A reflection from Kitty Price

As the Cathedral of the Sea, we pray for all those at sea this night/day/evening and for those whose task it is to support them in their work. Creator and Father of all, we pray for those who go down to the sea in ships and serve upon the waters of the world. Bless them and those who serve their needs, that they may put their trust in you and find in you a strong anchor for their hopes and so be filled with your peace through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

I love that we are known as the Cathedral of the sea. Canon Nick Ash, a previous precentor of Portsmouth wrote the prayer that is said at evensong and evening prayer each day. There is something incredibly special about hearing the words “As the Cathedral of the sea”.

The influence of the sea is very present in the Cathedral - the boats and waves on the Patrick Caulfield organ case designs, memorial windows to HMS Glamorgan and the Wilhemena J, D-Day and more besides.

When we pray for those who go down to the sea in ships, I think of the people I know who serve upon the waters of the world, including one of our neighbours, Moses, who is a fisherman, the chorister parents who serve in the Royal Navy, and our lay clerk John, who crosses The Solent to sing in the choir.

The Cathedral Choir has sung at the launch of a cruise ship and the Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier. How exciting it is to see the carriers and cruise ships sail in and out of Portsmouth.

One of my proudest achievements as an adult is learning to swim. I was terrified of water as a child, and it took me until two years ago to get my 10m swimming certificate. I enjoy bobbing about in the sea, but I would not call myself a sea swimmer.
Even experienced swimmers say it is important to be in awe of the sea.

A phrase that sprang to mind this week was “Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it.” I wasn’t feeling the love as we had a flood in our basement during the heavy rain on Monday night. It was quite a task getting the rooms sorted, and that was a puddle compared to the dreadful floods others have experienced elsewhere in the country, as well as in Belgium, Germany, China, to name but a few.

In the New Testament, water features a lot. After all, Andrew, James, and John were fisherman. In the gospels, the disciples were terrified, but Jesus calmed the storm and produced a bumper catch of fish. St Paul travelled all over the Mediterranean to spread the Christian faith, much of it in boats.

There’s a Danish proverb “Pray to God in the storm but keep on rowing.” It isn’t just up to God to act; we have a part to play too. For us, that part was played by friends and neighbours who housed us, ran errands, washed laundry, and moved sodden furniture out of smelly water. We are very blessed by the community of the Cathedral of the sea.

Ironically, I am writing this as we travel under the sea on Eurotunnel.

Kitty Price,
Cathedral Reader

Community News

Dive deeper into our past with daily guided tours

We’re pleased to welcome visitors back through our doors with a daily programme of free and paid guided tours. We invite you to take a deeper dive into our past, the people who worshipped here, and much more, alongside other digital experiences available at the Cathedral.

Our friendly and knowledgeable guides will help you navigate over 800 years of history, giving further insight into the Cathedral’s fascinating past. Throughout the week enjoy a free 30-minute highlights tour, giving you an overview of the Cathedral’s heritage, seafaring and Royal Navy connections and architectural features. Visitors looking for a more in-depth experience can join a weekly tour, every Saturday, taking you further into the stories and lives of people who worshipped here.

Free highlights tours take place daily Monday–Saturday at 2pm, with the full Cathedral tour on Saturdays at midday. See the Cathedral website for a full programme of tours and more information about visiting the Cathedral.

See dates and book online atportcath.link/tours

Cathedral welcomes vital new grant

Portsmouth Cathedral has secured additional a three-year grant from the Cathedral Sustainability Fund, for fully funding a new post of Visitor Experience and Volunteer Manager We are pleased to welcome this much-needed grant to enhance our visitor experience offer and to support the work of our volunteers.

With work already underway in this area, including new visitor apps and tours, the new post-holder will be charged with further improving our visitor experience, and will work with colleagues at other local heritage sites to raise the profile of the Cathedral as a visitor destination. They will also work with Canon Kathryn to support the work of our volunteers.

The Cathedral Sustainability Fund already covers the salaries for two Cathedral staff and will cover a third, once the Records Manager post is recruited.

Dean Anthony says: “We are most grateful that the Cathedral Sustainability Fund continues to support the work we are doing here in Portsmouth. It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff and volunteers, that we are seen as a good place to support. I am particularly delighted that this role gives the Cathedral the necessary resources to more fully engage with external partners while at the same time ensuring that we have a dedicated person to work with and support our marvellous volunteers.”

