A reflection from Canon Anthony

On Sunday, the church keeps Vocations Sunday, otherwise known as Good Shepherd Sunday. Our readings at the eucharist this week dwell on Christ’s care for his flock, and therefore ask us to reflect on how his ministry should be reflected in the ministry of the church and individual Christian believers.
 
For most of the centuries of Christendom (c.325-1850AD) vocation was linked to very particular types of calling: monastic vocation and ordination. This model was based on the idea of a common Christian identity across society, and therefore ‘calling’ being a somewhat specialist matter which was mainly applied to those who might be regarded as religious professionals.
 
The end of Christendom, and therefore the assumption that all in society are at least nominally Christian, has made the church aware that calling is not something that applies only to a small group of specialist Christians. Instead, the church has become aware of the radical nature of baptismal calling: like the first disciples, we are called by Christ to leave the past behind and be reborn into the life of Easter.
 
Therefore, calling is something for all of us to consider. What does it mean for me to be a Christian person in my everyday life? How, and when, do I pray and reflect? How do I spend my time and money? How is my faith reflected in my work and priorities? How does my faith manifest itself in the life of my family and my politics?
 
On this Vocations Sunday, we are asked to remember the baptismal call that Christ places on all of our lives and discover what it means to be those called into Christ’s flock.
 
The Reverend Canon Dr. Anthony Rustell,
Residentiary Canon 

Portsmouth Cathedral welcomes home organist Roger Sayer for a special "Interstellar" concert.

 
Portsmouth Cathedral is excited to announce a homecoming celebration for renowned organist Roger Sayer, who will return to his roots for a very special concert commemorating the 10th anniversary of Christopher Nolan's epic film "Interstellar," as well as the soundtrack composed by Hans Zimmer, with whom Roger collaborated on the organ pieces.
 
Roger Sayer's musical journey began in Portsmouth, where he was born and raised. At the age of 11, he had his first organ lesson at Portsmouth Cathedral, laying the groundwork for a remarkable career that has taken him to prestigious venues all over the world. Now he's returning to where it all began, to share his extraordinary talent with the community that nurtured it.
 
The concert promises to be an unforgettable experience for fans of both the film and exceptional music. Audiences can relive the magic of "Interstellar" as Roger Sayer performs the iconic soundtrack live on our Nicholson organ.
 
Tickets for this very special event are now on sale, and due to the anticipated high demand, early booking is strongly recommended. Don't miss your chance to be a part of this historic event as Portsmouth Cathedral welcomes back one of its own for an evening of music, memories, and celebration.
 
For tickets and more information,visit our websiteor book in person at the Cathedral Shop.
 
Book online →
  

Beating the Bounds - Sunday 5 May

 
On Sunday 5 May – Rogation Sunday - following the 11:00am Sung Eucharist we will walk the boundary of the Cathedral parish. This includes going along the seafront towards Clarence Pier and then through the City to the Guildhall.  
 
We hope the Lord Mayor may be able to meet us at the Guildhall as we pray for God’s blessing on our parish and our City through this coming year. We will pause to picnic also on the Guildhall Steps. After this we travel by train from Portsmouth and Southsea to Portsmouth Harbour, as the train track itself marks our parish boundary. Then we take the Gosport Ferry across the harbour and back – in recognition that the Cathedral parish boundary is on the Gosport side of the channel!
 
We go on to walk round outside the Dockyard and up to the International Ferry Port. The distance one way is about 4 miles. You can come part of the way or meet us and join in enroute if you prefer. You could walk back to the Cathedral at the end if you are feeling fit (about 1½ miles direct) or we can find a bus or arrange a car-share if preferred back from the Ferry Port. 
 
Please bring drinks and a sandwich - and sun cream if fine, or waterproofs if wet! It is a fun and friendly occasion, enjoying the open air and a chance to walk and talk together - and discovering more about our Cathedral parish.
 
More information and expressions of interest, please contact Canon Jo.

Christian Aid Week: 12–18 May

Christian Aid Week is coming soon. Last year the cathedral raised a magnificent £2500+, most of which came in envelopes from our church and local communities. Carole King and Sue Ward invited friends and neighbours to a Cream Tea, raising over £300.

This year, we would love it if as many people as possible would hold a similar event; a coffee morning, a tea party or even a slap-up meal in their own homes to raise as much money as they can for this very needy cause by inviting people we don’t reach normally!

Climate change, conflicts and rising prices are all having a devastating effect on the poorest countries especially in today’s troubled world. Please support them in any way you can this Christian Aid Week!

Please speak to Sue or Carole for more information

Congratulations to former Curate, Hannah Barraclough!

 
We're thrilled to share some exciting news with you all! Former member of our Portsmouth Cathedral team, Revd. Hannah Barraclough, has recently accepted a new position as Associate Vicar at Tewkesbury Abbey.
 
