A reflection from Dean Anthony

When Bishop Jonathan arrived in Portsmouth Diocese, he invited his churches and congregations to have a particular focus on young people.   He also commended the work of Anna Chaplains in supporting older people emotionally and spiritually.   In a relatively short period of time, sixty chaplains have been trained, and the Cathedral’s first Anna Chaplain is being commissioned this coming Sunday, on the Feast of Pentecost.
 
This flowering of Anna Chaplaincy is remarkable, and is surely a work of the Holy Spirit, whose descent upon the Apostles and other followers of Jesus we remember at Pentecost.   On this major feast we pray for the coming of the Spirit, to enable us to live out our calling as followers of Jesus Christ. 
 
The Holy Spirit may be described as the ‘divine agent’ who works within us to bring about the coming Kingdom of God, accomplishing ‘far more than all we can ask or imagine’ (Ephesians 3.20).  
 
I have been told that in the same breath as celebrating the growth in Anna Chaplains, some in the diocese have also wanted to offer explanations as to why they haven’t been similarly effective in work with young people.   This, surely, is even more reason to pray for the coming of the Spirit, to enable every parish and indeed this cathedral church to make progress in this vital area of ministry. 
 
This Pentecost, I invite you to pray the following prayer, adapted from the one offered on Sunday for our first Anna Chaplain, but relevant to each of us as individuals and as a cathedral community:
 
Heavenly Father, send down your Holy Spirit
on your servants whom you have called.
Help us to listen patiently, respond wisely and pray faithfully.
Give us courage to speak up for those
whose voice may not otherwise be heard.
May our hands be ready to do your work.
May our eyes be open to recognise those in need.
May our ears hear soft-spoken words of pain and sorrow.
May our voices speak of healing and peace.
May our feet walk the extra mile with those who falter,
and may we always be aware of your presence guiding us
and your loving protection around us in all that we do. Amen.
 
I wish you a blessed and joyful Pentecost,
The Very Reverend Dr Anthony Cane,
Dean of Portsmouth

Community News

First events announced for the Festival of Storytelling

 The first events for our Festival of Storytelling, which will take place from 24 July to 13 August, have been announced. The festival aims to captivate audiences of all ages, fostering literacy skills and nurturing a deep appreciation for the written and spoken word. Featuring a variety of events including free daytime activities, storytelling sessions, and literacy-themed art pieces created by local schools and youth organisations. Throughout the festival, there will be unique performances and immersive experiences that will transport audiences further in the fascinating world of storytelling, as well as a project on the literary life of Portsmouth created by the University of Portsmouth.
 
On the 8 and 9 of August, there will be an outdoor performance ofSense and Sensibility- a 'Regency Romance Extravaganza' taking place on the Cathedral's west front. Heartbreak Productions warmly invites audiences to delve into the social season of Regency England following sisters Elinor and Marianne as they negotiate the complicated world of courtship. Audiences are encouraged to don their finest attire and immerse themselves in Jane Austen's biting social satire.
 
On the opposite end of the spectrum, gaming aficionados are challenged to prepare for an exceptional experience where fantasy and history come together during aDungeons & Dragons Game Nightat Portsmouth Cathedral. On Friday, 28 July, D&D groups are welcomed to enjoy an evening of storytelling, camaraderie, and epic battles within the breath-taking setting of the Cathedral. Both experienced and inexperienced gamers are welcome, with the option of booking a gaming table for your group or joining a dedicated beginners' table as a single player, where aspiring adventurers can learn the ropes. Friendly and knowledgeable Dungeon Masters will guide new players through character creation, rules, and mechanics, ensuring that everyone has a good time.
 
There are to be many more exciting announcements on the Festival of Storytelling website in the coming weeks and can also be found on our social media channels and e-newsletter. Tickets are available for booking online atportsmouthcathedral.org.uk/storytelling, in person at the Cathedral Shop, or by phone at 023 9282 3300.
  

