Weekly Notices | 16 April 2023
A reflection from Kitty Price
In my last Reflection, I shared how much I struggle with Lent and Holy Week, that overflowing with empathy usually makes me feel emotions all the more keenly, thus the annual arrival of my Holy Week Headache. Having unburdened my soul, I considered how I might avoid this annual affliction. As it only takes a small exposure to the heightened emotion to have me lying in a darkened room, I decided to experiment with less church. Instead of trying to attend everything, I did one ‘Church thing’ each day in Holy Week. Reader, I am delighted to say that it made all the difference. I could reflect on the events, react to the emotions, but not be floored by them, and I only felt slightly guilty that I hadn’t attended everything.
In the Church, this Sunday is referred to as Low Sunday. One of the explanations for this name is that this day is a ‘Low’ day compared to the ‘High’ festival of Easter Sunday. In some ways it is an anti-climax and must have been for the disciples. They heard news of Jesus’ resurrection, but then there was the ‘what next?’ Things weren’t going to be the same again, and that’s unsettling. Exciting, but unsettling. Unanswered questions, living with uncertainty. 1st Century and 21st Century life!
What excitement is coming over the horizon? As part of their tour of the south, Bath Abbey Choir is singing with the Cathedral choir next Sunday (23 April) at the 1100 eucharist. This is particularly exciting for David as his love of Church music started when he was a chorister at Bath Abbey.
On Saturday 29 April, our acting Head Verger and Precinct Manager, Maria, is marrying her fiancé, Graham Kidd, in St Laurence, Upminster. We wish them every happiness as they start their married life. Should you wish to make a contribution to their honeymoon fund – they are going on a cruise to Norway – please either e-mailaccounts@portsmouthcathedral.org.ukto request bank details, then make a transfer using the reference ‘MMann Wedding Gift’ or put a donation in cash or in a cheque made out to “Portsmouth Cathedral “ in a clearly marked envelope (same reference) then deliver it to the office. It is important to note that this was not requested by the happy couple but suggested by her colleagues.
This year David and I celebrate our Silver Wedding Anniversary. As part of our celebrations, we are renewing our wedding vows in the 1100 service on Sunday 30 April. There will be fizz and sweet treats after the service, so please do stay for refreshments.
On Sunday 7 May there is the chance to attend a street party to celebrate the coronation of HM The King Charles III, and if that isn’t enough, get your flags, outfits, and competitive spirit ready for the Eurovision event in the Nave on Saturday 13 May. As the UK is hosting the event on behalf of Ukraine, it is fitting that you can attend an event where you can see the colours of the Ukrainian flag wrapped around our splendid tree on the High Street.
Kitty Price,
Cathedral Reader
Dates for your diary…
Family Easter Trail - 10 Apr
Lunchtime Live: Benedict King (Portsmouth Cathedral) organ - 20 Apr
The Cathedral Club - 4 May
Lunchtime Live: David Price (Portsmouth Cathedral) organ - 4 May
Choral Evensong attended by the Friends of Portsmouth Cathedral - 18 May
Yoga at the Cathedral - 20 May
The 2023 Dolling Lecture ‘God is not a White Man’ - Cathedral Institute - 22 May
Community News
Celebrate the Coronation with us at Portsmouth Cathedral!
Join us for a weekend of festivities at Portsmouth Cathedral, as we celebrate the coronation of HM King Charles III. The programme of events will be announced over the next week, so be sure to keep an eye on our website and social media for more information!
During the Weekend, there will be various services and events taking place at Portsmouth Cathedral. A special screening of the Coronation will be shown live on Saturday 6 May, there will also be services honouring the monarch including ‘Fit for a King’ – a celebration with music and reflections on Friday 5 May at 7pm. On Sunday 7 May the popular Big Lunch returns, inviting our whole community to come together and raise a glass (or two) for His Majesty. We’ll also be pleased to welcome the Lord Mayor and other officials from around the city, to a Civic Eucharist on Sunday 7 at 11am, with all welcome to this special service.
Look out for more information this week as further details are announced on our website, on social media and in the Cathedral. We look forward to celebrating with you!
Save the date – Friday 5–Monday 8 May 2023 (also a bank holiday!) – see more as itsannounced on our website.
Commemorate the Coronation with Souvenirs from Portsmouth Cathedral Shop
The coronation of a monarch is a significant event in the history of any nation, and the Portsmouth Cathedral Shop is proud to offer a range of souvenirs to commemorate this very special moment in the life of our nation. Our collection includes mugs, tea towels, fridge magnets, decorations, and other items that will help you celebrate this historic occasion in style.
Shop onlineor pop into our store to view the range of Coronation souvenirs today.
