St. Patrick Catholic Church, Oak Grove, Minnesota
What is OCIA?
OCIA or Order (Rite) of Christian Initiation of Adults is the process through which men and women who have an interest in the Roman Catholic faith may explore the possibility of becoming Catholic. Through a series of rites conducted in the context of learning about the faith and spiritual formation, participants journey through to full initiation into the Roman Catholic Church. St. Patrick follows the Archdiocese of St. Paul / Minneapolis Norms for the Celebration of Baptism including the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults.
The OCIA program has a Fall session that runs the last week of September through May, and a Spring Session that runs the first week of April through the end of October. Check out our 2026 Fall Calendar!
Who Participates in OCIA?
- Any adult fully initiated into the Catholic Church who wants a deeper understanding or a faith refresher
- Those who have never been baptized
- Those who have been baptized in another Christian denomination but are considering joining the Roman Catholic Church
- Those who were baptized Catholic and now wish to prepare for Eucharist and/or Confirmation
For children and youth under 18 years of age, please see Grace Abounds.
When does the program meet?
To preview the Calendar for the session beginning in September 2026, click HERE
How does the program work?
- Fill out the sign up form on this page and someone from our team will contact you. Each participant will fill out an intake form and meet with the pastor.
- Those receiving a Sacrament(s) will choose a practicing Catholic to be their sponsor.
- Attend the scheduled weekly sessions. Participants seeking the Sacraments of Initiation (or just Confirmation) are expected to attend regularly – 3 absences are allowed. (Zoom attendance IS a possibility and should be discussed prior with the Facilitator.)
- The curriculum used in this program is “Symbolon”, which can be found on Formed.org. (see video below)
- Those receiving the sacrament of Baptism, who are properly disposed, can come into full communion with the Church at the Easter Vigil. Those who are already baptized but need other sacraments, who are properly disposed to enter into full communion with the Church, can be confirmed at either the Easter Vigil, or in October, depending on the session.
