Weekly Notices | 23 March 2025
A Reflection from
David Price
We might be in the midst of Lent, but over the last few days music has helped us consider and mull over issues thrown up by this liturgical season. Our Early Music Festival was kicked off with an excellent concert by our Organ and Choral Scholars Kim, Theo, Joel, Jimmy and Noah singing and playing recorder, harpsichord, violin and organ. This was followed by a talk on ‘The Making of Messiah’ by Andrew Gant – former Choir Master, Organist and Composer at St James Palace, London. An Evensong of early music of Blow and Purcell led into a concert of music and on instruments associated with Jane Austen in this the 250th anniversary of her birth.
Today (Friday) will see an Evensong of Restoration music by John Amner and Adrian Batten – join us for this 5.45pm service in the Nave accompanied by our Chamber Organ and then the phenomenal vocal group, Gesauldo6 will sing a concert at 8pm. They will present a selection of Motets and Chansons from the French Court, focusing on European Queens: Anne of Brittany, Margaret of Austria, Anne Boleyn and Mary Tudor. Reflecting on these earthly regencies, devotional motets for the Queen of Heaven are interwoven with texts from the Song of Songs, appropriated to venerate the Blessed Virgin, alongside specially written chansons and motets commemorating key moments in the reign of Europe’s Queens. The programme will also include new works setting Renaissance French poetry by director Owain Park, and Ninfea Crutwell-Reade, commissioned by the ensemble. “A remarkable concoction, sung with exquisite precision and subtle, tender manipulation.” Church Times
In his talk, Andrew Gant reminded us that Handel’s Messiah was premiered by a choir of child choristers and professional altos, tenors and basses – the choirs of St Patrick and Christchurch Cathedrals in Dublin. We’re delighted that our Cathedral Choir will be presenting our annual performance of Messiah – and this year, our choristers will be joined by 60 primary school children from Southsea, Portsmouth and Gosport who have been preparing six of the oratorio choruses with members of our Cathedral Sing Team. Our performance is dedicated to the memory of David Carpenter who supported our work with choirs, children and musicians.
Services on Sunday will feature music from the Tudor period – the 11am with William Byrd’s Mass for Four Voices and then in the evening, a sequence of readings, prayer and music by William Byrd, Thomas Tomkins, Orlando Gibbons, Giovanni Croce and Robert Parsons.
And next week sees the cathedral completely bathed in light and sound sensations as part of Luxmuralis here for most of the week. The building will take on a different character and will reveal, through the presentation through light and sounds Space; we invite visitors to explore the universe and humanity’s place within it, creating a profound and thought-provoking experience that bridges art, science, and spirituality. Join us if you are able.
David Price
Organist and Master of the Choristers
Dates for your diary…
Festival of Early Music - Messy Messiah - 22 Mar 2025, at 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Sarum Cycle: Sequence of Music and Readings - 23 Mar 2025, at 5:45 pm – 6:30 pm
Choral Eucharist for the Annunciation - 25 Mar 2025, at 5:15 pm – 6:30 pm
'Space' by Luxmuralis - 25 Mar 2025, at 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Lent Course: Picturing the Passion - 26 Mar 2025, at 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm
Compline during Lent - 26 Mar 2025, at 10:00 pm – 10:15 pm
Lunchtime Live Performance - Ivory Duo (piano) - 27 Mar 2025, at 1:10 pm – 2:00 pm
Community News
Explore the Cosmos: Luxmuralis brings the universe to Portsmouth Cathedral with ‘Space’
Portsmouth Cathedral is thrilled to announce Space, a breathtaking immersive light and sound installation by Luxmuralis, running from 25–29 March 2025. This extraordinary event promises to transform the Cathedral into a celestial journey, immersing visitors in the wonders of the cosmos through stunning visuals and evocative soundscapes. Read more →
Tickets are now available for this five-night-only event. With demand expected to be high, securing tickets early is essential. For more information and to book, visit our website →
INEQE Safeguarding Audit – Tell us your views!
INEQE Safeguarding Group have been asked to carry out Safeguarding Audits of the Church of England to make sure dioceses, cathedrals and palaces are doing all they can to create environments where everyone feels safe, valued and respected.
INEQE will be visiting the Diocese of Portsmouth and Portsmouth Cathedral in the week beginning 2 June 2025. In the meantime, and as part of the audit process, INEQE hope to engage with those who work, visit or worship at the Cathedral through an online survey to gain feedback and information relevant to the audit.
The survey is anonymous and confidential. INEQE would therefore ask you to be open and honest with your responses. The survey results are received directly by INEQE’s Audit Team and not by the Church of England.
Please note that if you are part of the cathedral worshipping community, you should complete the survey for “The Cathedral Worshipping Community” (and not the “Parish Community”).
The survey is now live and will close at 11:30pm on 2 April 2025.