It is expected that the post will be advertised in the early autumn.

Sunday refreshments

We are hoping to resume the serving of refreshments after the 11 am Eucharist on Sundays from 5 September. Sue Ward has very kindly agreed to co-ordinate this and would be glad to hear from anyone who would be willing to be on the rota; please contact her to volunteer or find out more.

Congratulations to our former Cathedral Curate

Many congratulations to our former Cathedral Curate Matt Bray, who will be moving to Devon with his family this summer as he prepares to lead the new Bay Church in Torbay.

The Funeral of Shirley Grayson-Smith

Shirley’s family invite all her friends from the Cathedral to attend her funeral, which will take place at The Oaks Havant Crematorium on Wednesday 4 August, 11.30am. No flowers but donations invited to Cancer Research UK.

(Please note that you will be requested to wear a face covering once inside the building.) A Thanksgiving service will be held in the Cathedral at a later date.

Cathedral Offices Closed – 4th August 2021

Our offices will also be closed on Wednesday 4 August, both as a mark of respect for Shirley and to allow our staff to attend her funeral.

Worship and Visiting

Portsmouth Cathedral is open daily for prayer, services and visiting. Booking is no longer required for services, unless otherwise indicated. Most of our services are broadcast on our live page and Facebook. Find out more on our website and 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.

Find out more on our Covid-19 information page.

Changes to Sunday services – 1 and 8 August

Please note the 8:00am Communion and 11:00am Eucharist, on 1 and 8 August, will be in the Quire. There will be no streaming of these services. We also ask people to come forward to receive Communion or a blessing for these services. Pompey Sundays, at 9.30, will continue in the nave as usual.

Pastoral Support

Do you, or does someone you know, need a listening ear? Or would you like support as you start to do more now that restrictions have been lifted? Our Lay Pastoral Assistant are here to help if you are feeling anxious about returning to things that used to be familiar. Even a bus ride or going to the local shops for the first time, if you haven't done this for a while, may seem quite a challenge. We can offer someone to come with you to help you get your confidence back.

Our Lay Pastoral Assistants are trained and authorised to offer pastoral ministry on behalf of the Cathedral. And they can offer practical help if needed also. Please contact the Cathedral Office 02392 823300 or email info@portsmouthcathedral.org.uk and we will put you in touch with someone who can help.

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: Trevor, Derek, Clare, Mervyn, Beverley, Richard, Aaron, Jane, Alan, Libby, Jennifer, John, Catherine and all those in need.

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

We pray for those who have died recently: John Brunning, Paul Robert, Stuart Griffiths, David Brown, Linda Banting, Brenda Cane and Shirley Grayson-Smith RIP.

Anglican Communion Cycle of Prayer 

Sunday 1 August 2021 9th Sunday after Trinity
Church of the Province of South East Asia
Monday 2 August 2021
The Diocese of Dogura – The Anglican Church of Papua New Guinea
Tuesday 3 August 2021
The Diocese of Doko – The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) (Lokoja Province)
Wednesday 4 August 2021
The Diocese of Dominican Republic – The Episcopal Church (IX (9) Province)
Thursday 5 August 2021
The Diocese of Dornakal – The (united) Church of South India
Friday 6 August 2021
The Transfiguration of Our Lord The Diocese of Down & Dromore – The Church of Ireland (Armagh Province)
Saturday 7 August 2021
The Diocese of Dublin & Glendalough – The Church of Ireland (Dublin Province)

Upcoming Services and Events

Bible Discussion Group

The Group will be taking a summer break during the month of August and will reconvene in September.

Moon & Stars Memories Walk - 31 July, 7–10pm

Portsmouth Cathedral is thrilled to be participating again in the Moon and Stars Memories Walk. Supporting Rowans Hospice, join hundreds of other walkers on 31 July at Castle Field, Southsea. The Cathedral will be open from 7pm–10pm for participants who wish to light a candle, pray or just talk.

Find out more

Portsmouth and Hampshire Art Society Exhibition – Open daily, 1–11 August

Members of the Portsmouth and Hampshire Art Society are delighted to showcase their one hundred and twelfth exhibition, founded in 1909 by the renowned marine artist W. L. Wylie. See over 400 pieces, many of which are for sale, exhibited in the nave of the Cathedral by artists both amateur and professional.

Find out more

Getting in touch

We know that this is a lonely and anxious time for many people. 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.