The quinceañera is a traditional celebration of life and gratitude to God on the occasion of the fifteenth birthday of a young Hispanic woman. The ritual emphasizes her passage from childhood to adulthood. The family usually requests a Mass or a blessing to be held in the Church.

In the presence of family and friends, the young woman (the quinceañera), often accompanied by young men and women of her choice, (damas y chambelanes), together with her parents and godparents, participates in the Eucharistic Celebration. She may serve as the lector for at least one of the readings.

After the Liturgy of the Word, the quinceañera makes a commitment to God and the Blessed Virgin to live out the rest of her life according to the teachings of Christ and the Church by renewing her Baptismal promises. Then, signs of faith (medal, Bible, rosary, prayer book) which have been blessed may be given to her. A special blessing of the quinceañera concludes the Liturgy of the Eucharist. After Mass, the young woman is presented to the community. The ritual continues with a dinner and sometimes a dance in her honor.

The Virgin Mary is a model for women of every class and age group. The choice by a young Hispanic woman to celebrate her fifteenth birthday in the Church offers a host of possibilities for her and her parish. The celebration of the quinceañera is intended to be a “teachable moment” for all involved.

The quinceañera, and the teens who form part of her celebration, are to participate in sessions of preparation with talks, activities and prayer, together with the celebration of the Sacrament of Penance, prior to the date of the celebration. The focus on the positive contribution of women in society as well as their becoming active participants in the life of the parish is also emphasized. The quinceañera is encouraged to take a more active part in the various parish ministries and expected to be of service to her faith community of Saint Mary in at least one ministry.

The young woman also needs to be enrolled in, and regularily attend the Saint Mary Parish Youth Group prior to, and after the blessing and celebration. Click here to enroll in the Parish Youth Group.