Bank Holiday Monday: Makers Market at Portsmouth Cathedral

 We’re pleased to be hosting a Makers Market taking place on Bank Holiday Monday, 29 May from 10:00am-3:00pm. Come and enjoy a day of shopping, supporting local makers and creatives, with over 30 local artisans, each with their own distinct style and creative vision.
  

Changes in the Vergers Team

 We'd like to congratulate Tom Marks, our Assistant Verger and Precincts Officer, on his appointment as Verger at Saint Ann's Church at HM Dockyard. Tom is leaving us on 11 June after covering the maternity leave of our Head Verger and Precincts Manager, Malina Green. We are excited to welcome Malina back to the team next month, when she will join Maria and Ian.
  

Result of Elections

 Congratulations to Ronald Rabbetts and Sheila Picton who have been elected to serve as our Churchwardens and to Sarah Shreeve, Kitty Price and Clive Arthurs who were elected as our representatives on Deanery Synod at the Annual Meetings which were held on Thursday 25 May.  The APCM received a report from the Dean including an update on the implementation of the Cathedrals Measure 2021, and a presentation on the 2022 Accounts and challenges ahead by the COO.  There was also the opportunity to remember all those from the Cathedral Community who had died in the past year.
 
Our 2022 Annual Review is nowavailable online.
  

Cycling Events 2023

 Cathedral cycling events for 2023 will begin with aCycle-to-ChurchSunday on 25 June. In-keeping with our environmental initiatives, congregations for both the 9:30 am and 11 am services are encouraged to come together by cycling to the Cathedral. There will be a communal blessing of cyclists and their bikes during the services.

This follows two years of taking part in the Cathedral Cycle Relay, a route connecting all Anglican Cathedrals in England. 2021 a group of us cycled to Winchester and 2022 to Chichester. The relay will re-commence in 2024.

In the meantime, a further group ride for 2023 will be organised as part of the annualRide & Strideon 9 September, where we fundraise for Hampshire and the Islands Historic Churches Trust which supports local churches by visiting as many as possible in one day. More details to come nearer the time.

For more information on any of our upcoming cycling initiatives - or if you have any suggestions for future events - contactHannah Gunga, Cathedral Cycling Champion.
  

Coventry Cross of Nails at Portsmouth Cathedral from 27 May to 4 June

 A Cross of Nails belonging to the Third Order, Society of St Francis will be on display in St Thomas Chapel from 27 May to 4 June.  The Cross of Nails is a symbol of peace and reconciliation, which originates from the destruction, rebuilding and renewal of Coventry Cathedral following the Second World War. The tertiary Franciscans are a partner of the Community of the Cross of Nails, which emerged at that time and is active in works of reconciliation. 
 
At 12 noon on Friday 2 June, the local Third Order Franciscans will say the Litany of Reconciliation in front of the cross. All are welcome to join this short service.
 
See here for more information about the Cross of Nails
  

The Divine Dance - Tango at the Cathedral – Saturday 22 July

A day to discover and celebrate the Argentine tango and how it connects to our spirituality.  As well as being a joy to dance, the tango can reveal insights about our connection to the divine in and around us.   

Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced dancer, this is an opportunity to dance the tango in a beautiful setting and explore how it links to our spiritual side. 

Find out more and book online →
  

Anna Chaplaincy information meeting - 2 June, 3:00pm

 Would you like to provide company, care and spiritual nurture to older people in our community?  Come along to our Anna Chaplaincy information meeting on 2 June at 3:00pm in the Bishop Kenneth Room, to find out more.
 
Anna Chaplaincy (named after the widow Anna, who recognised the infant Christ), provides spiritual nurture to older people in our communities and is a priority for Bishop Jonathan and our Diocese. This kind of chaplaincy was started by former news presenter Debbie Thrower, who has just been made a Canon of Honour of the Cathedral. Rosemary Fairfax will be commissioned as the Cathedral's first Anna Chaplain in the 11:00am service this Sunday; if you are interested in becoming an Anna Chaplain, or taking a supporting role as an 'Anna Friend', why not come and find out more from Coleen Jackson, who leads on Anna Chaplaincy for the Diocese. 
 
