A reflection from Kitty

Do you think your worth is based on who you are or what you do or a mixture of both?  I try to remind myself that I should not get caught up in every activity, because it is unsustainable.  This is easier said than done.  I often feel a bit like Kermit in the Muppets, standing there talking to the audience with flailing arms losing control of what’s going on!!
 
During Advent we are supposed to make time for reflecting on the waiting and watching for the arrival of the Christ Child.  But at the same time, there are innumerable activities happening which enrich the life of the cathedral and the community.  
 
If you are reading this on Friday or Saturday, there’s the annual and much anticipated Christmas Fair, followed by Carols on the Green in the evening.  This will be the first Christmas carol I sing this year, which I’m excited about.  On Sunday, get your jingle on for Christingles at the #PompeySundays 9:30am service, and the Sung Eucharist at 11:00am.  
 
In the Price household our fridge is covered with the Cathedral Choirs’ schedules for the next few weeks.  This week, the choir is singing at St Peter’s Church in Titchfield for a special service for those bereaved in 2023.  It is wonderful to share our musical mission and ministry with parishes in the diocese.
 
Next weekend the cathedral choir (girl choristers) is off to Belgium on tour to sing services and concerts.  The choir has visited Antwerp many times over the years, with long lasting friendships formed.  This is something we cherish. We shall be singing Sunday Evensong at Malines Cathedral where the first conversations between the Church of England and the Roman Catholic Church took place.
 
The week leading up to Christmas there is the usual round of carol services and crib services.  Broadcasting our Midnight Eucharist on BBC One, certainly put the adventure into advent. Obviously there will be huge sighs of relief once the credits roll, but it is a huge privilege and we get to share our ministry with a much wider audience, and our Boy Choristers will sing to our friends in the Lutheran Church in Denmark next term.  Meanwhile, the washing and cooking has to be done, and also finding time to wait and watch for the Christ Child.  
 
Kitty Price
Lay Reader

Community News

This weekend at the Cathedral - Christmas Fair, Carols on the Green, Christingle!

As Christmas approaches, Portsmouth Cathedral is gearing up for a weekend filled with festive events and services that promise to bring joy and warmth to all. From the much-loved annual Christmas Fair to Carols on the Green, and special Christingle services at #PompeySundays and our 11am Eucharist.
 

Christmas Fair - Saturday, 11am to 2pm

Traditional festive fun, visit Santa in his magical grotto (additional charge) indulge in delicious homemade food, and delightful homemade jams, pickles & cakes. Find special Christmas decorations, hand-made garlands and table decorations. Stock up on books and jigsaw puzzles or pick-up some pre-loved jewellery, scarves, china and glass. Keep the children entertained with a range of fun games and activities, and don’t forget to buy your raffle tickets!
 
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Carols on the Green - Saturday, 5:45 pm

As the sun sets on Saturday, the Cathedral invites you to join in a heart-warming community experience – Carols on the Green. Starting at 5:45 pm, come and join in carol singing amidst the stunning backdrop of Portsmouth Cathedral. Bring your family and friends, wrap up, and let the melodies of timeless carols fill the crisp winter air.
 
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Christingle - Sunday, 9:30am & 11:00am

Sunday morning brings a special Christingle service at #PompeySundays. Starting at 9:30 am, this family service is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the meaning of Christmas. The Christingle, a symbolic representation of the season, will be lit, alongside music and the informal atmosphere #PompeySundays offers. There will also be a Christingle service at the 11am Sung Eucharist.
 
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In addition to these special events, Portsmouth Cathedral continues to host its regular services throughout the weekend.
 
See more of what’s happening →
  

Midnight Mass to be broadcast live on BBC One from Portsmouth Cathedral.

Portsmouth Cathedral is delighted to announce that its Midnight Mass service on Christmas Eve will be broadcast live on BBC One. This is a great opportunity to share the joy and hope of the season with millions of viewers across the country and beyond. The service will feature traditional carols, readings, and prayers. The Dean of Portsmouth, The Very Revd Dr Anthony Cane, will introduce and lead the service with The Bishop of Portsmouth, The Rt Revd Dr Jonathan Frost, preaching.
 
All are welcome to join this service, and no booking is necessary for this or any of our other Christmas services. Pleasesee our websitefor times and details of security and bag checks that will be in place for this service.
 
