Quinceañeras
Thanksgiving for the Gift of Life
A Journey of Faith
“I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” (Psalm 139:14)
The Quinceañera is a cherished tradition in our culture and a beautiful moment in the life of a young woman. It is a time to pause and give thanks to God for the gift of life, to honor the parents who have raised her, and to ask for the special protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary as she enters adulthood.
The First Step (Faith Formation)
Before scheduling a date for the Mass, the family must first contact the Faith Formation Office.
Requirements & Eligibility
During this initial meeting, the Faith Formation team will review the requirements to ensure the young woman is prepared for this commitment.
- Confirmation Status: The Quinceañera must have already received the Sacrament of Confirmation, or be currently enrolled and faithfully attending Confirmation preparation classes.
- Active Faith: The family should be attending Mass regularly.
Mother-Daughter Preparation
As part of the spiritual preparation for this day, the Quinceañera and her mother (or guardian) are required to attend small group preparation meetings. These sessions are designed to foster spiritual growth and strengthen the bond between mother and daughter during this transition into womanhood.
Please note: A date for the Mass cannot be finalized until the Faith Formation Office has cleared the candidate.
Theological Significance
(Understanding the meaning of the celebration).
A Liturgical Rite, Not a Sacrament
While a Quinceañera is often celebrated with a Mass, it is important to note that it is not a Sacrament (like Baptism, Confirmation, or Marriage). Rather, it is a Liturgical Riteto prepare young ladies to receive grace and sanctify this important moment of their life.
The Focus of the Liturgy
The Quinceañera is an act of worship. During the liturgy, the young lady formally presents herself before God to:
- Renew her Baptismal Promises: Confirming her commitment to live as a disciple of Christ.
- Give Thanks: Offering gratitude for her family, her community, and 15 years of life.
- Consecrate herself to Mary: Asking the Virgin Mary to be her model of faith and purity.
Logistics & Requirements
Scheduling the Date
Once you have met with Faith Formation, you may proceed to schedule the liturgy. Because the parish calendar fills quickly, please do this well in advance. Do not book reception halls or vendors until you have confirmed the church availability.
Financial Information
- Deposit: A 50% deposit is required to reserve the date on the parish calendar.
- Payment Methods: We accept Cash or Check only.
- Credit Cards: Please note that we are not equipped to process credit cards.
Liturgical Guidelines
Photography
We understand you want to capture memories of this special day, but the sanctity of the Mass comes first.
- No Flash: Flash photography is strictly prohibited during the ceremony, as it distracts from the liturgy.
- Photographers must remain in designated areas and may not enter the sanctuary (altar area).
Decorations & Cleanliness
- Flowers: You may provide floral arrangements for the sanctuary.
- Strictly Prohibited: No glitter is permitted in the church, on decorations, or on clothing. Glitter is extremely difficult to remove and damages the church interior.
- Cleanup: All decorations must be removed immediately after the liturgy.
Attire & Modesty
The Quinceañera and her court (Damas and Chambelanes) must dress in a way that befits the House of God.
- Shoulders: Strapless or low-cut dresses require a shawl, jacket, or wrap during the Mass.
- Court: Please ensure all members of the court are dressed modestly.
The Day of the Celebration
Punctuality
Please arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled start time. If the party arrives late, the liturgy may need to be shortened to accommodate other scheduled church services.
Confession
We strongly encourage the Quinceañera, her parents, and her court to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) in the days leading up to the celebration, so that everyone may receive Holy Communion in a state of grace.
We look forward to walking with you during this special time. Please contact the Faith Formation Office to begin the process.
