A reflection from Canon Jo

On Thursday, the College of Canons met to officially ‘elect’ our new Bishop, Jonathan Frost. It proved to be an interesting mix of ancient tradition and modern technology! The Dean led the formalities, set out in historic custom (including Latin replies made by all), while livestreamed by Zoom from the Deanery onto a screen in the Cathedral. All who attended had to wear prescribed robes, whether they were in the Cathedral or taking part online at home.

So, Bishop Jonathan is now our Bishop Elect, not just our Bishop-designate. We are praying for him, together with Christine his wife and their children, and the people of York Minster too, that this time of preparation may be fruitful for them as well as for us here in this Diocese.

There is something very ‘Advent’ about this unfolding process, as we wait for the coming among us of Bishop Jonathan. We know now that the promise and the expectation is certain: but as to the exact ‘when’ of his ministry among us and our final welcome of him at the Cathedral and in the Diocese, we still do not know. But we keep alert, despite knowing neither the day nor the hour!

If we have learned anything over these past 20 months, it is that we cannot predict what happens in our human lives with any certainty. Even now, it is hard to make plans with any confidence that things will not have to change at the last minute. But our spiritual lives can be lived with confidence and certainty: faith helps us trust in God’s purposes, and the steady unfolding of God’s promises. We wait for a Saviour, whose coming is as sure as the sunrise, and whose appearing will fulfil everything we have hoped for in these times of longing.

Our preparations for Christmas may sadly be beset with uncertainty again, this year: but our preparation for the coming of Christ will always be timely - whenever Christ may come to us and reveal to us more of his eternal life.

Portsmouth Cathedral: at the heart of Christmas this festive season

All are invited to all to discover or rediscover the good news the Christmas season celebrates, and Portsmouth Cathedral will be at the heart of Christmas this festive season. The Cathedral’s choirs will once again be uplifting spirits with joyful music throughout the Christmas period, with services continuing to be safe and comfortable for all to join. Selected services including carols and crib services will also be available to stream online, letting you join in the celebration and worship easily from home.

See more Christmas services and events on our website →

Comfort & Joy 2021

Over the last 18 years, Comfort & Joy has organised a Christmas Voucher scheme to support the homeless and those on the margins. These vouchers or gift cards have supported a number of charities and agencies in the area supporting a wide variety of people in difficult circumstances from families, to single young people, to those seeking asylum and those seeking refuge from domestic abuse, those sleeping rough and those in hostels and temporary accommodation and those accessing drop-in meals provision.

This year they are again working in partnership with The News, and with support from HIVE Portsmouth, the City Council and many others to broaden the scheme and increase the impact and benefit it can bring. If you would like to make a donation of a gift card or voucher (in previous years we have suggested £5 cards) or in other ways, please click here to download the giving details. You can find out more about the groups that are being supported through your giving here.

This Saturday: Portsmouth Cathedral Christmas Fair, 4 December

This weekend we welcome all to join us for the return of our annual Portsmouth Cathedral Christmas Fair. Featuring traditional family fun from tombola, cakes and crockery to a visit from the big man himself – Father Christmas, in his grotto!

Wonderful raffle prizes to be won:fancy winning dinner for two at a top Portsmouth restaurant? This and many other fantastic prizes are available in our Christmas Raffle, with all proceeds supporting our ministry. Tickets are on sale in the shop for you to buy or take to sell (don't forget to return completed stubs for the draw). The draw will take place during the Christmas Fair on 4 December.

Feeling peckish?Then join us for soup in Becket Hall; you’ll also find traditional mulled wine available in the Cathedral.

See details on our website →

A Very Old Portsmouth Christmas

Uncover unique gifts and festive cheer this Christmas in Old Portsmouth, home to small businesses and fantastic places to eat and drink. As we countdown to Christmas, check back to our Old Portsmouth page for special offers and incentives from businesses around Old Portsmouth, helping you shop local and support your local area this Christmas.

Follow Portsmouth Cathedral on social media, or visit the Old Portsmouth page →

Last shop order dates for Christmas

Don’t forget! Our last shopping days to place your Christmas orders in the Cathedral Shop. If you’re shopping online for delivery, the last day for orders is Monday 13 December. If you’re shopping online for collection, the last day for orders is Monday 19 December.

Please also note the shop will be closed for the Christmas break from 3pm, Friday 24 December 2021, until 10am, Wednesday 5 January 2022. Thank you so much for your continued support this year!

