Pchum Ben is a special time in Cambodia when people go to the temple or church to remember and pray for their deceased loved ones. Families gather together [Pchum means ‘gather’] to celebrate their memory, pray, light candles, burn incense and make offerings of food, [Ben means ‘collect’ ] which are later distributed to the poor.In a way it’s similar to our Catholic ‘All Souls Day’ on November 2nd.
This year, the culmination of the celebrations in Svay Sisophon took place last weekend, 5/6 October and the pictures show the offertory procession, the offering of incense and the shared meal after Mass.
Next Friday, 18th October, Sacred Heart Parish will be united in spirit with Svay Sisophon as we too celebrate the memory of our departed loved ones with a Cambodian-style Mass at 7pm in Sacred Heart Hall, North Walsham. All are welcome, irrespective of faith or none. Further details from Katie on 01263 577784. Those who come are invited to join in the spirit of the occasion by:
1. bringing 
small non-perishable food offering to take up at the Offertory
2.writing the name of someone you wish to pray for on a paper cross
3.sharing refreshments after the service
4.wearing a white shirt or blouse [the colour of mourning in Cambodia]
The last three pictures show Pchum Ben Mass in our parish last year