You can complete the survey here →
The Word is Near
Please note the following adjustments for the regular Word is Near group:
Wednesday 26 March - no meeting, 2 April - meeting as usual, 9 April - no meeting, 16 April - no meeting. We return on Wednesday 23 April to regular weekly meetings (10:30am - 11:30am in Bishop Kenneth Room.)
Sarum Cycle - a talk by artist, Nicholas Mynheer 31 March 7pm
Nicholas Mynheer, the artist behind the Sarum Cycle, currently displayed in the ambulatory, will be giving a talk on Monday 31st March at 7pm in the Nave. Nicholas speak about his inspiration for the Sarum Cycle, and the journey of creating it. The talk will also be an opportunity to hear more about his work in general and to see examples of other paintings that connect with the theme of the passion. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions.
No need to book.
Meet the Dean - 10 April at 12:00pm
Our regular‘ Meet the Dean’session at Portsmouth Cathedral offers a chance for members of the congregation and local community to have a one-to-one conversation with The Very Reverend Dr. Anthony Cane. Whether you have questions, concerns, or ideas to share, this is an open and informal opportunity to speak directly with the Dean. It’s a space to discuss cathedral life, raise issues that matter to you, or simply get to know the person guiding our spiritual community. These sessions reflect our commitment to being a listening church, fostering genuine connection and open dialogue. Everyone is welcome – whether you’re a regular visitor or simply curious – and no appointment is needed. Just drop in and join the conversation.
Evening Organ Concerts
Enjoy an inspiring series of evening organ concerts in the beautiful surroundings of Portsmouth Cathedral. We are delighted to welcome talented performers including Kim Chin (2 May), Matthew Owens (16 May), David Price (6 June) and REDUCTIO (20 June). Experience magnificent music in a unique and atmospheric setting. Tickets are available to book now!
Help us to help you!
For all those who volunteer with us whether it's regularly in the Shop or as a Guide or keeping the Cathedral looking beautiful as a Holy Duster, Memorial Gardener or assisting with the Flower Guild, or perhaps you help to run Pompey Sundays, Pompey Tots or our Lunch Club. You are maybe a Bellringer, Sidesperson, part of our Consort Choir, help with the Sunday refreshments or regularly as an Event volunteer. Or perhaps you help once a year at our Christmas fair. If so, please read on…
As you know, a few months ago, we switched to a new system called Church Suite. One of the things we can do with Church Suite is to securely hold your emergency contact information.
Please complete this short form so that should the need arise; we can help you as much as possible.
Thank you for all that you do for the mission of our Cathedral church.
Easter Lilies in Memoriam
Remember a loved one this Easter, donate £5 for an Easter Lily that will form part of our beautiful floral display at Easter. The last date for the name of your loved one to be entered in our Easter Lily Memorial Book is 13 April 2025, donations can be made after this date, though names will not be included in the Memorial Book. Donate online below, or complete a form in the Cathedral.
Donate online →
Cathedral Placement
This week we have welcomed Jane Kendal with us on a discernment placement. She will be here again on Sunday (alongside Mary Hearns who is concluding her placement this week!) Jane will be joining us also next Wednesday - plus another possible day as well. Jane lives in Fareham and is involved at St John's Church, and is currently one of the candidates on the Diocese's rapid discernment process, testing whether she feels called to ordained ministry. She will be gaining a wide variety of experience and taking part in various services and activities in her time with us.
Renewal of Electoral Roll
Every six years we are required under Church Rules to completely renew the Electoral Roll. This needs to be done this year and requires everyone to apply.
Your membership is an important sign of your commitment to the Cathedral and parish. The Roll assists us with our sense of Christian fellowship, it keeps us in touch with people’s needs and with the gifts and talents that we all bring to the Cathedral and the wider church. Your membership also entitles you to vote at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting which will be held this year on 22nd May.
Elections this year include one member of Chapter, the Cathedral's governing body and one member of Deanery Synod alongside the annual election of Churchwardens.
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.
Services this Sunday
Sunday 23 March Third Sunday of Lent
8:00am - Holy Communion
9:30am - #PompeySundays
11:00am - Choral Eucharist sung by the Cathedral Choir (Girls)
5:45pm - Lent Carol Service sung by the Cathedral Choir (Boys)
Prayers & Intercessions
We pray for: all those preparing for baptism and confirmation at Easter.
We remember the following for whom prayer has been asked by members of the Cathedral Community: Richard, John, Gerald, Phoebe, Peter, Elizabeth, Chris, Tom, Pauline, Ian, Marion, Sheila, baby Etta and baby Lottie.
We continue to pray for the long-term sick, including: Richard, Graeme, Suzy, Jill, Alison, Alistair, Rosy, Spencer, Philip, Mathai and all in need.
We remember those who have died recently, including: Dave Yates (funeral mass Tuesday 25 March 12:15pm at St John's Cathedral), Lorna Green (Cathedral memorial service on Friday 28 March), Erling Lindskog, Barbara Sykes, Dorothy Hewett, Annie Adshead and Toby 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 info@portsmouthcathedral.org.uk or leave a message via phone on 023 9282 3300.
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