Weekly Notices | 24 December 2023
A Christmas reflection from Dean Anthony
As I write this, staff from BBC1 are in the Cathedral preparing for the live broadcast of our Midnight Mass. It is an exciting prospect, and a great privilege to offer Portsmouth Cathedral worship to a wider television audience. There is also a fascination in seeing how the BBC go about their work, with several days of preparation and rehearsal.
When we watch any live event on television, whether a coronation, a concert or a cricket match, we don’t expect to see the cameras or anything else going on behind the scenes. This year, with the rare experience of witnessing the workings of the BBC, it strikes me that at Christmas God reveals to us in a different way what is usually hidden and out of sight. It is a ‘reveal’ with shock value: the Creator of the Universe, often referred to in prayer as ‘Almighty God’, giving away all strength and power as they are usually understood. At Christmas God shows us the kind of love found in a helpless child in a cradle, and then in later life through death on a cross.
In a turbulent world we human beings are all too often focussed on our own safety and on being in control as much as we can. We are used to power being used coercively or corruptly. But this festival of Christmas tells us what Good Friday and Easter tell us, that God freely chooses to give himself away in love. The world we live in exists because of the overflowing love of God, who has given us something of his own life, inviting us to be so caught up in the self-giving life of Jesus that we want to live this way ourselves.
I am grateful that this year our Cathedral worship (enlivened by our wonderful choir) will, by God’s grace, be playing a part in celebrating this Christmas good news: both for those physically present and for those watching at home.
I wish you and your loved ones a blessed and joyful Christmas,
Dean Anthony
Community News
Midnight Mass at Portsmouth Cathedral: Your Essential Guide for attending.
Midnight Mass at Portsmouth Cathedral is just around the corner, and we want to ensure your experience is seamless and memorable. Here are some essential tips for attending the service at the Cathedral, which will also be broadcast live on BBC One and on iPlayer.
Read more →
Starting in the new year - The Word is Near
‘The Word is Near’ is a new group for those who would like to explore the Bible readings coming up each Sunday in our worship. Canon Harriet will lead us in a weekly reading group which will include prayer and discussion on the upcoming texts, as well as an opportunity for fellowship and the sharing of faith. You don't need to be an expert on your Bible to come to this group - all are welcome, and all that is needed is a willingness to read and reflect together!
Read More →
Cathedral Institute - Singing the Lord's Song: Music and our Encounter with God
Six talks to get you thinking, and maybe singing… Cheer up those winter nights with six talks that explore the relationship between music and our relationship with God. Starting on January 15 and running for the following 5 Monday evenings, from 7pm–8pm.
Read More→
New Head of Fundraising appointed.
The Cathedral is delighted to announce the appointment of CP Robinson as its new Head of Fundraising. CP joins the Cathedral from his current role as Head of Corporate Partnerships at the charity “Over the Wall.” He is also, in a voluntary capacity, a trustee and Campaigns Manager for the Portsmouth Pride Trust
His broad experience ranges from successful micro-donation campaigns to individual giving campaigns, to lottery and grant funding applications. His work has also involved securing funding from £8,000 to £1.5million and developing multi-year funding partnerships in the process.
Our COO Richard says, “It’s a great pleasure to welcome CP to the team. His work in Portsmouth as a successful fundraiser is well known. He brings the right experience to this role at the right time as we gear up our efforts to mark our 100th anniversary as a cathedral in 2027 and the 850th anniversary of Jean de Gisors gifting land to establish a chapel in memory of his late friend, Saint Thomas of Canterbury in 1180. Building on the success of initiatives, including the “Season of Generosity” which has seen an increase of 45% in planned giving, CP will help to secure funding to help us meet the Carbon Net Zero 2030 goals set by the Church of England and to help secure the long-term viability of all that we treasure here at the Cathedral of the Sea as well as new things that we may not even yet have thought to do!“
CP adds, “"I am delighted to accept the role as Head of Fundraising at Portsmouth Cathedral, a role I undertake with great enthusiasm and commitment. As we embark on the journey towards the Centenary in 2027, I am honoured to contribute to the Cathedral's legacy and growth. Having worked for several years to support the relationship between Portsmouth Cathedral and my voluntary work with Portsmouth Pride, alongside building a career in fundraising and development within young people and disability charities, I am now privileged to take on this pivotal role. My focus is to spearhead the income development of the Cathedral by implementing new and innovative fundraising events & campaigns, as well as advancing capital fundraising projects. This strategic approach aims to secure the sustained flourishing of the Cathedral, ensuring its significance in heritage, culture, music, worship, and community endeavours remains a cornerstone of our city's history."
CP starts with us in late January 2024. Chapter would like to thank and acknowledge the Cathedral Sustainability Fund for their support in funding this permanent position for the first year.
Office available for rent in Cathedral House
A small office suitable for a person looking for an office outside the home or a single person operation has become available in Cathedral House. If you are interested or know someone who is then please email richard.abraham@portsmouthcathedral.org.uk
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 this weekend’s live broadcast by the BBC, it is necessary to make some changes in the opening times at Portsmouth Cathedral.
Sunday 24 December
Cathedral open – closing at earlier time of 4:00pm
Services include 8:00am Holy Communion, 11:00am Eucharist and Crib Services at 2:00and 3:30pm.
There will be no #PompeySunday service.
Doors open for Midnight Mass at 10:15pm, last admittance at 11:15pm.
Monday 25 December
Cathedral open from for visiting and private prayer from 7:30am to 2:00pm
Christmas morning services include 8:00am Holy Communion, 9:30am #PompeySundays, and 11:00am Eucharist.
Tuesday 26 December to 5 January
Cathedral open for visiting and private prayer daily from 8:45am to 4:30pm
See our service list for adjusted service times.
Our Shop remains closed until 16 Jan.
Thursday 28 December
Cathedral open for visiting and private prayer daily - some areas of the Cathedral may be inaccessible due to the de-rig of BBC broadcast equipment.
We may need to close areas of the Cathedral without notice.
Follow signage for changes to entrances that may be in place.
Please keep an eye onour websiteand social media for any additional changes to our services or opening hours. If you have any queries, please get in touch.
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 Statuteshere.
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 →
Join the Team
Would you like to join the Cathedral team in either a temporary or permanent part-time role. We’re looking for two versatile people to fill part-time Administrative Assistant roles from early 2024. The posts offer the opportunity to work across the wide range of the Cathedral's activities and provide a central resource across alongside existing staff.
Closing date for applications is 23:59 on Sunday 21 January with interviews week commencing 29 January.
Further details and applicationshere.
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.
Changes to #PompeySundays this weekend
Please note there will be a #PompeySundays 9:30am service on Christmas Day, 25 December, but we will not be meeting on Sunday 24 December.
We look forward to celebrating with you on Christmas Day!
Prayers & Intercessions
We remember the following for whom prayer has been asked by members of the Cathedral Community: Philip, Judith, Alison, Nuno, Myrna, Rosy, Mathai, Philip, Chris and all in need.
We continue to pray for the long-term sick, including: Ann, Ian, Janet, Renee, Richard, Rachel, John, Jill, Suzy, Alistair and Graeme.
We remember those who have died: Anne Russell, Maureen Capel-Edwards, Oonagh Knight, Piers Slinn 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 📰