A reflection from Dean Anthony

I give thanks every time we are able to reintroduce elements of cathedral life that we have been missing, such as the ability to sing a hymn inside the building. And for all that there have some wonderful events held online over the past eighteen months (from quizzes to bible study to Lenten themes in art) I am really looking forward to our in person, in the cathedral, conference on Saturday 11 September. Entitled ‘Life after Covid: Radical transformation or business as usual?’ we will be exploring how to draw lessons from our experience of the pandemic, and shape the future of our society in the best possible way.

To help us do this, we have two distinguished speakers: Sir Jonathan Montgomery (Professor of Health Care Law at University College London, and co-chair of the Moral and Ethical Advisory Group in the Department of Health and Social Care) and Dame Clare Moriarty (Chief Executive of Citizens Advice, and formerly the first Faith and Belief Champion for the Civil Service). I will chair the conference, and I’m delighted that we have contributions not only from Jonathan and Clare, but also from those working on the frontline in our hospitals, schools, and communities. There will the opportunity for group discussion, and to engage with a ‘Question Time’ style panel.

The day will run from 10.00am to 3.30pm. In the morning we will focus on what Covid has taught us about our society, and in the afternoon on the society that we look forward to. The day is free to attend (as we have achieved external funding to cover the costs) so do join us! Numbers are limited, so I do recommend signing up for what promises to be a really stimulating day as soon as you can here.

Finally, this day conference is the first event in a new initiative: the Portsmouth Cathedral Institute. The purpose of the Institute is to promote public debate and exploration of the most important questions of ethics, the common good and human flourishing as relate to our city and diocese. At the beginning of this piece, I wrote of giving thanks every time we can reintroduce things back into cathedral life: it also feels really encouraging to be doing something new!

With my prayers and best wishes,

The Very Reverend Dr Anthony Cane,
Dean of Portsmouth

Community News

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 filled.

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.

New volunteer roles recruiting now!

The amazing work of our volunteers has helped keep Cathedral doors open over the events of the past 18 months. From stewarding to cleaning, admin to assisting customers in our shop, our volunteers are at the heart of all our work at the Cathedral.

Over the past year Portsmouth Cathedral has increased its output via livestreaming services and events via Facebook Live and YouTube Live. Portsmouth Cathedral is looking for a dedicated team of individuals to support the technical aspects of our services and events at the Cathedral.

We’re looking for passionate individuals with an interest or background in sound, vision or technical support to be part of our new Volunteer Technical Team. Working with our Digital Marketing Manager and Vergers, you’ll be part of bringing our worship to all within our community, in whatever way they feel comfortable joining us. You will also support events that require technical support. If this is you, or you know someone looking to expand their knowledge please get in touch!

We are also continuing to recruit for other volunteer roles at the Cathedral including Shop Assistants, Stewards, “Holy Dusters”, Gardeners and many more.

Visit our volunteering page to apply online

PCCA Barn Dance Returns!

The Portsmouth Cathedral Choir Association is delighted to announce the return of our Harvest Celebration Barn Dance, Saturday 18 September, in the Nave. Tickets are available to purchase at the Cathedral Shop or online via the Cathedral website.

Adults £12, Kids Free. Bar & Snacks available. We plan to hold a raffle at this event, donations to which would be gratefully received, pleaseemail Rachael,if you would like to contribute to this.

Book tickets and find out more

Ride and Stride – Saturday 11 September

Portsmouth Cathedral will once again be welcoming Riders and Striders for the annual eventin aid of Hampshire and the Islands Historic Churches Trust.

We also hope to put together a team of Riders and Striders to support the Trust through sponsorship as they visit other churches in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight that day. 50% of the sponsorship raised is returned to your nominated church so your participation can also help the Cathedral. If you would be interested in taking part please contact our Cycling Champion, Hannah Gunga, through info@portsmouthcathedral.org.uk.

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.

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 services this Sunday

Please note the 8:00am Communion and 11:00am Eucharist, this Sunday, 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. #PompeySundays, at 9.30am, will continue in the Nave as usual.

Thanks to our visiting Choirs!

Thank you to the visiting choirs leading the music in our services while the Cathedral Choirs are on holiday, you can see the full schedule of visiting choirs on ourChoral Evensongpage.

Prayers and Intercessions

All those receiving exam results.

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, Rita and Izzy.

We pray for those who have died recently: Brenda Cane, Shirley Grayson-Smith and John Duncan Walters RIP.

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.

Portsmouth and Hampshire Art Society Exhibition | Open daily until 11 August

Members of thePortsmouth and Hampshire Art Societyare 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

Black Lives Matter Portrait Exhibition | 15 August–16 September

Portsmouth Cathedral are honoured to be working with local photographer Charlotte Griffiths as she debuts her new exhibition inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement. 

The exhibition combines Charlotte’s expert portrait photography, alongside the stories and experiences of black women and children in Portsmouth. A series of 10 portraits line the Nave of Portsmouth Cathedral, bringing together the struggles, triumphs, pain and happiness experienced by those involved.

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.