Trees planted to mark Her Late Majesty’s reign
To mark the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, two trees will be planted on Cathedral Green. A crab apple was purchased via the Queen’s Jubilee Neighbourhood grant from the City of Portsmouth that also funded Wild Cathedral. This tree was planted last week near the WREN’s memorial.
A second tree - an oak Quercus palustris ‘Green Pillar’ - donated by a member of the parish arrived on 12 April and will be planted on the South side on the 18 April.
Chapter is grateful both for the donations of these trees to mark the unique and long reign of Her late Majesty and for the stewardship of the “Adams” who so expertly plant these trees for us and tend to the grounds especially the Memeorial Garden.
Memorial Bench for Nadjia Carpenter
A circular wooden bench to mark the life of Nadjia Carpenter our Volunteer Coordinator, who died suddenly in October 2022, has now been ordered. It will be installed in late May/early June 2023.
For those still wishing to make a donation -please visit our website →
Wedding Bells for our Acting Head Verger & Precinct Manager
As noted above in Kitty’s Reflections, the 29 April marks the day of marriage between Maria and her fiancé, Graham Kidd.
Should you wish to make a contribution to their honeymoon fund – they are going on a cruise to Norway – please either e-mailaccounts@portsmouthcathedral.org.ukto request bank details, then make a transfer using the reference ‘MMann Wedding Gift’ or put a donation in cash or in a cheque made out to “Portsmouth Cathedral “ in a clearly marked envelope (same reference) then deliver it to the office. It is important to note that this was not requested by the happy couple but suggested by her colleagues.
Chapter meets on Monday
Cathedral Chapter meets on Monday evening to review and approve the 2022 Annual Accounts. The Cathedral’s auditors, Sheen Stickland, will be in attendance.
These accounts will then be received by Cathedral Council before being presented at the APCM in late May. Chapter will also receive the regular reports from the COO and Canons Precentor and Chancellor
The agenda can be found on ourdownloads page.
Revision of the Electoral Roll
This year's APCM and Parish Meeting will take place on Thursday 25 May and the revision of the Electoral Roll will take place between 24 April and 8 May. During this time, copies of the current Electoral Roll will be available to view in the Cathedral or at the Cathedral Offices. Forms will also be available for new or returning members of the congregation to join/re-join the Electoral Roll. The revised Electoral Roll will be published, as required, at least 14 days before the APCM and Parish Meeting. Only those on the revised Electoral Roll will be entitled to vote at the APCM. This year's APCM includes the election of three representatives for Deanery Synod in addition to that for our two Churchwardens, one of whom is also elected as a member of Chapter.
The APCM will also include a briefing on the Cathedral's progress towards becoming a registered charity under the 2021 Cathedrals Measure, which will change the way in which the Cathedral is governed. However, the Electoral Roll is more than just voting rights, it is also a tangible commitment of each person as to their shared Christian stewardship within our Cathedral Community. If you have any questions, please speak with a member of the clergy or the churchwardens
May Market at Portsmouth Cathedral - Trader applications now open!
We are delighted to be running our first market of the year on Monday, 29 May. We are looking for local creatives, crafters and makers who would like to trade at this market.
Read more →
New interim team rector for Newport and Carisbrooke
Bishop Jonathan has appointed an experienced priest to be interim team rector of Newport and Carisbrooke with Gatcombe. Canon Sarah Chapman will come out of retirement to take charge of Newport Minster, St John’s Newport, St Mary’s, Carisbrooke, and St Olave’s, Gatcombe. She’ll lead a team that includes the current team vicars, the Rev Emma Cooksey and the Rev Steve Sutcliffe.
Read more→
New Lighting over the Shop
With approval from the Cathedral’s Fabric Advisory Committee, new lighting was installed on 14 April on the high gangways over the Cathedral Shop. These new lights are designed to enhance the shopping experience, which previously could be quite gloomy given the shop’s position on the north side of the building.
Bishop Jonathan announces Revd Jane Isaac as an Honorary Canon.
We are delighted to announce that Bishop Jonathan, having consulted Chapter, has appointed the Revd Jane Isaac, Vicar of St. John, Shedfield and St. Nicholas Wickham, an Honorary Canon from 9 April.
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 and Intercessions
We pray for all baptised and confirmed at Easter: especially Grace, Jenna, Maxine, Daniel, Fraser, Hugh, Liesel, James, Imogen and Davina - and Rachael received into the Church of England.
We remember the following for whom prayer has been asked by members of the Cathedral Community: Jane, Edward, Richard, Chris, Martyn, Jean, Alan, Margaret, Alistair, Beverley, Ann, Yvonne, Hazel, Sophie and all those in need.
Long-term sick including: Rachel, John, Graeme, Peter, Rosemary, Sean, Suzy, Andrew, Sarah, Alison, Jill, Renee and Judith.
We pray for those who have died recently, including: Doris Sheath, Jeanne Ridley, Ray Keele, Marigold Treloar 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.
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