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Commissioning of Anna Friends

We are delighted that Rachael Forder and Sheila Picton will be commissioned as Anna Friends on Sunday 10 December at the 11am Sung Eucharist.

Rachael and Sheila will support Rosemary Fairfax in her role as Anna Chaplain here at the Cathedral. The Anna movement seeks to support older people in their exploration of the spiritual life, by providing opportunities for worship, activity and conversation.

The first Anna event to take place at the Cathedral will be on Saturday 16 December at 11am.  Coffee and Carols: Christmas worship in an informal setting with carols, refreshments, a retelling of the nativity story, and opportunities to reflect and worship together. 

More events are planned for the year ahead, including Easter Worship and All Age Games on the Green. For more information please contact Canon Harriet who oversees the work of the Anna team.
  

Praying for Peace

There are white ribbons available in the Welcome Area. Everyone is invited to take one to tie on one of the lower shoots of the tree outside the South doors of the Cathedral as a sign of the prayers we are offering for peace at this time. We are praying especially for peace in the Middle East between Israel/Gaza, and we continue to pray for Ukraine and other parts of our troubled world, as we prepare to celebrate again the birth of the Prince of Peace.
  

Welcome back to Nell’s!

Following the sad closure of Nell's cafe, we are delighted to welcome back Nicki in her new venture on the south side of the Cathedral. The wonderfully converted horse box is now the new trial home of Nell's. Enjoy a lovely hot drink, pastry, or sandwich in the Cathedral grounds from Monday to Saturday.
  

Christmas Shopping Dates

Our shop is full to the brim with unique decorations and handpicked gifts, perfect for yourself or loved ones this Christmas. Please make a note of the upcoming shipping and closure dates, to avoid disappointment.
 

• Last day for placing click and collect Orders – Tuesday 19 December.

• Last day for placing shipping orders – Wednesday 13 December.

• Shop Closed from Monday 25 December to Tuesday 16 January.

 
Our shop is open throughout the week, or you canshop online.
  

Christmas Poinsettia Donations

Each Christmas our Flower Guild transform the Cathedral with festive floral displays, including Poinsettias. A small donation helps make this possible, if you would like to donate, donate in-person at the Cathedral by including one the forms available at the Welcome Desk with your donation or you candonate online.
  

Take part in our Christmas Nativity Trail from

1–20 December

A Nativity Trail will be available at Portsmouth Cathedral during December. Come and explore the story of the Nativity, whilst taking the opportunity to reflect with Mary, Joseph, the Shepherds, and the Angels (and the three Magi might be appearing as well!) as they start their journey towards Christmas.
  

‘Comfort and Joy’ sharing some love at Christmas

Each year we hear of how much this simple scheme means to those who receive the gift cards and greeting and how precious they are. In a time of increasing worries and concerns about finance, food, fuel and wellbeing, we hope to be able to share this precious gift and greeting with as many as we can.
 
Read more and learn how you can donate →
  

Burns Night Ceilidh, 25 January – now booking

Join us for a spectacular evening of Scottish revelry at the historic Portsmouth Cathedral. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of this Burns Night Ceilidh, featuring live music, delectable food, and energetic dancing!
 
See more and book online →
  

Friends Of The Cathedral – Christmas Coffee Morning

Come along and meet the new members of the Friends Council at their Christmas Coffee Morning on Tuesday 12 December in Becket Hall between 11:00am and 12:30pm. We look forward to seeing as many members as possible - all are most welcome and please bring your friends as well.

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 & Intercessions

We pray for all Confirmed here on Saturday from around the Diocese, including Heather from our Cathedral congregation.
 
We remember the following for whom prayer has been asked by members of the Cathedral Community:  Philip, Piers, Judith, Anne, Myrna, Rosy, Chris, Nuno, Philip, Mathai, Tom, Joan and all in need.  
 
We continue to pray for the long-term sick, including:  Ann, Ian, Janet, Alistair, Graeme, Renee, Richard, Rachel, John,  Alison, Jill and Suzy.
 
We remember those who have died:  Oonagh Knight (Cathedral funeral Thursday 14 December 2pm), Neil Payne, David Sands, Katie Hounsel-Robert, Kathleen Davies 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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