Social media is fast becoming the most significant form of communication with Novena goers

• 60% would like to receive info from Clonard via email or social media• 60% attend the Novena every day, 18% missing only one or two days• 57% where from the Greater Belfast area with 12% from outside of Northern Ireland• 57% of respondents are married, 26% single with even distribution of respondents who were in partnerships, divorced or separated.• Highest attended session is 8pm• 69% felt preaching was relevant and helped them grow in faith and understanding• The anointing of the sick and the services for babies and young people receiving particular praise

A new report into the habits of those who attended the 2015 Clonard Solemn Novena has highlighted that social media and email are fast becoming their preferred form of communication.

Findings from the research carried out by the Redemportist Community at Clonard Monastery mirrored the age profile of the Novena community, with the majority of respondents aged 60 or over who highlighted that they would prefer to receive information from Clonard via email or through social media channels such as Facebook and Twitter.

Interestingly, the report highlighted that 60% of attendees participate in the Novena every day, with a further 18% only missing one or two days.

57% of people who attend the Novena live within the Greater Belfast area while 12% of those involved are from outside Northern Ireland.

Of the 1,200 people surveyed 57% are married, 26% are single and there was an even distribution of respondents who were in partnerships, divorced or separated with the Novena organisers pledging to continue to be inclusive, while encouraging and supporting married people in their struggles.

Rector of Clonard Fr. Noel Kehoe commented “Despite many changes in faith and practice the Clonard Solemn Novena continues to attract many thousands of people from all walks of life. Over the years, the voices and concerns of the people of God have shaped its content and format. With this in mind we commissioned research into the thoughts and recommendations from everyone who participates on the Novena.

“The insight into demographics, preferences for times of sessions, liturgies, services and how best to communicate with those who attend the Novena will help us structure our aspirations for the future.

“The Clonard Solemn Novena is a local festival of faith and while it continues to have a strong West Belfast feel, we are reaching out to the hearts and homes of people from many other places including overseas via our webcam.

Preachers, guest speakers from other churches, musicians, singers and volunteer stewards and staff received high praise with three special services being rated very highly; the anointing of the sick, the services for babies and young people.

The annual Solemn Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help at Clonard Monastery is one of the largest religious festivals in Ireland and will take place on Wednesday 14th through to Thursday 23rd June 2016.

The timetable for sessions this year is as follows:Weekdays: 6.45am, 8.15am, 9.30am, 11.00am, 12.45pm, 4.30pm, 6.00pm, 7.30pm, 9.00pm, 10.30pmWeekends: 6.45am, 8.15am, 9.30am, 11.00am, 12.45pm, 3.00pm, 4.30pm, 6.00pm, 7.30pmFor more information please visit http://www.clonard.com/ or follow Clonard Monastery on Facebook or @ClonardMBelfast on Twitterhttps://www.facebook.com/clonard.monastery/https://twitter.com/ClonardMBelfast

-ENDS-Further information: Claire Aiken claire@aikenpr.com  / Finola Guinnane finola@aikenpr.com - 02890663000