Shop Christmas online now →

Election of new bishop

The formal process by which Bishop Jonathan will become our new bishop has now started. One significant event that took place yesterday was the formal election of the Rt Rev Jonathan Frost as Bishop of Portsmouth by the College of Canons at our cathedral. They gathered in prayer before the formal election took place.

The next significant moment is when this election is legally confirmed. This will take place on January 18, and involves Bishop Jonathan swearing an oath and the Archbishop of Canterbury giving him spiritual responsibility for our diocese. From this point, he is legally the Bishop of Portsmouth. He will then have an audience with HM the Queen, at which he will pay homage, on a date yet to be confirmed. His installation in our cathedral will then take place after that.

Giving Tuesday

Giving Tuesday is a global movement to encourage generosity and celebrate the incredible difference that charitable giving makes. Originating in the United States, it is a welcome counterpoint to the commercialism of Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

To mark this year’s Giving Tuesday, Sophie Henstridge-Brown, Head of Fundraising and Events, shares five ways that you might be inspired to be generous →

Our new Events Manager: Jemima Crayden

The Cathedral has appointed Jemima Crayden to the post of Events Manager. She will begin working with us on the day of the Christmas Fair, 4 December. Jemima comes to us with five years’ experience in events management in the theatre and museum sector. The Dean said, “I am delighted that Jemima is joining our team. As we emerge from the restrictions of the pandemic the opportunity to engage and involve more people in the life of the Cathedral through events is tremendous. I look forward to her bringing the latest ideas to this aspect of our activities. We are fortunate to have such a skilled events professional as Jemima join us at this time.”

Jemima also shared her enthusiasm, stating “I am incredibly excited to be joining Portsmouth Cathedral in the role of Events Manager. Portsmouth is an amazing hub of culture, discovery, and community, all of which can be explored in the Cathedral and the event possibilities for this historic building. I am looking forward to working with all those who are part of the Cathedral to run events that tie in with the Cathedral’s vision of engagement, learning, community, and heritage.

I have worked in events within a Theatre & Museum environment for over five years, starting in box office and front of house roles to then joining the Hires & Programming team. I have worked with teams to create events from standing gigs of 1050 audience members to comic cons with Daleks and Deloreans. My work has focused on ensuring that all venues are welcoming and accessible spaces for all those who attend events, as well as offering fantastic venues for groups to run their own events.

Outside of work, my hobbies have always included music, performance, and community engagement. I enjoy throwing myself into community life especially through volunteering, starting from my days as a Brownie Leader, to my ongoing voluntary role at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. The community has always been at the heart of what I do, and I am looking forward to building a diverse and exciting programme of events that everyone can enjoy!”

SCIE Audit and Action Plan published

Earlier this year as part of the Church of England’s commitment to good safeguarding practice, an independent safeguarding audit of the Cathedral policies and practices was carried by the Social Care Institute for Excellence.

The audit was a collaborative process, and our discussions with the auditors have helped us to understand both what we were doing well, and areas for improvement.

Read more and see our action plan here →

Worship and Visiting

Portsmouth Cathedral is open daily for prayer, services and visiting. Booking is no longer required for services, unless otherwise indicated. You can find out more on our website , where you can also 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. Further information can be found on our Covid-19 information page.

Changes in Government Covid regulations and how it affects the Cathedral

Following the Government’s announcement of new measures to limit the spread of Covid-19, we have reviewed what these changes mean for services and visiting the Cathedral over the coming weeks.

• All our planned services and events will continue, including our Advent and Christmas services. The Cathedral remains open for visiting.

• We continue to strongly encourage all visitors to wear a face covering inside Portsmouth Cathedral, including when attending a service.

• Face coverings will be mandatory in the shop.

• Hand sanitiser will be available for all visitors at the entrance to the Cathedral.

• Seating for services will continue to be distanced, and we remind all those visiting to maintain their distance from others outside of their party.

• We will also continue precautionary measures including ventilating the Cathedral and maintaining a strict cleaning regime.

• The Cathedral staff and ministry team will work from home where possible, and the Cathedral offices are closed to visitors.

 If you have any additional queries about how we’re keeping you safe during your visit to the Cathedral, please visit our Covid-19 pages on our website →

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: Derek, Clare, Beverley, Richard, Aaron, Jane, Alan, Libby, Lesley, Hilary, David, Stan, Andrew, Jean, Amanda, John, Wendy, and all those in need.

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

We pray for those who have died recently: Vera Loomes, and Angela Carpenter 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.