Quince Años

A Quinceañera (fifteenth-birthday celebration) is a rite of passage or coming of age celebration among many Catholic girls. Even though the Quince ceremony is not a sacrament, it is usually celebrated with a Holy Mass, and at San Pedro Catholic Church we rejoice in making this joyful celebration very special.

The young lady (the quinceañera), often is accompanied by young men and women of her choice, (damas y chambelanes), enters the Church in procession, together with her parents and godparents. If she has prepared the readings, she may serve as the lector for at least one of the readings.

In the presence of family and friends, she thanks God for her life and renews her baptismal promise, dedicates herself to Christ and makes a commitment to live as an active member of His Church. Those who participate in the ceremony support and bear witness to this dedication.

Then, signs of faith (medal, Bible, rosary, prayer book) may be blessed and 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.

Five Steps to take in preparing for a Quinceañera Mass

  1. Complete the Basic Requirements:
    • The Quinceañera must have received the sacraments of Baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation or currently be enrolled in our Sacramental Preparation ministry.
    • The Quinceañera must also be enrolled in one of our Youth Ministries.
    • The Quinceañera and her parents must also attend our preparation classes.
  2. Please contact the Office at least six months before your Quinceañera date.
  3. Reserve the church and check the availability of a priest.
  4. Receive the Sacrament of Penance (Confession) near the day of the Quinceañera.
  5. Attend the rehearsal.