Weekly Notices | 4 February 2024
A reflection from David Price
In the Song School there is a little sign that marks the sleeps to Christmas. Writing this on Friday 2 February and The Feast of Candlemas it is precisely 327.
Today marks the end of the Season of Christmas and Epiphany – we’ve only just taken down our Christmas Tree and decorations at home and the wreath on the front door will be put away today. None of this 12thnight of Christmas nonsense for us! And before we turn our backs on the last month or so, how good it was to be chosen by the BBC to host this year’s Midnight Mass from Portsmouth – we are still receiving notes of appreciation from people all over the UK and further afield for what they all described as a meaningful and inspiring act of worship. It was also good to see that attendance at our services was the highest it has been since 2017 – and this even with one less carol service due to BBC rehearsal schedules. We also opened our doors to ever more people at events like our Christmas Fayre and Market, Xmas Film Screenings and school services.
And today, the mid-point between the two great Feasts marks the moment when we turn from Christmas towards Lent, Holy Week and Easter; from The Cradle to The Cross, if you like. We welcome Bishop Jonathan and Anna Chaplains to mark this in liturgy and music tonight at 5.45pm for a Candlemas Eucharist. The choir sings the Nunc dimittis, the canticle of Simeon when he and Anna were confronted with the child Jesus in the Temple.
You can read later the Notices and on the website on how we shall be marking Lent, Holy Week and Easter here this year. Canon Harriet has secured an exhibition of wonderful art and will be reflecting on these in talks and preaching. We have a feast of Early Music in workshops, services and concerts in mid March and we will also welcome a visiting preacher once again in Holy Week.
Join us to explore the Christian faith in any or all of this programme over the 40 days of Lent – you will be most welcome.
David Price
Master of the Choristers and Organist
Community News
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Palm Crosses
Please bring your last year’s palm crosses to the vergers by Tuesday, 13 February so that they can be burnt for use on Ash Wednesday. A basket is available in the welcome area, or please ask one of our team if you require any assistance.
Racial Justice Sunday
On Sunday 11 February we look forward to welcoming the Revd Rajiv Sidhu, Curate at St Mary's, Fratton, as our preacher at our morning services. Rajiv is a curate at St Mary's and a member of the Diocesan Racial Justice Group.
Pilgrim Course for Confirmation & Exploring the Faith
The Pilgrim Course is for you if you would like to learn more about the Christian faith or would like to be confirmed. The course will run for 4 weeks, starting on Monday 26th February, from 6:45pm-8pm in the Bishop Kenneth Room at the Cathedral. The next opportunity to be confirmed will be at the Cathedral, following the course, on Easter Eve (Saturday 30th March). If Baptism and/or Confirmation is something you are thinking about or would like to find out more about, please do be in touch with Canon Harriet by emailingharriet.neale-stevens@portsmouthcathedral.org.uk
Dates of the course…
Monday 26 February
Monday 4 March
Monday 11 March
Monday 18 March
Half Term Family Activities: Build a Cathedral!
Come along to our free Half Term Family Activity days in February Half Term. Monday 12 and Tuesday 13 February, 10am-3pm in the Cathedral. Take part in a ‘Build a Cathedral Trail’, have a go at building an arch and tiling a roof, and create a take home craft activity. All welcome, no need to book.
Taizé – this Sunday
All welcome to our monthly Taizé-style Service this Sunday at 8pm in the St Thomas Chapel Whether you are trying Taizé for the first time or whether you are a regular here, we offer a chance to encounter God in the singing and the stillness. The special Taizé blend of meditative singing and silence helps many to find an experience the prayer of the heart as we worship together at the end of the day.
Wednesday Eucharist with prayers for Healing and Wholeness – this Wednesday
On the first Wednesday of each month, the midday Eucharist includes prayers for healing: anointing is offered and spiritual counsel and comfort – come along if you are anxious for someone or would like prayer for yourself.
Meet the Dean – Thursday 15 February
All are invited to the next session in the series of informal chats with Dean Anthony to be held at midday on Thursday, 15 February in the Bishop Kenneth Room.
Join our team - Chair of Finance
In late 2023 the Cathedral adopted a new governance structure under the Cathedrals Measure 2021 and will become a registered charity in March when all members of Chapter, the governing body, will become Trustees. We are looking for a new Chair of Finance, who is also an ex-officio non-executive member of Chapter, our governing body, due to the retirement of our current Chair. Dean Anthony and Richard, our Chief Operating Officer, would be happy to discuss the role informally.
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.
We remember the following for whom prayer has been asked by members of the Cathedral Community: Philip, Tom, Aidan, Muriel, Judith, Richard, Alison, Nuno, Rosy, Chris, Dan and all in need.
We continue to pray for the long-term sick, including: Ann, Margaret, Janet, Renee, Rachel, John, Jill, Suzy, Mathai, Philip, Alistair and Graeme.
We remember those who have died: Margaret Pitman, Michael Jackson (Cathedral thanksgiving service: Monday 5 February 2.30pm), Myrna Hall (Cathedral funeral: Tuesday 6 February 11.30am), Hermione Treharne (Cathedral funeral: Friday 16 February 3pm), Roy Brown, Jenny Baxi RIP.
Michael Jackson RIP
Following Mike’s sudden death, Jane is grateful for all the sympathy and support she has received. The Memorial and thanksgiving service for Mike will be on Monday 5 February at 2:30pm here at Portsmouth Cathedral. All who wish are welcome to come. Followed by refreshment afterwards.
Myrna Hall RIP
The funeral for Myrna will be held here at Portsmouth Cathedral on Tuesday 6 February at 11:30am. Derek and Christopher invite any who would like to stay on for refreshments after the service.
Hermione Treharne RIP
We will hold a funeral service for Hermione on Friday 16 February. Hermione was a long standing regular member of our congregation, chorister mother and grandmother until illness prevented her being present here.
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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