✨ Ordination and First Mass of Father Jeff Graham ✨ We are delighted to announce that our Curate, Deacon Jeff Graham, will be ordained to the Sacred Priesthood at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday 27th September 2025 at St James the Great, Colchester. The Ordination will be celebrated by the Right Reverend Luke Irvine-Capel, Bishop of Richborough, with the Bishop of Colchester present as Diocesan representative. The following day, Sunday 28th September at 4:30 p.m., Father Jeff will celebrate his First Mass here at St James. 🚨 RSVP – Immediate Response Needed RSVP immediately to confirm your attendance at Father Jeff’s Ordination and First Mass — reply today to secure seating and catering arrangements. This will ensure we have enough seating, catering, and printed materials for both celebrations. 🛠️ Help Needed Parishioners are warmly invited to help in the lead-up to this sacred milestone: Friday 26th September – Church preparation & marquee setup Saturday 27th September – Pilgrim Centre hosting & welcoming clergy and guests Sunday 28th September – Refreshments & clean-up after the First Mass 🎁 Ordination Gift Please contribute generously towards a parish gift for Father Jeff, marking this holy occasion and supporting his priestly ministry. Vesture & Clergy Notes In accordance with the Bishop of Richborough’s directions: Only three clergy will lay on hands. There will be six concelebrants in total. Clergy not invited to concelebrate are asked to robe in cassock, cotta (or surplice), and white stole. At the First Mass, clergy are asked to robe in red chasuble, unless directed otherwise. 🙏 A Parish Celebration This is not only a milestone for Father Jeff but also a moment of joy for the whole parish family of St James. We give thanks for the journey of formation that has brought him to this day, and we ask for your prayers for his priestly ministry among us. “The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.” (1 Thessalonians 5:24)