As she embarks on this new chapter at Tewkesbury Abbey, we have no doubt that Hannah will continue to shine brightly, bringing Hannah’s unique blend of skills, compassion, and dedication to Hannah’s new role. Though we miss Hannah’s presence here at Portsmouth Cathedral, we couldn't be prouder of Hannah’s accomplishments and are excited to see the incredible work Hannah will undoubtedly undertake at Tewkesbury Abbey.
 
Please join us in congratulating Hannah on her new position and wishing her all the best in this exciting journey ahead!
  

Friends of Portsmouth Cathedral

 
The Spring edition of the Friends Newsletter, which includes a round-up of news, including the Friends Relaunch Event on 11 June to which all are welcome, has been sent to members.   Members who have not received a copy should contact  the Friends throughfriends@portsmouthcathedral.org.ukor 023 9289 2963.
  

Summer Celebration Saturday 1 June

 
Plans are coming together for our community wide Summer Celebration event on Saturday 1 June.  Turning our April Fool joke into reality, is Em’s Friendly Farm and helping the children become animals, will be face painter Steph from Fantazzy Face Painting.
 
Raffle prizes are steadily coming in including a Framed A4 Print of Old Portsmouth (Spice Island) at Sunset from Williamson Photography, Greek cold pressed oil from Julie at Mama’s Olive Oil, an Arts & Crafts Hamper from Jenny at The Creation Station and much more… 
 
Running from 11:30am for 3 hours, the Summer Celebration will include live outside entertainment by Jazz & Easy-listening singer ‘Stacey Mogg’, BBQ, strawberries and cream, children’s activities, lots of cathedral led stalls such as ‘Douse the Dean’, raffle, bottle tombola, cupcakes, books, jigsaw, flowers etc as well as stalls lead by local charities and community groups.  
 
Want to get involved before or on the day? From painting to cupcake making, raffle ticket selling or prize gathering, event promotion and running a BBQ. If you have some time to spare before or on the day, please speak to Jude or Rachael. 
 
Thank you!
  

Election of non-executive Chapter Member

 
An election of a non-executive trustee will take place in electronically, between 26 April and 9 May.  All those on the Electoral Roll for whom we hold email addresses will receive an invitation to vote. 


All those on the Electoral Roll, Chapter and its committees should have received notification of the election and nomination process, which closed last week, via email.  Please contactelection@portsmouthcathedral.org.ukif you want to check whether or not we have an email address for you or contact the Cathedral Offices if you would like to know more about the voting process.


If you have any questions, please contact us atelection@portsmouthcathedral.org.uk or 023 9289 2963.
  

Revision of Electoral Roll and Annual Parochial Church Meeting

The revised version of the Electoral Roll is now on display in the Cathedral or in the Cathedral Offices.
 
This year's Annual Parochial Church Meeting and Parish Meeting will take place on Sunday 12 May at 12.30pm.  The APCM will include the presentation of the 2023 accounts. Apologies for meetings can be sent to info@portsmouthcathedral.org.uk.
 
The annual election of churchwardens will take place during the Parish Meeting. Nomination forms are available from the Cathedral Welcome area and also fromour website.
  

Chapter News

 
Chapter meets on Thursday to approve the 2023 annual accounts which were reviewed by the Finance Committee on Monday 15 April and will be presented to the APCM on 12 May 2024

Please find the agenda on ourdownloads page →
  

Join our team

Assistant Verger and Precincts Officer (Maternity Cover)

 
We will be advertising a vacancy shortly for a full-time (up to 40 hours per week)  Assistant Verger and Precincts Officer through Charity Job.  The opportunity is to provide cover from June while our Head Verger and Precincts Manager, Malina, is on maternity leave.  
 

Chapter – non-executive Trustees

 
The closing date for the current round of applications for new trustees, including a Senior Non-Executive Member (SNEM) and a Chair of Finance is 22 April.
 
We are looking for people who are willing to build on the commitment, enthusiasm and energy of current members who are nearing the end of their terms of office, and continue to broaden the diversity of thinking in Chapter.
 
While we are not looking for any specific skill set, successful candidates must be able to demonstrate that they have the experience and skills necessary for working at board level. 
 
For an informal discussion about these roles, please contact Dean Anthony or the Chief Operating Officer, Richard Abraham.
 
Learn more and apply online →

Prayers & Intercessions

We pray for: Alexander and Anna Harvey who were baptised recently. And Fredrikke Ralph-Troan who will be baptised this Sunday.
 
We remember the following for whom prayer has been asked by members of the Cathedral Community: Andrew, Duncan, Wendy, Jan, Chris, Aidan, Tom, Alison, Rosy, Richard, Catherine and all in need.  
 
We continue to pray for the long-term sick, including:  Muriel, Ann, Rachel, Suzy, John, Jill, Mathai, Philip, Alistair, Graeme and Janet.
 
We remember those who have died: Margaret Sherwin, Margaret Townson, Helga Higgins, Philip Hill, Michael Cooper and Graham Lloyd 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.

Have news or story you’d like to share? Submit a notice 📰