All are welcome, whether or not you have had a pastoral role at the Cathedral before. You can find further information about Anna Chaplaincyhereor do speak to Canon Kathryn if you would like more details.
  

Thy Kingdom Come

 As part of Thy Kingdom Come, a map of our Diocese is on display until Pentecost (28 May) as a focus for our prayers. Come and have a look and take time to pray this week if you can. We will light candles for the parishes of each of the seven Deaneries in turn every day at Morning Prayer and Holy Communion.
and on the Day of Pentecost candles will be lit for every church in the Diocese.
  

Choral Evensong in half-term

There will be Choral Evensong here at 5:45pm next week with the Dayspring United Methodist Church Choir visiting from the United States singing on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
  

Canon Kathryn leaves as Chancellor

 Canon Kathryn's last service with us as Canon Chancellor will be Evensong on Sunday, 11 June 2023. All are most welcome to attend this service which will be followed by a drinks reception in the Welcome Area.

Should you wish to make a contribution to her leaving present– please either e-mail accounts@portsmouthcathedral.org.uk to request bank details, then make a transfer using the reference ‘Canon Kathryn Leaving Gift’ or put a donation in cash or in a cheque made out to “Portsmouth Cathedral” in a clearly marked envelope (same reference) then deliver it to the office.
 
Another date for the diary, Canon Kathryn's collation as Archdeacon of the Meon takes place during Evensong on Sunday, 2 July 2023.
  

Cathedral Green: Enhancing our biodiversity

 Once again, this year with the help and support of the City Council, we are leaving much of Cathedral Green unmown to enhance the biodiversity in our local area. This is also part of our commitment to Eco Church.
 
The two wildflower beds that were planted last year on the southside have certainly blossomed this year and provide both a vibrant splash of colour and the flowers for bees and insects to feed on and pollinate.
  

Cathedral Archaeologist

 Under the Care of Cathedrals Measure 2011, and following the retirement of the post holder, the Chapter is looking to appoint a Cathedral Archaeologist to act as the professional advisor to act strategically on all matters for which the Chapter has statutory and non-statutory archaeological responsibility. This includes responding to specific proposals for works recommended by the Cathedral Architect and approved by the Cathedral.  More informationCathedral Archaeologist — Portsmouth Cathedral
  

Nominations Committee

Portsmouth Cathedral has begun the planning to implement the Cathedrals Measure (2021). This brings all Church of England cathedrals in England under Charity Commission regulation, in addition to the jurisdiction of the Church Commissioners, and strengthens governance and operational frameworks.  
View the Cathedrals Measure FAQs on our website.
 
The new Chapter will be supported by a number of subsidiary committees, one of which will be a new Nominations Committee, chaired by Sir David Normington, which will advise on the recruitment of non-executive members of the new Chapter along with other Chapter Committees. 
 
Portsmouth Cathedral is looking to recruit members of this new Nominations Committee to serve in this important role.  We would particularly welcome people who have senior level experience in recruitment and in creating diverse and inclusive boards and committees in the public, private or charitable sectors.  It is envisaged that the committee will meet two or three times a year and that members will serve a three year term of office. Could one of these members, be you? 
 
Read the Role Description on our careers page.

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.

Prayers and Intercessions

We pray for all those confirmed here on Saturday: especially for Addisyn, Penelope, Stanley, Gloria, Elliott and Kate from our Cathedral choirs and congregation.
Also for Jude to be baptised on Sunday, and his parents Luke and Bryony.
 
We remember the following for whom prayer has been asked by members of the Cathedral Community:  Nuno, Giles, Edward, Anne, Chris, Janet, Jane, Richard, Alan, Alistair, Richard, Piers and all those in need. 
 
Long-term sick, including:  Yvonne, Renee, Beverley, Rachel, Sophie, John, Graeme, Peter, Rosemary, Suzy, Andrew, Sarah, Alison, Jill, and Judith. 
 
Those who have died, including: Peter, Martyn Gough (former Chaplain of The Fleet)
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 pastoral@portsmouthcathedral.org.uk or leave a message via phone on 023 9282 3300.

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