The bishop of Portsmouth has called for a new approach to the Sacrament of Confirmation in his diocese, saying that young people need to be converted, not merely catechised.
In a pastoral letter, Bishop Philip Egan announced measures to ensure that the newly Confirmed remain practising Catholics.
If possible, he said, Confirmation courses should last two years and continue for a year after the Confirmation itself. Candidates should be at least 13 and should choose a saint’s name for the Confirmation.
