cathedral Community: Derek, Clare, Mervyn, Beverley, Richard, Aaron, Jane, Alan, Libby, Lesley, Hilary, David, Stan, Andrew, Jean, Amanda, and all those in need.

Long-term sick including: Alison, Graeme, Christopher, Clifford, Jane, Johnny, Melissa, Jenny, Suzy, Sarah, Bob, Michael, Rita, John and Izzy.

We pray for those who have died recently: Jeffery Bell, Tony Allen, and Angela Carpenter RIP.


Upcoming Services & Events

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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 pastoral@portsmouthcathedral.org.uk or leave a message via phone on 023 9282 3300.

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