Diocese of Portsmouth

Who we are

THE CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF PORTSMOUTH

Our Diocese

We are the Diocese of Portsmouth, governed by the Bishop of Portsmouth, Bishop Philip Egan. We belong to the One, Holy, Catholic Church, which is led by the Bishop of Rome, Pope Francis.

The Diocese of Portsmouth

Our Diocese is spread across five counties on England’s South Coast, and the Channel Islands. We are the local Church for the whole of Hampshire, Berkshire, the Isle of Wight, Jersey, and the Bailiwick of Guernsey as well as the Southern Part of Oxfordshire and the Eastern part of Dorset.

We are made up of 87 Parishes in 24 Pastoral Areas, for a total of 136 Churches. We have 115 priests, 40 Deacons, 35 houses of religious brothers and sisters, and a Catholic population of more than a quarter of a million.

We belong to the province of Southwark, which covers the whole south coast from Kent to Cornwall. Our Metropolitan is the Archbishop of Southwark. Our province also includes the Archdiocese of Southwark, the Diocese of Arundel and Brighton, and the Diocese of Plymouth.

Our culture and values

Our Mission

Our mission is to live out our Catholic faith and through witness and example bring people closer to Jesus Christ through His Church.

Our Vision

Bringing people closer to Jesus Christ through His Church.

Four Priorities

1. To go out on Mission to everyone

2. To be totally dependent on the Holy Spirit

3. To convert Catholics

4. To become outward-looking servants

Planning

Synod 2022

Ten Year Mission Plan: You Will Be My Witnesses

Special Campaigns & Support

Closer to Christ

Framework for Collaboration

Year of Prayer 2024

Jubilee Year 2025